By Emma Farmer of Nuneaton, British Isles
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
(shared as part of the International Leaders Meeting, June 2025)
I was blessed to be a part of my congregation’s leadership team. During this time, there was a vision of creating a labyrinth on an unused grassy area at the rear of the church. Plans were sketched and work began.
It was during this work time that I felt the spirit working with us. Time spent together with conversation and laughter, as well as hours of hard work, made this vision happen.
The labyrinth and the garden were created not only for our congregation in Nuneaton, British Isles, but for a neighbouring community. We held open days and invited people to come and see what we had created. Although this was not as popular as we would have liked, we did not give up. We continued to open the gates and invite, and we will continue to open those gates and be welcoming to whoever may visit. We invited a school; they attend weekly, and this gave the students joy and happiness as they built bug hotels and planted bulbs. We were able to provide a safe area outdoors for them to experience the garden and labyrinth. The labyrinth has been used for worship, fellowship, and most recently for World Labyrinth Day. The garden is a space where you can just be, surrounded by colour, nature, and your thoughts.
I know this space has not only brought me joy but also friendships and blessings. Being outside, taking your mind away from busy lives, can feel quite spiritual and leave me refreshed.
My hope is that the community and school children have also been blessed when they are here experiencing the labyrinth. I hope they take away memories to share.
Prayer Phrase
“For in him all things…were created…” (Colossians 1:16).
The International Community
Find (or imagine) a globe or map of the world. Look at all the nations and find a country other than your own. Notice the geographic distance between your homeland and this one. Picture a person living there. Pray for this person. Sense God’s love connecting you just as the oceans connect the continents. Thank God for the spiritual connection you have with all of God’s people around the globe. Ask a blessing on the church as a community sharing Christ’s peace, drawing all into the family of God.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.