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Becoming More Inclusive

Kathy Nofziger Yeakey
Page Image
Two people in an antique car ride at amusement park
Image Caption
Two friends of Slate Hill Mennonite enjoy the antique car ride ​

​


Opening paragraph
It is a hard truth that no one can do everything that needs to be done in the world or even in one’s own community. The key is for individuals or congregations to discover where our passions and the needs of the community coincide, because this is where we find our place to work for the mission of God.​
Page Content


​Slate Hill Mennonite Church near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has found that a significant part of their mission in their community is to be with people from the Cumberland Vista Group Home for adults with developmental disabilities.

The congregation orchestrates monthly events to strengthen ties between the people of Slate Hill and these neighbors. Church members join in various events and activities with the residents of Cumberland Vista throughout the year, including picnics, bonfires, and monthly church services planned with the needs of those with intellectual disabilities in mind.

Ulli Klemm told about a recent fun event in the Slate Hill newsletter:

“From traveling country fairs to full-blown amusement parks, most of us, young and old, have enjoyed carousels, ridden a few roller coasters, and have ventured into a few haunted houses. But for most of the resid​ents at the Cumberland Vista group home, a recent visit in late June was the first time they ever visited an amusement park.

​​Ulli Klemm (right) and friends from the Cumberland Vista Group home enjoy the log ride

​​"Unsure how the event would unfold, several volunteers from the congregation took the plunge and scuttled off to a local amusement park with Cumberland Vista residents. Packed lunches and discounted ride tickets in hand, the gang arrived at the park when it opened. They divided into two groups -- one for those folks game for faster rides and the other group to enjoy the slower rides.

“The amusement park visit was a godsend for one family whose mom was still recovering from a surgery. She was especially glad that her daughter, Sue, could enjoy a day with her friends. From train and ski-lift rides, to swaying through the breeze on the big swing, taking boat rides and getting soaked on a few water rides, the day could not have been more enjoyable. Additionally, the crew enjoyed several musical and magic shows, and of course, the international food court was a must for supper! And, by 9:00 p.m., the gang was back home again.”

What a fun activity for Slate Hill Mennonite and their friends from Cumberland Vista! I would have been game to go along, too.

Not every congregation has a nearby amusement park, but every congregation does have members and neighbors with disabilities and limitations. Whether the disability is hearing loss, limited mobility, autism, Down syndrome, a form of mental illness, or something else, opportunities for community-building and engagement exist. The challenge is to find that place where our passion connects us with the mission of God in the world and local community.


Kathy ​Nofziger Yeakey is Executive Director for Anabaptist Disabilities Network.

 In this issue

  • Healing the wounds of war
    Grace Mishler's experience as a blind person is an important part of her work in Vietnam, where she serves students and blind persons.
  • Thanks Christine! Welcome Denise!
    ​Denise Reesor is assuming the program director post that Christine Guth is vacating after ten years of serving ADN. They will work together through October.
  • Introducing Mark Pickens
    Mark Pickens joins the ADN team as Field Associate, ready to promote disability inclusion in Pennsylvania churches.
  • Deaf Ministry
    Review of Deaf Ministry: Ministry Models for Expanding the Kingdom of God, by Leo Yates. Reviewed by Sheila Yoder.
  • Church of the Brethren Annual Conference
    Brethren Annual Conference-goers with disabilities had Rebekah Flores working to make sure they could participate fully.
  • ADN Updates
    This issue's updates feature resources for inclusive youth ministry from The Gathering Place and ways to find ADN on social media.
  • Madness
    ​​Madness: American Protestant Responses to Mental Illness, by Heather Vacek (Baylor University Press, 2015). A book review by Christine Guth.
  • Sparks of Redemptive Grace
    Sparks of Redemptive Grace: Seeking and Seeing God Amid a Loved One’s Mental Illness​, by Catherine P. Downing. Reviewed by Christine Guth.
 

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