Congregational Commons
First Congregational Church purchased the neighboring bank property in late 2016, to turn the once vacant drive-through and cracked asphalt into a green space and community asset.
The bank building now features an elevated stage approximately 27×14 feet, facing a concrete patio and an open park-like courtyard. Benches and colorful trees surround a large lawn, and the featured labyrinth. A flower garden, colorful art projects, and memorials complete the space.
We have already hosted several events and fundraisers at this space, and we welcome visitors to explore our labyrinth or contemplate life on one of our benches. We are also happy to accomodate larger groups, to host your event or celebration as well.
Please feel free to contact us at commons@ucccharlotte.org for more information.
Commons Labyrinth
About our Labyrinth
The Commons labyrinth measures 45′ across, and is based on the Chelsea 5-circuit design using a template from The Labyrinth Company in Kensington, CT. The path is 24″ wide and constructed of a bonded rubber mulch from American Modern Landscape, that is both soft and durable. The border between the paths is a 16″ gap, that contains soft groundcover plants (Sedum Hispanicum) and mulch.
A 4′ concrete medallion in the center is stamped with a colored lotus flower, symbolizing spiritual awakening and enlightenment. The walking distance of the labyrinth from start to finish is 871′, which is about 350 steps or 1/6 of a mile.
Embedded in the walking path are many small glow stones. After a bright sunny day, these will glow softly for a few hours, providing a “galaxy effect” of stars against the dark path material.
Click here for more information on the history of labyrinths.
News
Here’s a list of upcoming and recent posts:
Commons, Before and After
It's been nearly 2 1/2 years since the church first purchased the next door bank property. Look at the progress we've made in that time. (Special thanks to Ramona Kime for the progress pictures.) Read More...
Labyrinth Planet
"Labyrinth Planet" was created by Vincent Brady of Windwalker Underground Gallery here in Charlotte. If features the Congregational Commons labyrinth at night, and is the September image in the Windwalker 2019 Calendar. Read More...
Weekly Email 9-5-18
Happy Wednesday Everyone,
We have a big weekend coming up. The Commons Ribbon Cutting ceremony is finally here.
Ribbon Cutting will be at 4:00 p.m. Saturday. Join us and bring friends.
There will be a pulled pork meal (smoked for many hours by Matt Slot) for $8 plus water for $1 and cookies for $1.
Music will be provided ... Read More...
What is a Labyrinth?
A labyrinth has only a single path, with an unambiguous route to the center and back, and presents no navigational challenge. They are generally flat, made only of colored designs on a stone floor, printed onto a canvas cloth, or built from low stones and plants bordering a gravel path. Traversing a labyrinth is not a mental challenge, but a spiritual and meditative experience. Read More...
Weekly Email BLAST! 8-14-18
Hi All,
This week’s email blast begins with a message from the Moderator. The other updates will follow.
Friends, brothers and sisters:
At First Congregational, folks don’t sit around. The work of this summer has been three-fold: building the Commons and acquiring two ministers.
2018 will be remembered as the summer of the labyrinth. Those who’ve put sweat, money and brains ... Read More...