New Journey Lutherans & United Methodists: The Way of the Labyrinth
During this Lenten season, “The Way of the Labyrinth” is being hosted by The Fountains, a United Methodist Church and New Journey ELCA Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 16, from 9am to noon. The event will be led by Ms. Gloria Owens, a certified Associate in Ministry in the area of Christian Education in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Participants will explore the historical, cultural, and spiritual background of the labyrinth as well as the symbolism of the particular Lenten ritual Ms. Owens will be leading with the labyrinth as a catalyst for contemplation and spiritual growth.
Ms. Owens says people often ask, “How can walking in a circle help my prayer life? How can a maze laid out on the ground help me talk to God?” With deep roots in Medieval Christianity, the labyrinth is a “unique meditative tool. It helps calm the mind, it helps still the chaotic noise of everyday life, which allows one to hear the still, small voice of God.” Participants are invited to walk the labyrinth and discover their own connection to its mystery. Ms Owen adds that, “Each person walking the labyrinth’s meditative path will experience different prayer connections with God.”
A member of Spiritual Directors International, Ms. Owens is an experienced retreat leader who works with individual and group spiritual direction. She is an artist who has worked with women in recovery at the Dignity House, the Prostitution Diversion Program of Phoenix. With 35 years of experience teaching children, youth and adults, she teaches prayer, meditation and Mandalas (labyrinths and similar circular designs).
Walking the labyrinth is an ancient spiritual practice that has been rediscovered in our generation as a tool for encountering the Holy. It is a tool for spiritual growth and when one becomes deliberate in approaching one’s own spiritual center, can lead to transformative experiences. Participants often appreciate the effectiveness of the labyrinth as a tool not only for centering themselves in prayer, but as a symbolic pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Registration for this half-day labyrinth journey is $15.00. You can register at New Journey ELCA Lutheran Church or The Fountains, both located at 15300 Fountain Hills Blvd (at Glenbrook). For more information, call Gloria Owens at 480-837-8508 or click on “Special Events” at www.reachtouchteach.com (pluswww.facebook.com/thefountainsumc or Twitter: #fountainsumc)
Checks are payable to New Journey Lutheran Church. Participants will meet in the Education building adjacent to the Labyrinth on the North side of The Fountains campus. All in the community are welcome to attend!