Biblical Justice

The most recent issue of the Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health, focuses on the topic of Inclusive Christian Schooling. While leafing through the issue I found myself overwhelmed by the many levels/perceptions of what it means to be an inclusive community. For us at Derry, being inclusive in worship and Sunday school looks very different than being inclusive in our enrichment program - or does it? D.W Anderson (Emeritus Professor of Education, Bethel University) author of the article Biblical Justice, would suggest otherwise. In his article, Anderson suggests that 'Biblical justice establishes a situation in which shalom* is possible' (p. 351). For Anderson shalom comes when each member of a community is seen as a contributor rather than a recipient. To this note he quotes Black, saying, 'A theology of interdependence honors the value of all individuals, not by what they do, but by who they are, recognizing that each and every person contributes to the community by being, not by doing. Interdependence acknowledges not only our dependence on God and one another, but also God's dependence on us to be agents of God's healing compassion in the world.' (Black, 1996, p. 42)

So does being an inclusive community look different based on setting? Certainly the 'logistics' of inclusion would, for instance, circle time is unique to the enrichment program and the offering is unique to worship. However, when you stop to consider the heart of the matter, no matter the setting, inclusion looks the same. Whether working with those who are temporarily able-bodied or those who have a disability, inclusion means making God's justice 'visible and believable ' through our 'words, actions, lifestyles, and teaching.'

*Shalom, is a Hebrew word meaning 'universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight - a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, all under the arch of God's love...in other words...the way things are supposed to be.' (Plantinga, 2002, p. 15)

Rabbit trail.

There are many words in the english language used to describe the instances when one changes direction. Whether distraction, diversion, rabbit trail, or fork in the road - these changes are often what one makes of them. My walk with Derry Presbyterian Church (DPC) has changed. While it certainly has not meant the abandonment of one path and the choosing of another, it has meant following two roads simultaneously. The first road is one that I have been traveling since March of this year and has been the focal point of many of my previous posts. The second however has been less traveled and will be the subject of this post.

As a congregation, we have made it a part of who we are to be welcoming and hospitable to all. In the area of Special Needs Ministry this has meant a redefining of 'the norm', a new vocabulary, and an openness to change. This congregational ideal, through many different avenues, has become a part of Derry Discovery Days (DDD), an outreach and enrichment program at Derry for children 12 months to 5 years of age in the community. While the 'conversation starter' among the DDD board had a very different source than that of the congregation, DDD ultimately seeks to achieve the same goal. For DDD part of achieving this goal been to enter into a partnership of  support and knowledge sharing with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit.

Last evening I had the opportunity to sit in fellowship with members of the board, the director of the program, and representatives of the CAIU, discussing ways in which we as school and congregation can better support the community we serve. Though the conversation focused heavily on the in's and outs of Individualized Education Plans (IEP's) and various avenues of communication necessary to maintain the confidentiality of families and students, one thing was clear, those gathered have been called to support Individuals With Disabilities (IWD). It was this realization that reminded me that maybe this new road, with DDD, is not a distraction or more work, but the gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit.

The power of POSITIVITY

This past weekend I was blessed with the opportunity to spend the weekend with twenty senior highs (grades 9-12) from four different schools, fellowshipping together and spending time in God's Word. Nineteen of the twenty youth were your average teenager, typical by every definition - but one, a very special one, who I will refer to as John, was atypical and a blessing to all who were present.

Above youth from the fall retreat pause to have a little fun after an 

afternoon 

on 

Camp 

Krislunds 

high 

ropes course.

John is fourteen, optimistic, creative, insightful, and happens to be an Individual With Disabilities. John is challenged by physical limitations such as poor balance and limited vision, and social limitations typical to one on the autism spectrum. John's most noted accomplishments (at least in my book) include overcoming his limitations, a screenplay that he wrote his freshman year, joining the church and now - defying gravity by trying both the climbing wall and high ropes course on our fall retreat. While John's attempts at outdoor adventure activities may not have been graceful, his attitude surpassed any I have ever experienced. From the moment he expressed his desire to try, to his positive critique of what typical teenagers would have considered failure, John embodied for me the value of a Christian community. In that space and time, John felt safe enough to let down his guard and try. While John's outdoor adventure attempts spoke volumes, his insights and thoughtfulness during group study exceeded anything I could have possibly imagined. Sharing openly and bearing himself to the group (of which as a typical teenager I would have been intimidated) John shared Christ with others. In the hours and days following our study time together, teenager after teenager has approached me saying 'John really inspired me' or 'John is such an amazing person' or 'John made me want to try harder on my walk with God' - to those typical teenagers John's atypical teenage attitude made a lasting impression. 

