Resources for Disability Week 2019
Disability Concerns shares resources to help your congregation mark Disability Awareness Sunday (October 20, 2019 or whenever works best for your church).
Disability Concerns shares resources to help your congregation mark Disability Awareness Sunday (October 20, 2019 or whenever works best for your church).
In this comprehensive resource from the RCA you will find guidelines for addressing sexual assault, liturgies, prayers, sermon ideas, song suggestions, and much more.
There is one article specific to the Canadian context, but the remainder of the pieces are must-reads all over North America.
In a powerful blog, Hilary Jerome Scarsella reflects on what she has experienced and witnessed in the years following her sexual assault on the campus of her seminary.
What keeps many people with a disability from being considered for a leadership position? I've included a video that raises awareness about how pastoral search teams can discriminate against leaders with a disability.
Often we are changed in and by our relationships with people with disabilities and their families. Consider these videos a glimpse into their lives and an invitation to deepen relationships in your congregation and community.
Topics include children and youth with disabilities, mental health issues, ways of showing welcome that go beyond physical accessibility, and more. Here they are in one post for your convenience.
Recently a church member asked, “How long have you suffered with your disability?” I immediately replied, “I have lived with my Cerebral Palsy since birth.”
In this video Dori Dykstra reflects on how she feels called to be in relationship with others in the Body of Christ and how that both encourages and prepares her to pick up the phone or send an email.
For Regional Disability Advocates, following up with churches is an important part of building and maintaining relationships as you continue supporting churches in being places where everybody belongs and everybody serves!
In this blog Dori Dykstra shares her experience of phoning congregations to speak about the ministry of Disability Concerns. This is a helpful tool especially for Regional Disability Advocates.
I am so thankful for the discipleship of Jean Vanier, and I remain thankful for the people carrying on his ministry, those who are simply the latest to arrive.
At a recent RCA Classis Minnesota meeting there was a discussion about no-cost options for welcoming people with disabilities. Here are some of the strategies they wanted to share.
Last month, over 90 people gathered at an Inter-classis Safe Church Conference, an event that Classis Huron, has been holding for 20 years. This event was very well organized with many learning materials!
Be sure to order printed copies of this insert for Disability Awareness Sunday on October 20, 2019!
Our world may not end pre-natal testing, but as people of faith, we can support and be supported by people like Zachary and Christine. God’s world, we, will be richer for it.
Because he couldn’t get in the door, safely use the restroom, or access the pulpit, Kyle Crist “decided to become a disability advocate out of necessity.” Listen to Kyle share more of his experience as a disability advocate.
While Cara had worked with people with disabilities, disability advocacy wasn’t connected back to her faith until this opportunity came.
Beth shares her experience with Friendship Bible Studies that affirms “when you learn you teach and when you teach you learn.” Listen to more of her story below!
Based in Seattle, the Faith Trust Institute is a faith-based organization that provides written and video resources for the prevention of sexual assault, domestic violence, and church leader misconduct.
“I’m so happy that, finally, disability concerns [is something] the whole denomination is starting to think about…that’s exciting for me.” Listen to Reg’s own words to hear his delight in this ministry.
Rev. Dr. Joanne Van Sant, Church Advocate in Ridgewood, NJ, shares a story of witnessing God's grace when “everything was just right in that moment.”
Michèle Gyselinck, Regional Advocate for Eastern Canada, shares how she became a disability advocate and how her leadership shapes her and her community!
This video is a helpful tool for families, older adults (who may also feel marginalized by age and acquired disability), congregations, study groups and more! Give it a watch and have a conversation with others.
What is the good news for us at Epiphany as congregations strive to be a safe place to welcome the Christ child, each of God’s children, into? These few teachings stand out to me as we gather with the magi on Epiphany Sunday.