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eNews - March 2014
There is never a dull moment in our community when we have so much to celebrate... take a look at what we have been up to, and the new opportunities we have to share:
Ben & Rebekah enjoy a rare Portland snowfall
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JOIN OUR TEAM
Do you or does someone you know possess an open heart, willingness to learn, commitment to personal growth, and belief in the unique sacredness and value of every individual? If so, we would like you to consider becoming a member of our team and
community. We are currently accepting applications for:
Please spread the word and assist us in finding the newest members of our community and team.
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Jean Vanier & Pope Francis Celebrate
World Down Syndrome Day
Jean Vanier, along with a small delegation of core members and assistants and the Leaders of L'Arche International, met with Pope Francis on March 21, 2014 to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and the 50th Anniversary of L'Arche.
Picture: Jean Vanier, founder of L'Arche
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Mardi Gras Celebration
On Saturday, March 3, our community gathered for a festive MardiGras celebration, during which we blessed the newest member of our leadership team, and received the L'Arche Jubilee Ark from L'Arche Seattle.
Hosted by St. Michael and All Angels Church, the community shared a potluck meal before crafting masks and medallions for the Mardi Gras celebration. Each medallion had the name of a L'Arche community from around the world that each participant was then asked to pray for during Lent.
We also offered a blessing to the newest member of our leadership team, Grace LeChevallier, who recently reentered the community as our Licensing Coordinator.
The event concluded with a Mardi Gras parade celebrating the Jubilee Ark that was presented by members of the L'Arche Seattle community. This year marks the 50th anniversary of L'Arche, and is being celebrated by having five Arks travel to each community around the world. All five Arks will be presented to Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche, at a celebration in France in October.
Picture 1: Marilyn offers Grace a blessing
Picture 2: Robyn shows off her Mardi Gras mask
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Jubilee Ark
Created by Robert Ross from Seattle Noah Sealth, this ark will travel throughout North America, before making the journey to France in October. Along the way, each community will contribute a token and prayer to the ark. The ark is currently on its way to L'Arche Spokane, for the next leg of its journey.
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Anniversaries & Celebrations
On February 26, we celebrated Rodney's 21st anniversary in L'Arche Portland. It was a song-filled event that left everyone grateful for our community, and for Rodney's presence in each of our lives.
We celebrated the 2-year anniversary of our Community Coordinator, Katie, on March 12. Everyone wore Katie's favorite color, red, and presented her with a beautiful collage marking her time in community.
Picture 1: Rodney sporting his shamrock glasses
Finally, on March 19, we had the 6-year anniversary and transition celebration for Bernie Herberholt, who most recently has been our live-out assistant at Nehalem Home. It was a great party, and even Bernie's parents came down from Seattle to surprise him. We will miss Bernie terribly, but are excited for him as he looks to the future and discovers the next chapter in his life. You can still send Bernie a note at: [email protected]
Picture 2: At his celebration, Bernie shared cards that he had made for each of the core members at Nehalem House. |
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Nehalem House Update
Joni continues to share her artistic gifts of coloring. Marilyn recently helped lead a community night discussion on inclusion as part of her role as a member of the L'Arche USA Inclusion Team. Erin recently attended the Core Member Retreat in Federal Way, WA. Adam continues to enjoy sports, having attended both a Blazers game and Timbers match in the past month. The house recently hosted volunteer groups from both Stonehill College in Massachusetts and the University of Portland.
Picture: Adam playing piano at our Mardi Gras Celebration
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Neahkahnie House Update
Robyn loves the recent nice weather that allows her to work in the yard. Ben recently finished the redesign of his bedroom by painting the walls. Cindy enjoyed a recent trip to volunteer at the Bike Farm. Rodney's hat collection continues to grow. Everyone at Neahkahnie continues to help get the house ready for summer. There are still landscaping and painting projects that volunteer groups could help with as we look forward to BBQ weather.
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Picture 1: Cindy, Rodney & Ben at the Bike Farm
Picture 2: Ben & Sean painting Ben's room
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Wish List
We continue to be supported by the generosity of so many people, and want to continue to provide you with an updated wish list for the community:
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- Tables (2) & Folding Chairs (12)
- Electric Kettle for Neahkahnie
- Garden tools, gloves, starts, and a few volunteer groups for both houses
- Paper cutter for Neahkahnie House crafts
- Paper shredder for Nehalem House
- Fax machine for Neahkahnie House
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- Gift cards to be used for lunch and other outings
- Tickets for various cultural or sporting events
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Personally, being able to bring my family into L'Arche Portland has been a great joy for me and my wife, Teresa. Our children, Daniel (4) and Caroline (2), are getting to know the community at L'Arche events and dinners in the homes, and often want to know when they can see their L'Arche "cousins" again. During my discernment last year, a big consideration for entering this role was knowing that we would have the opportunity to raise our children in L'Arche. For that, I am so grateful to for this community, and have no doubt that my family will be forever transformed by L'Arche.
 Group photo from our Mardi Gras celebration
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Blessings,
Andrew Noethe Executive Director | Community Leader [email protected]  
Give Today! |
Group photo with Archbishop Alexander Sample, who recently joined us for dinner, prayer and a home tour at our Nehalem house.
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