Summer 2017

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.