Above: Creative Connections recently celebrated its nine-year anniversary with flowers, pizza and certificates of affirmation for each artist, assistant and volunteer.
“There’s a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”
This lyric by Leonard Cohen came to mind recently as I was juggling a demanding week. Stress mounted, and one morning started with some tears.
I cracked open.
As a generally steady person with good work/life balance, this was unusual, and felt uncomfortable. At the same time, I knew this was an invitation to pay closer attention to what was happening within me, and be open to receiving nurturance from others – to let the light in.
As it happened, later that day was a celebration of Creative Connections’ ninth anniversary. In my weary state, this was exactly where I knew I needed to be – to feel grounded by folks who know, intuitively and expertly, how to welcome people with open arms exactly where they’re at.
Warm, enthusiastic greetings welcomed me. Katie got me a chair to sit at. Gray placed a plate of pizza before me. Jenn reminded me of the great time we had carpooling to an event a year ago. Krista excitedly told me about a goal she recently met.
It all felt like a warm hug in a safe place.
This is the essence – the magic – of L’Arche: “come as you are. Tell us how we can support you today. Have you eaten? Here, I saved you a seat.” Most didn’t know I was having a hard day, but they knew exactly how to meet me where I was at.
This is perhaps the essence of being relationship to each other: offering to shine our light on others when their cracks open up, and being open to receiving that from others as well. Cracks aren’t a fault – they’re an invitation to the people around us, if we let them.
As we near the end of 2025, I’m reflecting on all the light that you, our friends and supporters, shone in on our community. As a nonprofit, we appreciate all the support around us, whether in friendship, monetary support or an extended hand in partnership. We are so grateful for another strong year of growth, partnership and celebration.
With darker winter days upon us, may we pay tender attention to our cracks – and invite the light in.
With gratitude,
Rachel Vander Vennen
Community Leader & Executive Director
P.S. Tuesday, Dec. 2 marks GivingTuesday, a global day of giving back. Last year we raised over $15,000 to sustain our community, and this year we’re shooting for $20,000 including a matching donation of $10,000 thanks to two anonymous donors. If you’re in a position to help us meet this goal, you can help us get a head start by donating online here.
3 comments
In my heart I hear a refrain, “Come to the table of plenty”…and I think of L’Arche Saint John and the many tables of L’Arche in our world! The “plenty” is not about money, but the table that welcomes everyone! The table of community where we are needed to become whole. To create and sustain such beacons of light, funding is critical……so…advocate and donate, ok?! Treasure the days ahead!
Rachel that was heart warming. I almost felt the hug. You provide so much to the residents at Kim House and I am grateful that my niece gets to live her best life there. Keep strong.
Your story was a warm hug, Rach. I was at the InnovateNB Awards last night, and Marcel LeBrun spoke of how we “belong to one another.” L’Arche lives that every day.