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Rejoicing Spirits embraces those with disabilities
By LINDA M. LINONIS
NORTH JACKSON
Rejoicing Spirits embraces all God’s people in “hush-free” worship at Gethsemane Lutheran Church.
“It’s a blessing to have families with disabilities,” said the Rev. Philip McClelland.
The pastor continued that “all God’s people are different.” He referred to passages in Revelation 7:6-8 that refer to tribes and the thousands in them. “We all come with differences,” he said.
Recently, Pastor McClelland and Shannon Miller, a three-year church member, talked about the initiative for individuals with disabilities at the church at 1110 N. Salem-Warren Road. It is planned the first Sunday of the month with worship at 3 p.m. followed by an information session at 3:45. The next session is this weekend with a Christmas theme for worship and program with a craft. The pastor said he plans a message about the birth of Jesus.
Both the pastor and Miller bring special insight to the venture. Mr. McClelland and his wife, Shiloh, have two children, Emerald, 7, and Philip, 9, who is autistic. Miller is a special-education supervisor with Trumbull County Educational Service Center and works in the Bristol and Maplewood school districts.
Both said they saw a need within the church – from children to adults with disabilities.
“We wanted to offer this for those individuals. This is another avenue to share the message with all God’s children,” Pastor McClelland said. “We hope it’s meaningful to them and they respond to it.”
Worship sessions will present a clear message and be complemented by music and visual supports. If participants talk or wander in the sanctuary, it will be without judgment.
“Typical traditional worship is based on a verbal format,” Miller said, noting that might present a challenge to those with various disabilities. “We want this worship to be meaningful to those with disabilities,” she said.
Pastor McClelland said the group may sing selections such as “Amazing Grace,” “Happy Birthday” and “God Bless You.” “The message will focus on Jesus and how God brings us together as a family.” He said participants will be able to use Sunday school drums, shakers and tambourines.
Miller said informational sessions she will conduct after worship are aimed to provide “emotional support” for parents and others. These sessions, Miller continued, will focus on the growth, development and education of children and adults with disabilities.
“The focus will move with the needs of the group to provide a network of support and resources,” Miller said. “Discussion may be on understanding behavior, building behavior skills.” She added that understanding the educational process for children and learning about community resources for adults will be included.
While parents and caregivers are involved in the informational sessions, children and adults with disabilities may participate in craft activities. Care will be provided.
Pastor McClelland said Rejoicing Spirits is a Lutheran project and Gethsemane is a part. “It’s something we never tried before,” the pastor said. “We’re trying to get the word out about this,” Miller added. The first session was in November. Participants do not have to be church members to attend. “Anyone who could benefit is invited to come.”
“We want to share a clear message and use a lot of music,” Miller said. “People can get up and move around. We want the atmosphere to be as stress-free as possible. We want it to be enjoyable and interactive.”
“We want to convey that those with disabilities are no less important than others,” said Pastor McClelland, who has served the church for three years. “This is a faith-sharing experience.”