Press Room Articles
Receiving the Spiritual Gifts of People with Disabilities
An Article by Mary Pellack – Chairwoman of FIND
mwpell@hotmail.com
Individuals with disabilities have traditionally been defined by what they lack or by what they need. Even in the spiritual realm, they may be viewed with compassion but not recognized as having the capacity for deep or meaningful faith.
And yet, those of us who share our lives with someone who has a disability – even a profound one – have learned that while their physical body has limitations, their spirit is whole. They have much to teach us and to share with us. Their expression of the spirit within them can be joyous, open, giving, loving, and wise. These are their spiritual gifts.
When faith communities are open to receiving the gifts of those with disabilities, everyone is blessed. No special expertise is required —just a welcoming heart and an honest effort to get to know an individual with disabilities as an individual. Explore what they enjoy, what makes them laugh, what would make it easier for them to be included in the life of the faith community, and what gifts they have to share. It is friendship, acceptance, and love – more than special programs – that make a difference.
People with disabilities don’t want to just be on the receiving end of the generosity and compassion of others. As anyone would, they find fulfillment and affirmation in sharing their gifts with others. It may be their pure joy in worship or singing, experienced while sitting with a friend. It could be acts of service — passing the offering plate, lighting a candle, handing out bulletins or pouring the juice for social hour. The openness of their friendship and love or their patience or struggle in living with pain or physical or mental impairment can enlighten the faith journeys of those around them.
When you welcome a person with a disability into your faith community, you show love to their family, too. Families often feel drained and isolated by their care-giving responsibilities. A welcoming and supportive faith community can bring hope and encouragement to an entire family and greatly enrich their lives.
In Chester County, there is a new resource for congregations called the Faith Inclusion Network for Disabilities (FIND) that is dedicated to nurturing the spirit of inclusion. Their mission is to “educate and empower individuals with disabilities, as well as those with whom they share their lives and to support faith communities in welcoming, including, and valuing the gifts of those individuals.”
On Thursday, June 5 FIND will be offering a training seminar for clergy and lay leaders of all faiths, called A Faith Inclusion Seminar: Finding the Spirit. Participants can choose from a variety of practical workshops and hear from thought leaders on disability and faith, such as Ginny Thornburgh (Director of Religion and Disability for the National Organization on Disability) and Bill Gaventa, M. Div. (Director of Community and Congregational Supports at the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities).
For more information on the June 5th training or on the Faith Inclusion Network for Disabilities, call 484.680.1566 or send an email to info@findofpa.org.
PRESS RELEASE
Faith Inclusion Seminar: Finding the Spirit
West Chester, PA – April 18, 2008 - The members of Faith Inclusion Network for Disabilities (FIND) invite clergy, lay leaders, and families to a practical, inclusive, and inspirational training seminar for welcoming and including people with disabilities into the faith community.
This first-of-its-kind seminar will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Route 202 in West Chester on Thursday, June 5, 2008 from 1 to 8 pm. The $25.00 fee includes a light dinner and a book. Individuals with disabilities and their families are also welcome to attend for a fee of $10. Seating is limited. Facility is wheelchair accessible.
Attendees can attend two workshops of their choice. Topics include:
- Spirituality and Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
- Managing Challenging Behavior in the Worship Setting
- Life Events in the Community of Faith
- The Theology of Disability
Keynote speakers:
William (Bill) C. Gaventa, M. Div. - Bill is the Director of Community and Congregational Supports at the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities and Associate Professor, UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Ginny Thornburgh is the former First Lady of Pennsylvania, Director of the Religion and Disability Program, National Organization on Disability in Washington D.C., and has been a featured speaker at the Vatican Conference on Disability.
FIND is dedicated to nurturing the spirit of inclusion. Its purpose is to educate and empower individuals with disabilities, as well as those with whom they share their lives. FIND supports faith communities in welcoming, including, and valuing the gifts of these individuals.
For questions or reservations, call 484.680.1566, email info@findofpa.org or write FIND, c/o Arc of Chester County, 900 Lawrence Drive, West Chester, PA 19380.
- Back to the Top - |
