I read this story and as a parent of a child with autism I hope that the writer of this article is someone my son does not meet. The author writes that he is aware of how important schedules are but ignores that to have ‘fun’ with him? If you truly respect someone you don’t cause them anxiety. I can only imagine how long he repeated he didn’t know how long an hour was even after he was dropped off and how many times it continued to come up. If you truly want to have a meal with the man who is blessed somehow with unique warmth than find a time that works for him and don’t tease him.
This line in this article resonated with me " Do we tell them to go elsewhere because their disabilities are too expensive for us to do anything about?" I have a child that doesn't do well with a regular service. I have often been told about a church in another area of town that has a great program for children like mine. I can only assume that a child like mine is not welcome at the church we attend?
I also think of us reopening at this time with limited numbers and areas that have to be kept separate. With the way our zones are laid out we are unable to use our elevator. This means there is only one zone that is available for those with mobility issues. Once that zone is full the other zone is not an option. I won't even get started on the fact that we built a new church and nobody thought about adding a wheelchair ramp or any disability access to the stage so we had to buy a noisy portable lift.
Thank you for taking these steps and recognizing that the Network has not always been a safe place for all members. I look forward to hearing from those marginalized voices that we haven't traditionally heard from. I really liked this line "The lived experience of those most impacted by an issue should not be up for debate." Sometimes we just need to listen.
I only met Barb once but I still remember it. I was at a conference and was talking to her about my son and how church wasn't a good fit for him and I remember being so encouraged by her with the possibilities of what church could be for all. She was a lovely woman who will be missed.
What happens if the church you attend, with mostly white members, only acknowledges what is happening through prayer and that's it? When Covid 19 started it was prayed for, videos were made, banners were made to acknowledge the workers, it was in the sermon and the church website now has a whole new section. Covid 19 was not going to stop the church but what is happening now is met with silence except for in a prayer. I know that as a member of the church I can reach out and say this is wrong but shouldn't the church be doing more?
Posted in: Potluck
I read this story and as a parent of a child with autism I hope that the writer of this article is someone my son does not meet. The author writes that he is aware of how important schedules are but ignores that to have ‘fun’ with him? If you truly respect someone you don’t cause them anxiety. I can only imagine how long he repeated he didn’t know how long an hour was even after he was dropped off and how many times it continued to come up. If you truly want to have a meal with the man who is blessed somehow with unique warmth than find a time that works for him and don’t tease him.
Posted in: A Participant's Reflection on the 2020 Disability Concerns Leadership Training
This line in this article resonated with me " Do we tell them to go elsewhere because their disabilities are too expensive for us to do anything about?" I have a child that doesn't do well with a regular service. I have often been told about a church in another area of town that has a great program for children like mine. I can only assume that a child like mine is not welcome at the church we attend?
I also think of us reopening at this time with limited numbers and areas that have to be kept separate. With the way our zones are laid out we are unable to use our elevator. This means there is only one zone that is available for those with mobility issues. Once that zone is full the other zone is not an option. I won't even get started on the fact that we built a new church and nobody thought about adding a wheelchair ramp or any disability access to the stage so we had to buy a noisy portable lift.
Our churches can and should be doing more.
Posted in: "Censorship" on The Network
Thank you for taking these steps and recognizing that the Network has not always been a safe place for all members. I look forward to hearing from those marginalized voices that we haven't traditionally heard from. I really liked this line "The lived experience of those most impacted by an issue should not be up for debate." Sometimes we just need to listen.
Posted in: Remembering Our Friend Barb Newman
I only met Barb once but I still remember it. I was at a conference and was talking to her about my son and how church wasn't a good fit for him and I remember being so encouraged by her with the possibilities of what church could be for all. She was a lovely woman who will be missed.
Posted in: Beyond Thoughts and Prayer
What happens if the church you attend, with mostly white members, only acknowledges what is happening through prayer and that's it? When Covid 19 started it was prayed for, videos were made, banners were made to acknowledge the workers, it was in the sermon and the church website now has a whole new section. Covid 19 was not going to stop the church but what is happening now is met with silence except for in a prayer. I know that as a member of the church I can reach out and say this is wrong but shouldn't the church be doing more?