WALKING A PATH WITH GOD
 

Soon there will be a peaceful place on the grounds of Grace Church where you can go to pray and meditate as you walk a path with God.
 
A prayer labyrinth has one path, with many intricate turns, that leads to the center and then back to the original start.  In the Christian walk some see it as having three stages -- the "inward" journey, the center and the "outward" journey.  The theme of the "inward" journey is letting go of things which hinder our wholeness and inner approach to God.  The center of the labyrinth is a space of meditative prayer and peace.  The theme of the "outward" journey is relationship -- with ourselves, with others and with all creation -- seen in the light of our relationship with God.
 
Another way of experiencing the labyrinth is to look at it as a metaphor for life.  The Christian life is often described as a journey or adventure.  We progress down the path that is laid out by God, coming to turns and switchbacks that are often unexpected.  The twists and turns take us in many directions but still we progress on the journey.  The path continues to lead us to the center and to God's purpose for us.  The labyrinth replicates a spiritual journey.
 
Each of us will walk the path in our own way, but for all of us it will be a time to block out the secular world and become closer to God.
 
Design and construction of the labyrinth are being undertaken as an Eagle Scout project by Life Scout Ben Niermann, a tenth grader at Bishop England High School.  The project's total support comes from donations and volunteer help.  Many thanks to all of the companies and individuals who have contributed to the labyrinth's construction.