You're invited to walk the LABYRINTH . . . . a ...spiritual journey for the mind and soul at
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF AKRON The First Thursday of every month except holidays 6:30-8:30 p.m. The last walk is at 8:00 p.m.

• The Labyrinth creates a safe, open space where the inner and outer meet and become one;
• Here, self-knowledge is discovered, meaning is recovered, and faith is restored;
• An Interfaith tradition - walking the Labyrinth represents the journeys and pilgrimages that we take in our lives;
• Handicapped accessible (Also a fingertool available for those who have difficulty walking);
   

Fall Schedule:

September 8 - Terra-Amma Drum circle with International Drumming.  Participation is welcome and encouraged.
October 6 - Celtic music of The Mickeys, featuring the flute, tin whistle, dulcimer, guitar, fiddle and vocal.
November 3 - Kate Valentine with therapeutic harp massage. 
December 1 - Christmas CD's

STARTING THE PROJECT
Healing Arts Ministries began in 1989 and started the Labyrinth project in June of 1996, with months of education and  the exploration of the history and meaning (both personal and spiritual) as well as walking the labyrinths at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and at Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland. First Church's Labyrinth opened on October 1, 1998 with a walk of prayer. It is scheduled to be opened the first Thursday of every month except where the first of the month falls near a holiday. (Please check schedule). The Labyrinth will be open 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please call the church at (330) 253-5109 for definite times and dates. The Labyrinth may also be available for groups by special appointment.

Please contact coordinator/facilitator, Nancy Nierman-Baker at (330) 996-5298 to make arrangements.

 

THE PORTABLE CANVAS

The Labyrinth at First Congregational Church of Akron is laid out on a 36-by 36-foot canvas on the floor of the Dining Room the first Thursday of each month. Music and candles help to create the sacred ambience that surrounds the walker before, during, and after the walk. This labyrinth, a replica of the 13th century labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in Chartres, France, is an ancient symbol. It is a mandala, (Sanskrit for circle) and one walks into the center of themselves when they reach the center of the labyrinth. There are no surprises, no roadblocks. When you walk out of the labyrinth you follow the same path as you did coming in.

The labyrinth at FCC is painted on canvas in four sections to facilitate its mobility and transportation. This project is a part of a Christian and Interfaith Outreach program of the Healing Arts Ministries.