The following information is in the NAC Pre-Conference Workbooks. It will be voted on at Annual Conference.
Steps for a local church to be a “Bridge Builder”:
1. Have a lay member designated as Director of Disability Ministries for the local church
2. Have proof of an active Disability Ministry by
*having at least one Handicapped Parking spot marked with appropriate sign
*show at least three things the church has done during the year to help
those with disabilities (directly or indirectly---for example, one thing
all churches can do is to show that instead of an asterisk
to mean “congregation stands,” the asterisk will mean “that all who
are able and wish to do so should stand.”)
*having a Disability Ministry Fund (no set amount required)
*give to the District Disability Ministry Fund and the North Alabama Conference
Disability Fund (no set amount…give as able)
3. Show that the local church has had an annual Disability Awareness Sunday.
4. Show that the local church has completed an annual Accessibility Audit.
Churches meeting the above criteria will receive a certificate showing that they are Bridge Builders for the current year. Churches will receive a certificate every year that the above criteria are met.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Workshop POSTPONED
APRIL 22nd Disability Awareness Workshop at Gadsden FUMC has been POSTPONED due to Debbie Wade's illness. It will be rescheduled for a later date. Announcements will be made here and by e-Voice when a new date is set.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Disability Awareness Workshops
The second Mountain Lakes Disability Awareness Workshop will be Sunday, April 22nd, at Gadsden FUMC at 2:30 p.m. See you there!!!!
The Cheaha District Disability Awareness Workshop will be Sunday, April 29th, at McCoy UMC at 2:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!!!!!
The Cheaha District Disability Awareness Workshop will be Sunday, April 29th, at McCoy UMC at 2:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!!!!!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
North Alabama Conference Churches
We strongly encourage churches in the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church to email and tell us what your churches are doing in the area of Disability Ministries. We want to be able to share ideas with one another. If you want to share, please email Debbie Wade at debowade@bellsouth.net You must put "Disability Ministry" in the subject line or your email may be accidentally deleted. Come on! Share with us! Let's have the NAC leading the way!!!!
Friday, April 13, 2007
More Than 50 Ways to Make Your Church Accessible With Little or NO Cost Involved
1. Purchase large-print copies of the hymnal and other books used in
the services. Please contact us for assistance in locating sources for large print
materials.
2. Consider replacing fixed pews with flexible seating. This will turn your worship space into multipurpose space, which will allow persons who disabled to participate fully in the life of your congregation.
3. Cut the ends of several existing pews so that people using wheelchairs may be seated with their families and friends rather than in specially designated, segregated sections.
4. If these are steps to your chancel and sanctuary, consider having a Communion Station on the floor of the nave. This allows young children, elderly peoples, and persons with disabilities to
receive the Sacrament in exactly the same way as the rest of the congregation.
5. Involve people with disabilities in all planning for architectural modifications.
6. Think about converting two side by side bathrooms into one accessible unisex bathroom.
Allow enough space for a wheelchair to turn around, and be sure to allow transfer space on both sides of the toilet. Make sure that grab bars are properly installed.
7. Provide a paper cup dispenser near your water fountain. This will transform an inaccessible fountain into one accessible to wheelchair users.
8. If people using wheelchairs volunteer in your office, consider raising the height of your work surfaces so that the wheelchair can fit comfortable at desk or table.
9. Suggest that your hearing-impaired parishioners sit close to the front of the nave where they can see the preacher and lectors. Ask the preacher and lectors to speak distinctly and slowly and to look frequently at the congregation since much lip reading takes place with
persons whom are hearing impaired.
10. Install long-handled door hardware, which is easier for everyone to use, especially those with impaired hand function.
11. Survey your microphone and sound system to make sure it meets the needs of those with high-frequency sound loss. Consider purchasing assistive listening devices as an aid for people with hearing loss.
12. Apply brightly colored, textured strips at the tops of stairs to indicate that stairs are being approached. This will not only help persons who are visually-impaired, but also any
person carrying something which blocks his vision.
13. Take altar flowers and service bulletins to people who are sick or shut-in.
14. Provide regular transportation to services and other parish activities for persons who are elderly or without transportation.
15. Maintain regular communion with persons who cannot attend services so that they may continue to feel part of the parish.
16. Include children in plans to visit nursing homes and persons who are shut-in.
17. Discover and utilize sources of large-print, taped or Braille books, magazines, Bibles.
18. Develop a Christian Education day in which participants explore life as a person with a disability. Use wheelchairs, canes, crutches, blindfolds, etc. for these simulations.
19. Invite outside speakers to visit the parish and talk about issues andneeds of people who have disabilities.
20. Show one or more of the excellent videotapes available about disability concerns.
21. Plan an adult education segment to discuss the non-architectural barriers to inclusiveness.
22. Remove snow and ice promptly from all sidewalks and parking lots.
23. Make a survey of current church lighting to ensure that the wattage is high enough and that the placement of fixtures ensures maximum visibility.
24. Make yourself knowledgeable of the needs of those persons with invisible handicaps such as diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, mental illness, etc. In an adult education session, share information about these disabilities.
25. Develop discussion about and/or group support for people with conditions such as diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, stroke, etc.
26. Hold all fellowship activities and meetings in areas accessible to all.
27. Encourage one-to-one relationships between persons who are elderly and young or young couples.
28. Enlist the expertise of your parishioners (carpenters, plumbers, contractors, persons with disabilities, teachers, social workers, nurses) to accomplish simple accessibility and awareness tasks.
