What did you do?
Our table was built by the Flower Cart, a non-profit collection of programs, services, and social enterprises united in the goal of promoting community participation by adults with intellectual disabilities and complex barriers to employment, here in New Minas, Nova Scotia. Once the table was finished, members of the community decorated the table with their images of church, God, and meaningful scriptures to them. These images, which featured a verse from the 11th chapter of Mark’s Gospel: "So, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours," tell our community’s story and show us what our community emphasizes through the images: love, kindness, and respect for all of creation.
The decorating will be completed in the spring when the table is out of winter storage. One bench will feature the Lord’s Prayer, and the other will feature our church’s mission statement, which reads:
"Inspired by the grace of God, we are a welcoming faith family called to love ourselves, others and the world. We seek to deepen our spiritual understanding and reach out to others through worship and socially just action. As an inclusive community of faith, we actively seek to live our mission by:
- Publicly declaring our commitment to welcome all people inclusive of age, gender, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability/disability, ethnic background, or economic circumstances.
- Creating a safe space for courageous and challenging conversations enabling “Radical Hospitality.” Celebrating, honouring, and respecting the richness that inclusion and diversity bring to our church.
- Continuing to educate ourselves, to learn, and to grow by expanding our worship, study, resources, fellowship, and actions. Praying for the Holy Spirit to guide us as we work for justice for all, in church and in society."
Why did you do it?
Orchard Valley took the opportunity to purchase an accessible table to continue to promote its commitment to accessibility throughout the property, and hopes that this table will promote families of all shapes and sizes to utilize Orchard Valley as a community meeting place.
The picnic table will be just one part of a visioning and redevelopment process set to take place for the rear of the property over the coming months, where we envision people appreciating the space both with others and in quiet, private moments. The space the table provides is sure to provide room for all in the beautiful Annapolis valley summers for games, meals, crafts, and more.
