The labyrinth is an ancient, sacred symbol found in many religious traditions throughout the world. During the Middle Ages, labyrinths were prominent in numerous cathedrals in Europe. Christians walked floor labyrinths or traced their fingers along the carved ridges of wall labyrinths, as a symbolic pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The most well-known of these is the Chartres labyrinth found in Chartres Cathedral in France.

The Labyrinth Ministry at East Liberty Presbyterian Church is considered the “grandmother” of the region’s labyrinth movement, which began here in 1996 with the creation of a Chartres labyrinth. The labyrinth has since become an integral part of our diverse, multicultural ministry and a bridge for reaching Christian seekers and friends of all faiths.

Each year, events, worship services and other activities for the congregation and the community are coordinated by the Labyrinth Ministry. Opportunities include:
 

The Labyrinth at ELPC

Labyrinth Prayer Walk

Worship, Music
and The Arts

Labyrinth prayer walk. Used an ancient, sacred tool for individual walking meditation and prayer, the winding path into the center and back out again is a metaphor for the journeys of life and faith. A public labyrinth is available for walking every Monday from 10 am to 3 pm, and Wednesday from 10 am to 9 pm.

Annual labyrinth event. A special day-long labyrinth event is held once a year on a Saturday, usually during the summer. The event is free and open to everyone. Throughout the day you can walk any of our four labyrinths, attend an orientation on the labyrinth’s history and its contemporary use, participate in theme-based workshops, and fellowship with others. Live music is also featured.

Other opportunities. The labyrinth is also set up for special events held during liturgical seasons of the year.

Loan of the labyrinth. It is possible to arrange for a representative of our Labyrinth Ministry to bring one of our two portable labyrinths (36 feet and 24 feet in diameter) to your event in the metropolitan area. Your group may also make arrangements at a special time or day to visit our labyrinth, and meet with a guide (depending on space availability).

For more information on the history of the labyrinth
and the labyrinths of East Liberty Presbyterian Church, visit:
Labyrinth Prayer Walk
 

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"...inviting all to join our diverse, inclusive family of faith,
transcending all boundaries of race, class, ability, culture, gender
and sexual identity to become one in Christ."

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updated 2008-01-20