Connections Newsletter Archive

At Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp, we provide a welcoming, peaceful gathering place where diverse groups of people experience life-giving connections with God, one another, and nature.

A list of accessible summer camps in the North American midwest and eastern seabord

Field associate Kathy Dickson talks about accessible gardening at Methodist Theological School of Ohio.

Sarah Werner shares about how she connects to God in the natural world.

Paula Ziegler Ulrich​ shares ideas for connecting with older adults who are sheltering in place during the pandemic.

There are those who seem to defy the limitations of aging as they grow into the last decades of life. But the reality is that aging brings inevitable disabilities for everyone.

I am 82 years old. In spite of my age-related challenges, I believe that most of the time I can honestly say life is good.

Peter Graber reflects on the realities of aging and how these relate to our use of the term ‘disability.’

The ADN board is pleased to announce that Jeanne Davies has accepted the board’s appointment as the new ADN Executive Director, effective June 1, 2020.

Karen Norton Biddle shares about being part of the We Are Able work camp over the summer.

Rachel Joy recounts a discussion with a Colombian woman about the balance between seeking healing and valuing people with disabilities for who they are.

One of the many blessings my youngest son, Luke, who has autism and is nonverbal, has brought me is this: He helps me slow down and live in the present.

We welcome Emily Hunsberger to Anabaptist Disabilities Network as a part-time Office Administrator.

​Debbie Eisenbise shares resources for families on the topic of aging.

​As Anabaptist Disabilities Network reaches its 15th anniversary, I’m gratified by the accomplishments of my co-laborers and predecessors; more church congregations consider accessibility and inclusion to be a part of their regular ministry. 

​This past Spring, I worked with Bill Gaventa, a leading voice in disability theology and justice, to craft a conference about disability, theology, and faith communities.

​In May, Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADN) celebrated fifteen years of helping congregations “catch the vision” of barrier-free worship, programs, leadership, and community life for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

The theme of this issue of Connections features creatively designing congregational life to remove barriers to full participation. 

Worship within a biblical, warm, and supportive community is a wonderful experience that God desires for all of us. Yet, as a person with a (vision) disability and a pastor, I’m aware of  many barriers that make worship difficult or uncomfortable for people with disabilities.  

In 2014, Columbus Mennonite Church implemented the Icon Bulletin. As one of our church’s accessibility advocates and the mom of two boys with Down syndrome, I wanted our church to have a bulletin that could be meaningful to non-readers​.

In this interview, Dan reflects on how his ministry and congregation has been shaped by his vision disability.

​​It’s a Friday evening at Hempfield Church of the Brethren, and worship is about to begin! Participants are moving into the sanctuary, chatting excitedly with each other and eagerly anticipating the coming hour of praising God.​​

When Flora Williams suddenly found herself trapped in a Mexican tour bus, her sunny vacation plans turned to shock and horror within mere minutes.