29. Develop a section of resources on disability concerns for your parish library.
30. Look for educational opportunities about disabilities and disability issues in your community.
31. Encourage parishioners to designate memorial gifts for accessibility issues in your community.
32. Organize a Beep-baseball game, inviting one of the organized teams of blind people to play a team of your own blindfolded parishioners.
33. Visit accessible churches in your area.
34. Consult with local nursing homes to ascertain whether your parish might establish a ministry to and with their residents.
35. Share your facilities with organizations which serve persons who are disabled.
36. Consider getting involved in congregate dining, Meals on Wheels, or your own meal program for persons in need.
37. Set aside a bulletin board to display information and materials related to your accessibility project.
38. Explore ways to including members of your parish who are disabled in the education, fellowship and ministry as well as in the worship of the congregation. You might consider training them as lay readers or chalice bearers, asking them to teach in the church school program or to volunteer in the church office.
39. Seek ways of working with other denominations in your community on projects related to disability access and ministry.
40. Volunteer time at a day-care center, hospital, or rehabilitation center so that you may come to know and understand persons with disabilities better.
41. If you have persons with visual impairments in your congregation, install signage in Braille or raised letters.
42. If you have persons in your congregation who are deaf or severely hearing-impaired, install a light, rather than sound, cued fire alarm. Use care to select an appropriate mode, since some light frequencies can trigger seizures for persons with epilepsy.
43. In the context of a Bible study or perhaps in a sermon, explore the differences between “healing” and “cure.” All people can receive God’s healing grace; not all persons will be cured.
44. Since many members of your congregation are employers and twothirds of all severely disabled people are unemployed, become knowledgeable about issues around employment of persons who are disabled, both from the employers’ and the employees’ viewpoints.
45. Develop a team of parishioners willing to write and call elected officials to lobby for legislation in the areas of accessible transportation and housing, employment for all who wish to work, and other issues pertinent to persons who are disabled.
46. Survey your neighborhood to learn whether there are unmet needs, especially among persons who are elderly, homebound, or have disabilities.
47. Many recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, canoeing, roller-skating, and camping can be enjoyed by persons who are disabled, especially if they are partnered with someone. Encourage your parishioners to look for the fun and fulfillment in these
kinds of opportunities.
48. Educate yourself and your parishioners about environmental illnesses. Survey your cleaning supplies with mindfulness toward environmental sensitivities.
49. Suggest that your parishioners monitor the quality and quantity of perfume, hair spray, or aftershave they use.
50. Designate your church facilities as a non-smoking area.
51. Let your denominational office know about your hopes and concerns for action in ministry with persons who are disabled.
52. Understand, accept and celebrate your own limitations. All of us are who we are because of, not in spite of, our limitations.
Reprinted with permission of Tennessee Disability Coalition
the services. Please contact us for assistance in locating sources for large print
materials.
2. Consider replacing fixed pews with flexible seating. This will turn your worship space into multipurpose space, which will allow persons who disabled to participate fully in the life of your congregation.
3. Cut the ends of several existing pews so that people using wheelchairs may be seated with their families and friends rather than in specially designated, segregated sections.
4. If these are steps to your chancel and sanctuary, consider having a Communion Station on the floor of the nave. This allows young children, elderly peoples, and persons with disabilities to
receive the Sacrament in exactly the same way as the rest of the congregation.
5. Involve people with disabilities in all planning for architectural modifications.
6. Think about converting two side by side bathrooms into one accessible unisex bathroom.
Allow enough space for a wheelchair to turn around, and be sure to allow transfer space on both sides of the toilet. Make sure that grab bars are properly installed.
7. Provide a paper cup dispenser near your water fountain. This will transform an inaccessible fountain into one accessible to wheelchair users.
8. If people using wheelchairs volunteer in your office, consider raising the height of your work surfaces so that the wheelchair can fit comfortable at desk or table.
9. Suggest that your hearing-impaired parishioners sit close to the front of the nave where they can see the preacher and lectors. Ask the preacher and lectors to speak distinctly and slowly and to look frequently at the congregation since much lip reading takes place with
persons whom are hearing impaired.
10. Install long-handled door hardware, which is easier for everyone to use, especially those with impaired hand function.
11. Survey your microphone and sound system to make sure it meets the needs of those with high-frequency sound loss. Consider purchasing assistive listening devices as an aid for people with hearing loss.
12. Apply brightly colored, textured strips at the tops of stairs to indicate that stairs are being approached. This will not only help persons who are visually-impaired, but also any
person carrying something which blocks his vision.
13. Take altar flowers and service bulletins to people who are sick or shut-in.
14. Provide regular transportation to services and other parish activities for persons who are elderly or without transportation.
15. Maintain regular communion with persons who cannot attend services so that they may continue to feel part of the parish.
16. Include children in plans to visit nursing homes and persons who are shut-in.
17. Discover and utilize sources of large-print, taped or Braille books, magazines, Bibles.
18. Develop a Christian Education day in which participants explore life as a person with a disability. Use wheelchairs, canes, crutches, blindfolds, etc. for these simulations.
