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Removing Barriers,
Creating Communities of Belonging.
“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” 1 Cor 12:27
January 2026
About a year ago, Anna Burden, of the ACNA Student Leadership Network connected me with Harrison “Hap” Eid who is the director of SET APART - A Developing Documentary on Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) in the Christian Faith. A great example of ACNA networks working together to share resources and support one another’s ministry!
It was wonderful to meet Hap virtually and learn more about his project. You can view the trailer for the film which highlights the community of belonging and support for Jay, an autistic young man, and his family. These friendships and supports help Jay flourish within their church and community. My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Jay and his mother Melanie, during our holiday travels.
You are invited to join the AcLN virtual gathering this month to meet Hap, along with Jay, and his family as they share their journey for finding a community of belonging for people with and without disabilities; a place where they can worship, grow, and serve as a family.
Hap Eid will share an update on the film project. During 2025, Hap and his team traveled to the University of Aberdeen in Scotland to interview four theologians who have a focus on thinking deeply about theology and disability. Aberdeen has become renown for its work in this area and they have two Centre’s: one with a focus on faith and disabilities in general and the other with a focus on faith and the experience of autism.
Hap and his team interviewed Drs. John Swinton, Brian Brock, Leon van Ommen, and Grant Macaskill. I look forward to learning about the insights these professors shared when the film comes out. You can read the bios and a snippet of what each said on the Scotland update webpage. They have been busy editing the film and hope to have it ready to share this spring.
We hope to see you at our virtual gathering January 26 at 6:00pm CST as we hear from Hap, Jay, and his family. The zoom link is below and on the AcLN website.
Joyous Epiphany to you!
Dcn. Kathy Ayres
Director, Access Leadership Network
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The AcLN Leadership team,
Ruth Brewbaker
Beth Kirby
Don Pollard
Heidi Reichert
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