|
Removing Barriers, Creating Communities of Belonging.
September 2024
O God, you have made of one blood all the people of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you; bring the nations into your fold; pour out your Spirit upon all flesh; and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP 2019 p.650)
Greetings –
I want to share a few stories about how lives are being transformed, relationships restored, and God’s kingdom is growing related to the Access Leadership Network (AcLN) through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Spirit leads – people connect – lives change - kingdom grows – repeat –
Leaders from two separate congregations reached out regarding challenges they were experiencing related to integrating teenagers with disabilities into their youth groups. AcLN connected them with two adults in our network living with the same disability as the teenagers. Through virtual meetings between the youth leaders and these resources, new insights and understanding were gained, specific strategies were developed, and more fruitful ministry is being done! Praise the Lord!
Being a teenager is always tough! Navigating the teen years with a disability adds another layer of challenge. During a recent monthly virtual gathering (VG), a speaker shared about YoungLife’s Capernaum ministry and another speaker shared about her experience volunteering with Masterpiece Alliance. With new connections made and possibilities inspired, a parent from that VG is exploring having her child participate in the local YoungLife Capernaum ministry providing another support for positive socialization skills and her child’s faith formation!
Disability ministry often begins with parents, spouses, and caregivers simply trying to engage their loved one in meaningful relationships and faith formation. Often these families feel alone and isolated. AcLN has a team to meet with folks, learn about their challenges and resources, and help connect them with resources. One of those resources is building a team of people at their church to address the needs in their context. Someone recently connected with AcLN and hopes to build an Access & Accommodations Ministry team at her church!
Hallelujah! God is on the move, and we strive to be responsive to the Spirit’s leading. Please continue to support the ministry with your prayers and participation. If you would like to financially support this work, you may give through Next Generation Leadership Initiative.
Your fellow servant,
Deacon Kathy Ayres
AcLN Director
Connecting People and Sharing Resources
to support the church's ministry
with and by people with disabilities.
| 
