The Labyrinth

Sacred Pattern, Sacred Path

The Labyrinth

Sacred Pattern, Sacred Path

Walking the Labyrinth

Walking the SPC outdoor labyrinth can be symbolic of the faith journey. You may walk the labyrinth as a way to meditate, to look within, to recognize the wider patterns in life, and to be in harmony with others. The winding path becomes a mirror, a metaphor for life’s journey – with its twists and turns, slow places and fast stretches, peaks and valleys (joys and sorrow), turning points and insights. This sacred meditative path can be a powerful place of inner transformation, for seeking clarity of direction, for finding solace in grief, and for drawing near to God.

› Brief History of Labyrinths

The labyrinth’s origins date back to about 2500 BCE, in the form of a Cretan wide bow with 7 circuits. The oldest labyrinth constructed in a church floor was built in 324 CE. One of the best known church labyrinths is the beautiful 11 circuit stone labyrinth laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral, built as a path of pilgrimage between 1194 and 1220. It is filled with sacred geometry, including a cross pattern and a sacred center echoing a rose window above. Pilgrims are said to have walked the Chartres labyrinth if they could not make an actual pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This has become the model for many churches, including the labyrinth at SPC.

› SPC’s Labyrinth

In 2002 there was growing interest in having an outdoor labyrinth at SPC, and the Memorial Garden lawn circle offered a peaceful location by the Memorial Wall. Presbyterian Women, with the support of Clergy and many others, adapted the Chartres labyrinth design to the space, organized the construction and funding of the outdoor labyrinth, and later added outdoor lighting with the assistance of the Property Committee. Coincidentally, the lawn circle diameter is an exact match for the Chartres labyrinth 42 feet diameter.

Our labyrinth is located behind the ABC House, within the Memorial Garden. The labyrinth is accessed through an opening in the hedge of the McCabe Garden Section, along the western side of the parking lot. Continue through the McCabe Garden Section to the labyrinth in the Memorial Wall Section. Walkers are welcome at any time, except when the Nursery Day School is in session (weekdays 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM). Groups wishing to use the labyrinth need permission from the church office; a contribution toward maintenance is requested.

› Walking the Labyrinth: Five Stages of Walking Meditation

We can think of the labyrinth journey as having five stages of walking meditation: Preparing, Journeying In, Centering, Journeying Out and Reflecting. The best way to learn about the labyrinth is to walk it with an open heart and an open mind. The action of walking stills our thoughts, allowing space for us to listen to God and to deepen our experience of contemplative prayer. By walking this path, you are part of an ancient ritual for meditation and spiritual growth.

Preparing is a quiet time before walking to consider our purpose. You may find it is helpful to sit on a bench near the labyrinth, to become still and attentive. Reflect and give yourself time to think about what you seek spiritually. As you consider your intention for the walk, you may wish to walk with a question (such as “What do I carry?”), a meditative phrase (for example, “Be Still…”), a reflection of gratitude, or prayers for others. You may choose to walk with a clear and open mind and listen for God’s guidance.

Journeying In is the movement from the labyrinth entrance to the center. There is only one path in, and the same path out, so you can walk without worrying if you will get lost. It is a time to relax and to let go of the details of daily life. It can be helpful to focus on your breathing or your footsteps. For breathing, we are reminded that the word breath means Spirit. For walking, our footsteps are tracing the path of an ancient, symbolic pilgrimage about one third of a mile in length.

As you walk, meditate on the question or theme that you have selected for reflection. Walk at a comfortable pace that is right for you from the entrance to the center. If you meet someone in the path, often the person journeying out steps aside to make way for those journeying in. There is no right or wrong way to move through the labyrinth, as some walk slowly, some move faster, some pause and bow, and others dance as a form of body prayer.

Centering is stopping in the center of the labyrinth and listening. You may wish to stand or sit, or to reflect with open or closed eyes. This is a place of reflection and discernment, as you may be absorbing insights gained while journeying in. Take as long as you like to meditate or pray. If you are walking with a group, be mindful of sharing space in the center.

Journeying Out is after you have absorbed thoughts or images from centering, and you make your way out along the same path that you walked in. This can be a time of integration when your experiences of journeying in and centering are joined with journeying out. You may experience a sense of calm or peace, or you may have a new awareness.

Reflecting is after you leave the labyrinth, when it is recommended that you take a few minutes to sit on a bench near the labyrinth to pause and remember your insights. You may want to journal, and note your observations. Every labyrinth journey is different, based on the intentions you bring and what you experience at that particular time.

The labyrinth is a universal journey walked in the company of those who have come before and those who will come after, and yet it is experienced alone. The labyrinth can be seen as redefining a journey to God, to a horizontal perspective in which we are all walking the path together. It is a universal journey walked in the company of those who have come before and those who will come after, and yet it is experienced alone. To paraphrase Lauren Artress (founder of Veriditas), the labyrinth’s path appears narrow, but metaphorically, it is a wide and gracious path to deepen our experience of God.

