The interest in and possibility of a labyrinth at our church actually began around 2000, when members Sandy Sample, Ken Schroeder, and Doris Scanlon (among others) began information gathering, learning about, and visiting labyrinths near and far.

There are several factors contributing to the reinvigorated interest and goal of realizing a labyrinth on our property at this particular time: Doris’s daughters, Lucinda and Melinda, contributed seed money from her estate; the corner property, now devoid of lawn, offers the space necessary to accommodate a labyrinth and the labyrinth itself provides an actual practice of release, meditative insight, renewal and empowerment for whomever is open to its path; as our Year of Unity begins we see the labyrinth project as one worthy of focus that will connect us to the wider community.

We have had five meetings to date and are already making significant progress toward educating ourselves about labyrinths (Erin King is extremely knowledgeable); field trips to see a variety of styles and materials used in labyrinths that are fairly close to us; access to information about a similar project nearing completion at Church of the Brethren (Ken Schroeder); understanding what our grounds will accommodate and the preparation necessary (Samantha and Tami Bennett’s expertise). Along the way we plan to contact a labyrinth consultant who can give us more guidance and expert assistance.

We will keep the congregation fully informed about our direction and progress. We are all available to hear your ideas and thoughts and answer questions. We are very excited about bringing this project to fruition for all to experience and share.

Formed in late Spring 2014, the Labyrinth Committee is working toward the goal of installing a Chartres-type labyrinth on College Avenue’s grounds. The committee members are: Samantha Bennett, Tami Bennett, Erin King, Melinda Kopp (Chair), Rickie Jean Langerman, Mitchell Mesimer, Sandy Sample, Pastor Michael Schiefelbein, and Ken Schroeder.