The Reflectionary

What would you do if I told you that Lent is only 11 weeks away?

If someone told me that in the middle of Advent, I’d probably kick their ankles.

Nevertheless, it is so.

But panic not, fair reader. I have the perfect pre-Lent prep for you. You may have seen my upcoming book, 40 Days with Labyrinths, (discount code below) and I am running a series of labyrinth workshops to go with the book – the perfect introduction to this ancient spiritual practice and a great way to jump-start your Lent.

Booking Now Open!

I have some dates free Jan to March, so if you would like to book a labyrinth workshop for your school, church, youth group, ladies’ fellowship etc, get in contact: fay (at) fayrowland.co.uk

There has been a lot of interest in the book already, so have a look at your diary and pick your date before someone else snaffles it. (Sorry, US / Australasian readers, UK venues only.)

What do Workshops Include?

Workshops include laying out a full-sized labyrinth (indoors or outdoors, subject to space) if wanted; how to draw your own finger labyrinths; printed labyrinths to take home; prayer-based meditation and a guided labyrinth walk. Time, from 1 hour upwards.

I can also run a sewn labyrinth craft, which can be used in addition or as a stand-alone event. This takes from 2 hours upwards. Every participant will make a lap-sized sewn labyrinth to take home. Basic sewing skills required (ie, threading a needle, not stabbing yourself). This is a lovely, soothing experience with Bible readings and music to accompany the sewing.

Flyers will be available closer to publication. Let me know if you want some.

The labyrinth workshop costs £50, or free if you host a bookstall of my books. I’m also happy to sign books. (Generally my own, but I’ll sign anything, quite frankly.)

The sewing workshop costs £50  for up to 10 people, all materials included, £10 for every extra 3 people.

Travel expenses in addition.

And cake. Always cake.

(Mileage calculated from my home in the English Midlands, near to Wellingborough @ 40p per mile.)

Discount Code!

Here’s the book on Darton, Longman and Todd’s website – launch date Jan 27th and available for pre-order right now!

Order your copy from dltbooks.com and get 35% off using the code labyrinth at checkout.

From Jan 27th, it will also be for sale from Amazon, Eden, Barnes and Noble, Waterstones etc and your favourite Christian bookstore. If they don’t have it in stock, ask them to order in. I also hope to have plentiful supplies at Launde Abbey and Ely Cathedral, where you can walk full-sized labyrinths as well.

Here’s the blurb from the back of the book:

Labyrinths have been a treasured part of Christian spirituality for centuries. The journey along a winding path, with twists and turns, unexpected obstacles, and the satisfaction of reaching journey’s end, creates an ideal opportunity for mindful and prayerful reflection upon our lives and God’s plan for us.
In this book, Fay Rowland presents a brilliant modern take on Bible study and labyrinth-walking. She offers forty short, biblical meditations on the challenges and blessings of daily life, each accompanied by a labyrinth illustration which you can ‘walk’ – just with your finger, or perhaps with colouring pens or pencils – as you reflect on the reading.

As in life, some of the labyrinth journeys are simple, while others present a more complicated path!

40 Days with Labyrinths is ideal for personal reflection during Lent or at any other time of year.

Fay Rowland is a mum and mathematician, Trekkie and theologian, scientist and sewing ninja. She writes intergenerational Christian resources, including a number of books, and her interests include the overlap of science and faith, children’s spirituality and beautiful algebra. She lives in the English Midlands with her pet dragon.