Planning a Disability Awareness Sunday

Why have a particular Sunday focused on people with disabilities?

·      Society values people based on intellect, beauty, wealth, and success.  As such, it tends to marginalize and de-value people with disabilities.  However, God values people because they are made in His image. We need to have and proclaim His perspective on people.

·      Jesus invested time in people with disabilities; (over half of His miracles were directed toward them.)   He listened to them, blessed them, and commissioned them.   A Disability Awareness Sunday can help your church become more aware of and comfortable with people with disabilities in your congregation and community.

·      People with disabilities are often "out of sight and out of mind."  As we intentionally highlight individuals with disabilities in our congregations, we are publicly acknowledging that life at each stage is valuable, regardless of ability or disability.  We are affirming that each believer has a role to play within the Body of Christ.

Suggestions for the Worship Service:

1.     Before your worship service begins, play sings from a tape or CD of a Christian recording artist who has disabilities, such as Joni Eareckson Tada, Ken Medema, Tony Ehlinburg or Tony Melendez (or others you know of.)   Or use songs written by Fanny Crosby (who was blind) before or in your service.  Mention that the gifted person who they have been listening to happens to also have a disability.  If there are people with disabilities in your congregation who have creative talents (music, art, etc,) give them opportunity to share these gifts with your congregation today.

2.     Have a person with disabilities share testimony of how God has used their disability in some way to minister to or through them.  Or have a parent of a child with disabilities share similarly.  Sometimes an interview format can be helpful in helping a person organize and share their experience.  People with severe speech impairment may prefer to write up a testimony and have someone else read it.  Look for creative ways for other people to share their stories effectively.

3.     Recognize and acknowledge people in your congregation who are in some way serving people with disabilities, either through their jobs, volunteer services or some kind of ministry within your church that touches people with disabilities.

4.     Have a deacon or church leader give a brief report on the current state of accessibility of your facility, acknowledging the steps that have already been taken (such as ramps, accessible bathrooms, parking spaces, adaptive hearing equipment) and mentioning areas they could be further improved or strengthened.

5.      Passages to consider preaching from:

·         2 Samuel 9

·         Psalm 139

·         Luke 14:12-24

·         1 Corinthians 1:26-31

·         2 Corinthians 1:3-7

·         2 Corinthians 4:7-18

·         2 Corinthians 12:7-10