The labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral uses the same plan as this. You walk in silence, praying as you go, pausing in the middle and then continuing the journey round the labyrinth, and exiting.

The contemporary version uses a different plan shape printed onto a large canvas – this picture shows a labyrinth in use at St Paul’s Cathedral in 2000. Our labyrinth will be very similar to this, providing focus for prayer on the labyrinth itself. You may be asked to stop and reflect on how God sees you, and what you think about God, or to pray for the world. You can spend as little or as long as you choose at each ‘prayer station’ before continuing round the labyrinth.

The central space is a place of prayer, with candle, bread and wine. Above it are 'Letting Go' with pebbles and water, and 'Planet' with video and seed-planting. On the right is the mirror of 'Self'. The visitors' book is upper left. The CD track numbers are marked on the floor to aid the walkers.

Walking a labyrinth is an ancient form of prayer. You may be familiar with the labyrinth laid out on the Chartres Cathedral, which was sometimes used by pilgrims as part of the walk to Santiago de compostela. Today’s version provides ‘stopping places’ around the labyrinth for reflection and prayer. A labyrinth is one-way, you cannot get lost (like in a maze), it is a journey to the centre and back out again. The journey may be a personal inward journey, or a pilgrimage to meet with God. The labyrinth can be walked using a CD headphones providing music and spoken words, or using printed materials. Walking the labyrinth may take just 5 minutes, but most people spend between 30 and 45 minutes.

St John’s Church will be open at various times over the weekend, as not everyone will be able to walk the labyrinth at the same time. While you are waiting, or after you have finished, we will provide a quiet, relaxed space, (with a cup of coffee!), so that you can continue your reflections and, if you choose, talk with others about the experience.

On Sunday morning, we will be open from 10am, with an act of worship at 10:30am for 30 minutes. There will be other worship or learning activities available between 11 and 11:30am, as well as coffee flowing freely until 12. You can walk the labyrinth at any time between 10am and 12noon.

On Sunday evening we are inviting members of the different Potters Bar Churches to join us for a special United Service. The Service is to walk the labyrinth and the labyrinth will be open between 6pm and 8pm. At 7:45pm we will conclude with a short time of corporate worship.”

For more background information on walking a labyrinth as a form of prayer see [ www.labyrinth.org.uk ].