19. Invite outside speakers to visit the parish and talk about issues andneeds of people who have disabilities.
20. Show one or more of the excellent videotapes available about disability concerns.
21. Plan an adult education segment to discuss the non-architectural barriers to inclusiveness.
22. Remove snow and ice promptly from all sidewalks and parking lots.
23. Make a survey of current church lighting to ensure that the wattage is high enough and that the placement of fixtures ensures maximum visibility.
24. Make yourself knowledgeable of the needs of those persons with invisible handicaps such as diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, mental illness, etc. In an adult education session, share information about these disabilities.
25. Develop discussion about and/or group support for people with conditions such as diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, stroke, etc.
26. Hold all fellowship activities and meetings in areas accessible to all.
27. Encourage one-to-one relationships between persons who are elderly and young or young couples.
28. Enlist the expertise of your parishioners (carpenters, plumbers, contractors, persons with disabilities, teachers, social workers, nurses) to accomplish simple accessibility and awareness tasks.
29. Develop a section of resources on disability concerns for your parish library.
30. Look for educational opportunities about disabilities and disability issues in your community.
31. Encourage parishioners to designate memorial gifts for accessibility issues in your community.
32. Organize a Beep-baseball game, inviting one of the organized teams of blind people to play a team of your own blindfolded parishioners.
33. Visit accessible churches in your area.
34. Consult with local nursing homes to ascertain whether your parish might establish a ministry to and with their residents.
35. Share your facilities with organizations which serve persons who are disabled.
36. Consider getting involved in congregate dining, Meals on Wheels, or your own meal program for persons in need.
37. Set aside a bulletin board to display information and materials related to your accessibility project.
38. Explore ways to including members of your parish who are disabled in the education, fellowship and ministry as well as in the worship of the congregation. You might consider training them as lay readers or chalice bearers, asking them to teach in the church school program or to volunteer in the church office.
39. Seek ways of working with other denominations in your community on projects related to disability access and ministry.
40. Volunteer time at a day-care center, hospital, or rehabilitation center so that you may come to know and understand persons with disabilities better.
41. If you have persons with visual impairments in your congregation, install signage in Braille or raised letters.
42. If you have persons in your congregation who are deaf or severely hearing-impaired, install a light, rather than sound, cued fire alarm. Use care to select an appropriate mode, since some light frequencies can trigger seizures for persons with epilepsy.
43. In the context of a Bible study or perhaps in a sermon, explore the differences between “healing” and “cure.” All people can receive God’s healing grace; not all persons will be cured.
44. Since many members of your congregation are employers and twothirds of all severely disabled people are unemployed, become knowledgeable about issues around employment of persons who are disabled, both from the employers’ and the employees’ viewpoints.
45. Develop a team of parishioners willing to write and call elected officials to lobby for legislation in the areas of accessible transportation and housing, employment for all who wish to work, and other issues pertinent to persons who are disabled.
46. Survey your neighborhood to learn whether there are unmet needs, especially among persons who are elderly, homebound, or have disabilities.
47. Many recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, canoeing, roller-skating, and camping can be enjoyed by persons who are disabled, especially if they are partnered with someone. Encourage your parishioners to look for the fun and fulfillment in these
kinds of opportunities.
48. Educate yourself and your parishioners about environmental illnesses. Survey your cleaning supplies with mindfulness toward environmental sensitivities.
49. Suggest that your parishioners monitor the quality and quantity of perfume, hair spray, or aftershave they use.
50. Designate your church facilities as a non-smoking area.
51. Let your denominational office know about your hopes and concerns for action in ministry with persons who are disabled.
52. Understand, accept and celebrate your own limitations. All of us are who we are because of, not in spite of, our limitations.
Reprinted with permission of Tennessee Disability Coalition
Thursday, April 12, 2007
District Directors of Disability Ministries
DISTRICT DIRECTORS OF DISABILITY MINISTRIES
Mountain Lakes – WE NEED SOMEONE TO FILL THIS POSITION -- Lay or Clergy
South Central – Minnie & Jeff Murrell jeffbm1@bellsouth.net and minniemm@bellsouth.net
South Central – Minnie & Jeff Murrell jeffbm1@bellsouth.net and minniemm@bellsouth.net
Southwest – Carol Lambert preacherlady@froglevel.net
Northwest – Celia Vest email through Debbie Wade (Celia is Debbie's mother) debowade@bellsouth.net
Northeast – Debbie Wade debowade@bellsouth.net 256-778-7783 (home) & 256-303-1527 (cell); Debbie is also the North Alabama Conference Convener for Disability Ministries
Cheaha- Rachel Burt & Connie Waldrep
Central – Earline Johnson & Joanne Minnitt Jminnitt@bellsouth.net)
Southeast- Rev. Mike Samuels goodwaterumc@charter.net
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
We Are People Too! (A Poem)
The following poem was written by a United Methodist Lay Speaker who has a mental illness. Thank you Rebecca for sharing!!!!
WE ARE PEOPLE TOO!
LIVING LIFE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ,
CAN BE FULL OF PAIN AND STRIFE.
YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT WE GO THROUGH EACH DAY,
AS WE WATCH YOU TURN US AWAY.
THE LAUGHTER ABOUT US THAT WE MAY HEAR,
COULD CREATE OUR BIGGEST FEAR!
WE ARE PEOPLE TOO, JUST LIKE YOU!
WE ALL HAVE PROBLEMS TO FACE ,
AS WE GO FROM PLACE TO PLACE.
