LAKEPORT, Calif. – A labyrinth is not a maze. It is a winding, circular path which leads only to the center and out again. There are no false or trick turns.

The labyrinth can symbolize many things. Primarily, it is a spiritual discipline which has been used in many different traditions, including Christianity, but has been found in cultures as long ago as 4,000 years before Christ. 

United Christian Parish is pleased to announce the creation of a temporary labyrinth the community is invited to come and walk on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the first three weeks of March.

We will provide a bulletin which offers four different printed guided meditations one might choose to use as they walk the labyrinth.

BLESSING THE DUST. This labyrinth walk is for those who are feeling burned out by stress and anxiety. This is a guided healing experience for the hurting.  (Isaiah 61:3)

FOCUS ON PRESENCE. This labyrinth walk is for those seeking a deeper spiritual connection to Christ; less doing, more being. (Psalm 46:10)

PILGRIMAGE OF DISCERNMENT. Like the Focus on Presence this guided meditation seeks the presence of God but also asks what do I need to do in my life right now? What do I need to change? (Jeremiah 29:11)

INTERCESSORY PRAYER. Like the focus on presence this guided meditation seeks the presence of God but also asks what do I need to do in my life right now? What do I need to change? (1Peter 5:7)

There is no single “right” way to walk a labyrinth as you may guess from these distinctly different guided meditations. You may wish to try different approaches on different nights or days.

You are also welcome to simply walk and pray and see what the Spirit offers. All are welcome. Please plan for 30 minutes to an hour for your labyrinth walk.

The labyrinth opened March 1. Upcoming openings include:

– Tuesday, March 8, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.;

– Thursday, March 10, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.

– Tuesday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.;

– Thursday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.

United Christian Parish is located at 745 N Brush St. in Lakeport. For more information please call 707-263-4788.