“If any would follow after me…”

“If any would follow after me…”

10/23/2018

By Rev. Jim Fruehling, Ph.D.

These are familiar words, words that we read in all three of the Synoptic Gospels, each instance occurring immediately after Jesus teaches the disciples that He, the Son of Man, must suffer many things:

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34, NRSV).

It all sounds so familiar, but what does self-denial look like, for us?

In Appreciation of Caregivers

In Appreciation of Caregivers

05/23/2018

Within our efforts to serve, we talk of direct support professionals (DSPs) as the “heart of Mosaic.” As the people who provide direct care in the lives of the people we support, they bring our mission of service and advocacy to life. 

Day after day, they are consistent companions with those living with disabilities. They serve many needs. They listen, offer friendship, nurture community, instruct and guide. They often help with a person’s most intimate necessities. They give of themselves so that others might have a better, fuller life. 

Come, make noise, rejoice in the Lord

Come, make noise, rejoice in the Lord

05/23/2018

Campus Lutheran in Kearney, Neb. has now held Rejoicing Spirits services since February. Here is something the Rev. John Gosswein, pastor wrote about the experience to share with others. 

It was a perfect worship service. Loud and boisterous as everyone entered, with enthusiastic welcomes and greetings. Some were singing words to the songs, but others were just clapping with glee. The usual greeting at the beginning of the service turned into a parade of welcoming “in the name of Jesus.” 

Responding to People Who Have Been Sexually Abused

Responding to People Who Have Been Sexually Abused

05/23/2018

Many of you may have listened to the NPR series “Abused and Betrayed” earlier this year, which reported on sexual abuse of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Here is information on how this affects people’s behavior and what care providers and church families can do. 

Are you ready to do something different this year?

Are you ready to do something different this year?

01/19/2018

Greetings, Rejoicers!

As you are reading this letter, we are probably well into the New Year. Christmas will be a warm memory, and maybe already a bit of a blur. New Year’s resolutions will have been made, and perhaps some of them already discarded.

So, instead – let’s think about Groundhog Day!

Groundhog Day? Yes; the day goes back to German settlers in Pennsylvania who thought it would make a fine observance of their Candlemas tradition.

Guest Post: A Place Where Everyone Belongs

Guest Post: A Place Where Everyone Belongs

01/19/2018

Our Rejoicing Spirits team at Grace Lutheran Church in Hockessin, Delaware has been together for about six years, and during that time we’ve seen positive changes in the people who come to worship with us. Most of our guests are residents of Mosaic homes, but there are a few who live at home with their families. Everyone is welcome, and I do want to emphasize “everyone.”

December Service Captures the Essence of Rejoicing Spirits

December Service Captures the Essence of Rejoicing Spirits

01/19/2018

Rejoicing Spirits services in San Angelo, Texas are always special, but the monthly service in December provided a glimpse of the original vision the founders likely had for the ministry.

You Make a Great Difference!

You Make a Great Difference!

09/13/2017

Thank you for expressing concern for the spiritual life of all people.

Thank you for modeling community that welcomes and does not exclude.

Thank you for being the body of Christ for the sake of the world.

Thank you for being a Rejoicing Spirits church.

Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities during the recent legislative health care debates.

Because it makes a great difference!

Celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month

Celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month

09/13/2017

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. This is a great opportunity to recognize the ministry of local clergy and the difference they make in the lives of people with disabilities. Below are some suggested activities:

  • Appreciation lunch or dinner
  • Card shower
  • Flowers or chocolates
  • Offer to clean their office
  • Letter to local newspaper
  • Letter to church council or bulletin announcement
  • Gifts of time and resources

Thank You for Your Advocacy

Thank You for Your Advocacy

09/13/2017

Because of your calls, messages, prayers and efforts, Medicaid for people with disabilities remains safe.

Early this summer, the U.S. Senate failed to advance legislation that would have repealed provisions of the Affordable Care Act, which would have negatively impacted people with disabilities.

Your voice was heard. Your voice matters. You made a positive difference.

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