May 3, 2026

World Labyrinth Day at St. Barnabas

A global moment of reflection, prayer, and peace


St. Barnabas Episcopal Church observed World Labyrinth Day by opening the outdoor labyrinth for visitors throughout the day, including the shared “Walk as One” moment at 1:00 PM.


Located just south of the church, the labyrinth offers a quiet place to walk, pause, reflect, and pray. Some visitors came for a few minutes, while others spent more time in the center, allowing the stillness of the desert setting to guide their experience.


“You do not have to know the right words or follow a certain tradition,” Fr. David Madsen said. “The labyrinth welcomes anyone seeking peace, clarity, or a moment to breathe.”


Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has one path to the center and one path back out. Its 11-circuit design is modeled after the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France.


“The labyrinth offers a quiet way to pause, pray, and listen for the presence of God in the stillness,” Madsen said.



World Labyrinth Day is observed around the world each year as people walk with a shared intention for peace. At St. Barnabas, the day offered a simple and meaningful opportunity to slow down, release burdens, and return to daily life with a centered spirit.

May 3, 2026
The Timeless Path The labyrinth is ancient, but it never grows old. Its winding path, carried across centuries, awaits each new set of footsteps to bring it to life again. This journey connects the present to the past, inviting walkers to participate in a tradition that has endured through countless generations. Labyrinths Through History Labyrinths have appeared on cave walls and cathedral floors, in stories and in stones. They survive in the quiet memory of pilgrims who walked when they could not travel, trusting that God can be found not only in faraway places but in the turning of an ordinary path. Each labyrinth, whether carved in rock or laid in tile, represents a spiritual journey shared by many throughout history. The Nature of the Labyrinth A labyrinth is not a puzzle to be solved. There are no tricks or dead ends—just a way inward and a way out. Its design reflects the spiritual journey: circling, returning, opening, and never quite the same twice. Walking the labyrinth mirrors the unfolding of inner life, gently guiding the walker toward deeper understanding. Reasons for Walking People walk labyrinths for many reasons: to grieve, to listen, to breathe, to lay something down, or to pick something up again. Some carry a question, others a burden, and some walk with empty hands, discovering that emptiness itself can be enough. The motivations are as varied as the individuals who walk, each finding their own meaning in the journey. The Experience of Walking Step by step, the body slows, the mind softens, and the heart begins to speak. The center holds the walker for a moment before the path leads them home. The act of walking the labyrinth creates space for reflection and renewal, allowing the journey to shape both the traveler and the destination. A Personal Encounter Though the labyrinth is old, each encounter is new. The path remains ancient, yet every prayer and intention brought to it is unique to the individual. The labyrinth offers a timeless space for spiritual practice, welcoming all who seek its quiet wisdom.
April 9, 2026
Community Art Workshop Near Borrego Springs A new Creative Workshop in Salton City is bringing families together each week, just a short drive from Borrego Springs. The first gathering welcomed nearly a dozen children, offering a simple but meaningful space for creativity, connection, and community. Hosted in partnership with Rostros y Corazon Vamos Juntos and supported by St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs, the workshop is part of a growing effort to expand outreach and provide opportunities for families across the region. A Weekly Space for Creativity The workshop takes place every Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 2198 Cleveland Ave in Salton City. Open to all ages, the program is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and family-friendly. Participants can take part in hands-on creative activities while spending time together in a supportive environment. The goal is simple—create a space where kids and families can gather, express themselves, and build community. Growing Community Participation The strong turnout during the first session reflects interest from local families and highlights the need for consistent, community-based activities in the area. Organizers hope to continue building participation in the coming weeks. How to Support Community members can support the workshop by spreading the word or donating new art supplies. Donations help ensure the program can continue to grow and reach more families. To donate supplies or get involved, contact: info@stbarnabasborregosprings.org Financial donations can be made here: https://www.gotoborregosprings.com/rostros-y-corazon-vamos-juntos The Creative Workshop continues every Friday evening in Salton City, offering a new opportunity for families in and around Borrego Springs to come together through art.
April 8, 2026
Today, the President of the United States posted on social media a threat to kill an entire civilization. I hope and pray that this threat does not materialize. Such a threat of wanton destruction of a civilization violates every Christian principle, including the long tradition of “just war” theory in Christian theology. We follow a Lord who commanded us to love others as he has loved us. Threats to civilians and civilian infrastructure are serious failures of obedience to the Lord of love. In such a time, it is tempting to feel powerless. Most of us do not believe we can influence the president’s state of mind or intentions directly. There are, however, steps we can take in these moments. One action you may choose to take is to contact your elected representatives and urge them to pursue peace and restraint, using a website such as https://democracy.io , which lets you look up and message your representatives directly. And I believe that prayer is effective. I therefore ask you to join me in prayer for peace, that the violence in Iran does not escalate to a level that poses a serious threat to civilians or a civilization. Below are several petitions from the Great Litany, which we often pray on the first Sunday in Lent, followed by one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Though it is Easter season, it is always a good time to pray these prayers. Let us pray. That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all mankind, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  In Christ, The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
