Smithfield United Church of Christ's labyrinth affords path to peace

Fifteen years ago Sunday, Rena Thomas' son was killed.

Yesterday, the Hill District resident was comforted by what she found in her church, Downtown's Smithfield United Church of Christ, and specifically, its labyrinth.

"It was serene, reflective. I felt at peace," Thomas said. "It gave me a chance to reflect on my self, it was a renewing for me."

The labyrinth, a maze-like walking journey that was a mainstay of many medieval European cathedrals, has been dusted off for the 21st century, as a refuge from the craziness and hubbub of the world, a place for quiet contemplation and reflection.

What better time to offer a labyrinth Downtown than the week before, during and after the Group of 20 economic summit later this month• And what better place than at the city's oldest church, the house of worship closest to the summit's headquarters, the David L. Lawrence Convention Center?

"We wanted to do something special for the G-20," said the Rev. Liddy Barlow, the church's minister of Christian education.

Barlow and the church's senior minister, J. Douglas Patterson, were familiar with the labyrinth concept, and its possibilities of reaching people with a place to slow down and put aside everyday trials via what's called a stationary pilgrimage. The labyrinth allows a visitor to take a short journey outwardly by walking the masking tape-marked floor in the church's social hall, and to experience a spiritual journey.

The labyrinth features 10 stations, or stops, each with a specific Bible verse and brief explanation in a brochure designed to give the traveler a specific topic to contemplate.

For example, Station Six, "The Feast at the Center," allows visitors to sit on pillows where they are encouraged to relax and let God speak to and heal them while they enjoy grapes and fresh baked bread. At Station Five, "Footprints," visitors are asked to consider how their words and actions impact others, even people they never met. Before leaving the station, a visitor is asked to leave a footprint in a tray of sand, symbolizing each person's imprint on the world.

"I didn't know what to expect, but I found it a good place for spiritual reflection," said Ben Senkowicz of Squirrel Hill. "This is an oasis right in the middle of things you know will happen during the G-20."

Additional Information:

Road to tranquility

The labyrinth at Smithfield United Church of Christ, 620 Smithfield St., Downtown, is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 27. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Proceeds will go to Church World Service, which works to overcome hunger and poverty worldwide, organizers said.

In another event related to the Group of 20 summit, the church plans a 'U2charist' worship service, featuring the music of the Irish rock band U2, at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22. The music will be performed live by The Reply, a local band led by the Rev. Bruce Stollings of the Little Hill United Methodist Church, Franklin Park. Donations will go to Church World Service.