Honoring Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week

Honoring Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week

08/26/2015

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” – Proverbs 3:27

Whatever the type of work and calling we might follow, there exists every day the opportunity to create good, to lift up and to bring light. In some lines of work, it may be challenging at the end of the day to reflect back and know the good that has been done. But that can never be said of those whose calling it is to support people who need assistance in order to enjoy a meaningful day and to reach their full potential.

Fall Conference Call Times Available

Fall Conference Call Times Available

08/24/2015
Based on your feedback from last spring, we’re planning on offering a few conference calls for host site leaders this fall. If you were unable to attend a call, we encourage you or a member of your host site team to sign up. We hope these 45–60 minute calls will give host site leaders the opportunity to gather together, share ideas, struggles and victories and much more. Calls will be scheduled Oct. 7-8 and Nov. 3-5. Congregations who are unable to participate in phone conferences sometime this year will be required to fill out the annual survey.

I Will Trust God

I Will Trust God

08/07/2015
Susan and Michael Bolig sat with their son Ryan, listening and responding to a litany in a Rejoicing Spirits worship service when something remarkable happened.

Better Together: Building Inclusive Spaces

Better Together: Building Inclusive Spaces

07/06/2015
“It is only as we meet and share together person-to-person, eye-to-eye, and heart-to-heart that we discover what it means to be human and to discover the joy of being together, working together towards a common mission of peace and unity.” Jean Vanier, Catholic theologian and disability advocate

Have You Joined the Rejoicing Spirits Host Site Leaders Group yet?

Have You Joined the Rejoicing Spirits Host Site Leaders Group yet?

07/06/2015
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.

Do You See Me or My Disability? Building a Diverse Church

Do You See Me or My Disability? Building a Diverse Church

07/06/2015
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.

Thank you, Deaconesses!

Thank you, Deaconesses!

07/06/2015
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.

A Call for Article Submissions

A Call for Article Submissions

07/06/2015
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 [email protected] or call 402.896.3884.

Rejoicing in the Spotlight: Steps to Success

Rejoicing in the Spotlight: Steps to Success

07/06/2015

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.

An Introduction to Theology and Disability: Helpful Teaching Aides and Reminders for Your Congregation

An Introduction to Theology and Disability: Helpful Teaching Aides and Reminders for Your Congregation

07/06/2015

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. 

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