This reflection on a weekend where God was alive and at work, has caused me to stop, marvel, and give thanks for the love and energy that has been poured into John's life. John has truly been created in God's image and those who have reminded him of that day after day, year after year are a blessing to all!

Faithful Imagination.

As I read the most recent issue of The Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health, I found myself stuck on the article titled Christian Community and Uncommon Courtesy. This particular work was written in response to a newspaper article which reported all too common occurrences in our places of worship, fear and intolerance to difference. The article described how a young woman, an Individual With Disabilities (IWD) and her mother were asked to leave worship by an usher after the young woman outburst during a time of prayer and communion. As the article reports, the young woman, her mother, and her siblings left church that day never to return. Bethany McKinney, author of the Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health article, suggests that a number of wrongs were written that day and that the congregation not only sent a negative message to the young woman and her family,  but also impeded their own growth.

In her article, McKinney suggests that there are several reasons why a congregation should include a 'disruptive' person in worship, the first of which examines the term disabled. McKinney suggests, as do others in the field, that each of us are temporarily able-bodied persons (Nancy Eiesland), that at one point in our lives whether due to physical injury, brain disorder, aging, or even allergies, each of us will in someway experience what it means to be disabled. Building on the concept of being temporarily able-bodied, McKinney goes on to suggest that, 'welcoming people with disabilities, even when deeply inconvenient, can be a self-serving exercise in empathy.'(288)  That, 'by relating to people with disabilities in their midst, members of (the) congregation[s] have the opportunity to deepen their empathic skills and to become more honest and loving toward their own bodies.' (289) Secondly, McKinney suggests that 'worshiping among people with developmental disabilities often means there is an element of unpredictability inherent in the service,' (298) but that we are each called to remember that, 'in worship the church is made vulnerable to a God that would rule this world not by coercion but through the unpredictability of love.' (Hauerwas)

For McKinney, the solution to the aforementioned problems lies in a renewed faithful imagination on the part of the worshiping community. McKinney suggests that while the differences of the young girl mentioned in the article 'included loud shrieks and screams during some quieter moments of the worship service, and that this event could prove quite disconcerting for others, this reality, however does not excuse the community from visioning for ways to include her in their time or worship. Her differences, incompatible as they may seem with many of the traditional elements of a  Sunday morning service, do not take her beyond the possibility of inclusion. Rather they call the receiving community to a deeper level of imagination as they struggle to find a way to be faithful members of the household of God.' (304)

While many have weighed in on the the ethical dilemma of the young woman and the congregation, few have discussed what faithful imagination might occur within congregations. So what does McKinney's suggestion mean for congregations? I would suggest that it means creativity, flexibility, and an openness to allowing the Holy Spirit to move through the congregation. That it means developing relationships (...and we're back) and educational opportunities among the members of the worshiping community (Those who have gone before us.).  That it means finding ways to lift-up the gifts of all members of the community in a variety of ways, both in worship and within the communities life (JOY!).

So as we continue on this journey, consider how you might encourage your congregations faithful imagination both in ministering with IWD and with the greater congregation.

...and we're back.

As this 'new semester' begins I thought it best to fill-in the gap since my last post in July. While nothing earth shattering has occurred, glimmers of God's amazing love and the beauty of creation have abounded. Since meeting with three of our families with IWD (in May, June, and July), I have found myself humbled by the impact that a simple, caring gesture (such as spending intentional, quality time with each family) can have. While my time with each family was a quick glimpse into their day-to-day lives, the impact has been seen often in the months since.

