Removing Barriers, Creating Communities of Belonging.

October 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 –

The Access and Accommodations Ministry (AAM) at my home church, Servants of Christ, Gainesville, Florida recently led Conversations about Stress: caring for ourselves and others. Asking folks to come out on a Saturday morning was a big ask, but we were pleased to have over 20 people attend. One participant remarked we should do this again! The conversation met a need for people to come together and realize they are not alone. People did not share details, but the small groups allowed deeper, meaningful conversations about depression, anxiety, and isolation. We recognized the importance of developing support systems, and exploring healthy ways to manage stressors. It is encouraging to be reminded God is with us through the joys and challenges of life.

If you would like to explore starting an AAM team at your church to help meet the needs of your congregation, please reach out to us. Each congregation and context is unique, but we would be happy to share some resources to help you discern what God may be calling you toward. Access Leadership Network seeks to help you raise up the next generation of leaders to meet the needs in your congregation and community.

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.

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

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Access Leadership Network (AcLN) Virtual Gatherings

Adapting curriculum

to include a variety of abilities

October 21st, 6 pm CT

CLICK HERE

to join the AcLN Virtual Gathering

Meeting ID: 885 0362 5822

Passcode: access

Victoria White

Share and learn about curriculum for including a variety of abilities in Bible study and faith formation. Bring what you have used to meet the needs in your context and hear what others have used in their context.

Victoria White will share some resources from With Ministries.

Next Month VG – Nov 18^th

Caring for ourselves and others as we enter the Holiday season.

Facilitated conversation as we consider spiritual practices for individual and communal use to commune with God and practical ways to care for one another.

We will also share about what a “Blue Christmas” worship service might look like in an Anglican context. This service can be especially meaningful for people who are entering the holiday season with a sense of disconnection from the celebrations around them. A time to remember, feel seen, and trust in God. A time to come together in Christian community. For a sample service email Kathy Ayres.

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.

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The Access Leadership Network seeks to discover, develop, and deploy leaders in parishes across the ACNA, working to build communities of belonging among those with and without disabilities. To learn more or to partner with the Access Leadership Network, visit our website.

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