We've been quiet lately -- a sign a bit of our current state of busyness. Two things I (Valerie) have been spending a lot of time on lately are our Community Meal's Sweet 16 celebration and heading up another yarn bomb to somewhat coincide with the Sweet 16.
For those who are not immediately familiar with what our church refers to as the "Community Meal," this is a brief description of how it works: The last Thursday of every month, we invite anyone and everyone to come share a meal in the church hall. From a church perspective, it's an opportunity to show hospitality -- to neighbours, strangers, foreigners, and friends. It's also a chance to strengthen social capital between various groups who might not otherwise connect on a personal level. From a resident's perspective, it gives the chance to have a safe space to eat a very cheap meal (a suggested £2/$3 donation.)
It is by no means perfect: for some, there is a longing for a broader diversity; for others, there is the desire to see the marginalised who
do come to be welcomed more fully into the meal.
Also a display of our hodgepodge Hackney nature is our little yarn bomb outside the church. Pieces gathered from about 10 people in our church, with another 10 who helped put it all together, either by showing up at Knit-Ins (and providing moral support) or stitching together all of the pieces. We have one more piece to put up (red!) and then our yarn bomb will be complete. And I am ready for it to be so. :)
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| Getting in line at Community Meal |
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| Encouraging the youth to get involved with yarn bombing at a Community Meal |
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| One of our church youth serving a church Elder |
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| In the holding cell |
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| James joined us at one of our Knit-Ins |
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| Sewing it all together at church |
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| Installing! |
