Removing Barriers,

Creating Communities of Belonging.

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Cor 12:27

August 2026  

Almighty God, give us the increase of faith, hope, and love; and, that we may obtain what you have promised, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  

(BCP 2019, p618, Proper 14.)

Friends,

As summer is ending and new rhythms of the school year begin, I hope you are well. Personally, I am ready for a more steady pace rather than the irregular pace of life this past summer. Summer camps, vacations, and mission trips are good and have positive impacts for spiritual refreshment and growth, but now I am ready for Ordinary Time leading us into Autumn.

This month the speaker for our vg is from Joni and Friends (JAF). We are all probably familiar with JAF and some of the many facets of their ministry - the Family Camps, Wheelchair Distribution, and the printed/digital/video resources they share on their website - But it was new to me - they have staff and volunteers who are able to meet with you and help your church discern what God is calling you to do in ministry with and by people with disabilities.

Each church has unique needs and calling to serve God's Kingdom. It is wonderful to learn that Joni and Friends have people to help your church discern how best to grow your ministry. They have resources to support your growth in serving people with disabilities and their families in your church. It's more than simply getting resources from the website, they have people to help you. Personalized and prayerful service and support!

You are invited to learn more at the virtual gathering of ACNA’s Access Leadership Network.

August 17 at 7:00pm, ET (6:00pm CT).

Link to join the virtual gathering found here.

and at www.pln.anglicanchurch.net/access-leadership-network/

Joni and Friends 

Contextualized Resources and Training

JaF will come alongside your church (no cost).

Randy is passionate about seeing every member of the body of Christ

valued and engaged in God’s Kingdom mission.

Blessings to you as we continue to grow together!

Dcn. Kathy Ayres

Director, Access Leadership Network

and

The AcLN Leadership team,

Ruth Brewbaker

Beth Kirby

Don Pollard

Heidi Reichert

PS - See the note below re: interest in having a Mountain Time session.

Randy Schwartz, Ministry Relations Manager

Randy Schwartz serves as the Ministry Relations Manager for Joni and Friends Florida, equipping churches across the state to welcome and disciple individuals and families affected by disability in ways that align with their ministry styles and values. He is passionate about seeing every member of the body of Christ valued and engaged in God’s Kingdom mission. 



We look forward to learning more!

Monday, August 17 - 7pm to 8pm Eastern

Connecting People and Sharing Resources

to support the church's ministry

with and by people with disabilities.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7

Join AcLN newsletter and updates.

More information: Access Leadership Network Director, Deacon Kathy Ayres.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

to keep up with NGLI and all we are working on!

June Newsletter with info about Servant Leader training.



View previous newsletters.

Access Leadership Network (AcLN) seeks to come alongside churches across the ACNA to inspire, equip, and empower leaders

to build the body of Christ, enabling

people of all abilities to worship, grow, and serve together.

October 19 - Presentation on Theology and Disability

November 16 - Holiday Stresses -

with small group break-out rooms

centered around different specific needs

We are considering having two sessions of the Nov 16 virtual gathering: 

One at 7pm Eastern and One at 7pm Mountain.

Please let us know if you are interested in having a Mountain time session.

And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and

peace to those who were near. For through him we

both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Ephesians 2:17-18

Removing Barriers, Creating Communities of Belonging.

Access Leadership Network (AcLN) seeks to come alongside churches across the ACNA to inspire, equip, and empower leaders 

to build the body of Christ, enabling 

people of all abilities to worship, grow, and serve together.



To learn more or to partner with the Access Leadership Network,

email Dcn. Kathy Ayres.

ACNA Provincial Leadership Networks | Website