| |
A Message to Those Who Use These Resources
by The Rev. Bebe Baldwin
Sarah Nettleton’s poem sets the theme for the 2009 Disability Access/Inclusion Sunday. The poetry and articles reflect the faith, experiences and challenges of writers with disabilities as we encounter Scripture. All of us — whether or not we live with a disability condition — can gain fresh insights as we enter into familiar texts, guided by persons who are living with disabilities. The biblical story can enable people with disabilities to “praise and proclaim the holiness of our Parent-God who proclaimed us holy by dwelling in us.” (The Rev. Donald S. Milloy, “An Affirmation”)
The writers have expressed their own struggles, questions and frustrations as well as their sources of comfort and strength. The personal reflections cover a broad range of experiences and ages. “My Hills” recalls the pain of a child who found comfort and strength in a Psalm. “Will We Again Find Hope?” expresses the questions and suffering that come with the advancing loss of one who is loved. Several articles lift up the giftedness of people with disabilities. All challenge the church to break the barriers and the isolation faced by those who live with disabilities. “Jesus Got It Right” explores the lectionary reading from the Gospel for June 28.
For many years, Disability Access/Inclusion Sunday resources have been a gift to the church from Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC). We offer them with the hope that all members of the Body of Christ will be able to enter, worship, learn and lead in our churches. It is our hope, also, that churches will lead, not follow, in the movement for social justice in a society where persons with disabilities are still stigmatized, shunned and denied equal opportunity.
We pray for the day when we shall not need annual Access/Inclusion Sunday because every Sunday is Access Sunday and every day of the week offers people with disabilities full participation. Then we can affirm, with the baptismal liturgy of the early Christian Church, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female, there is no longer able-bodied and disabled; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Suggestions for Using These Resources
- Before you begin, use “Suggestions for helping persons with disabilities share their gifts in the PC(USA)”
 as a checklist.
- In addition to worship resources, the poetry is appropriate for worship. “This Church” could be arranged either as a responsive reading for the congregation or as a reading by several persons, including some with disabilities. “An Affirmation” could be used as a unison reading by the congregation.
- Use the sermon ideas and tips provided as you plan your service.
- Many articles include stories suitable for sermon illustrations.
- “Jesus Got It Right” uses the Gospel text for June 28: Mark 5: 24b-34 along with Mark 5:1-20.
- Use “My Hills” for reflections by church school teachers.
- Use articles for small group discussion or adult education sessions. Possible questions for reflection or discussion:
- Does the article describe your own experience in any way?
- What new insight into the biblical text did you gain?
- What questions did the article raise for you?
- Did the article suggest any changes the church needs to make?
- Choose an article for discussion by a social action group in the church. Consider actions the church will take, with and for people with disabilities, in working for a more just community.
- Use the resources all year long. Don’t stop with Access/Inclusion Sunday. “The Gospel According to Athon” is especially appropriate for Christmas and Easter seasons.
- Check the Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC) section of this Web site for additional resources.
Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC)
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord …” (I Cor. 12:4-5)
- PDC welcomes those who affirm, support and advocate for the gifts, rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities in the total life of the church.
- PDC produces resources that challenge congregations to include persons with disabilities in the full life of the church, to advocate with us and for us and to celebrate the gifts we offer to the church and to our communities.
- PDC is one of the 10 Networks of the Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA). Learn more and become a member of PDC.
|
|
