Removing Barriers,

Creating Communities of Belonging.

Sept 2025  

“This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10

It is with great JOY I announce the launch of the AcLN Access Grants offered from the Access Leadership Network (AcLN) of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative of the ACNA.

• An AcLN Access Grant is designed to come alongside a church desiring to expand ministry with people impacted by disability.
• Access Grant funds are intended to supplement the financial cost of a ministry idea, not fully fund the project. 

Individuals from ACNA churches or dioceses may apply for an AcLN Access Grant.

• Application is limited to twice in one fiscal year, (July to June), for a maximum total of $1,000.  
• Fall application period: Sept 15 to Oct 15, 2025.
• Spring application period: Feb 15 to March 15, 2026.
•  Application form.
• The Access Grant team will review the Fall applications and determine award recipients by mid-November with funds being disbursed from the ACNA shortly after that decision.

For more information email Deacon Kathy Ayres, Director of Access Leadership Network (AcLN).

AcLN is grateful for the inaugural donation of $10,000 from a foundation to launch the AcLN Access Grants.

• If you would like to make a donation to support the ongoing work of Access Leadership Network, you may do so by giving to the ACNA.
• Select Access Leadership Network within the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) network of Funds.
• You may also send a check through the mail.
• Anglican Church in North America

P.O. Box 447

Ambridge, PA 15003-0447

• Make checks payable to:

Anglican Church in North America

Memo: Access or AcLN

• If you would like to contribute funds to replenish the Access Grants, please email Deacon Kathy Ayres at kayres@nextgenanglican.com to set up a virtual or in-person meeting.

We eagerly anticipate hearing stories of life transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit as these funds are used to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and build up the household of God.

“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. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,”     (Ephesians 2:17-19).

The Access Leadership Network team,

Dcn. Kathy Ayres

Ruth Brewbaker

Beth Kirby

Don Pollard

Heidi Reichert

Would you like to learn more about using buddies and mentors to support participation and inclusion at your church? We are excited to hear from our three guests Monday, Sept 15.

Ian will share from his experience using mentors and Cinde will share how she has helped guide her son’s friends and mentors through the years.

Tyler is just starting to set up a buddy program at his church to help a few children participate.

We invite you to join the conversation as we learn together!

Hope to see you Monday, Sept 15 , 6pm CT /Sep 7pm ET!

Blessings, 

Deacon Kathy Ayres

AcLN Director

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

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

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View previous newsletters.

The Access Leadership Network seeks to discover, develop, and deploy leaders working to build communities of belonging for those with and without disabilities in churches across the ACNA.

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.

The Access Leadership Network seeks to discover, develop, and deploy leaders in churches 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.

Next Generation Leadership Initiative | Website