Sisters church dedicates labyrinth

Bishop Nedi Rivera dedicated the new Columbarium and Labyrinth at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Sisters on All Saints Sunday.

Bishop Rivera was assisted in the dedication by Transfiguration's rector, The Rev. Ted Rodrigues, and by Lee Henrich, Chairperson of the Transfiguration Foundation. Dreaming for these new facilities began in the late '90s, and the planning and funding have continued until construction. Many dedicated people worked tirelessly to make the project a reality.

A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that can be a tool for spiritual growth as individuals follow the path in meditation and contemplation. The church office has resources available on labyrinths and their many spiritual benefits. This new labyrinth joins the Sisters Community Labyrinth in offering the community two opportunities for a unique calming experience. The Community Labyrinth is a medieval pattern, seven-cycle, and the Transfiguration Labyrinth is an Abingdon pattern, six-cycle.

From the entrance, a labyrinth path progresses in one direction, gently moving back and forth, without any loops and no dead ends. A stone focal point in the center identifies the end of the inward path. It is common then to reverse direction and retreat slowly to the point of beginning.

The memorial garden includes columbarium niches in a stone wall and a scattering garden for the use of those in the congregation. It is a lovely spot in front of the church building and under the tall pines, offering an expansive view of the Three Sisters and Broken Top.

The public is invited to use the beautiful new labyrinth and stroll through the memorial garden. Special emphasis has been placed on assuring that the facilities are accessible. Any questions can be addressed to the church office.