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.

Rejoicing Spirits Testimony

Rejoicing Spirits Testimony

09/13/2017

By Pam Abbott

My sister Laurie was born with Down Syndrome and has an intellectual disability. Laurie and I are 15 months apart in age; we have lived apart for most of our lives so we never attended church or had the opportunity to worship together. That is until four years ago, when we went to our first Rejoicing Spirits Service at the Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester.

Mosaic Calls Faith Communities to Prayer and Action Regarding Medicaid Decisions

Mosaic Calls Faith Communities to Prayer and Action Regarding Medicaid Decisions

07/26/2017
As the Medicaid debates are waged in legislative chambers, Mosaic and Rejoicing Spirits call congregations and faith communities to prayer. We seek God’s guidance for our leaders so that decisions made do not damage people with disabilities. We ask that God would awaken our commitment for the good of all and that we, as a society, would pursue justice.

Weathering the Storm or, How to Start a Rejoicing Spirits Ministry After a Hurricane

Weathering the Storm or, How to Start a Rejoicing Spirits Ministry After a Hurricane

02/23/2017

By Glen Stewart

Rejoicing Spirits Host Site Leader

As we enter our fifth year of hosting Rejoicing Spirits worship services at St. John Lutheran Church in Ocean City, New Jersey, it’s heartwarming to reflect on the joy and love that have been shared among our faith family. Five years of sharing our faith and message of salvation. Five years of truly remarkable worship services. Five years of joyous singing and dancing. Five years of big smiles and even bigger hugs. Five years of Rejoicing Spirits!

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