As the church made plans in 2001 for the remodeling of our courtyard, we found that we wanted to build a labyrinth. A labyrinth is a path which winds in unexpected ways into a central circle. We felt it would be attractive as well as useful in worship, and inviting to all who come to our campus to meditate in pursuit of their own spiritual path and health.

We have a processional labyrinth, meaning that the exit is separate from the entrance, enabling one to walk in and then out without interrupting another's journey. Our labyrinth is simpler than the complex ones typified by the one at Chartres Cathedral in France, and in Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Ours is a modified copy of the "Cretan" labyrinth whose design is at least 3500 years old. Its color represent those of creation and earth, and symbolize abundance,

The tiles at the entrance are from Psalm 16, " You will show me the path of life: in your presence there is fullness of joy," calling us to reflect on God's abiding presence. The 5 loaves and 2 fishes near the center symbolize Jesus' ability to nourish thousands of people from what seems to be small simple resources (Mathew 14:13-21). With that story from the Gospels in mind, we called our capital campaign, Loaves and Fishes, reminding us of the abundance of God's reign.

Within the Courtyard, the labyrinth was placed on a line through its center uniting Cowans Hall on one side to the center of the Sanctuary on the east side. Thus three places of nourishment are in alignment. The green path is 20 inches wide, and the border is 4 inches, with aggregatee so that people could walk with their eyes closed. The shape of the labyrinth draws us into its center, ans then its pathway leads us back to reality at the end. We put it in a public place as a constant reminder of the opportunity at hand for those whose way is fed by reflection as well as those who seek nothing more than exercise of walking with their mind at rest.

We have much to share and wish to share what we have. A shady porch bench, a circle at the base of a tree, a place to sit with a friend, and a labyrinth to walk alone are all found in our courtyard. We intend to make these available to all who come by, wherever they may be in their spiritual journey.

The labyrinth was funded in memory of Henry M. Cordes, Ph.D., professor of German literature at the College of San Mateo.