Schedule and Location

The labyrinth is generally available to walk Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (or by appointment; contact Rocky Supinger). Because memorial services and special events on occasion take place in the chapel at these times, before coming to walk the labyrinth please check the church calendar or call the receptionist (312.787.4570) to confirm the labyrinth is open.

The labyrinth is located in Buchanan Chapel, on the second floor of the Gratz Center. Enter at 126 E. Chestnut St. and check with the receptionist there.

Walking the Sacred Path

A labyrinth is a walking tool for prayer and meditation for those seeking God. Rediscovered in recent years as a fruitful spiritual practice, it is an archetypal sacred pattern for walking a path of pilgrimage and is found in many religious traditions in various forms around the world.

In walking the labyrinth, mind, body, and spirit are together focused on following a single path that leads to and returns from the center. The medieval labyrinth pattern that is followed today evolved during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, when designs were incorporated into Gothic cathedrals, most notably at Chartres in France.

The labyrinth, which has a single, winding pathway, is not a maze. One does not have to think about finding the right way or worry about getting lost. Instead, one simply walks in trust, receptive to what the Spirit may be inviting us to recognize, release, or discover. The path thus becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives. It touches our sorrows and releases our joys and creativity. It is also a place of presence; which can help us listen to inner wisdom and gain new understandings. Each time we walk the labyrinth we may find ourselves led further to discover and do that toward which our soul is drawn.

The labyrinth at Fourth Church is made of limestone tiles and is set into the floor of Buchanan Chapel. A modified version of the medieval labyrinth pattern in Chartres Cathedral in France, it has seven circuits. The church also has a twelve-circuit canvas labyrinth that is portable and is used on occasion.

This resource is administered by the Labyrinth Ministry Committee.

To receive periodic email updates about labyrinth walks at Fourth Church, please send your email address to news@fourthchurch.org and note “Labyrinth” in the subject line.

To learn more about the labyrinth, contact Rocky Supinger, Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry and Worship.

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