For the oldest youth, a fourteen year old and his 12 year old brother (both with their own unique differences) it has meant comfort in understanding. Both boys have participated on a regular basis in activities that they would have otherwise (and have in the past) shied away from, due in large part to the simple knowledge that 'I get them' and 'I care.' This being said, their participation has caused me to reflect intentionally about the 'small stuff.' Maybe reaching out and supporting in ministry our IWD and their communities of care doesn't mean spending lots of money or creating elaborate programs, but rather means developing relationships.

Relationships with parents that result in comfort with setting and trust in understanding.

Relationships with IWD that result in a sense of self-worth and belonging.

So as we embark together on this second semester of ministry - let's remember the small stuff, the relationships, the people.

JOY.

            As you may have noticed, it has been several weeks since my last post - but know, this has not been without thought. Over the past three weeks I have been taking time to meet with various families and individuals within the congregation who have disabilities, sharing information with the congregation regarding this particular project, and having conversations with professionals in the field of Special Education. Each conversation has been different, but regardless of content and regardless of age, the individuals and families I have had the honor of spending time with have reminded me of how beautifully God has created each of us. If we are not the best singer, perhaps we can write, if we are often unable to control our surroundings, perhaps we have the gift of paying attention to the little things, if we are unable to sit-still, perhaps we have the gift of dance.
             It is here, that I pause on this journey. I pause to remember the words of Psalm 139, which reminds us, “It was you (God) who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you (God), for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” (NRSV) I pause to remember these words of thanksgiving and praise; words spoken generations ago by David that today carry a powerful message of hope. Words, that are a reminder in my everyday life that, when I am unable to control my surroundings, when I cannot sit still for another minute, or when I am reading and my eyes can’t track to the next line – God is there. God has created me just the way I am; I have been molded to use my strengths to live vibrantly and to share the Good News joyfully.

Those who have gone before us.

Over the past few weeks I have dedicated much of my time to exploring the available resources and the journeys taken by those who have been active in special needs education and ministry. From the PC(USA) Website offering information regarding the national Presbyterian resources available, to disability specific network websites (Autism Society of America, Council for Exceptional Children, Down Syndrome Society, and TASH) the internet has proved to be a source of many free and exceptional resources. However, perhaps the most noteworthy resource, has continued to be The Journal of Religion, Disability, and Health.

In the latest issue, the editors have collected various articles on Inclusive Christian Education. For many, including our own congregation, this is a new idea that seeks to replace our older segregated models of ministering to IWD. Belva Collins and Melinda Jones Ault in their article "Including Persons with Disabilities in the Religious Community: Program Models Implemented by Two Churches," provide a glimpse into the lives of two different congregations who have in the past ten years implemented inclusion programs.  Collins and Ault note the difference between inclusive practices and inclusive community by saying, "Inclusive practices refer to the policies, procedures, or structures of programs that encourage or make possible the participation of persons with disabilities into the ongoing activities of the congregation...inclusive community, however goes deeper and involves the beliefs of the persons in the congregation." (p. 128) For many this key difference when applied to the life of a congregation can make or break the goal of the inclusion ministry.

At DPC this key difference has lead to a conversation about the importance of education within the congregation and the greater community prior to implementing a 'full blown' inclusion ministry (also influenced by Nancy Eieslands book, The Disabled God). With our first steps underway (proactively seeking out the IWD and their communities of care within our congregation) the next challenge becomes education. Collins and Ault, in their article, offer several key suggestions/considerations for congregations seeking ways in which they might proceed. These suggestions include:

1. Seeking out individuals (both personally and open invites) who have a "desire to participate in a group willing to offer support (to IWD and their communities of care)
2. Becoming familiar with resources available at different levels and make them available to the congregation (suggest one set place)
3. Creating an inventory of the accessibility of the congregation on the physical and spiritual levels
4. Having a clear mission statement and sharing it with the congregation, and
5. Finding ways to use the talents of all persons in the group/on the committee to ensure a diverse sharing

While some may see this list as a 'how to' of inclusion ministry, I would suggest that it is more than that. Collins and Ault's suggestions are conversation starters for congregations unique and critical reflection on their own communities. These suggestions encourage a variety of perspectives to be reflected upon and offer a means by which conversations can not only begin but can challenge congregations ways of thinking and doing when it comes to special needs ministry.

In short, there are many who have gone before us on this journey, may this post be a reminder of the value of their gifts and gleanings.