Initial Layout
Sunday, November 2, 2003

This meeting was intended to verify that the labyrinth we wanted to create would fit into the space set aside by the Church. The space was mown close to the ground, the center of the labyrinth was determined, and the perimeter of the labyrinth drawn in the space. Astronomers in the Church’s congregation were consulted as to the Sun’s position at sunrise on the summer solstice, and a GPS Receiver was employed to locate the entrance to the labyrinth. The entrance was positioned such that a walker will face the sunrise on the summer solstice.

Also Anne presented us with the completed design for our new labyrinth. It is a modified 9-circuit Cretan labyrinth, with an enlarged goal for accommodating large groups in the center.

Below is Susan’s summary of the events.

Yesterday’s meeting was a success! We identified the exact placement of the labyrinth and the lawn was mown (ride ’em John). Check it out next time you’re at the church! The path closest to the trees on the West side will be the path (eventually done in the same crushed stone and limestone border) to the labyrinth and will come off of the rear parking lot. The circumference of the labyrinth is spray painted on the grass, the center is marked with stones and a stake, and the four directions are marked with spray paint as well.

Thanks to all who were able to make it: Sue Anne (center finder and circumference walker), Maryann (who suffered multiple fire ant bites and measured out our guide string), Glen (who sprayed the outline when the spray machine wouldn’t work and worked with us to figure out the best place for a memorial garden), John (our mowing man and GPS direction finder) Joyce (rain dancer, center finder, circumference walker and director), Anne (supplier of materials, maker of the new pattern, and wonderful contributor in so many ways), and my clan (keepers of the directions and center stake hammerers).

Anne presented us with a beautiful hand drawn 9-circuit modified Cretan design to use as our guide when we get ready to lay the actual pattern out on our weed block…after the land is cleared. We are looking at planning for workdays in February, but I need to consult the church calendar as to what will work best, and then find someone capable and willing to get a bobcat to clear the space.

There is interest in having a Labyrinth sermon to generate passion for this project from the larger church community…I will be talking with the worship committee about this.

There are several good ideas regarding t-shirt design floating around; I will get with Sibo on this and we can plan to have the t-shirts for sale at the time of the labyrinth sermon and again at the labyrinth dedication.

So much excitement and energy around this!

Perhaps we could set a rope outline when the labyrinth sermon is presented so that people could go out and walk it after church and get a feel for the larger project.

The Labyrinth project went on hiatus for the holidays. However, that did not mean that everyone was idle. Susan coordinated dates for the church service and created the t-shirts to sell to raise funds and awareness. However, the next meeting of the committee did not take place until January. However, January would also bring something more interesting than just drawing the perimeter of the labyrinth.