by Laura Giddings, Community Leader
It was a bit of an audacious idea, this plan to bring together the five L’Arche communities of the Western Region of the United States, PLUS Community Leaders and Board members from L’Arche communities across the Country, PLUS national staff, PLUS the national inclusion team, PLUS the L’Arche USA Board, PLUS our international leaders, PLUS special guests from emerging communities. We’re talking a giant sleepover with 220 friends, many of whom had never been to the Tacoma area before.
But we did it! In June, L’Arche Tahoma Hope was the proud host of a combined L’Arche USA National Assembly and Western Regional Gathering, held just up the road at Pacific Lutheran University.
National Assembly conducted some significant business in our two mornings together. We voted to approve revised L’Arche USA Constitution and Bylaws, as well as adopting a brand new Membership Agreement and Policy Manual. These foundational documents will guide how we will work together on our shared goal of living and growing the mission of L’Arche in the United States.
Regional Gathering engaged in storytelling, art and music. Each community found a creative way to tell the story of significant events in their community life that empowered people to make a difference.
In the afternoons, the groups spent time together, exploring Tacoma, hanging out, visiting the Welcome Center and the Farm, or simply resting. Meals together were joyful reunions among people who had not seen one another in a while or were meeting for the first time. We also found time to explore a variety of ways to share spiritual experiences. And, of course, we experienced an epic talent show and spirited dance party!
Of all the L’Arche communities in the United States, L’Arche Tahoma Hope is the only one with a Farm, and one of only a handful to have a facility like the Welcome Center. Our friends from across the country and our international leaders reminded us over and over: we have much to be proud of here. We are a sign of hope, not only in the greater Tacoma area, but also to other L’Arche communities around the world.
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