The public is invited to a “Labyrinth on the Lawn” at the Emmanuel Parish Green on Sunday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to noon.

This walking path of prayer and meditation represents an outward experience of our inward journey to our center. The labyrinth is an ancient symbol for reflection and growth. Its circular, spiral-like shape stands for unity and wholeness. It is a metaphor for walking the path of life.

The Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco is the pioneer and leading force behind the modern day worldwide labyrinth movement. She believes that “the missing ingredient in today’s Western culture is the search for a meaningful, symbolic life.” The labyrinth plays a key role in this quest.

The labyrinth dates back 5000 years. The oldest labyrinth in existence is in Chartres Cathedral outside of Paris. This labyrinth was built in 1201 and is still walked by pilgrims today, much the same as it was centuries ago. People of all ages, backgrounds, denominations and cultures walk a labyrinth.

Today, labyrinths can be found in places as diverse as churches and synagogues, colleges, community parks, corporations, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, prisons, spas, gardens, theaters, woods and forest clearings.

There are many reasons why people walk a labyrinth. One is walked to gain insight for artistic inspiration and problem solving. They are used for prayer, meditation, personal transformation, grief work, therapy, recovery, and healing. Milestones and special events in people’s lives are also celebrated on the labyrinth.