The Great Hall holds a special place in our hearts. There we can gather after services and meet for Christian Education. In addition, its positive effects stretch beyond our parish into the community at large, providing the city of Medina and its citizens a critical public gathering space.
Every week scores of us gather after the 8:00 and 10:15 services for coffee and catching up. Amazingly, the Building Committee learned AA (Alcoholic Anonyms) and Al-Anon’s (family members coping with an alcoholic) monthly use of the Great Hall exceeds our own. Every Monday and Friday evenings our parking lot overflows onto the streets as the Great Hall fills with AA members. Its walls provide a vital sanctuary, a sacred pace where this AA Chapter helps its members continue in their daily path of sobriety.
The Building Committee was honored to hear the stories of affection and salvation members of the AA Chapter shared with us. Like us, they are attached to the Great Hall, but are aware of its structural limitations. The AA community and our parishioners agree the absence of private meeting spaces, comfortable restrooms, and modern childcare spaces are shortcomings which can no longer be ignored.
The Building Committee was also surprised to learn AA uses our childcare spaces on weeknights for their members. What an unwelcome shock to hear they are forced to turn away families when the number of children exceeds 18. Our AA Chapter actually uses our own childcare space more then we do. They are excited to know the Parish Life Center will give them the opportunity to help more people and young families suffering from the addiction of someone they love.
by Mikaela Cowles
No comments:
Post a Comment