HBC Labyrinth
The HBC labyrinth
In 2017, HBC high schooler Morgan North proposed construction of an outdoor prayer labyrinth as his Eagle Scout project. Morgan researched, designed, planned and, along with dozens of volunteers, built the 60-foot outdoor prayer labyrinth located at the back of our church property.
The idea of a church labyrinth had been a long-standing dream for us, and he made it happen. He secured donations of materials as well as contributions for purchasing the supplies. Over four weekends, he coordinated the work of several dozen fellow Scouts and church volunteers to construct the prayer labyrinth. We dedicated the labyrinth in 2018, the same year Morgan was awarded his Eagle Scout rank.
The labyrinth is open to the public. We invite you to walk the winding path, and allow God to share the journey with you.
Labyrinths and the journey of faith
Labyrinths date back more than 4,000 years as a practice for meditation and reflection. Because of its meandering path, the labyrinth became an ancient practice for prayer in the Christian tradition. The single path into and out from the center invites you into a contemplative journey. Consider it a kind of pilgrimage to a sacred place where you make new discoveries about God and yourself along the way.
Guided reflections
Throughout the year, we will offer guided reflections to aid you in your journey. The guides follow a simple structure for entering, walking, pausing, returning. The guides will reflect the themes of the two great seasons of the Christian faith – Advent/Christmas/Epiphany and Lent/Easter/Pentecost.
The Season of Advent/Christmas/Epiphany serves as the beginning of the Christian year for followers of Jesus. Starting in December, Advent invites us into a time of preparation for the birth of Christ. From scripture we hear the stories of longing for a new leader to come – a Messiah – to bring justice and peace.
The four weeks leading up to Christmas also happen to be the time of year when winter is approaching and light is fading. It can become a time to reflect on your own need for light and warmth in a cold and dark season. As you walk the labyrinth, ask how you might create space for Christ to be born anew in you.
Finally, in Epiphany (which means “revealing”) we reflect on the ways in which we become aware of God and where God is showing up around us and in us.
The Season of Lent/Easter/Pentecost provides an ideal time for reflection. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and leading to Easter, the 40 days (plus six Sundays) can be a rich time for experiencing God’s love and the gift of new life. As the days grow warmer and longer (the word Lent is derived from an Old English word meaning “lengthen), the outdoor setting will allow you to watch as the world around you literally bursts into life. As you walk the labyrinth, ask what new life might be stirring in you.
During the 50 days of Easter, walking the labyrinth allows you to ask how the risen Christ might be inviting you to walk with Him from death into life. It builds up to Pentecost and gift of God’s Spirit shared with all. How might God be empowering you to live your faith and share your hope with a world in need?