Labyrinth

A labyrinth is a pattern with a purpose, an ancient tool that speaks to a long forgotten part of us. Lying dormant for centuries, labyrinths are undergoing a revival of use and interest. They offer a chance to take “time out” from our busy lives, to leave schedules and stress behind. Walking a labyrinth is a gift we give to ourselves, leading to discovery, insight, peacefulness, happiness, connectedness, and well-being.

Quarterly candlelight labyrinth walks are held to acknowledge the equinox and solstice seasons. Guest musicians and artists complement the walks. Light refreshments follow these celebrations. Dates and times of these events are posted when firm arrangements are made.

The labyrinth at Peace is located outside the church at the north end of the sanctuary. It is open for use any time weather permits. The labyrinth is lit at dusk until midnight for those wishing to walk in the evening.

In January 1999, approximately 40 individuals from Resurrection Lutheran Church in Dublin, CA, ranging in age from 2 to 62, came together to create a ½ scale 11-circuit Chartres Labyrinth modeled after the labyrinth laid in the floor of the cathedral of the same name in France. The project took six months to complete. Walking a labyrinth can model the classical three-fold spiritual path encompassing three states of awareness: Purgation, Illumination and Union with the Divine.

This mosaic panel labyrinth is made up of 25 four foot ¼ inch Masonite panels mounted on ½ inch sub-floor panels to preserve the integrity and longevity of each panel. “Sacred Geometry” formulas were used to calculate the proper dimensions before drawing out the design with permanent black ink markers. The mosaic pattern was achieved by recycling donated magazines and tearing primary colors into 1 inch “tiles” which were glued on the path. The base color, which is white, is made of torn “word” tiles representing language and communication through sacred texts. All the colors together represent the diversity of humanity and the “Rose,” completed in red, represents the blood of Christ shed for us all. In the very center of the Rose a white dove resides representing the symbol of hope and peace. Upon completion of all panels, the entire labyrinth was sealed with three coats of verathane.When viewing this labyrinth, the interfaith component comes through. There are illustrations from all faith traditions present throughout the labyrinth as well as earth-based spirituality including numerous insect and animal life interpretations. Contemporary objects, artistic interpretations, and whimsical placement of tiles invite the viewer to contemplate a deeper meaning for life’s journey. A now retired labyrinth, it is “laid out” for viewing on special occasions at Peace Lutheran Church in Danville usually by the Peace Pole near the outdoor labyrinth.

Labyrinth Facilitator/Artist, Kathy Westley and Paula Povilitas, Artist/Educator and Labyrinth Maker, collaborated to create the final design. Darren and Beverly Townsley, Engineer and Family Ministry Associate respectively, were instrumental in the sacred geometry modified calculations that produced the working pattern. Additional enthusiasts and supporters of this project were Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress, founder of Veriditas and the World-Wide Labyrinth Project located at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco; Dale and Jan Sollom-Brotherton, former pastors of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Dublin and the Art Department of San Francisco State University whose students undertook a similar project in 1997.