Serve Congregational Care Support Groups JOY Ministry
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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and related disabilities among children are increasing nationwide. Children diagnosed with ASD look just like other children, with no outwardly visible physical characteristics of their being different; but, in often unique and individualized ways, they are. Some have delays in speech, while others are highly verbal. Others may have difficulties in processing sensory information, such as touch and sounds. They can be quite intelligent and attend normal classes with their peers. However, their typical tendency to have poor social skills and to take literally what others say to them can lead to misunderstandings during everyday social interactions. Therein lies the challenge to their families and to the schools and churches they attend. Within our own congregation, we have a growing number of these special needs children and their families worshiping with us. Their presence presents an inescapable challenge as to how we might best share with them the steadfast love of Jesus Christ. At its June 2007 meeting, the Session of First Presbyterian Church responded to that challenge and approved a special needs ministry program. The “JOY Ministry”—Jesus’ Opportunity for You—will be a comprehensive program focused on the spiritual development and support of special needs children and their families. Research on how other churches have dealt with the “special needs” challenge indicates that ultimate success depends on the congregation assuming “ownership” of the ministry and volunteering their time and talents and lots of Christ-inspired love. This research also indicates that making such a commitment results in a truly heart-warming experience. Our goal is to have a full team of volunteers (men and women) on Sundays to serve as teachers, “shepherds” and general aides during the children’s Sunday School and extended care time (from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; you are welcome to help at any time during that range). We also envision having a special children’s class and a family respite activity as part of regular Wednesday evening programs; we will need volunteers here as well. Additional respite offerings, such as a monthly event at the church and camp opportunities, are in the planning stage. Anyone with a Christ-like heart and compassion toward children may serve; no specialized or prior experience is required. We are in contact with a number of special education professionals and, through them, will provide any training or assistance you may need or desire. In addition, existing clearance procedures for working in the Children’s Ministry will be followed. Contact: Joy Ministry Expands to Middle School It is with great joy and anticipation that our JOY ministry for special needs children is expanding into the middle and high school youth program at First Presbyterian. We have students now in the middle school age range that need their own space and place. Using one of the conference rooms not being used next door in the New Covenant Building, we are creating a JOY ministry classroom just for teens/youth. This summer Carrie Jowers, our JOY Ministry Coordinator, has been researching and purchasing materials, curriculum ideas, and special needs toys/games and puzzle activities for this classroom. Our intent is to provide these students a classroom to gather in and meet with their adult JOY shepherd each week. The shepherds will then assist the students as they participate in youth Sunday school classes. We currently have about 10–12 students in the JOY ministry program from preschool through high school age, with several about to graduate into the middle school next year. We continue to seek volunteers to serve as a JOY shepherd/buddy with children on Sundays and Wednesday nights. If you are interested in learning more about JOY ministry, please contact Carrie Jowers. |
This ministry embraces children with special needs and provides a welcoming place for them to attend Sunday morning and Wednesday night activities, where they hear God’s Word and enjoy fellowship. JOY students have special shepherds who work one-on-one with each child.