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Ministering With Autism (Ron Sandison)

At eight years old I was diagnosed with autism. The educational specialists and doctors informed my parents that I would probably never read beyond a seventh grade level, attended college, or have a career. My mom was determined to prove the experts wrong by developing my unique gifts. As Proverbs 22:29 says, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won't serve obscure men.” For me to develop my skills and be a minister I had to overcome five main autism quirks.

By |2017-01-06T16:10:53-05:00February 15th, 2016|Guest posts|

Inviting Your Stories on Disability and the Church

Are you a person living with disabilities (visible or invisible), a caregiver, or an ally? What would you tell the church, over coffee, about your life with a disability? The Theologies of Disability Working Group of the United Church invites you to tell your stories about your faith life with disability

By |2017-01-30T13:42:47-05:00January 13th, 2015|Church ministries|

God at Work: Brett and Breha (Video)

Attending Harvest Bible Chapel in Niagara, Ontario, Brett and Breha have experienced a transformative journey which led to their adoption of William, a child with exceptional needs. Learn more about their spiritual growth as part of Harvest Niagara from 0:00 to 3:45, or jump to the story of William's adoption at 3:46. Many of us, [...]

By |2016-12-21T16:20:41-05:00October 14th, 2013|Church ministries, Stories, Videos|

The gift of disability (Matthew Arguin)

Guest Post by Matthew Arguin, Assistant Curate-Coordinator of Outreach and Evangelism at Bishop Cronyn Memorial Church, Diocese of Huron, Anglican Church of Canada. This post was originally the content of a sermon Matthew delivered on August 25, 2013.  Old Testament: Jeremiah 1:4-10 New Testament: Luke 13:10-17 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in [...]

By |2017-01-30T13:48:10-05:00September 9th, 2013|Guest posts, Theology|

Adults with Exceptional Needs (Maria’s story, part 5)

Our church has done many things right in creating a safe and accommodating place for children, including a Plan to Protect® policy, offering to provide workers and they have even offered seminars on children with disabilities. Outside of the children’s programming, though, I know of nothing specifically in place for adults with disabilities except general acceptance.

By |2016-12-21T15:39:21-05:00May 24th, 2013|Church ministries, Stories|

Support Groups (Maria’s story, part 2)

I think for anything to be successful in fostering ‘belonging’ in a church setting, someone who has a child with a disability needs to be involved. They have ‘been there’ and really understand the needs of the family with a child with a disability. I haven't heard of any other support group quite like this one.

By |2017-01-30T13:34:20-05:00May 3rd, 2013|Guest posts|
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