Hello, folks!  We had another great week here at common art and Boston Warm, let me fill you in.  Last week was our second week with a knitting table during common art, which has been a hit so far. We have a couple members with beanies in the making, while another member is knitting a coin purse. It has been lovely to be able to see the community express their creativity through a new art medium.

For the past two weeks Tali, the artist in residence at common art, has led a 2-week group focused on bringing Torah readings to life through intuitive art making. I had the opportunity to join the group last week and appreciated the rich conversation and art-making time that occurred.

Lent starts this week (happy Ash Wednesday!) a time of preparing ourselves for rebirth, renewal. Lent ushers us into spring in the northern hemisphere. This spiritual season feels congruent with the happenings at common art and Boston Warm as of late. The community is entering a transition period and a preparation time for events to come within the community. I am continuing to prepare for my 8-week group, which will start the first week of March. We are also preparing for Richie Berman’s Easter play, which will happen the Wednesday of Holy Week (more info to come soon!).

Lastly, we are preparing for some restructuring within the common cathedral community as we say goodbye to three of our wonderful staff members this week. We will celebrate them this Wednesday and Friday, sending them off with bellies full of cake and hearts full of affirmations and blessings from community members. If it is in your spiritual practice, keep our staff members in your hearts and prayers as they enter a new chapter.

–Alex Shoemaker