SO , BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU DO OR SAY,
BECAUSE , YOU COULD BE US SOME DAY!
BY: REBECCA CRUTCHFIELD OSBERG
WE ARE PEOPLE TOO!
LIVING LIFE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS ,
CAN BE FULL OF PAIN AND STRIFE.
YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT WE GO THROUGH EACH DAY,
AS WE WATCH YOU TURN US AWAY.
THE LAUGHTER ABOUT US THAT WE MAY HEAR,
COULD CREATE OUR BIGGEST FEAR!
WE ARE PEOPLE TOO, JUST LIKE YOU!
WE ALL HAVE PROBLEMS TO FACE ,
AS WE GO FROM PLACE TO PLACE.
SO , BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU DO OR SAY,
BECAUSE , YOU COULD BE US SOME DAY!
BY: REBECCA CRUTCHFIELD OSBERG
2007 Accessibility Audit for Local Churches
2007 ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT
The Discipline states that “[every local church] shall conduct or cause to be conducted an ANNUAL ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT of their buildings…”
Church Name:___________________________ District: _________________________
Answer “yes” or “no” to the following :
1) Is it possible to get from a parked car to any area in the building without going up or down a step or steps? __________
2) Is the slope of walks not greater than 5 percent? __________
3) Are walks of a continued common surface, not interrupted by steps? _________
4) Do walks have a level platform, the top of which is 5 feet by 5 feet if the door swings out onto the platform or toward the walk, or 3 feet by 5 feet if the door does not swing onto the platform? _________
5) Does the platform extend at least 1 foot beyond each side of the doorway?
6) Do ramps have a slope no greater than 1 foot rise in 12 feet and a width of no less
than 36 inches?
7) Do ramps have handrails on both sides? _________
Are handrails 32 inches above the surface of the ramp? _________
Are handrail surfaces smooth? _________
Do handrails extend 1 foot beyond the top and bottom of the ramp? ________
8) Is at least one primary entrance to each building usable by individuals in wheel-
chairs? (Preferrably all or most entrances and exits are accessible to, and
usable by, individuals in wheelchairs or people who are otherwise disabled.) ____
9) Do doors have clear openings of 32 inches or more? Are they operable by a
single effort? (Note: double doors are not satisfactory unless they operate
by a single effort or unless one of the two doors meets the 32-inch wide
requirement.) ________
10) Is the floor on the inside and outside of each doorway level for a distance of
5 feet from the door in the direction the door swings? __________
11) Are sharp includes and abrupt changes in level avoided at door sills? (1/2 inch
for interior doors, ¾ inch for exterior doors?) __________
12) Are floors on each story at common level or connected by a ramp? _______
13) Can people participate fully in worship?
a) Can people hear? Is sound adequately amplified (i.e., is there an induc-
tion loop system or miniature broadcasting system which can be adapted
to existing sound systems)? ________________________________
b) Can people see? Is lighting adequate to enable participation in worship?
(Light sources should be located so there are no shadows on speakers or
Interpreters) ______________________________
c) Is space provided for wheelchairs? (Minimum of 2 spaces preferred) _______
d) Do at least two more spaces have extra leg room for people with crutches,
walkers, braces or casts? __________________
e) Can people take communion without climbing steps? __________________
14) Is at least one accessible toilet provided on each floor? _________________
15) Do entrance vestibules, doors, and vision screens allow sufficient clearance
for wheelchair passage? _______________
16) Do rest rooms have turning space of 5 feet by 5 feet to allow traffic of
individuals in wheelchairs? ______________
17) Does at least one toilet stall have:
a) a 36-inch wide opening and door that swings out (42 inches preferred) _____
b) a 48-inch clear depth from door to front of commode to allow a wheelchair
in the stall? ____________
c) grab bars on each side, which met specifications, fastened securely to the
wall at the ends and center? ______
d) a commode with the seat 17 inches to 19 inches from the floor? ________
18) Is at least one water fountain on each floor usable and accessible by people with
physical disabilities? ___________ (Note: If answer is “no,” we have a lost cost
way to “fix” the problem….ask us!)
19) If coolers are wall-mounted, are they hand-operated, with basins 30 to 36 inches
from the floor? ____________
20) Is a telephone easily accessible? __________
a) Is there a telephone in the church at all? ___________
21) If your facility is multistory, does it have an elevator? _____________
a) Is the cab at least 68 inches by 51 inches? ______________
b) Does the door have a clear opening of at least 36 inches wide? _________
The Discipline states that “[every local church] shall conduct or cause to be conducted an ANNUAL ACCESSIBILITY AUDIT of their buildings…”
Church Name:___________________________ District: _________________________
Answer “yes” or “no” to the following :
1) Is it possible to get from a parked car to any area in the building without going up or down a step or steps? __________
2) Is the slope of walks not greater than 5 percent? __________
3) Are walks of a continued common surface, not interrupted by steps? _________
4) Do walks have a level platform, the top of which is 5 feet by 5 feet if the door swings out onto the platform or toward the walk, or 3 feet by 5 feet if the door does not swing onto the platform? _________
5) Does the platform extend at least 1 foot beyond each side of the doorway?
6) Do ramps have a slope no greater than 1 foot rise in 12 feet and a width of no less
than 36 inches?
