Hi, Folks! Here's the local news article about our labyrinth dedication on Saturday. Stop by and walk the labyrinth whenever you have time!
Dorene Dorene Pasekoff, Coordinator St. John's United Church of Christ Organic Community Garden and Labyrinth A mission of St. John's United Church of Christ, 315 Gay Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460 ************************************************************************** http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14651563&BRD=1673&PAG=461&dept_id= 17915&rfi=6 The Phoenix, 06/07/2005 Labyrinth dedicated at St. John's U.C.C. By BILL RETTEW JR., [EMAIL PROTECTED] PHOENIXVILLE - Although they may be brand new to the borough, turf labyrinths have been helping walkers heal physically and emotionally for 4,000 years. Dedication of the 41st public labyrinth in Pennsylvania attracted about 50 people on Saturday afternoon, many who had worked on the project, plus several others looking forward to a stress-free stroll through the hand-turned mounds. The new labyrinth is located behind Bethel Baptist Church at 412 Fairview Street and is the work of St. John's United Church of Christ. The turf labyrinth at St. John's United Church of Christ is built into the earth with mounds that lead the walker on a well-defined path which will soon be covered by now sprouting plantings. Seven turns take those on a journey throughout the 48-foot diameter labyrinth. "You're never lost in a labyrinth," said the Rev. Linda S. Gruber of St. John's United Church of Christ. "There's always a path out and always a way home." Coordinator Dorene Pasekoff was pleased that the two year project, which involved more than 1,000 hours of labor, was ready for public dedication. She was especially thankful for the work supplied by the Mitchell Program of St. Gabriel's Hall and also the Chester County Juvenile Probation Community. Robyn Buseman, a director of the Mitchell Program, said that the labyrinth is a great way to "relieve stress and cool off." "The kids learned about a labyrinth and learned a lot about planting," said Buseman about the work by the young men of St. Gab's who worked twice a week for several hours at the end of the school day. "It's very contemplative," said Buseman about the labyrinth. "It makes you stop and think about where you're going. You slow down." Labyrinths promote problem solving, stress reduction and spiritual growth through the ancient art of walking meditation. Those dealing with chronic illnesses and addiction, battling cancer, relieving grief or even resolving writer's block have all benefited from walking the winding paths. The destination, which at the Fairview Street site is a bench, is assured. The walker is more concerned with the journey than the destination. Pa. Rep. Carole Rubley (R-157) was on hand and presented the church with a certificate of recognition from Harrisburg for "making a difference." George Martynick of the borough's planning commission showed his support for the project. "It's another unique piece of the Phoenixville puzzle," said Martynick. Rev. Gruber gave the blessing and chose to speak from a variety of sources from several religions. The Mib Campbell Trio entertained and the almost everyone present became part of the band as instruments including a cabassa, a djimbe, a cow bell and tamborine circulated within audience. The crowd sang along to "O Every Morn'," and "Irish Blessing" closed the musical presentation. On Tuesdays, weather permitting, a group of volunteers meet from 5:30 p.m. until dusk to tend to the herbs and grasses of the labyrinth. Work continues on the nearby community garden. ______________________________________________________ The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org To post an e-mail to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription: https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden
