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  815 Wilmot Road, Deerfield, IL 60015  ·   847.945.1678  ·   Giving

St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
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The Labyrinth at St. Gregory's

We are not merely human beings on a spiritual
path,
but spiritual beings on a human path.
Jean Shinoda Bolen

What are Labyrinths?

The labyrinth is for those on a spiritual journey, for anyone seeking healing of one sort or another, for people in transition, meaning, purpose, understanding, and peace.

The most ancient and universal labyrinths fall into the classical variety, which usually have seven paths but can have three, eleven, fifteen or more circuits, or paths.

The most famous labyrinth of historical times is the one laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral just west of Paris, France. Built around 1220, countless pilgrims have walked this design as a spiritual meditation.

St Gregory's labyrinth is modeled after the Chartres design, having eleven concentric circles surrounding a rosette center. You too may rediscover a long forgotten mystical tradition

You are invited to walk our labyrinth. It is unicursal: there is a single path into and out of the center. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth presents no dead ends or false turns.

Walking the Labyrinth

There is no wrong way to walk a labyrinth. You may intentionally choose an attitude. Make it serious, prayerful or playful. Play music or sing; pray aloud; walk alone or with others; notice the sky; listen to the sounds. Most of all be mindful of your experience.

Walking a labyrinth is a chance to take a "time out" from our busy lives, leading to discovery, peacefulness, and insight. One approach to the walk itself may consist of threefold path of

  • Purgation. From the entrance to the center is the path of "letting go" There is a release and an emptying of worries and concerns.
  • Illumination. At the center of the labyrinth is insight, clarity, wisdom, and focus. It is here that you are in a receptive, prayerful, meditative state.
  • Integration. The path out is that of becoming grounded and gaining insight. Returning to the world, but returning transformed by the experience. Taking what was received with you into your everyday world.

Labyrinth's History

Labyrinths are an archetype, a divine imprint found in all religions traditions in various forms around the world. From ancient times, the labyrinth has been used to enhance the practice of walking-mediation and prayer.

Labyrinths have been known to the human race for over 4,000 years. Remains of the first known labyrinth have been found on the island of Crete. The earliest Christian labyrinth was most likely found in the 4th century basilica of Reparatus, Orleansville in Algeria. Labyrinth flourished throughout the 11th and 12th centuries in both France and Italy.

It is believed that during the Middle Ages, the cathedrals with labyrinths in Europe were designated as pilgrimage centers for those who wished to go to the Holy Land. Because of the great danger in traveling to Jerusalem at the time, as well as the cost people who desired ti make the sacrificial act of pilgrimage would walk in one of these cathedrals.

Most recent information asserts that labyrinths were used a s place to re-enact through dance and song Christ's Easter victories over death and hell.


St. Gregory's History

laybyrinth-in-snow_287 In the spring of 1999, a dedicated group of women parishioners replicated the Chartres' Labyrinth. St. Gregory's labyrinth is located at the north end of our parking lot and is open year round.






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815 Wilmot Road · Deerfield, IL 60015
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Service Times

Onsite AND Online worship - at the same time, at 9:30am starting in Advent!

God willing and supply chains cooperating, technology accessibility will be installed in our worship space in time for us to incorporate all of our worship into one service on Sunday mornings. The new cameras, sound system, and screen will allow our zoom worshippers to continue to participate and lead worship, and our onsite worshippers to see them and share in the sacred space together.

The new time (9:30am Central time) takes into account the desires and needs of the diverse part of the body of Christ that comes together as StGs Sunday worship community. We will try this time out for a season or two and see how it settles into our rhythm of life.


Click here to link to Sunday Worship page to join our services online and see past videos,




Location

St. Gregory's Episcopal Church
815 Wilmot Road
Deerfield, IL 60015

Contact Us
847.945.1678

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Welcome to St. Gregory's – virtually! We know that the church is not the building in which we worship – but the people who worship and share God’s love with the world. In this time of social distancing, we will practice connectivity in new and powerful ways, for we know we all are connected as one in the Lord. Life is very different than we knew it to be, and yet our anchor in God’s love remains the same. All shall be well!

We are people from all walks of life and all parts of Chicagoland. Most people who worship here didn’t grow up Episcopalian, but seek to radiate God’s grace by gathering community and sharing joy and hope in the world. Join us however works for you: participate in Zoom worship, follow our livestream, help us give to the community, read with our kids, or even be a pen pal to get to know someone new.

Online Worship

Everyone is experiencing the Pandemic in different ways. Many people are experiencing deeper loss than they ever have before, and we are here to support them during this time. If you are experiencing loss and grief, we are here to pray with you, talk with you, and help financially.

The Body of Christ exists to care for each other. Sometimes we can be generous, and sometimes we receive generosity. Both are equal acts of faith and grace, and one cannot exist without the other.

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