HomeCommunityBargara Labyrinth a space for contemplation

Bargara Labyrinth a space for contemplation

The new Bargara labyrinth from the air. Photo: Stephen Walters

The Bargara Peace Prayer Labyrinth was recently dedicated as a space for contemplation at Bargara Uniting Church.

Cynthia Hoogstraten said the labyrinth is for all people and was made possible by a group of committed volunteers.

“The Bargara Peace Prayer Labyrinth is a sacred space for everyone to enjoy,” Cynthia said.

At the dedication, church and community leaders made speeches about the importance of the new labyrinth.

Cynthia said it was great to see people with different faiths come together.

Ray of light and hope

Rev Jenny Lynn cuts the ribbon at the Bargara Labyrinth
Rev Jenny Lynn cuts the ribbon at the dedication of the new labyrinth at Bargara.

“The creation of this labyrinth is a ray of light and hope. It shows that there is a community who cares about our world and each other.

“It has started a conversation. I have witnessed people visibly moved emotionally by walking the labyrinth. I have personally experienced it.

“May this sacred space create meaning in the lives of our community. We look forward to witnessing the positive feedback.

“Thank you to the Uniting Church and to a dedicated team of helpers — Heidi Brown, Ross and Ramona Lane, Bill and Jackie Moorhead, Dale, my husband David and Rev Jenny Lynn who could see the benefits for not only her congregation but for the wider community.”

Bill Moorhead became involved over a coffee at Bargara’s Sea Bean Cafe.

“We were discussing the possibility of a community labyrinth and where that could be placed,” Bill said.

“When Reverend Jenny Lynn offered to put it in the Uniting Church grounds I offered to provide the rocks from our new Bargara Headlands development.”

Providing the right rocks

Bargara Labyrinth view
The new Labyrinth in the grounds of the Uniting Church at Bargara

“It was important that the rocks were of a certain size – big enough to stand out but small enough to move,” Bill said.

“It was also important that they were all sandy coloured.”

People can visit the Bargara Peace Prayer Labyrinth at any time.

They'll find it in the grounds of the Bargara Uniting Church on the corner of Hughes Road and Blain Street, Bargara (access via Blain Street).

Cynthia Hoogstraten and Ramona Lane are the Wide Bay representatives for the Australian Labyrinth Network. More details on the network can be found here.

A labyrinth is a meandering path, often unicursal, with a singular path leading to a centre.

Labyrinths are an ancient archetype dating back 4000 years or more, used symbolically, as a walking meditation, choreographed dance, or site of rituals and ceremony among other things.

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