Labyrinth
About the Labyrinth
What is a labyrinth?
The labyrinth is a path of prayer and meditation performed by walking or rolling a wheelchair along a circuitous path toward a center. The embodied act of progressing toward the center of the labyrinth can help the mind and heart to similarly find a spiritual center where wisdom, peace, or discovery may be found. Whatever question or concern you may carry into the labyrinth, practitioners often find that the old saying holds true: solvitur ambulando, “it is solved by walking.”
Unlike a maze, which has false paths and dead ends designed to disorient, the labyrinth is a single continuous path designed to keep you oriented and guide your travel. Although the labyrinth has a center, it is not an end in itself, but only a place to linger before the next stage, helping us to remember that what we often believe are destinations are in fact only waypoints on a much larger journey.
How do you walk a labyrinth?
The practice of walking typically involves three stages.
- The journey to the center. Types of labyrinths vary, but in the one found here, initial progress toward the center quickly turns back away from it, mimicking the way progress in life can often involve setbacks and feelings of frustration. This is a time to release, and step by step you eventually reach the center.
- Lingering in the center. Whether you spend a moment or an hour may depend on how many others are walking with you. This is a time to receive.
- The return journey. When you are ready to proceed with what you have received, you may begin the return journey. Practitioners typically follow the same path back out. In the design here, and depending on how many others are walking with you, it’s also okay to walk straight back out along the center path.
You may want to spend time sitting quietly before beginning, or after returning, or both. There are no pre-determined prayers, themes, or sayings you have to use. However, if you find it helpful there are printed guides available nearby.
3rd Tuesday Labyrinth Walk
Join us on the 3rd Tuesday each month at 6:00 p.m. for a guided walk including an introduction to the labyrinth, as. well as meditations, prayers, and (of course) time to quietly walk the path with others.
Design and construction
This labyrinth installation was funded by Kathleen and Tom Smith as a gift to Faith and to the community. It was designed and built by Lars Howlett between May 3–9, 2026, and consecrated on Sunday, May 10, 2026, by the Rev. Tom Gartin.
The design belongs to the Chartres family of labyrinths, patterned after the labyrinth constructed between 1201—1205 in the nave of Chartres Cathedral, France. The original 13th century design features ~13.5″ wide paths in 11 circuits emanating from the center. The design installed here varies slightly in that it has been modified to 7 circuits and the entrance path is aligned with the center. This is sometimes called a “circle of peace” labyrinth.
Dimensions
Circuits: 7
Path width: 13.5 inches
Wall width: 3 inches
Center width: 6 feet 8 inches
Lunations: 84
Total width: 28 feet
Path length: 442 feet
Steps: about 450 (in and out)
Other Amenities
Outdoor Chapel
Located on the oak knoll above the labyrinth is an open air chapel with benches and an altar. All are welcome to use this space for contemplation and prayer.
The world around is quite busy. Vehicles travel along the highway, parishioners come and go, and athletes practice and compete. But this small hilltop space is sheltered by oak trees, home to squirrels and birds. Lizards crawl through the grass. And it is a place where you may sit and be still overlooking the labyrinth and the ancient stones of the landscape.
Walking path
Beginning from the labyrinth and walking up the trail to the outdoor chapel on top of the oak knoll, another path leads down toward the volleyball courts to connect with a sidewalk. The sidewalk leads all the way around the front of the church, up the steps, and back to the labyrinth. This entire route is 1/4 mile in length and provides a great postlude to a labyrinth walk if desired.
Support the Labyrinth
Donations are not required. However, if you’d like to support the long-term maintenance of the labyrinth, you can make a gift to our labyrinth fund using the button below or by sending a check to the church office.