Our first day on the ninth floor, the doctors never said, "Your child has cancer." You know those childhood cancer commercials that tug at your heart? Never happened. My husband received a phone call that confirmed a biopsy, but once we were on the oncology floor, the word cancer was never uttered. Medical textbook words were used, and the rush was definitely on. We knew exactly what was happening without ever being explicitly told in those basic words.
#Disability&theChurch2025, Care and Support, Church Support, Disability Ministry, Families, Event, podcast, Sandra Peoples
It’s February, and we’ve all somewhat settled into 2025 and are ready to look ahead to what the year will bring. To help you prepare for your church’s steps of accessibility and inclusive events, we’ve created a Ministry Planning Calendar! In this episode, Sandra Peoples will walk you through ideas for planning ahead and praying for what God will do in 2025.
#Disability&theChurch2025, Advocacy, Autism, Care and Support, Caregiving, Church Support, Disability Ministry, Down syndrome, Hope, podcast
Elaina Marchenko sits down with Rachael VerMeulen from A Little Extra Love Ministries to talk about the reality for families affected by special needs, the need for disability support in Colorado, and what Rachael will be sharing at Disability & the Church Conference.
Advocacy, Autism, Care and Support, Church Support, Disability Ministry, Families
The church is a place for everyone, yet for many families with neurodivergent children, attending church events or services can be a challenging experience. Children with sensory and communication differences may need unique accommodations to feel comfortable, included, and valued. This season, as your church plans special services and activities, consider these three simple yet impactful ways to create a more welcoming environment for neurodivergent kids and their families.
What can your church do to "change the mental health light bulb"? To educate and equip your leaders and congregants to minister to families with mental health issues?
We are looking at a new generation of caregivers who need confidence that their church has their back while God comforts, guides, and strengthens them for the invaluable roles they play in their families as special-needs siblings.
There will be times in the coming weeks you'll disappoint people, your children will disappoint people. But your goal isn't to meet everyone's expectations. It's to do what's best for your child and your family. It's to point others to the perfect Savior who will never disappoint them.
No small group will be perfect, but having an intentional direction with some of these ideas in place would have kept the group from trying to top each others stories and been more welcoming, trusting, and engaging—the goal of any small group who has a like purpose.
It may seem difficult to set a high priority to build healthy relationships with so many other pressing needs. However, healthy relationships are key tool to personal resilience for the journey ahead.