The First Presbyterian Church Labyrinth follows a seven circuit classical pattern. It was dedicated on Christmas Day, 2005.

Paths on the Spiritual Journey
From ancient times, the labyrinth has been used by all religious traditions to enhance the practice of walking-meditation.  Its design is a universal symbol offering an opportunity to be present to, and with ourselves, and to and with the Holy One in our lives.  

The labyrinth at First Presbyterian Church is in the basement area where there is a quiet and sacred space.  Access is down the stairs once you enter the church through the garden or down the stairs from the parking lot in back of the church.

How do you walk a labyrinth?
Within this particular spiritual exercise, the potential for hearing God’s call becomes evident. The simple elegance of the pattern, the recurring turns of the journey — sometimes sudden — challenge one’s cognitive orientation, bringing the heart into the journey and relegating the head to follow.

Because there is no dead reckoning for the exit, a different sort of mindfulness grows, allowing God to inform the journey through the pace, through the opportunity to listen.

Many walkers enter with a personal ritual: a childhood prayer, a reverent bow, a single sacred word repeated, or small cross in hand. Tradition asks one to leave behind anger, hurt, worldly care on the first few turns — and then to stop for reflection at the center. After this opportunity for inward reflection, one walks the same path outward, anticipating a new perspective.

This simple, yet elegant, tool allows the Spirit to calm worldly unease and allows God to enter in — giving insights and new perspectives, helping one wayfind God’s call.

Call the church office (217-528-4311) to schedule a walk.