LONGPORT – Episcopal priest John Baker spends two weeks each summer ministering at the Church of the Redeemer, a beacon of faith for those who summer in Longport. When church leaders asked him to do a talk on the labyrinth outside the church, he jumped at the opportunity.
“The labyrinth has been a part of my spiritual growth for a long time,” Rev. Baker said, addressing the crowd gathered inside the magnificently rebuilt church that burned to the ground during the freak derecho storm of July 2012.
The 11-circuit labyrinth was first painted on a 42-foot diameter slab of concrete outside the church in 2000. It was a gift to the community by church member and teacher Milda Clucas Balch in memory of her husband Bertram.
Despite the presence of fire trucks and heavy equipment used to demolish and remove what was left of the church after the fire, the concrete remained unscathed. Church elders made sure the labyrinth that served as a refuge for visitors seeking inner peace was repainted.
Labyrinths have been around since the 1600s, Rev. Baker said.
“There are many fact-based and mathematical stories about labyrinths, but I’m not here for that. This is a day to talk about what it’s like to walk the labyrinth. It has to do with your experience,” he said.
Rev. Baker said that he was at a turning point in his life about 40 years ago, when his friend and advisor told him to “just go for a walk” for guidance.
“I walked and carried my questions with me. After a few walks, I started hearing from myself in a way I never did before,” he said. “In walking, I realized I was not alone. There was someone with me.”
Rev. Baker said walking the labyrinth in silent mediation helped center him and freed his mind to talk to the divine.
Regardless of religion or belief, intentional walking and mindfulness can reveal what all human beings intuitively know is waiting for them, he said.
“The labyrinth is not a church thing,” he said. “I understand why people are not sure what church is all about. Walking the labyrinth will show a bigger take on life and not only make ourselves available to God, but also to ourselves.”
Rev. Baker said he often sees people walking the labyrinth that he never sees in church.
“Church of the Redeemer makes the path available for anyone who wants to walk it,” he said.
He could not say what would happen for each individual who decides to walk the path, which is estimated to be a quarter-mile long.
“That’s up to you,” he said. “Just begin with the trust that someone will be walking with you. Trust your feet to take you where you need to go. Walk with a question like I did, or simply surrender.”
About 50 people attended the talk and walked the labyrinth together. They stepped inside the meeting room to enjoy some light fare and refreshments before they were treated to a free bagpipe concert offered by the Atlantic City Fire Department Sandpipers Pipe and Drum Band.
“It was much longer than I thought,” one person said.
Another said at first, she was distracted “but after awhile I put all thoughts out of my head.”
Although the church is only open during the summer season, the labyrinth is open 24-7 year-round. The church is located at 20th and Atlantic avenues.
