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The Labyrinth at Reconciliation
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Labyrinths have been around for over 4000 years and are found in just about every major religious tradition in the world. Today, labyrinths are being used for reflection, meditation, prayer and comfort. They are found in many sizes and shapes, and are created in sand, cornmeal, flour, painted on canvas, fashioned with masking tape or string for a temporary design, or built in a permanent fashion from stones, cut into turf, formed by mounds of earth, made from vegetation, or any other natural material.
The outdoor chapel and labyrinth at Reconciliation has been designed with multiple uses in mind. Made of textured concrete to resemble river stone, it is a replica of the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth, which was laid on the floor there in about 1200 AD. It is 44 feet across, with paths slightly larger than those at Chartres. The project was designed and built with the help of Blue Heron Designs and Specialty Concrete, with the pattern of the labyrinth itself being placed by renowned labyrinth maker Robert Ferre. It has been troweled in a second coating of colored concrete marking the lines of the path and the lunations around the labyrinth.
With stone benches on 3 sides, about 50 people can sit comfortably attending celebrations such as weddings and baptisms. Other open space around the edge of the labyrinth makes it possible to have large gatherings attending concerts. It is very inviting for use as an outdoor classroom. One side of the labyrinth leads to a walkway and three classrooms that look out to it. It is an ideal setting for day retreats.
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The Labyrinth Guild of the Church of Reconciliation has been active since September 1998 when its 40 foot canvas labyrinth painted by parishioners was dedicated. Beginning that same year, the labyrinth was laid out on the floor of the fellowship hall on third Sundays in the afternoons. Presently, the Labyrinth Guild meets on Third Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM to pray for those who walk the labyrinth, and to share the walking meditation together with others who would like to join them. The Guild holds its monthly business meetings after the walk ends at 5:30 PM. For the hot months from June-October, the Guild will lay down the canvas labyrinth in Brown Hall on Third Sundays. For nearly 10 years, the Labyrinth Guild has taken the canvas labyrinth to many organizations and individuals for their use, such as hospitals, schools, retreat centers, hospices, conferences and celebrations. The labyrinth of the Church of Reconciliation has been walked by tens of thousands of people, young and old alike.
The outdoor chapel and labyrinth at Reconciliation is available for all to use at any time of the day or night throughout the year.
For special events, please call the church office to schedule the use of the outdoor chapel and labyrinth, or to have the canvas labyrinth brought to you for your event.
Call (210) 655-2731 for more information.
Join us in rediscovering this ancient tool for prayer and meditation.
How gracious He will be when you cry for help!
Whether you turn to the right or to the left;
Your ears will hear a voice behind you saying,
This is the way, walk in it.”
- Isaiah 30:17, 21
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