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"Neurodiversity and Faith"
Special Hamilton Series Event
To Be Held April 19 at North UMC
Professor Daniel Bowman, Jr. to Deliver Keynote Address;
Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund to Preach;
Special Music by Jubilate of Indianapolis Children's Choir
INDIANAPOLIS, March 27 — The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines neurodiversity as “the concept that differences in brain functioning within the human population are normal, that brain functioning that is not neurotypical should not be stigmatized, and that people with neurodivergent brain functioning should not be excluded from groups, organizations, etc.”
Neurodiversity as it relates to religion will be the focus of a special free event entitled “Neurodiversity and Faith” on Sunday, April 19 at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. The event is part of the Richard E. and Anna Lee Hamilton Series on Theology and Contemporary Issues. It brings speakers, seminars, and special musical events to North UMC on various issues.
Daniel Bowman, Jr. will deliver the keynote address following worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund as the guest preacher. The 11 a.m. service will also feature music by Jubilate of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. Rev. Lund will also be available for a question-and-answer session between the worship services, and a free lunch will be available after the 11 a.m. service to all who RSVP by emailing events@northchurchindy by April 10.
Bowman is the autistic author of the acclaimed memoir “On the Spectrum: Autism, Faith, and the Gifts of Neurodiversity.” It earned the Book of the Year Award in 2022 from the Academy of Parish Clergy. “On the Spectrum” debunks myths about autism with a realistic yet hope-filled deep dive into the heart, mind, and life of a Christian.
A New York native, Bowman lives in Hartford City, Ind., where he is associate professor of English at Taylor University, editor-in-chief of “Relief: A Journal of Art & Faith,” and faculty advisor to Students for Education on Neurodiversity (SEND). He is also a prolific poet.
Rev. Lund is minister for disabilities and mental health justice for the United Church of Christ and senior pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Indianapolis. Her latest book, “Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence About Neurodiversity,” has received consistent praise from churches looking to expand their ministries and hospitality.
The Jubilate choir consists of singers with special needs in grades three through nine (or equivalent).
Interestingly, the topic for the event was proposed by North’s hospitality committee, which strives to be inclusive as well as welcoming.
A limited number of both authors’ books will be available to purchase at the event.
The 11 a.m. service will be livestreamed on the North Church Indy YouTube channel.
The conversation will continue in the fall, when the Hamilton Series will present another program at North UMC on Sunday, Nov. 8, when mental health and radical hospitality will be the topics.
The Hamilton series was established in 2018 with a gift from the William E. Schmidt Foundation. It honors the lives and ministries of Dick and Anna Lee Hamilton at North UMC. Dick served as the senior pastor at North from 1974 through 1997 and was known for his work in the city and state on issues of social justice and Christian action. Anna Lee was a talented partner in ministry, adding her singing, teaching, and leadership skills to the church and wider community.
Additional support for the Hamilton Series is provided by Nick and Susan Blankenbaker Noyes and the Blankenbaker family, as well as gifts from individuals in memory of Dick and Anna Lee. North UMC and the Hamilton family are very grateful for these generous gifts, and they hope the public will enjoy these events offered free of charge.
For more information please see the church’s website at northchurchindy.com. Bowman’s website is at danielbowmanjr.com. Rev. Lund’s is at sarahgriffithlund.com. The Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s website is at icchoir.org.
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