St. Matthew’s forges a new path

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Ozlyn Shearon prays as she kneels in the center of the labyrinth at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. (Staff Photo by BILLY HEFTON)
Paula Nightengale (left) and Margaret Moss walk the labyrinth at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. (Staff Photo by BILLY HEFTON)
Margaret Moss (left) talks about St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church designs, created by Oklahoma State University students, for an outdoor labyrinth. (Staff Photo by BILLY HEFTON)

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March 27, 2010

By Kasey Fowler, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle The Enid News and Eagle Sat Mar 27, 2010, 09:55 PM CDT

ENID — St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is on the verge of taking its labyrinth, a unique meditation experience, in a new direction.

“Our hope is to build a labyrinth and prayer garden outside. We are in the process of building a permanent labyrinth. We have some designs from (Oklahoma State University) horticulture design students. It will be a meditation garden. It is our dream,” said Paula Nightengale, St. Matthew’s church member and trained labyrinth facilitator.

There are many misconceptions surrounding laby-rinths — some believe they are similar to corn mazes.

But Nightengale said it is far different.

“It is a single path — you walk to the center and then the same path back out,” she said. “A labyrinth is a spiritual experience. It is a contemplative walk. You can take a problem you are working on, you can pray, you can meditate on a biblical verse.”

The labyrinth is an archetypal symbol. The oldest labyrinth known was embedded in a cathedral floor in Chartres, France, in 1201 C.E.

“It was built to simulate a pilgrimage to the holy land because during the time it was too dangerous to make a pilgrimage or travel,” said Nightengale. “The labyrinth was revived in the last 20 years or so.”

St. Matthew’s labyrinth is patterned after the labyrinth in the floor of the French cathedral. To Nightengale’s knowledge St. Matthew’s has the only labyrinth in Enid.

“Our labyrinth is an 11-circuit, canvas one that can be put up and taken down,” said Nightengale.

Walking the indoor canvas labyrinth could take around 20 minutes.

“It could take longer or shorter depending on how you walk. There is no right or wrong way to walk ...” Nightengale said.

Upcoming walks

Labyrinth walks at St. Matthews typically are held the second Sunday of the month, but in April the church plans something special.

Good Friday, April 2, St. Matthew’s will have a community prayer retreat and labyrinth walk led by Night-engale.

“If people can’t come until after their lunch it is OK. People can come just for the walk or the services,” she said. “The retreat is free.”

The retreat will start at 9 a.m. with Holy Eucharist, followed by a Good Friday lesson and a labyrinth walk and silent prayer.

At noon, retreat participants will take part in the Ecumenical Good Friday service, followed by a Lenten meal at Our Daily Bread.

“I hope people will recognize the value of Our Daily Bread in our community and give a donation,” said Nightengale.

After the meal, there will be another Good Friday lesson and stations of the cross event. An open labyrinth walk will be 3 to 5:30 p.m. to conclude the retreat.

“We are going to set up a temporary labyrinth outside, weather permitting. We are also going to have one set up inside for people who can’t walk well outside. We also have hand labyrinths for people who can’t walk,” said Nightengale. “It is very versatile as a way to bring your mind in and allow it to concentrate in certain areas.”

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