Join me at the L'Arche Potluck Dinner
Greeted with Smiles
As I drive north on Teall Avenue, the side of the road is piled high with snow. Icy patches and slush are under my tires. February in Syracuse means navigating through the cold and darkness. The Reformed Church on Teall Ave is handicapped accessible, with a parking lot close to the building. Bright light streams through the doorway as I shed my winter wraps. When I approach the adjoining room, joyful shouts and cheerful conversation greet me. The gathered people turn to me, a complete stranger, with wide and curious smiles. They are eager to know who I am, and why I am joining them at their monthly potluck dinner. I am just as eager to know them, the L’Arche Community of Syracuse.
The L'Arche Community
The local L’Arche community has four homes that contain a small group of “Core Members”-people living with developmental disabilities, and a similar number of “Team Members”-people who care for them. The Team member’s goal is to offer support with love, dignity & respect. Prayer is an essential part of their lives. Each member of L’Arche is a unique personality, and they speak and act freely, without defensiveness or fear of rejection. The Core Members are comfortable with who they are and the gifts that they offer to the group; because they are well cared for, they have the deep assurance that they are loved and accepted as a child of God. What a joyful way to live! I wish everyone could know that freedom: the freedom to be myself, with all my talents and limitations, and to know that I am loved deeply by God and by those who know me.
Join me
To experience this wonderful community, join me on Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:30pm at the next L’Arche Community Potluck Dinner. Bring a dish to pass (no deserts please). The Reformed Church is located at 1228 Teall Ave-the parking lot is behind the church building. For more information: www.larchesyracuse.org
If you are not able to join me this month, but you are interested in learning more about how to connect with or support the L’Arche Community. Here are 6 ways you can help:
- Help with music and prayer on Tuesdays.
- Attend a monthly First Tuesday Potluck Dinner at 5:30pm at the Reformed Church, 1228 Teall Ave.
- Recruit an assistant: do you know someone who would want to share time in our homes?
- Friends who support assistants: meals, outings, friendship & support for assistants who are often from other countries or cities.
- Spring clean-up: ongoing yard work is needed-do you have an area of expertise to share?
- Support the annual Mother’s Day weekend Plant Sale at Shop City in Syracuse.