THE SABBATH CENTER

Wednesdays during Lent, 2007.

The Sabbath Center was a place set apart to experience and experiment with ancient spiritual practices. It also contained contemporary resources for spiritual exploration and encounters with God.

Everyone was invited to visit and explore this place for nourishing the Spirit of God. It was a sacred space and holy ground, so visitors took off their shoes if they wanted. They were encouraged to:

• Take their time – The exercises and practices experienced in the Sabbath Center took time and were best if not rushed. One or two things were chosen to do each time.
• Find their Own Way – The Sabbath Center was self-guided. No one told you what to do. What drew your attention or interest was considered, then pursued. If you needed assistance, someone was available at the Welcome Table each Wednesday evening.
• Something for Everyone – Each of us has unique abilities, interests, and preferences. The Sabbath Center was designed to have something for everyone.
• Shared Space – For some this place was a place to retreat and be alone with God. For others it was a place to engage in practices with others.

Examples of What Was Found at the Sabbath Center:

• Scents and Savor – Experience tastes and aromas that awaken us to God.
• Sights and Sounds - Listen to a variety of recordings of chant, Taize and music for prayer.
• Prayer Wall – Read and post your own prayers and petitions on the prayer wall.
• Watercolor Painting – Express your faith through colors and images.
• Spiritual Journals – Record your various encounters with God as you reflect on your unique spiritual journey.
• Contemplative Prayer – Learn to focus on who God is as you meditate on simple phrases, words or images of God.
• Gift of Water – Reflect on the meaning of your baptism as you experience the soothing comfort of various fountains.
• Labyrinth - Walk the labyrinth and reflect on where you are in your life; become aware of what is inside and slowly begin your journey into the center of the labyrinth; be aware of what rises within you; then begin the journey out from the center.

Video of the Sabath Center:

The 90-second video below gives you a small glimpse of setting up and using the large labyrinth, a few of the stations Click one of the start arrows to see a video. Select the smaller video if your service is dial-up.