“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?”… John 1:46NIV.

Nathanael asked this question after being told that the Messiah had been found and He is Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael had formed an opinion beforehand that caused him ask the question without reservation. We may encounter this attitude as we seek to include persons with disabilities in the life of the church. Especially when seeking to embrace those with a cognitive or behavioral diagnoses.

A few of the synonyms used today for the word good are: beneficial, suitable, skilled, virtuous, helpful, and obedient. People who are differently enabled may not be initially perceived as having these characteristics.

As we prepare to observe Thanksgiving, Christmas and then the new year, we must not forget our mission. We have to be sure our celebration services, commemorations, pageants, and other activities are inclusive. This is certainly not a seasonal charge but an ongoing one that is particularly important this time of year.

People of all abilities may experience difficulties during this period. However, for those with disabilities, their families, and caregivers; the added pressure can be arduous.

To enrich your inclusion effort, go the CCFH Online Store for:.

• Booklets that offer practical answers to what to do and say;
• Resource Materials on specific diagnoses or disability related issues;
• Workbooks for training volunteers and staff or students;
• Lesson material for students with cognitive disabilities; or
• Subscribe to Exceptional Teaching OnLine, if you have not already.

Use CCFH resources to ensure that your church is inclusive and your reply will be the same as Philip’s: “Come and see,”…John 1:46 NIV

This informative guide was written by Connie Hutchinson: Mom to Julie, Matt and Katie; and Director of Disabilities Ministry, First Evangelical Free Church Fullerton, California. In the introduction she writes:

“I entered the world of disabilities in 1975 when my oldest daughter Julie was born with Down syndrome. Julie’s brother Matt was born in 1977 and Katie was born in 1985. I can vividly remember while still in the hospital after Julie’s birth, claiming the verses in Psalm 139 that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by God, according to His purpose. He knew our days before we were ever born. This truth has brought comfort, security and assurance to each member of our family over the years as we have discovered how God in his sovereignty has plans for each of us as individuals and as a family to glorify and serve Him. Since 1992, I have had the privilege of directing the disabilities ministry at the First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, CA. In this role, I have learned over the years the value of our people, regardless of our abilities and disabilities. God has shown me clearly how we all have gifts to give to strengthen the body so that we may be whole.

The purpose of this booklet is to remember the unique gifts, talents, needs and challenges faced by siblings who have a brother or sister who has a disability. This booklet was put together with input from my two grown children and a group of 15 incredible siblings between the ages of 6 and 12 who meet on the first Tuesday night of each month during the school year at First Evangelical Free Church Fullerton. This is their time once a month to share stories about their brothers and sisters, knowing that their feelings are neither right nor wrong and they are free to speak out without the fear of being judged. We laugh together, cry together, share our joys and frustrations and just have fun!”

Use the information presented as a guide to start and/or enrich your outreach to siblings.

Go to our Online store at www.ccfh.org, look under booklets, order today and be blessed.

We were asked to view this site and pass the information along for the benefit of our readers: 

“Camp Discovery is a project of the Tennessee Jaycees and the Tennessee Jaycee Foundation. The Jaycees have been providing summer camping opportunities for people with disabilities for over twenty years. During the last 20 years, we have come a long way in developing and updating our camp to meet the needs of our campers. Camp Discovery is always striving to provide the best camping experience possible.

Camp Discovery is located on the Flynn’s Creek area of Cordell Hull Lake in Jackson County, Tennessee. Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills approximately midway between Nashville and Knoxville, our camp facilities spread across a beautiful 186 acres, which run adjacent to Cordell Hull Lake. The surrounding land is undeveloped and remains a sanctuary to local plant and wildlife.”

For complete information and to view an exciting video, visit the Camp Discovery website at http://www.jayceecamp.org/.