Show More
May 3, 2026
The Timeless Path The labyrinth is ancient, but it never grows old. Its winding path, carried across centuries, awaits each new set of footsteps to bring it to life again. This journey connects the present to the past, inviting walkers to participate in a tradition that has endured through countless generations. Labyrinths Through History Labyrinths have appeared on cave walls and cathedral floors, in stories and in stones. They survive in the quiet memory of pilgrims who walked when they could not travel, trusting that God can be found not only in faraway places but in the turning of an ordinary path. Each labyrinth, whether carved in rock or laid in tile, represents a spiritual journey shared by many throughout history. The Nature of the Labyrinth A labyrinth is not a puzzle to be solved. There are no tricks or dead ends—just a way inward and a way out. Its design reflects the spiritual journey: circling, returning, opening, and never quite the same twice. Walking the labyrinth mirrors the unfolding of inner life, gently guiding the walker toward deeper understanding. Reasons for Walking People walk labyrinths for many reasons: to grieve, to listen, to breathe, to lay something down, or to pick something up again. Some carry a question, others a burden, and some walk with empty hands, discovering that emptiness itself can be enough. The motivations are as varied as the individuals who walk, each finding their own meaning in the journey. The Experience of Walking Step by step, the body slows, the mind softens, and the heart begins to speak. The center holds the walker for a moment before the path leads them home. The act of walking the labyrinth creates space for reflection and renewal, allowing the journey to shape both the traveler and the destination. A Personal Encounter Though the labyrinth is old, each encounter is new. The path remains ancient, yet every prayer and intention brought to it is unique to the individual. The labyrinth offers a timeless space for spiritual practice, welcoming all who seek its quiet wisdom.
April 9, 2026
Community Art Workshop Near Borrego Springs A new Creative Workshop in Salton City is bringing families together each week, just a short drive from Borrego Springs. The first gathering welcomed nearly a dozen children, offering a simple but meaningful space for creativity, connection, and community. Hosted in partnership with Rostros y Corazon Vamos Juntos and supported by St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Borrego Springs, the workshop is part of a growing effort to expand outreach and provide opportunities for families across the region. A Weekly Space for Creativity The workshop takes place every Friday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at 2198 Cleveland Ave in Salton City. Open to all ages, the program is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and family-friendly. Participants can take part in hands-on creative activities while spending time together in a supportive environment. The goal is simple—create a space where kids and families can gather, express themselves, and build community. Growing Community Participation The strong turnout during the first session reflects interest from local families and highlights the need for consistent, community-based activities in the area. Organizers hope to continue building participation in the coming weeks. How to Support Community members can support the workshop by spreading the word or donating new art supplies. Donations help ensure the program can continue to grow and reach more families. To donate supplies or get involved, contact: info@stbarnabasborregosprings.org Financial donations can be made here: https://www.gotoborregosprings.com/rostros-y-corazon-vamos-juntos The Creative Workshop continues every Friday evening in Salton City, offering a new opportunity for families in and around Borrego Springs to come together through art.
April 8, 2026
Today, the President of the United States posted on social media a threat to kill an entire civilization. I hope and pray that this threat does not materialize. Such a threat of wanton destruction of a civilization violates every Christian principle, including the long tradition of “just war” theory in Christian theology. We follow a Lord who commanded us to love others as he has loved us. Threats to civilians and civilian infrastructure are serious failures of obedience to the Lord of love. In such a time, it is tempting to feel powerless. Most of us do not believe we can influence the president’s state of mind or intentions directly. There are, however, steps we can take in these moments. One action you may choose to take is to contact your elected representatives and urge them to pursue peace and restraint, using a website such as https://democracy.io , which lets you look up and message your representatives directly. And I believe that prayer is effective. I therefore ask you to join me in prayer for peace, that the violence in Iran does not escalate to a level that poses a serious threat to civilians or a civilization. Below are several petitions from the Great Litany, which we often pray on the first Sunday in Lent, followed by one of my favorite prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Though it is Easter season, it is always a good time to pray these prayers. Let us pray. That it may please thee so to rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States, and all others in authority, that they may do justice, and love mercy, and walk in the ways of truth, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to make wars to cease in all the world; to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord; and to bestow freedom upon all peoples; We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to support, help, and comfort all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. That it may please thee to have mercy upon all mankind, We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  In Christ, The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook
Show More

Share this article