Through the year at L’Arche Bognor

August
Our holiday groups go to France, Belgium, Scotland and Kent, mainly staying in L’Arche Communities. A group go to the Greenbelt Christian Festival at Cheltenham where they put on all-age liturgies.

September
Almost half the Community go to Durham for the L’Arche Regional Gathering: a week long meeting of people from L’Arche Communities all over the UK, Uganda and elsewhere. Activities include singing, listening to Jean Vanier, mimes, pilgrimages, drinks in the town and a service in the cathedral.

October
A quiet month. New assistants start their training programme.

November
We face a potential shortage of assistants but – as nearly always happens – people arrive. Thanks Kristina!

December
150 people come to our ‘Friends and Family Day’ in which we share what we have lived over the last year.

January
We finally get the go ahead from the Local Authority for our Community room: a place for leisure and education, a retirement group, training, meetings, a quiet space and worship.

February
We have a service to give thanks for 30 years of L’Arche in Bognor. It is ecumenical, being held in the Anglican Church with the Catholic Bishop giving a talk and the Baptist Minister leading the prayers.

March
Fred and Chris give a talk on spirituality and holistic care at a conference organised by the University of the City of Birmingham. Over 60 Doctors, nurses, Social Workers and University Chaplains attend from all over the country.

April
The Annual Assistants’ Weekend is held on the Isle of Wight. It looks at how we live Community.

May
We invite over 200 people to our main Community Birthday celebration, with a meal, singing and activities including It’s a knock out, dancing, singing, reminiscing and Circus skills.

June
Some of our first year assistants go on a walking retreat in the Alps with members of other European L’Arche Communities.

July
We organise a street party with our neighbours in Servite Close, where our first house was started.