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NEW AT THE LABYRINTH
Attention All God's People:
Be sure to see the new Cross in the Center of the Labyrinth. It's worth the walk. This was an in-kind donation by a parishioner. If you would like
to do likewise, please contact Rev. Ann at revannwhitfield@gmail.com or Wayne Adams, Sr. Warden at Grace in the Desert. You might wish to donate a tree, a
bench, paint some rocks, or just donate the Creative Outside Paint. Donations may be made in Memory of a loved one. Financial donations may be made by check
to "Grace in the Desert" marked "Labyrinth Fund."
Currently our Fund has approximately $380.00 Bless yourself and our Community by assisting us with finishing our dream project. Thank you so much in Jesus' Name.
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History of the Labyrinth
Labyrinths have been around for over 4,000 years and are found in just about every major religious tradition
in the world. The oldest existing Christian labyrinth is probably the one in the 4th century basilica in
Orleansville, Algeria. During the time of the Crusades, seven cathedrals were designated for pilgrims. These
cathedrals had Labyrinths (usually laid in the marble floor). The labyrinth marked the end of of a difficult
journey and a promise of entry in the Heavenly Jerusalem. The most famous Labyrinth is found in Chartres, France
and it is that design that was chosen for our Community Labyrinth.
History of a Labyrinth at Grace in the Desert
Wayne Adams, a congregant of Grace in the Desert had a dream of building a labyrinth on our property. Wayne was
able to secure the Vestry approval for the project and the use of the land. However, Wayne held multiple positions
in and around the church, one being Senior Warden and the project fell to a far lesser burner. Then Wayne mentioned
his dream to The Rev. Ann Whitfield, newly assigned to Grace and her heart jumped because one of Rev. Ann's spiritual
disciplines is walking a labyrinth. From past experience Rev. Ann knew that building a labyrinth need not be as
costly or as difficult as Wayne feared. With much prayer and faith, together they set out to fulfill a dream for both
of them.
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A "Desert Blast" to the congregation quickly developed into a Committee and the blessings of Paul Charlton,
professional designer, who volunteered to lay out the design for us. Because we had many rocks on our Desert
property, we decided to use painted rocks as the pathway borders. A volunteer came and leveled the land for us.
The Youth Group moved gravel, painted rocks, laid rocks and dug trenches. Member of the committee gave hours of
time and labor placing the hundreds of rock around the borders. Many donations were received financially and in-kind
to beautify the Labyrinth. Unfortunately the Labyrinth was vandalized and most of the painted rocks and the color glass
rock were taken. This did not deter the committee. Our God is much greater then rocks and people with nothing better
to do then steal. Again, through prayer and many hands the dream was a reality. Grace in the Desert had a Labyrinth
that was open to the Community and people began to walk the sacred path.
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How to Walk a Labyrinth
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Before you enter, set an intention in your mind and heart. This may be a prayer, a question, seeking a solution or
guidance, or perhaps a thanksgiving. As you follow the sacred path, quietly listen to your inner voice, notice the
beauty of the surrounding area, the air, the wind, the stillness, or others walking and seeking with you. As you reach
the center, stop for a bit, and then as you exit, give thanks for this precious time with the Lord. Be still. What are
your thoughts now concerning your intention?
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Community Labyrinth
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The Labyrinth was specifically placed so that it could be seen from the neighboring park. Also because it is a
short walk to the Labyrinth. Both aspects, we prayed, would be inviting to the Community and thus people would make
use of the Labyrinth.
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We only ask that everyone treats the area with respect so that others many enjoy this sacred path for years to come.
We ask that any vandalism be reported to the police or the church office.
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Future Dreams
We dream of the Labyrinth being surrounded by trees, plants and flowers. We dream of benches and a Kiosk.
The Kiosk will contain information and a prayer request book, where names of people in need of prayer are written
and will be remembered by our Prayer Team during the week. We dream of having all the rocks filled with color,
either painted, color glass rocks, or naturally colorful rock (Red Rock, Black Flint, Fools Gold).
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Donations
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If you would like to donated to these efforts by a financial gift, please bring your donation to the church office or
drop it in the offering basket marked Labyrinth Fund. If you would like to make an in-kind donation of your time, to
beautify the garden area, a bench in memory of a loved one, or any other desire you might have, please contact Wayne
Adams, or the Rev. Ann Whitfield.
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