We at Prince of Peace would like to invited you, the community, to experience Fayette County's first labyrinth.

What is a labyrinth?

A labyrinth is an ancient pattern used for prayer and meditation. Often confused with a maze, labyrinths have no dead ends, no wrong turns. There are no tricks, no false turns: you cannot get lost. If you straightened it out, a labyrinth would be a long walkway that you walked from one end to the other, and then turned and walked back the same way.

Here is the pattern:

A labyrinth is a metaphor for life's journey. It is a symbol that creates a sacred space and place and takes us out of our selves to “that which is within.” It is a place that allows one “time out” from the stress of a busy life and a place to commune with God in the solitude of one's heart, mind and soul.

There is a cross located inside the labyrinth pattern. You will encounter the cross eight times as you walk in and out of the labyrinth. The cross is always a part of the pilgrim's pathway.

As you walk toward the center, begin emptying yourself of fears, anxieties and guilt. Leave them at the center of the labyrinth. As you exit, let yourself be filled with the spirit of joy, peace and contentment. Think of persons for whom you have a concern and bring these concerns to the center. As you leave, let yourself be open to new ways of expressing yourself to others.

There are as many ways to walk the labyrinth as there are people to walk it. This ancient symbol belongs to all cultures and all religions. It leads us all to The Center — to God — to wholeness. Walk in Peace!

History

First indications of the use of labyrinths and mazes date back as long as 4,500 years ago. They have been found in many cultures at many different times in history such as in Egypt, India, France, England, Algeria, Scandinavia, Iceland, Peru and Arizona (native Americans).

Spiritual pilgrimages have been the part of many different religions throughout history. During medieval times labyrinths were built in seven European Christian cathedrals as alternative pilgrimages since a trip to Jerusalem was very dangerous and costly in those times, the time of the Crusades.

The seven-circuit Cretan pattern dates back 4,000 years. The labyrinth pattern at Prince of Peace is known as an expanded center seven-circuit Cretan labyrinth. It was constructed Dec. 4 by the Faith Talks senior high group under the direction of pastor Keith Hedrick and Karen King, youth ministry coordinator.

If you want to walk

Where is the labyrinth?

The labyrinth is on the property of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, on Ga. Highway 314. From Ga. Highway 85 in Fayetteville, turn onto Hwy. 314 at the stop light at Shoney's. Go through two lights (Banks/White Road and the light at Lowe's) and Prince of Peace is 400 feet on your right.

From the Pavilion Shopping Center (Walmart, Home Depot, etc.), turn left onto Hwy. 314. Prince of Peace is about a quarter mile on your left.

After turning off 314, park in the parking lot and proceed toward the small garage building. The labyrinth is in the woods to your right. Look for a landscaped timber path and a sign. Proceed down the path for 50 feet (head toward the mailbox in the woods). Inside the mailbox is more detailed information on how you may want to walk the labyrinth.

On the web

Pictures of the labyrinth may be found on the web at:

http://www.avana.net/~bpeach/labyrs-n-ga.htm and soon the labyrinth will be listed in a nationwide labyrinth locator at: http://www.gracecathedral.org/labyrinth/locator/index.shtml

You also may contact Prince of Peace at 770-461-3403 (ask for pastor Keith) or e-mail them at poplc@unidial.com.

Come and walk.

Hedrick is associate pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Fayetteville.

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page