Lakeshore Memorial Chapel

Recent renovations have improved the appearance and functionality of the labyrinth and ensured that it will endure for generations to come.Labyrinths are used by many cultures and religious traditions for walking meditation or paths of prayer. Christians began using labyrinths in the Middle Ages as a physical metaphor for going on a transformational spiritual journey to the heart of God through Jesus Christ.Anyone is welcome to use the labyrinth at Lake Junaluska. It is located in the lawn beside Memorial Chapel, near the lakeshore and along the Lake Junaluska Walking Trail. Users follow a winding path that is level to the ground to the center and back out.Lake Junaluska is hosting a free workshop on Thursday, April 5, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in Memorial Chapel to learn ways to use labyrinths — with a group or as an individual — for joy and celebration, processing grief, seeking healing, and enrichment of everyday prayer. Rev. Mitzi Johnson, director of programming at Lake Junaluska, will lead the workshop. Everyone is welcome to attend.A Service of Dedication will take place following the workshop at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the recent renovation of the prayer labyrinth.The Lake Junaluska labyrinth was originally built in 2001. It was made possible by Jimmy Carr, former executive director of Lake Junaluska, and his wife Joy, who wanted to create a sacred space for spiritual transformation. Over time, the dirt path, which was sunken below the level of the grass, began to deteriorate, and it became clear that updates were needed. The original path of the labyrinth remains the same, now with a sturdy base of crushed stone and concrete in which specially cut Tennessee Flagstone was set. The path is level with the grass.The refurbishment was completely funded through the generous gifts of multiple donors. Charitable giving is vital to the sustainability and improvement of the lake and grounds at Lake Junaluska. For more information on giving, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/support. (Smoky Mountain News)