|
Passion Labyrinth in Little Thurrock
 The Grays Leaders Prayer group (left) gathered this week (Thursday 25 March) at St Mary's, Little Thurrock, where a labyrinth has been set up following the story of the Passion.
Those present used the various stations of the labyrinth as an aid to their prayers. Visitors can follow a labyrinthine red thread all the way around the church.
Vicar at St Marys, Rev Christine Williams says, "The labyrinth is designed to help us reflect on Christ's suffering as he journeyed towards the cross and the events of Easter."
Christine adds, "It will help us to think and pray about our own lives too, and abut the people who are suffering in the world today."
 Each station takes a particular portion from the Easter story and draws a relevant theme from it. Visitors to the labyrinth are invited to linger at one station or pass by another, and to go at their own pace, overtaking other people if necessary.
Over the next two weeks, Christine expects classes of school children to come in a follow the labyrinth. This will allow them to become acquainted with the story of Jesus and also to discover prayer.
 There are some wonderful prayer stations to sit at, interact with, for meditation and contemplation. There is a section focussing on those imprisoned for their faith (above). Particularly visually outstanding is The Tomb (left).
St Mary's is an ancient church with a history of medieval pilgrimage, so the labyrinth is very appropriate. Believers have been gathering in that building to worship and pray for something like 850 years. Some readers may remember the 24-7 prayer weeks that St Mary's hosted and the very special atmosphere that the building lent to those times - especially in the middle of a windy winter's night, with the candles dancing in all the draughts, or as the sun comes up on a clear summer's morning, the stained glass windows colours spreading across the whitewash walls.
The labyrinth is open daily from 10am to 12 noon and 2 to 4pm until Good Friday.
For further information please contact Christine (right) via the Grays Team Ministry , www.GraysThurrockTeamMinistry.org.
St Mary's is in Dock Road, Little Thurrock, Grays, near the roundabout by Tyrell's Hall Club at the bottom of Rectory Road. The old 'Little Thurrock School' next door has a distinctive clock tower.
|
Tim Harrold, 29/03/2010 |
|
|
