Clicky

This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards , but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

Division Street United Church, Labyrinth 

PEACE   LABYRINTH

Laberynth1 May 13, 2006 was the official opening of
the Peace Labyrinth at Division Street United Church. There were approximately 100 in attendance, a multi-faith group of persons.


Following the opening was a luncheon and a workshop "A Journey of the Spirit" facilitated by Reverend Canon Christopher Pratt of the Anglican Church of Canada.


The support of the Peace Labyrinth has been inspiring and encouraging. Many members of our congregation have made direct contributions and many non-members have also been financially supportive.

We appreciate the shared teamwork of our committee and Central Westside United Church on a book signing project for author Tom Harpur's book, Finding The Still Point. The funds gave us a big boost. Tom Harpur also made gifts of discs "Music To Walk The Labyrinth" which have been used at other workshops. There were two workshops at St. George's Anglican Church - a grief workshop with Dr. & Mrs. Brad Clark in our parlour, and a B'Hai Peace Workshop last fall; a labyrinth study group at the Ginger Press Book Store and the last workshop in March 2007 at the Butchart Estate. A workshop called "Tuning the Soul: Circles, Sounds & Source" will be held at Division Street United Church on Saturday, May 19'n with a labyrinth walk. Rosemary Gosselin, Andree Kingsbuw and David Rankine will facilitate this workshop.

SCARF PROJECT.
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon in the winter-spring of 2006 six "dyers" (different each week) from a multi-faith community would meet at Wendy Woodhouse's studio at Presquille and dye silk scarves; we always had an eager waiting list of participants. About 400 (plus) scarves were made and sold at the church and donated space at the Ginger Press Book Store for $20 each (have 8 scarves left). So many people to appreciate and especially Wendy and Mary Ann Thomas!

AWARDS - The Labyrinth during the year received 3 awards -

1.    The Owen Sound Communities in Bloom Award from the Owen Sound Garden Club. Only the second
        time it has been presented since 1998. Already there are necessary steps taken to have planting don
        by our Committee and the Garden Club for this year. Our Committee is supplying the funds for any
        purchases. NN e w ill be part of the Tour of Blooms when completed.

2.    The Peace Medallion for 2006 from the International YMCA   Peace Week - (a real honour)

3.    The Peace Award at the B'Hai Peace Breakfast and Workshop.

4.    There were 3 different front page stories in the Owen Sound Sun Times

   During the year an art project was completed called "VISIONS OF PEACE"  where  729 students in the Owen Sound School system painted on small art cards 2.5"  x 3.5" using for guidance the slogan,
"PEACE IS  --------------      ".    We appreciate the teachers and students who participated. Will Reynolds  of "Oni-Tech" assembled the work on a large wooden sign 1.2meters x 2.4 meters.  It shows 3 large hands against a sky blue background cupping a peace symbol   with the word "PEACE" on a vertical bar to the left. The sign was unveiled   in a ceremony on February 15` at the Owen Sound Public Library, where it  is on display for us (they'd like to keep it) until moved to the Division  Street Peace Labyrinth this summer. We thank Will Reynolds and the Library  for their time, labour and support.

   The moving of the sign will become part of the Owen Sound Homecoming project   this summer. They have also included the labyrinth in a programme for young   people during the celebrations.

   The lightning rod from the roof of the original church has   been stored  under  the sanctuary for years and will be part of   a sculpture display (work  donated  by artist Martyn Kendrick).   A plaque explaining its origination and how the  labyrinth is a gift commemorating our Church's 150th Anniversary will be added. This sculpture is to be completed   this summer   and placed on the lot.

We have offered the labyrinth to the local hospital for their usage and it has been well received. We will be listed in the Ontario (or more) list of labyrinths along with other churches, hospitals and parks.

Laberynth2


The support given to us by Rick Collins, contractor; Larry Porter, landscape architect; Shouldice Stone, who supplied all stone at no cost and loan of their designer, Peter Reid, and his experience and guidance; Don Miller for this signage; Wendy Bachiu for her art work and time given and advice needed; and appreciation to staff in the City of Owen Sound must be expressed at this time. We feel the project is a great outreach to the community and area. A place where bridges of understanding can be built and each user may spiritually strive for peace within.
         The Committee thanks the congregation, and particularly, Rev. Keith   Reynolds   in the beginning and our Rev. Cathy Hird for tremendous support   and guidance;   Eugenia Rawn and Rick Holland for complicated financing from  many sources;   and all custodians who were there when needed.

 




Back to Top Of Page