C A M P U S
Our 42-acre campus invites you to meet God in nature.
St. Thomas’ is blessed with an extraordinary campus that is accredited as a Level 1 Arboretum. We are dedicated to cultivating our landscape guided by the principles of beauty, functionality, environmental sustainability, and historic preservation. It all contributes to an overall sense of welcome, comfort and joy for parishioners, visitors, and the surrounding community. The Arboretum is free and open to the public. Join us for Carillon Concerts on the lawn, nature walks, peaceful meditation on our Labyrinth or gardens, historical events, and more.
“We have a historical property rooted in ancient faith, but we are meeting God today in God’s own green country. We are a congregation that is rooted in this land, but we are looking forward, ready for the light of God to shine through us.”
—The Rev. Amy Crawford, Associate Rector of St. Thomas’
The Labyrinth
The labyrinth at St. Thomas offers a means of active prayer. It provides a quiet space for walking and reflection in a beautiful outdoor setting that reminds us of the wonders of God’s creation. There are many benefits to walking the labyrinth, including quieting the mind, stirring creativity within, providing peace during times of sorrow or strife, and inspiring gratitude for God’s love.
The patterns of the labyrinth are ancient and found in cultures around the world in many different forms. The labyrinth entered Christian prayer life during the Middle Ages. The Medieval Eleven Circuit Labyrinth, placed in Chartres Cathedral, France, in 1201, is the model for the pattern found on the grounds of St. Thomas’ Church.
Today, people around the world use the labyrinth to quiet the mind, to find balance, and to encourage insight and celebration. Labyrinths are open to all people as a non-denominational, cross-cultural tool of well-being and are now found at sites as varied as medical centers, prisons, spas, and memorial parks. In the English language, the words labyrinth and maze are incorrectly used interchangeably. The labyrinth differs from a maze in that it has only one path, and there are no dead ends.
St Thomas’ Labyrinth is free to use for the general public. However, groups can reserve private use of the labyrinth for special events. For more information, please contact Sarah Elliot or Pam Jameson.
Labyrinth FAQs
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The Labyrinth is located beside our church. Follow the stone path to the entrance of the labyrinth. The wooden stand at the entrance provides helpful information.
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Yes! Parishioners and visitors are invited to walk at any time during daylight hours. More than one person may be on the labyrinth at any given time. There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth. Everyone walks at their own speed with their own thoughts and intentions. So, don’t hesitate to start your walk if someone is already on the path. Just be mindful of others and approach the labyrinth quietly.
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Yes! Walking in a group builds community and strengthens connections. Whether you are with family members, friends, or co-workers, walking together offers time for fellowship, celebration, mutual support or shared intention.
Recommended Prayers for Before, During, or After Walking the Labyrinth
A Prayer by Thomas Merton
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
“A Blessing for the Journey” from Walk in a Relaxed Manner: Life Lessons from the Camino by Macrina Wiederkehr
May flowers spring up where your feet touch the earth.
May the feet that walked before you bless your every step.
May the weather that’s important be the weather of your heart.
May all of your intentions find their way into the heart of God.
May your prayers be like flowers strewn for other pilgrims.
May your heart find meaning in unexpected events.
May friends who are praying for you carry you along the way.
May friends who are praying for you be carried in your heart.
May the circle of life encircle you along the way.
May the broken world ride on your shoulders.
May you carry your joy and your grief in the backpack of your soul.
May you remember all the circles of prayer throughout the world.
The Labyrinth Path
by Halli Chambers
Walk with a sense of humor;
It will ease your burdens.
Walk with a sense of adventure,
And be open to new possibilities.
Walk with a sense of gratitude,
And be receptive to abundance.
Walk with a sense of JOY,
And experience joy with others.
Walk connected to the Earth,
And be grounded in your world.
Walk connected to others,
And have love in your heart.
Walk with intention,
And create your reality.
Walk with God,
And find your place
In this Universe.
St. Thomas’ Harmony Walking Trail
To encourage our community to explore and enjoy our beautiful campus, a one-mile walking path around campus integrates many points of interest, history, and sustainability. Please use this Google map link to follow along or look for paper maps if needed in the sign by the church front entrance (please return or recycle). Look for the QR codes along the path to discover more information along the way.
Please watch for traffic as much of the path is along our existing roads, and watch your footing along uneven ground. Finally, please respect our environment and church setting. Carry-in/carry-out all belongings and trash.
This path was designed and executed by Hagan Werner, High School Senior in 2023, working with Kay Sheldon from the Landscape Commission, and Julie Lawson and Bevan Moscovici from the History Committee. He wishes to thank his generous sponsors who contributed to the costs of the trail, including the QR posts and Lookout Point.
Tom Morgan
Cheryl Brown
Rob & Jane Hamilton
Harry McCord
Shawn McNally
Susan Nielson
Laura Thayer
Beth O'Boyle
Ginny McNally
Sharon & Mike Werner
Brenda Doll
Kristin Slawson
Margaret Davenport
Jen Deetz
Marggy Ells
Michael Smith
Beth Thorp
Harry McVey
James Miller
Erica Moyer
Phil Anspach
Matt Cooley
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