7) Do ramps have handrails on both sides? _________
Are handrails 32 inches above the surface of the ramp? _________
Are handrail surfaces smooth? _________
Do handrails extend 1 foot beyond the top and bottom of the ramp? ________
8) Is at least one primary entrance to each building usable by individuals in wheel-
chairs? (Preferrably all or most entrances and exits are accessible to, and
usable by, individuals in wheelchairs or people who are otherwise disabled.) ____
9) Do doors have clear openings of 32 inches or more? Are they operable by a
single effort? (Note: double doors are not satisfactory unless they operate
by a single effort or unless one of the two doors meets the 32-inch wide
requirement.) ________
10) Is the floor on the inside and outside of each doorway level for a distance of
5 feet from the door in the direction the door swings? __________
11) Are sharp includes and abrupt changes in level avoided at door sills? (1/2 inch
for interior doors, ¾ inch for exterior doors?) __________
12) Are floors on each story at common level or connected by a ramp? _______
13) Can people participate fully in worship?
a) Can people hear? Is sound adequately amplified (i.e., is there an induc-
tion loop system or miniature broadcasting system which can be adapted
to existing sound systems)? ________________________________
b) Can people see? Is lighting adequate to enable participation in worship?
(Light sources should be located so there are no shadows on speakers or
Interpreters) ______________________________
c) Is space provided for wheelchairs? (Minimum of 2 spaces preferred) _______
d) Do at least two more spaces have extra leg room for people with crutches,
walkers, braces or casts? __________________
e) Can people take communion without climbing steps? __________________
14) Is at least one accessible toilet provided on each floor? _________________
15) Do entrance vestibules, doors, and vision screens allow sufficient clearance
for wheelchair passage? _______________
16) Do rest rooms have turning space of 5 feet by 5 feet to allow traffic of
individuals in wheelchairs? ______________
17) Does at least one toilet stall have:
a) a 36-inch wide opening and door that swings out (42 inches preferred) _____
b) a 48-inch clear depth from door to front of commode to allow a wheelchair
in the stall? ____________
c) grab bars on each side, which met specifications, fastened securely to the
wall at the ends and center? ______
d) a commode with the seat 17 inches to 19 inches from the floor? ________
18) Is at least one water fountain on each floor usable and accessible by people with
physical disabilities? ___________ (Note: If answer is “no,” we have a lost cost
way to “fix” the problem….ask us!)
19) If coolers are wall-mounted, are they hand-operated, with basins 30 to 36 inches
from the floor? ____________
20) Is a telephone easily accessible? __________
a) Is there a telephone in the church at all? ___________
21) If your facility is multistory, does it have an elevator? _____________
a) Is the cab at least 68 inches by 51 inches? ______________
b) Does the door have a clear opening of at least 36 inches wide? _________
Disability Awareness Sunday Helps
REMEMBER: THE DISCIPLINE STATES THAT EACH LOCAL CHURCH WILL HAVE A DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY ANNUALLY!
Disability Awareness Sunday 2006
Developing a Theology of Disability
Shalom to You
The 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church voted to create
DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY
WHAT IS DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY? The 2004 Discipline states in ¶ 265.4, Disability Awareness Sunday shall be observed annually on a date to be determined by the annual conference. Disability Awareness Sunday calls the Church to celebrate the gifts and graces of persons with disabilities and calls the Church and society to full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the community. If the annual conference so directs, an offering may be received and the funds used by the annual conference to promote the work of creating architectural and attitudinal accessibility in local churches. The observance of Disability Awareness Sunday shall be under the general supervision of the General Board of Global Ministries.
This is a call to celebrate the gifts and graces of all persons and that everyone is welcome in our churches, especially persons with disabilities.
HOW SHOULD WE CELEBRATE DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY? This special Sunday gives every congregation the opportunity to challenge our hospitality and our inclusion of all persons into the life of the church. This can be a time when persons with disabilities can offer their gifts and graces to the congregation and to God as participants, liturgists and leaders in this celebration.
HOW CAN DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY HELP US? As you celebrate this special Sunday, let it be an opportunity for the congregation to launch or extend its hospitality to persons with disabilities. The trustees and other groups should involve members of the congregation along with their sisters and brothers with disabilities in identifying offering solutions to the physical, architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers. Develop specific plans and strategies to eliminate those barriers so that your congregation might be fully hospitable to all of God's people.
HOW SHOULD WE USE THESE WORSHIP MATERIALS? The material is designed so that you can use it as it is or excerpt from it to incorporate in your Order of Worship. You may photograph and print in this large size and use it with the cover Page for your Church Bulletin.
These materials were compiled and prepared by Chase Todd Bannister, MDiv, MSW, LCSW-P. Chase has served as a SEMAR summer intern, teaching workshops on disability awareness and providing program support for HIV/AIDS advocacy and affordable housing development. Many thanks to Dr. Thomas W. Binford III, the Pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Pulaski, Tennessee and former Chairperson of the Board of Directors of The Southeastern United Methodist Agency for Rehabilitation, Inc. (SEMAR), for providing a framework for these materials. Thanks also to the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries and the Presbyterian Church USA for resource support.
SEMAR is an agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and is funded through SEJ apportionments, grants, and special gifts from groups and individuals who share in this mission to make our church hospitable to all persons, especially persons with disabilities. Churches can partnership through contributing $1 per child in your congregation.
