Flowered cross marks 40th year
For the 40th year, Christ Church United Church of Christ in Des Plaines will celebrate Easter with its unique tribute to Christ’s resurrection.
The centerpiece on the altar for the 7 and 9:30 a.m. services is an 8-foot wooden cross covered with live flowers. After the final service Easter morning, the cross is moved outside onto the front porch of the church at Cora and Henry streets so passers-by and the neighborhood can enjoy it.
This Easter, the cross will be extra special for its 40th anniversary, says Jim Harney of Aberdeens Florist, a member of the church who provides the cross each year.
Harney, who designs the floral patterns annually, says this year’s cross will hold more than 1,000 flowers, all of bright colors and representing dozens of nations around the world.
They include Birds of Paradise from Hawaii, Princess orchids from Asia Pacific, maroon/black roses from Ecuador, double tulips from Holland, Edelweiss from Germany, Italian ruscus from Italy, Volkerfrieden from Colombia, phlox from Chile, and purple statice from Mexico, among others.
The fresh flowers arrive the day before Easter and church members decorate the cross using Harney’s pattern.
The Rev. Virginia Ericson and Christ Church invite the community to celebrate Easter with them at either service, and enjoy the Scouts breakfast in Wobbe Hall at 8 a.m.
The church is at 1492 Henry Ave. For details, call (847) 297-4230 or visit www.christchurch.org.