Miriam: New to Disability Concerns and Safe Church!
Miriam Spies just started serving as Volunteer and Communications Specialist for Disability Concerns (20 hrs) and Safe Church (10 hrs).
Miriam Spies just started serving as Volunteer and Communications Specialist for Disability Concerns (20 hrs) and Safe Church (10 hrs).
From an outsider looking in at this situation and how it continues to unfold, there are some lessons that we in Safe Church Ministry should consider.
Reflections on the documentary, "Over 18", and information on upcoming screenings and events with director Jared Brock.
This fall, I am spending time with the story of the man born blind in John 9. I am in midst of writing an academic paper around ministry, leadership, and disability, and some of that work might spill out in my CRCNA work!
Sharing our new Circle of Grace video and other resources from Safe Church!
Ontario friends!: "Our Doors are Open" are offering free workshops for congregations welcoming folks with disabilities and families until the end of November.
This past summer Klaaske deGroot-deKoning worked as a cook at Rehoboth camp at Gull Lake, Alberta. Rehoboth offers camps for people with disabilities, and she was inspired to write this poetry.
A “partnership with” model of power is not about being nice, nor does it come about overnight. We start with safe spaces where we can talk about the construction of gender roles, power differentials, and the changing social values.
Last night, I spent time with Tarana Burke, the founder of the #MeToo Movement! She emphasized that my voice and my story mattered.
Across the Body of Christ, fellow sisters and brothers are speaking up against abuse, sharing stories, and seeking to follow Jesus' way in creating and sustaining safe places for all!
It is a joy and a privilege to work with organizations like Dove’s Nest for the building up of Christ’s body in a loving and faithful way. Sign up for their free newsletter to stay up-to-date with great resources!
I recently participated in a webinar about theologies of disabilities led by Tom Reynolds. Through his experiences with his son who lives with autism, as well as living with his own depression, theologies of disabilities has become an academic passion for him.
In a Ted Talk by Jackson Katz he urges for a paradigm shift to name men’s responsibility in ending violence against women, rather than continuing to consider it “a women’s issue.” It is a story, struggle, and call for the whole Body.
There will be times when we are vulnerable because of our flesh and blood bodies—and yet that will not be all of who we are and that will not be the end of our stories.
Rather than creating special accommodations/requirements for a minority population, universal design reflects spaces and programs that can be accessed by everybody.
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.
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.
Michèle Gyselinck, Regional Advocate for Eastern Canada, shares how she became a disability advocate and how her leadership shapes her and her community!
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.”
“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.
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.
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!
While Cara had worked with people with disabilities, disability advocacy wasn’t connected back to her faith until this opportunity came.
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.
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.