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Week-at-a-Glance

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March 21, 2024
  • March 21, 20249:30 am - 11:00 am

    HOE Volunteers (Memorial Garden)

    The "Holy Order of Environmentalists" (HOE) welcomes all who have a heart for tending to our green spaces.  This morning's gathering will be the first in a weekly series of cleaning up the memorial garden after a long winter's nap.

  • March 21, 202410:15 am - 11:15 am

    Bell Choir rehearsal (Loeffler Chapel)

    Weekly rehearsals to prepare music for sharing in worship once a month.
    Interested?  Contact Minister of Music, Meghan Meloy Ness.

  • March 21, 20247:15 pm - 9:00 pm

    Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Fellowship Hall)

    Weekly rehearsal to prepare for music for offering in worship Sunday mornings.  New singers always welcome! 
    Led by Minister of Music, Meghan Meloy Ness.

  • March 21, 20248:00 pm - 9:30 pm

    AA (McCahan Hall)

    Swarthmore Presbyterian Church welcomes AA participants to weekly meetings in McCahan Hall. Entrance is via a door on the west end of the parking lot (across from the ABC House) under a covered walkway there.
    For those who are fully vaccinated against COVID, masks are optional. For those not yet fully vaccinated, or working with children, masks are required. Seating/distancing is at the comfort level of the individuals attending.

March 23, 2024
  • March 23, 20248:30 am - 12:00 pm

    Campus Cleanup! (check-in in Fellowship Hall)

    The days are getting warmer, signs of God’s re-creation are poking up in our beloved green spaces, and the afternoon sun shines brightly on many cloudy windows and dusty surfaces.  We are eager to look our best for Easter, so the Property Committee has scheduled a spring cleanup this morning. All are welcome! 
    This is a fun way to work alongside other churchgoers with a similar goal. Check-in will be in Fellowship Hall, where you may also enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and some breakfast snacks. 
    Interested in helping? Click here to let us know. Walk-ins will be welcome of course!

March 24, 2024
  • March 24, 20248:00 am - 9:00 am

    Early Worship (Loeffler Chapel)

    This 45-minute service allows worshippers to engage with scripture through guided discussion in lieu of a sermon. Communion is served on the 1st Sunday of each month.

  • March 24, 20249:30 am - 10:00 am

    Choir rehearsal (Sanctuary)

    Sunday morning preparation for worship

  • March 24, 202410:00 am - 11:00 am

    Parade of Palms (Sanctuary)

    Palm Sunday Procession!
    We begin Holy Week just like Jesus did – with a parade.  Our children will gather at 10:00 a.m. in the large transept (Sanctuary), and from there, will head outside to the covered sidewalk to lead the procession into the Sanctuary.  Walkers of all ages are invited to join them.  Together we will wave palms and be part of the procession with our choir and pastors, coming into God’s presence with singing.

  • March 24, 202410:15 am - 11:15 am

    Lord's Day Worship (Sanctuary and Livestream)

    SPC's Lord’s Day services embody a classic reformed worship tradition. The Word is proclaimed through liturgy, song, and preaching. Scriptures are generally read by lay liturgists. Music leadership is anchored by our choir. Our pastors share leadership and preaching responsibilities from week to week. Communion is offered on the 1st Sunday of each month.

    Services are livestreamed via YouTube beginning at 10:15 a.m. Sunday morning.

  • March 24, 202411:15 am - 12:00 pm

    Sunday Fellowship (Fellowship Hall)

    Our Parish Life team provides beverages and snacks every Sunday following the 10:15 worship service and invites everyone to enjoy one another's company in Fellowship Hall. Please make a point of saying hello to someone you don't yet know!

  • March 24, 20244:30 pm - 6:00 pm

    Middle School Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)

    Middle Schoolers gather Sunday afternoons for play, fellowship, service, and learning. All are welcome.  We conclude with dinner, shared with high schoolers.  Suggested donation $5.00.
    Weekly notes about plans for the upcoming Sunday are shared by text from Rev. David Norse Thomas. The registration form is available here: Youth Registration 2023-24

  • March 24, 20245:30 pm - 7:00 pm

    High School Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)

    High Schoolers gather Sunday afternoons for play, fellowship, service, and learning. All are welcome.  We begin with dinner, shared with middle schoolers, at 5:30.  Weekly notes about plans for the upcoming Sunday are shared by text from Rev. David Norse Thomas. The registration form is available here: Youth Registration 2023-24

  • March 24, 2024

    Palm Sunday

March 25, 2024
  • March 25, 20247:00 pm - 7:45 pm

    Holy Week Taize Service (Loeffler Chapel)

    Services held in the Taizé style, with a mix of music, silence, Scripture, and prayer, will be offered each weekday evening of Holy Week leading up to Maundy Thursday. This evening's service will include a liturgy of healing, with an opportunity to receive oil for anointing as we hear of Jesus' own anointing by Mary.