For additional information contact:
SEMAR, P.O. Box 128, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
(800) 527-3627 (Voice); (828) 452-7640 TDD
(828) 452-4332 FAX; www.semar-umc.org
Email: ceure@sejumc.org
A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY- 2006
THE PRELUDE
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: We come together today as people with different skills, different abilities,
different disabilities.
People: We come, however, as one body in Christ.
Leader: We ask God to help us be compassionate toward all, even as God has been
compassionate toward us.
People: Gather us together, in compassion and in faith. Help us to welcome
and honor everyone in this community.
Leader: Regardless of physical strength and ability,
People: Regardless of differences of mind or spirit,
Leader: Open us, O God. Make us accessible to your Spirit, and accessible to all
your people.
All: Amen.
*THE OPENING HYMN We Meet You, O Christ 257
THE CONFESSION OF SIN
Merciful and Life-giving God, we confess that we have been wayward children. You taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves and we chose to be selfish with our love. You taught us to feed the hungry and poor at whatever cost and we chose to be greedy and limit our willingness to serve. We have disregarded Your example and dishonored Your name when we chose not to celebrate the holiness of Your created world or proclaim the sacred worth of our brothers and sisters with handicapping conditions. Forgive us, God of compassion, when we have veered from the path You created for us and when we forget what it means to welcome You in our midst. Help us remember Your teachings. Help us mold our life to Your example. Free us from our sinfulness, Holy Creator, and lead us in the ways of justice and truth.
THE WORDS OF ASSURANCE AND PARDON
Pastor: When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In the name of Jesus
Christ, you are forgiven.
People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
ALL: Glory to God. Amen.
*THE PSALTER Psalm 99:1-9 819-820
*THE GLORIA PATRI 71
PRAYERS AND CONCERNS
THE LORD.S PRAYER
THE PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
THE ANTHEM
*THE DOXOLOGY
THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
THE HYMN OF PREPARATION Jesu, Jesu 432
*THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 14: 7-14
THE MESSAGE
*THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The World Methodist
Social Affirmation 886
*THE HYMN OF DEDICATION Many Gifts, One Spirit 114
*THE BENEDICTION AND SENDING FORTH
Leader: May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace so that you may
abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
People: So be it! Amen!
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE Shalom to You 666
THE POSTLUDE
*The Congregation will stand if they are able and if they so choose.
The Numbers are selections found in The United Methodist Hymnal, 1989
A Gospel Lesson Sermon Starter
The Guest List Luke 14:7-14
This pericope in Luke.s gospel account shows a Jesus keenly interested in messing with our guest lists. Jesus shows up at a Pharisee leader.s home for a Sabbath day meal and is disgusted by what he sees: a .who.s who. party complete with the noblesse oblige of social hierarchy and status. This was certainly the custom of the day, and still is today.when we draw up wedding guest lists or throw parties of all flavors, we like to fill up our lists with names of people who are like us and names of people who will make us look better just by showing up. Not only are they the focus of the invite-list, we put them at the head of the table when they get there. We talk to them at the party more than anyone else. We remember to get their coats at the door.
Jesus has no use for our self-aggrandizing list of invitees. He has a .who.s who. list of his own. Jesus. list centers in on those persons who have handicapping conditions, are poor, or are otherwise marginalized. This rips apart convention for the Pharisees, and reveals a new kingdom politics: God rebuffs our sinful social structure in favor of an explosive hospitality that welcomes those who are different from us. Those whom we have treated as .second-class. God welcomes as .first-class., and we are invited to renarrate our lives after his example.
Prior to writing your sermon, consider gathering a few persons from your church community who have a disability or are a parent of a child with a disability to talk about what they experience, what scriptures are particularly helpful or hurtful, what life experiences might be used as sermon illustrations, etc. It is the old adage: .Nothing about us, without us..
In worship planning, remember to include persons with disabilities as liturgists, ushers, communion servers, and preachers . all the ways people who are able-bodied share their gifts with the church. Some things to keep in mind when preparing your sermon:
• Use .people first language,. not the disabling condition (the child who is blind vs. the blind child).
• Scripture is rich with stories that can be used for developing sermons. Most of the accounts we have of Jesus interacting with individuals were with people who had some kind of disability, were marginalized, or considered outcasts.
• Emphasize that persons with disabilities are made in the Image of God and that we all make up the Body of Christ . with value, dignity and gifts.
• Scripture does not teach that having a disability is the result of sin or a lack of faith. A cure is not withheld because a person did not pray hard enough. Healing comes in different ways and there is a difference between the concepts of .healing. and .cure..
• Promote mutuality of ministry. Persons with disabilities can minister to others. They are not looking to be the objects of charity or to be .fixed..
• Persons with disabilities are not super-human, more spiritual, or more gifted by God because they live with a disability.
• Disability is not the will of God.
• We are all interdependent, wounded and broken.
• Preaching should never contribute to a person.s isolation or exclusion. Demonstrate pastoral care in the midst of preaching.
• Avoid using terms like .blindness,. .deafness,. etc. as spiritual metaphors (we are blind to our transgressions; deaf to hearing the word of God).
• Use persons who have disabilities as positive models.
