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Differently Abled, Special Needs,
all labels inadequate at describing the abilities and challenges of our humanity. While there is a breadth to this genre there are ironically also minimal resources for engaging the church around disABILITY ministries. The ELCA has resources for all ages here. |
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Mosaic - Embracing God's call to serve in the world, Mosaic advocates for people with intellectual disabilities and provides opportunities for them to enjoy a full life. |
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The Collaborative focuses its work on each of six topic areas:1) Supporting people with disabilities
2) Supporting families
3) Increasing congregational supports and inclusion
4) Training clergy and deepening theological reflection
5) Building the capacity of service systems to support spirituality
6) Promoting inclusive religious education
2) Supporting families
3) Increasing congregational supports and inclusion
4) Training clergy and deepening theological reflection
5) Building the capacity of service systems to support spirituality
6) Promoting inclusive religious education
Northwestern Ohio Synod Special Needs Awareness Task Force - Seeing all people, regardless of ability, through the eyes of Jesus, the Special Needs Awareness Task Force of the Northwestern Ohio Synod is prepared to assist congregations with the following:
Disability awareness materials, including opportunities for experiential training.
Disability awareness materials, including opportunities for experiential training.
- Resources for addressing architectural barriers.
- Help in planning an “Access Sunday” often known as "Gentle Worship" at your church.
- Religious Education resources and materials.
- Consultations to explore particular ministry needs and opportunities in your congregation.
Christian Learning Center Network - We partner with schools, churches, and families to create inclusive communities for persons at all levels of ability and disability.As experts in inclusive education for more than twenty-five years, we come alongside your Christian community to help you include and support all of God’s people – regardless of their level of ability – so that the kingdom can be more complete. Some resources include: Inclusive Language suggestions for worship, a FREE download to survey the needs of your congregation and community. And if your church leadership/congregation needs any convincing about the importance for people of ALL abilities to be together watch this video.
Voice of Care - Voice of Care is a ministry helping the Church provide spiritual care to people with disabilities and those who care for them.Voice of Care works with churches to train ministry workers and lay volunteers to serve at their own congregations and in the community. In turn, these volunteers share Jesus' love through church and community site programming and special needs camps.
Rhythms of Grace is designed to meet the spiritual needs of children and families living with autismspectrum disorders. Participant families gather monthly with program leaders and volunteers for sessions that are a hybrid of worship and faith formation. Rhythms of Grace helps children and their families feel at the center of a worship/formation experience that is specific to their needs and circumstances, rather than merely at the margins of a more conventionally “inclusive” program of worship or faith formation. Rhythms of Grace consists of scripture-based session plans, as well as the supporting material needed to establish a successful program. The program includes 12 monthly sessions (Sept. to Aug.) and 6 feast sessions, plus background material.
Special Needs Ministry - SNM has a handbook that provides practical methods for the Body of Christ to include special needs youth and see them grow in their Christian faith as active members.
Child by Child: Supporting Children with Learning Differences and Their Families by Susan Richardson is a how-to guide to integrate children and youth with special needs into church programs and activities, including worship. Includes how to train volunteers and staff for hands-on work with children and youth who have special needs. Provides a theological grounding for the inclusion of people with learning differences and disabilities in the life of a congregation.
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The Sound of All Things written by Myron Uhlberg and illustrated by Ted Papoulas opens our understanding to the lives of the deaf. Too long for a children's sermon but could be read in a Sunday School class or read in the home.
The Feast - At Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX. The Feast is a welcome place for those with special needs, their families and friends, and all who have a heart for special needs, with opportunities for everyone to participate in the service: from singing and dancing to scripture reading and prayer to welcoming and greeting. For more info contact: Rev. Ramsey Patton pattonr@hpumc.org
Joyful Noise Worship - This ELCA church provides worship appropriate for children with Autism, PDD-NOS, ADHD, Down’s Syndrome and any other developmental/physical challenges. Catering to short attention spans, the service is a lively combination of music, movement, prayer, Bible stories and communion.
Some Kids... - are deaf, are blind, use wheelchairs, wear leg braces. "Colorful photos show kids with disabilities enjoying activities with their peers."
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The tAble 2018: You Belong
The tAble (formerly the Definitely-abled Youth Leadership Event or DAYLE) empowers young people (14-18) who live with a wide range of physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities so that they might grow as faithful, wise and courageous witnesses. The event also gives participants the opportunity to acclimate and orient themselves to Houston and the venues in which the ELCA Youth Gathering are held. |
Friendship Ministry - The purpose of the Friendship program is to nurture the spiritual growth of people with intellectual disabilities in the context of personal and meaningful relationships. Here’s how it works:
- Sessions often start in a large group with singing, sharing, and prayer.
- Next, a Bible lesson is shared. This usually includes group participation, often in drama format.
- This is followed by one-on-one time, where mentors and friends meet to discuss the Bible lesson and pray together. Often this time includes activities related to the Bible study.
- Finally, the group gathers again for social time and a closing prayer or song. (Voice of Care owns a complete set of their Bible Study series and it is available on loan for churches to use.)
