Welcome Back to Fall...Welcome Back to Safe Communities
Sharing our new Circle of Grace video and other resources from Safe Church!
Here you'll find resources posted by individuals, churches, and ministries. Add comments, give a 'thumbs up', or post your own. Can't find something? Use the chat box to let us know.
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.
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!
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.
“Since we do not have sufficient funds to change the building, we want to find other ways to help and support families so that they feel loved and appreciated.” Listen to Daysi share in her language of Spanish (English captions available).
Be sure to order printed copies of this insert for Disability Awareness Sunday on October 20, 2019!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.