The pews were rearranged this morning to make room for a canvas labyrinth in the center of the sanctuary. I was not assigned to photograph the service this week, but couldn't resist capturing the dancers and the labyrinth with my pocket camera.
After the service I walked the outside labyrinth painted on the deck. I find walking meditation very centering.
Our church was one of the first in the DC area to have a labyrinth around 1990. Rev Joan Gelbein researched labyrinths on her sabbatical and brought the idea back to UUCA. We still use that original very large canvass labyrinth for public walks once/month. I usually prefer to walk labyrinths out-of-doors by myself, but this service inspired me to try one of the monthly walks again soon.
The service was inspiring, but the bad news is that our long-term minister has announced his retirement a little over a year from now. When he leaves on July 31, 2012 (his 65th birthday), he will have led our congregation for 13 years. Transitions are always difficult, but change is inevitable. I will miss his leadership and sermons immensely, but wish him the best.