Disability Awareness Sunday 2006
Developing a Theology of Disability
Shalom to You
The 1996 General Conference of
The United Methodist Church voted to create
DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY
WHAT IS DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY? The 2004 Discipline states in ¶ 265.4, Disability Awareness Sunday shall be observed annually on a date to be determined by the annual conference. Disability Awareness Sunday calls the Church to celebrate the gifts and graces of persons with disabilities and calls the Church and society to full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the community. If the annual conference so directs, an offering may be received and the funds used by the annual conference to promote the work of creating architectural and attitudinal accessibility in local churches. The observance of Disability Awareness Sunday shall be under the general supervision of the General Board of Global Ministries.
This is a call to celebrate the gifts and graces of all persons and that everyone is welcome in our churches, especially persons with disabilities.
HOW SHOULD WE CELEBRATE DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY? This special Sunday gives every congregation the opportunity to challenge our hospitality and our inclusion of all persons into the life of the church. This can be a time when persons with disabilities can offer their gifts and graces to the congregation and to God as participants, liturgists and leaders in this celebration.
HOW CAN DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY HELP US? As you celebrate this special Sunday, let it be an opportunity for the congregation to launch or extend its hospitality to persons with disabilities. The trustees and other groups should involve members of the congregation along with their sisters and brothers with disabilities in identifying offering solutions to the physical, architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers. Develop specific plans and strategies to eliminate those barriers so that your congregation might be fully hospitable to all of God's people.
HOW SHOULD WE USE THESE WORSHIP MATERIALS? The material is designed so that you can use it as it is or excerpt from it to incorporate in your Order of Worship. You may photograph and print in this large size and use it with the cover Page for your Church Bulletin.
These materials were compiled and prepared by Chase Todd Bannister, MDiv, MSW, LCSW-P. Chase has served as a SEMAR summer intern, teaching workshops on disability awareness and providing program support for HIV/AIDS advocacy and affordable housing development. Many thanks to Dr. Thomas W. Binford III, the Pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Pulaski, Tennessee and former Chairperson of the Board of Directors of The Southeastern United Methodist Agency for Rehabilitation, Inc. (SEMAR), for providing a framework for these materials. Thanks also to the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries and the Presbyterian Church USA for resource support.
SEMAR is an agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church and is funded through SEJ apportionments, grants, and special gifts from groups and individuals who share in this mission to make our church hospitable to all persons, especially persons with disabilities. Churches can partnership through contributing $1 per child in your congregation.
For additional information contact:
SEMAR, P.O. Box 128, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
(800) 527-3627 (Voice); (828) 452-7640 TDD
(828) 452-4332 FAX; www.semar-umc.org
Email: ceure@sejumc.org
A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY- 2006
THE PRELUDE
*THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: We come together today as people with different skills, different abilities,
different disabilities.
People: We come, however, as one body in Christ.
Leader: We ask God to help us be compassionate toward all, even as God has been
compassionate toward us.
People: Gather us together, in compassion and in faith. Help us to welcome
and honor everyone in this community.
Leader: Regardless of physical strength and ability,
People: Regardless of differences of mind or spirit,
Leader: Open us, O God. Make us accessible to your Spirit, and accessible to all
your people.
All: Amen.
*THE OPENING HYMN We Meet You, O Christ 257
THE CONFESSION OF SIN
Merciful and Life-giving God, we confess that we have been wayward children. You taught us to love our neighbor as ourselves and we chose to be selfish with our love. You taught us to feed the hungry and poor at whatever cost and we chose to be greedy and limit our willingness to serve. We have disregarded Your example and dishonored Your name when we chose not to celebrate the holiness of Your created world or proclaim the sacred worth of our brothers and sisters with handicapping conditions. Forgive us, God of compassion, when we have veered from the path You created for us and when we forget what it means to welcome You in our midst. Help us remember Your teachings. Help us mold our life to Your example. Free us from our sinfulness, Holy Creator, and lead us in the ways of justice and truth.
THE WORDS OF ASSURANCE AND PARDON
Pastor: When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In the name of Jesus
Christ, you are forgiven.
People: In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
ALL: Glory to God. Amen.
*THE PSALTER Psalm 99:1-9 819-820
*THE GLORIA PATRI 71
PRAYERS AND CONCERNS
THE LORD.S PRAYER
THE PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
THE ANTHEM
*THE DOXOLOGY
THE CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
THE HYMN OF PREPARATION Jesu, Jesu 432
*THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 14: 7-14
THE MESSAGE
*THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The World Methodist
Social Affirmation 886
*THE HYMN OF DEDICATION Many Gifts, One Spirit 114
*THE BENEDICTION AND SENDING FORTH
Leader: May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace so that you may
abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
People: So be it! Amen!
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE Shalom to You 666
THE POSTLUDE
*The Congregation will stand if they are able and if they so choose.
The Numbers are selections found in The United Methodist Hymnal, 1989
A Gospel Lesson Sermon Starter
The Guest List Luke 14:7-14
This pericope in Luke.s gospel account shows a Jesus keenly interested in messing with our guest lists. Jesus shows up at a Pharisee leader.s home for a Sabbath day meal and is disgusted by what he sees: a .who.s who. party complete with the noblesse oblige of social hierarchy and status. This was certainly the custom of the day, and still is today.when we draw up wedding guest lists or throw parties of all flavors, we like to fill up our lists with names of people who are like us and names of people who will make us look better just by showing up. Not only are they the focus of the invite-list, we put them at the head of the table when they get there. We talk to them at the party more than anyone else. We remember to get their coats at the door.
