Thanks to the more than 30 leaders and volunteers who have joined our host site leaders group! We know thereare more of you out there, so please find us online so we can continue to grow and learn together.
We know that God sees and loves all people equally, but the church and society don’t have the best track record when it comes to embracing and loving people who seem different. Historically there has been a mistaken belief that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities do not have the capacity to experience, express or explore their faith lives. This is simply not true. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have both the right and the ability to lead deeply spiritual lives, just like you or me.
We’re pleased to announce that Rejoicing Spirits has received a three-year grant from the Deaconess Community of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to help fund the work of Rejoicing Spirits. This money will specifically be used to help us seek out, train and equip congregations to launch new Rejoicing Spirits sites.
Do you have a great idea for a Rejoicing Spirits newsletter article or blog post? We’re looking for host site leaders and volunteers to share their experience with the rest of our communities.
If you are interested in writing about a topic that you think your Rejoicing Spirits host site can share, please email carrie.gubsch@mosaicinfo.org or call 402.896.3884.
By Joyce Hope and Pat Swalm, Calvary Lutheran West Chester, Penn.
Rejoicing Spirits at Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester, Penn., will celebrate its 11th year anniversary in October. Starting with a small core of worshippers, it now has an average of 65–70 in attendance each month (though it serves an overall greater number), with the expectation of continued growth.
We’re pleased to share the following resources created by Mosaic to help congregations teach and grow in ministry with people with disabilities.
There is a a sermon by the Rev. Brian Krause, an ELCA pastor with mild cerebral palsy (Bio included.) Also included are a children’s sermon and Confirmation lesson plan.
There are many reasons why agencies or institutions who serve people with disabilities may be wary of working with churches who want to provide religious services for people with disabilities. Some agencies may be nervous about strict government guidelines regarding religious institutions and funding, others may have had a bad experience with church groups wanting to work with people they support or even a bad personal experience with faith.
Mark Twain said: “The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you discover why.”
Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your God in heaven.”
Our last newsletter gave a quick update of our plans for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering, but we wanted to share a little bit more about where you can find us and what you can expect when you come to our learning space. Here’s a breakdown of what we have planned.
Do You See Me or My Disability? Building a Diverse Church
We know that God sees and loves all people equally, but the church and society don’t have the best track record when it comes to embracing and loving people who seem different.
This July marks the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
This July marks the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
