The First Presbyterian Church of Parkersburg, 1341 Juliana St., will observe World Labyrinth Day, internationally celebrated at 1 p.m. the first Saturday in May with Walk as One at 1.

The moving meditation for peace is held across the world in each time zone at 1 p.m. The Labyrinth Society and partner organizations sponsor World Labyrinth Day.

First Presbyterian Church has a permanent, outdoor labyrinth. First Parkersburg’s in-person Labyrinth Walk will be from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. regardless of the weather. Finger labyrinths and light refreshments will also be available.

“We have hosted labyrinth walks in the past and our labyrinth is open all year for anyone who desires to come for a time of personal reflection and prayer,” said Mikki Bosley, one of four people on the planning committee. “Our Labyrinth is open 24 hours a day and visitors are welcome to walk it whenever they feel drawn to come. We have visitors that walk the path at night and pray.”

While First Parkersburg was built in 1960, the addition of the prayer garden was added around 2001. At this same time, a committee was formed hoping to install a labyrinth within the prayer garden and longtime member, Smoot Fahlgren, offered to help build the labyrinth in memory of his wife, Judith Ann Fahlgren, a dedicated member of First Parkersburg.

With the labyrinth in mind, the prayer garden was designed in the shape of Ichthus, a Christian fish symbol.

Bosley believes the labyrinth helps others see God as the walk has a winding path to a center point, symbolizing a journey with God.

“Labyrinths can be a reflection of our journey here on earth and can be a time to quiet the mind, refresh and heal the spirit, and open your heart to God,” she said.

Bosley encourages others to remember the three R’s when walking the Labyrinth: Release, a time to quiet the mind, let go of worries, release burdens, and seek clarity; Receive, once you reach the center, take time to pause and reflect; this is the time for meditation, stillness and healing; and Return, reflect on the journey and carry the peace back with you into the world.

The planning team is looking forward to bringing the community together as part of the international movement, passing peaceful energy from one time zone to the next.

“We hope that each person who attends finds space and time for personal reflection, meditation and spiritual healing. We may be just one small place here in this world, but we can all be part of a something larger: a shared movement toward peace, connection and hope.”

For more information contact First Presbyterian Church, Parkersburg, at 304-422-5426, or call Senta Goudy, 850-591-0376. The link to World Labyrinth Day is https://www.worldlabyrinthday.org/