The Rev. Nancy Lincoln Reynolds, pastor of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, comes to the parish Counseling and Care Center as early as 6 a.m. some mornings.

She’s not always the first one there.

“Sometimes I get here really early, and there are already people walking the labyrinth,” she said.

Nestled on a parcel next to the counseling center, the Labyrinth at Woods — a circular walking path 45 feet across designed to evoke reflection, meditation and movement for those who use it — often draws people at all hours of the day and night.

“It’s a good way to start your day,” said Lincoln Reynolds.

Labyrinths are circular walkways that have been used since ancient times, usually to promote reflection, prayer, spiritual balance and reduction of stress.

Since its dedication last fall, Woods' labyrinth has become not only a haven for the congregation’s 2,000 parishioners, but a tool in numerous counseling programs, a resource for residents of the adjacent Sunrise senior community and a favorite stopping point for local residents and casual passersby. It’s open to all. No appointment is needed, though small groups may arrange for a guided walk.

“It’s a spot for reflection, surrounded by nature,” said Nancy Sullivan, coordinator of Woods’ Counseling and Care Center. “It’s a respite from the hustle and bustle.”

This week, the center is hosting a training session on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the labyrinth to train members of Woods and representatives from area churches, therapists and others who wish to use the labyrinth to lead group walks — part of Woods’ philosophy that the labyrinth should be open as a resource for the overall Severna Park community.

The labyrinth path and an adjacent children’s garden will also be a center of attention for Woods’ “Kick-Off Sunday” event Sept. 10, an event that includes a picnic, food, music and information about church ministries.

For information on either event, call the church at 410-647-2550, the counseling center at 410-975-9605 or go to woodschurch.org.

The Labyrinth at Woods is a modern interpretation of a medieval version that exists at Chartres Cathedral in France. Its 30-inch-wide paths make it wheelchair-accessible, and benches are placed on either side of the pathway.

A small kiosk includes brochures with information about the history and use of labyrinths, with suggested guidelines such as: “There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth,” “Think about concerns or questions you wish to take with you on this walk.”

Woods’ counseling and care center, staffed by therapists, spiritual directors and others, offers programs and seminars for adults, adolescents, families and children, from women’s retreats and wellness to suicide prevention and grief counseling.

The center has incorporated the labyrinth into its programs, and it’s used by others as well — Sullivan notes its calming benefits even for children as a tool to help those with attention deficit and hyperactivity issues.

“It’s an ancient symbol,” she said. “There’s something about walking in a circular path that helps one to focus and get into their spiritual self.”

Labyrinth at Woods was built through the bequest — and donation — of the late Elizabeth and Jerry Wyble. Elizabeth Wyble was a longtime advocate of Anne Arundel County’s trail system, and served as president of the Friends of Anne Arundel County Trails.

The Wyble family also organized creation of the adjacent children's garden in memory of Ellie Elizabeth Wyble — Elizabeth and Jerry Wyble’s great-grandadughter — who died last year.

Lincoln Reynolds said in an email that the labyrinth and the children’s garden “provide places of wholeness, healing, hope and growth no matter where one is on their spiritual journey.”

The labyrinth, she said, “is particularly meaningful in these confusing times and often fractured world.”

jjoyner@baltsun.com