A circle of community

I have been invited to attend a L'Arche national conference this week as an observer. Last evening I attended a prayer circle that was fully inclusive. It was a very interesting, inspiring and challenging time. It was not 'staffed' and programmed for the persons with disabilities. It was a 'community together' experience. It was really quite simple – not a lot, in fact, no technology. The focus was on the celebration of the presence of God and each other. They sat in rows facing each other with an open space in the centre. Member and Core member would come (staff and person supported) would enter into the circle and lead in song, a reading or a prayer. Sometimes the words were understandable, sometimes not. It was a sacred space that ended with each meeting each other with the salutation of peace.

I came away thinking we could all benefit and be enriched by such an experience – finding ways to break down the barriers we often build between staff and persons served, and finding pathways just to be people together, in worship and service to our God.

 

Anyway, I was just thinking,

Neil