By March Worship: A Lenten Reflection On the first Sunday in March, we gathered for our monthly in-house worship service. We listened as Mary Ellen shared a reflection on Lent, the special season before Easter. The word comes from the “lengthening” of daylight hours as we move from the darkness of winter to the new light of spring. In particular, she reflected on Jesus being led into the desert by the Spirit, the humanity of Jesus in experiencing and confronting Satan’s temptation, and the role of Angels in this story. What was the purpose of this desert experience? Why were angels sent to
House Outing to African-American Art and History Exhibit
Lydia’s House guests, staff and associate volunteers took a trip to The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in downtown Cincinnati to check out The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, one of the largest private collections of African American art, artifacts and documents- spanning 400 years of history, on display through March 3, 2018. Amassed during more than four decades of the Kinseys’ marriage, the collection features work by Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Jacob Lawrence and Richard Mayhew alongside archival material related to Frederick Douglass, Zora Neale Hurston and Malcolm X. The collection has been cited for three national awards, one
Beating the Winter Doldrums
Our proud graduate (middle) from Dohn Community High School! Guests, volunteers, staff and family members gathered to celebrate her success. And, of course, there was a celebratory house dinner complete with homemade hot fudge cake at the graduate’s special request. Proud graduate and son strike a pose. The birthday girl, all smiles, dressed up for her party at Lydia’s House. Groundhog’s Day: A wacky, annual tradition at Lydia’s House. Because who doesn’t need a reason to celebrate in February? We played games, the kids ran around in (lots of) circles. Anne made chocolate mousse with a Groundhog landscape on top
A Lydia’s House Christmas Party
Survey the scene: grown-ups, children, Chipotle, presents, desserts of all shapes and sizes. It’s a joyful occasion, when former guests, current guests, volunteers, and staff come together to celebrate. Behold the joyful melee! Baby’s first Christmas! Delight! We ate our fill, played games, and gratefully received gifts. This child was screaming with happiness about the shoes she received, but we couldn’t get a picture of it. Use your imagination! This Starbucks giftcard will be put to good use by this coffee lover (the adult, not the toddler!). A sassy play-mat for a juicy baby! Stayin’
Waiting with Joy: Advent Crafts!
December evenings may be chilly and dark, but Lydia’s House is glowing with holiday cheer. I’ve never heard so many spontaneous outbreaks of caroling! We have been observing the season of advent by praying together, lighting candles, and making holiday crafts. ORNAMENTS I bought some pom-poms, raided the craft closet, and opened up many pinterest tabs on my phone. It was ornament-making day! But once the kids got hold of the colored paper and tacky-glue, all plans were abandoned. And, of course, their creations were delightful! They made little books, abstract sculptures, and yarn puffballs. The children at work.