By Cindy Sanders
Warrensburg (Mo.) Church of the Brethren dedicated and opened their new Community Labyrinth on Aug. 11.
The service before the dedication was used to educate and inform the people about a labyrinth–what it is, why and how one uses it, when to use it, etc. The speaker even had us trace a labyrinth with our finger as she directed us into, through, and out of a labyrinth in spirit. It was useful information even for someone like me who has walked several labyrinths.
I was reminded of the most recent time I had walked a labyrinth. It was at a retreat center in Terre Haute, Ind., this spring as I spent some time in solitude to begin my sabbatical.
I stood at the entrance to the labyrinth on the grounds of the retreat center for a time, praying and focusing before I started my walk. I guess that I stood there longer than I realized as a voice behind me said, “It’s a labyrinth! You walk through it on the path.” Startled, I turned to see a woman on the sidewalk behind me whom I had seen earlier walking her dog. I thanked her and the woman moved on with her little dog in tow, most likely feeling that she had done her good deed for the day.
The woman had probably encountered others who did not know what a labyrinth was. We don’t have too many of them in the area where I live, so I have had to answer some questions about labyrinths when I mention one. I see it as a tool for meditation and reflection. As a part of my sabbatical, I found walking the labyrinth to be relaxing and refreshing.
The Warrensburg congregation was very intentional in building this labyrinth as a community place for prayer and meditation. It is located away from their building beside the Spirit Trail where people pass by walking and riding bicycles. There are even steps coming from the trail to the labyrinth, inviting people to come and walk this path, empty their minds, and refresh their spirits.
At the Missouri and Arkansas District Conference, we will have the opportunity to walk this new labyrinth, experiencing this ancient sacred practice as a tool not just for our own personal well-being but to build up the community in our district. We will walk the path together–sisters and brothers on the path of life–always in spirit, but this time in body.
— Cindy Sanders is district executive minister for the Church of the Brethren’s Missouri and Arkansas District. This piece first appeared in her district newsletter.
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Find more Church of the Brethren news:
- CDS Critical Response Childcare teams heading to Texas
- Standing Committee recommendations on ‘Query: Reducing Harm’ are adopted by Annual Conference
- Breaking Down Barriers study committee’s four recommendations are adopted
- Delegates adopt eight recommendations from the study committee on Calling Denominational Leadership
- Standing with People of Color Coordinating Committee brings its final report