Labyrinth

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol relating to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a seemingly meandering path. Not to be confused with the maze, a labyrinth has only one path to the center; this same path leads the way out as well. A maze is a puzzle to be solved. A labyrinth is a tool for meditation and prayer.

CrossRoads United Methodist Church added a labyrinth to its property last Spring, completing the project for Easter Sunday. The labyrinth may be used for private meditation and prayer and for small groups. It can be used to celebrate a new beginning, as part of a healing service. The labyrinth allows individuals to engage body, mind and spirit together.

Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress "discovered" the labyrinth during her travels to France -- a labyrinth, inlaid in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral, was created in the 1300's as a place for pilgrimages during a time of war and conflict. Artress returned to the United States with a vision to renew the interest in labyrinths as a tool for spiritual practice in the early 1990's. Labyrinths may be found on every continent in the world and date back as far 430 BC.

Combining history with the present, the labyrinth at CrossRoads UMC offers an opportunity for the community to take part in an ancient practice. For more information, contact the church office.