Jesus has no use for our self-aggrandizing list of invitees. He has a .who.s who. list of his own. Jesus. list centers in on those persons who have handicapping conditions, are poor, or are otherwise marginalized. This rips apart convention for the Pharisees, and reveals a new kingdom politics: God rebuffs our sinful social structure in favor of an explosive hospitality that welcomes those who are different from us. Those whom we have treated as .second-class. God welcomes as .first-class., and we are invited to renarrate our lives after his example.
Prior to writing your sermon, consider gathering a few persons from your church community who have a disability or are a parent of a child with a disability to talk about what they experience, what scriptures are particularly helpful or hurtful, what life experiences might be used as sermon illustrations, etc. It is the old adage: .Nothing about us, without us..
In worship planning, remember to include persons with disabilities as liturgists, ushers, communion servers, and preachers . all the ways people who are able-bodied share their gifts with the church. Some things to keep in mind when preparing your sermon:
• Use .people first language,. not the disabling condition (the child who is blind vs. the blind child).
• Scripture is rich with stories that can be used for developing sermons. Most of the accounts we have of Jesus interacting with individuals were with people who had some kind of disability, were marginalized, or considered outcasts.
• Emphasize that persons with disabilities are made in the Image of God and that we all make up the Body of Christ . with value, dignity and gifts.
• Scripture does not teach that having a disability is the result of sin or a lack of faith. A cure is not withheld because a person did not pray hard enough. Healing comes in different ways and there is a difference between the concepts of .healing. and .cure..
• Promote mutuality of ministry. Persons with disabilities can minister to others. They are not looking to be the objects of charity or to be .fixed..
• Persons with disabilities are not super-human, more spiritual, or more gifted by God because they live with a disability.
• Disability is not the will of God.
• We are all interdependent, wounded and broken.
• Preaching should never contribute to a person.s isolation or exclusion. Demonstrate pastoral care in the midst of preaching.
• Avoid using terms like .blindness,. .deafness,. etc. as spiritual metaphors (we are blind to our transgressions; deaf to hearing the word of God).
• Use persons who have disabilities as positive models.
Discussion Starters for Your Disability Ministry
DISCUSSION STARTERS
Perhaps you have been considering how you might help your congregation
become more inclusive and welcoming. Here are some questions to ponder
and discuss.
· What are the barriers persons with disabilities face in joining this faith
community?
· How are we currently working to reduce the barriers persons with
disabilities face in participating in the liturgical, educational, and social life
here?
· Why aren’t there more persons with disabilities in leadership roles? How
can we change that?
· What is our intentional plan to include children with disabilities in our
religious education and sacramental preparation classes?
· How can we encourage persons with disabilities to offer their expertise on
reducing barriers?
· What is our plan to teach ourselves and our children about the difference
between making accommodations and creating an inclusive community?
· How will we put together a written commitment to look at ways we can
become accessible and welcoming?
· Are persons with disabilities a vital part of our discussion about reducing
barriers and becoming more inclusive?
Perhaps you have been considering how you might help your congregation
become more inclusive and welcoming. Here are some questions to ponder
and discuss.
· What are the barriers persons with disabilities face in joining this faith
community?
· How are we currently working to reduce the barriers persons with
disabilities face in participating in the liturgical, educational, and social life
here?
· Why aren’t there more persons with disabilities in leadership roles? How
can we change that?
· What is our intentional plan to include children with disabilities in our
religious education and sacramental preparation classes?
· How can we encourage persons with disabilities to offer their expertise on
reducing barriers?
· What is our plan to teach ourselves and our children about the difference
between making accommodations and creating an inclusive community?
· How will we put together a written commitment to look at ways we can
become accessible and welcoming?
· Are persons with disabilities a vital part of our discussion about reducing
barriers and becoming more inclusive?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Local Church Disability Fund
Does your church have a Disability Ministry? If not, why not? Jesus set the example for us with His own disability ministry. Think of all the times he ministered to the blind, the lame, the deaf, etc. If you do have a Disability Ministry, please share what your church is doing with us. (In the email, please put "Disability Ministry," so I'll know not to delete it by mistake!
If you do have a Disability Ministry, do you have a local church disability fund? If not, it is easier than you may think to build such a fund. Ours started when a little lady asked me if she could give $5.00 a week to start our own fund. From her $5.00, the fund grew faster than we imagined! We have given wheelchairs, diabetic shoes, bought eyeglasses and built a handicapped accessible bathroom! Just advertise your fund and tell your congregation to write something on the "for" line of their check, such as: "$5.00 for D.M. fund." I believe God will bless you in this effort and your fund and ministry will grow - both monetarily and spiritually!!!
If you do have a Disability Ministry, do you have a local church disability fund? If not, it is easier than you may think to build such a fund. Ours started when a little lady asked me if she could give $5.00 a week to start our own fund. From her $5.00, the fund grew faster than we imagined! We have given wheelchairs, diabetic shoes, bought eyeglasses and built a handicapped accessible bathroom! Just advertise your fund and tell your congregation to write something on the "for" line of their check, such as: "$5.00 for D.M. fund." I believe God will bless you in this effort and your fund and ministry will grow - both monetarily and spiritually!!!
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