Thanks to Jameson’s Irish Bar for their support.
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in West St. Paul added an outdoor labyrinth thanks to a grant from Age-Friendly Minnesota.
“We hope all who walk the labyrinth find peace.”
Elaine Hause, a member of the church council at Salem and in charge of outreach
Why a labyrinth?: “Using the labyrinth pattern can provide intentional time to unwind and think while also moving the body with low impact exercise,” said Hause. “Some may walk the labyrinth to help find inner healing and release negative emotions; others to ponder a question or problem and to listen for guidance.”
- Salem members planted gardens and trees around the labyrinth. They also plan to add more benches.
- The space is open to the community.
The grant: Age-Friendly Minnesota is a new grant program aimed at making Minnesota a better place to grow older, including opportunities to improve outdoor spaces.
- 93 projects were funded across the state for a total of $2.9 million.
- The state grant program covered 75% of the cost and a bequest covered the remainder.
Community space: “Salem has a practice of maximizing use of our campus and facilities to benefit our community,” Hause said.
- A number of outside groups use the church, including Alcoholics Anonymous, River Heights Chorale (a community choir), three other local community congregations (two are Spanish-speaking), St. Paul Winter Carnival Klondike Kates and Senior Royalty Association, Dakota Squares (square dance group), a centering prayer group, and more.
- In 2019, Salem added 1,200 square feet of gardens, including a large rain garden, that are enjoyed by the community.
Dedication: Salem will have a formal dedication ceremony for the labyrinth on September 17 at 11:00 a.m. The community is invited to the dedication, which will include treats, yard games, and more. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets.
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