From time to time, the diocesan office is contacted by parents of special needs children and teens. They want to know where they might find parishioners who would welcome an autistic teenager, or a Sunday school class for a hearing-impaired 8-year-old, or a confirmation class for a developmentally delayed young adult. Sometimes a parish wonders if another parish in the diocese can serve as a mentor in beginning new ministry. We don't often know the answers--but we'd like to!
By God's Grace--Creating Special Needs Ministry gives some direction in how to begin ministering to these families, but what are your parishes doing already? Please take a moment to answer a few questions on this topic, so that we can better support one another in ministry.
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In YourOpinion . . .How does your parish carry out special-needs ministry? What more might you do? What resources are needed? Share your thoughts here.
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--Available for check-out from the BMRC:
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--Nancy Kershner is back, offering new children's ministry resources which she'll send to you, free of charge: - When the Well Runs Dry: creative activities, songs, and games for 1st and 2nd graders. By Mary Rose Pearson, Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995. Includes reproducibles.
- When the Well Runs Dry Again: ideas for preschool teaching centers. By Gloria Wheat Thompson, Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996. Includes reproducibles.
- Children's Ministry That Works! Ed. By Jolene L. Roehlkepartain, Group Books, 1994.
- Easy to Use, Fun to Do Jr. High Meetings, Ed. By Candace McMahan, Group Books, 1994.
Contact Nancy at nkershner54@gmail.com for more information. Inquiries about other available books and materials welcome.
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Thank you in advance for taking the time to share about special needs ministries in your parish! Next time, I'll be asking about curriculum choices.
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Kate Garcia
The Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia
540-342-6797
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