The Phoenix: Labyrinth dedicated at St. John's U.C.C.

**"Alliums" g*@green-logic.com**

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

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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., brettew@phoenixvillenews.com  

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. 

______________________________________________________
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