The Labyrinth at St. James
Located adjacent to the Memorial Garden and playground on the Main St side of the church, our labyrinth was designed and installed by members of St. James, and is open to the public.
A labyrinth is an ancient universal symbol that is believed to have been used to emulate the journey to a pilgrimage site. Today, many cultures and faiths have embraced the labyrinth as a symbol of both the inward and outward aspects of a spiritual journey. It can be a tool that enables individuals to focus on their inner selves while connecting with the Spirit that accompanies them on the path.
The labyrinth is not a maze. One cannot get lost. There is a single path that leads into the center and back out again without any tricks or deceptions. Our entry and our center are both marked by a paving stone. Our labyrinth at St. James differs from the classic labyrinth in its shape (it is a rectangle, designed to fit this specific location), and in the number of circuits (only 6). It is also unique in providing a "quick exit" after reaching the center of the labyrinth. There you may choose to return to the beginning point either by retracing your steps on the winding path (the classic labyrinth exit), or you may choose the quick exit path that leads you directly out of the labyrinth. This design feature also makes the use of our labyrinth easier for larger group events.
How to walk/pray a labyrinth: There is no wrong manner or speed for your walk. Allow your body to find its own pace. If you meet another walker on the path, gently step out of the way to let that person pass by and then continue your own walk. Please remain quiet as a courtesy to other walkers. As you enter the labyrinth, take a deep breath and focus on a question or prayer to quiet your mind. As you journey in toward the center, release whatever clutters your mind or any burdens you bear. Walk the path, opening yourself to a consciousness of the divine presence that is always with you. Feel free to stop and pray as you like. At the center, rest until you are ready to return. Be open to what you receive whether that be calm, strength, perspective, new hope, or peace. Then choose one of the two paths to lead you back out into the world - either retracing your steps and giving yourself time to meditate on the thoughts and feelings that you have encountered , or else by the quick exit. Benches are located near the entrance/exit where many choose to sit and meditate on their experience.
St. James has a trained Labyrinth Facilitator who is willing to lead groups or individuals in the use of the labyrinth, and who offers special events at the Labyrinth focused on specific needs of the world or the community. Some of those this past year have included a Labyrinth Walk for Pride Month, and another focused on the care of creation. To connect with her, please reach out to the church office.
A labyrinth is an ancient universal symbol that is believed to have been used to emulate the journey to a pilgrimage site. Today, many cultures and faiths have embraced the labyrinth as a symbol of both the inward and outward aspects of a spiritual journey. It can be a tool that enables individuals to focus on their inner selves while connecting with the Spirit that accompanies them on the path.
The labyrinth is not a maze. One cannot get lost. There is a single path that leads into the center and back out again without any tricks or deceptions. Our entry and our center are both marked by a paving stone. Our labyrinth at St. James differs from the classic labyrinth in its shape (it is a rectangle, designed to fit this specific location), and in the number of circuits (only 6). It is also unique in providing a "quick exit" after reaching the center of the labyrinth. There you may choose to return to the beginning point either by retracing your steps on the winding path (the classic labyrinth exit), or you may choose the quick exit path that leads you directly out of the labyrinth. This design feature also makes the use of our labyrinth easier for larger group events.
How to walk/pray a labyrinth: There is no wrong manner or speed for your walk. Allow your body to find its own pace. If you meet another walker on the path, gently step out of the way to let that person pass by and then continue your own walk. Please remain quiet as a courtesy to other walkers. As you enter the labyrinth, take a deep breath and focus on a question or prayer to quiet your mind. As you journey in toward the center, release whatever clutters your mind or any burdens you bear. Walk the path, opening yourself to a consciousness of the divine presence that is always with you. Feel free to stop and pray as you like. At the center, rest until you are ready to return. Be open to what you receive whether that be calm, strength, perspective, new hope, or peace. Then choose one of the two paths to lead you back out into the world - either retracing your steps and giving yourself time to meditate on the thoughts and feelings that you have encountered , or else by the quick exit. Benches are located near the entrance/exit where many choose to sit and meditate on their experience.
St. James has a trained Labyrinth Facilitator who is willing to lead groups or individuals in the use of the labyrinth, and who offers special events at the Labyrinth focused on specific needs of the world or the community. Some of those this past year have included a Labyrinth Walk for Pride Month, and another focused on the care of creation. To connect with her, please reach out to the church office.
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St. James Episcopal Church
806 College Avenue, SW Lenoir, NC 28645 828-754-3712 Sunday Services 8:00am - Holy Eucharist - no music 9:10am- Adult Forum (September-May) 10:30am - Holy Eucharist with music Four times a year (on "5th Sundays") we often offer Morning Prayer instead of Eucharist at both morning services. |
