By Our event will be different this year (like many things). If you’d like to receive prayer materials and pray with us on Mondays in October please send your address to bethany@stlydiashouse.org Tune into Facebook live to join us with this link: https://www.facebook.com/LydiasHouseCincinnati/live/ Watch a short video to learn more about this year’s format, why we chose to gather in this way, and how you can join!
EASTER
This year Easter came at about the same time as Ohio was predicted to peak in the pandemic. Thankfully, social distancing efforts helped us avoid the worst predictions but kept churches and normal holiday celebrations closed. In the midst of upheaval, the core community of Lydia’s House was still able to observe our own, intimate version of Easter. On Wednesday of Holy Week, Mary Ellen prepared a beautiful Seder meal with the traditional Seder foods. From matzo, symbolizing the unleavened bread, to tender lamb– the traditional sacrifice, to parsley for new life and horseradish for bitterness and suffering. We thought
A Birthday Parade
In this new world of social distancing and ‘stay at home orders,’ Lydia’s House has reassessed how we can live out and create community. Specifically, we’re discovering new ways to offer positive memories and celebration to our current and former guests. At Virginia Coffey Place, as a 6 year old tenant’s birthday grew closer, it became clear that his hoped for party could not happen. Though it took a bit of creativity, we worked together with J’s mother to create a memory that he won’t forget anytime soon – a birthday parade! We gathered together folks from the Lydia’s House
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, translated as: “Fat Tuesday”, is a celebration to enjoy all rich, fatty foods before the lent fasting season. So on Sunday February 23, Lydia’s House family and friends gathered together for this historic celebration. Food and drinks covered the tables, pizza, fresh veggies, and even green frosted brownies, a real feast. Everyone just milled around reconnecting with those they hadn’t seen in a while or those they had. Or danced to Will Smith’s “Getting Jiggy Wit’ It”. Others got in line at the photo booth to get their pictures taken. Still others raced around the room after children.
Celebrating Winter Wellness BINGO
Even though snow blows today, spring is growing near. We had our first backyard cookout (thanks Sue & Marcia!) and are looking forward to Zoo Babies and Ameristop ice cream soon. We also just celebrated the conclusion of “Winter Wellness BINGO.” Winter Wellness BINGO was created last year as winter grey days and holidays, often a trigger for painful memories, loomed ahead. Each guest and staff member was given a BINGO card with various activities to complete over the winter months. This activity gave a language and a framework for having regular conversations about practicing coping skills, building positive relationships,
