A Personal Perspective on the UMC and Disability Ministry on the 33rd Birthday of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Introduction:
Hello, dear readers, and Happy Birthday to the ADA.!The Americans with Disabilities Act turns 33 today! In celebration, I wanted to share a blog post celebrating the ADA”s 33rd Anniversary and my 35th Birthday– both of which occured this month!
It’s been a while since my last blog post, and I’m thrilled to be back with some exciting updates. As many of you know, I recently began a new chapter in my journey as a United Methodist pastor. The Bishops of the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church have appointed me to serve as the pastor of Hawley United Methodist Church in Hawley, PA. I was blessed to serve almost a decade at my previous appointment and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve here in Hawley, Pennsylvania.
Today, I want to take a moment to share my experiences, celebrate July’s significance as both a time of new beginnings (our appointment calendar runs from July to July in the Susquehanna Conference) and to celebrate the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I also hope to shine a light on the work of the United Methodist Church in empowering people with disabilities.
Image shows Rev. Rebecca with a birthday cake. The people of Hawley UMC gave me this delightful and delcious suprise on my first Sunday (July 2, 2023). July 1 was my first day at Hawley UMC. It was also my 35th Birthday. The ADA was passed when I was two years old, and I am very grateful for that piece of legislation because it allowed me to have access to education and the same opportunities as non-disabled children.
July: A month of new beginnings
As an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, I have taken a vow of itineracy. This means that I move when the Holy Spirit says, “Move!” Like the circuit riders of the past, when we get the call, we saddle up our horses (or load up the moving vans) and go where we are needed.
My husband and I moved into our new parsonage on June 16, 2023. Although we have only been here a short time, I have been deeply moved by the beauty of the surrounding area. Hawley is located in the Northern Poconos of Pennsylvania and we are surrounded by lush green trees. We are also located very close to lake Wallenpaupack.
The congregation has been incredibly warm and welcoming, and I am very much impressed with the vibrant music ministry here at Hawley. Although I am still very new here, I can already tell that Hawley United Methodist Church is a very special place. We have an incredible chancel choir, a bell choir, and numerous talented musicians who contribute their gifts to worship.
Beyond our church walls, we are also actively involved in the surrounding community. I am currently doing ecumenical work with the Hawley Ministerium to plan a Hunger Walk. Together, we’re stepping up to combat hunger in our local community, with proceeds benefiting the food bank and pantry in our school district. It’s heartwarming to witness the power of unity in action as we serve those in need.
Image shows an artist’s sketch of Hawley UMC.
A Personal Perspective on the UMC and People with Disabilities
As I reflect on my journey within the United Methodist Church, I cannot help but express my gratitude for the inclusive and supportive community I’ve found. I am particularly grateful for the work of The Disability Ministries Committee of the UMC, which plays a vital role in empowering both clergy and laity to serve Christ.
While there is always room for growth, I can confidently say that my disability has never been held against me here in the Susquehanna Conference. I have found all of the local churches I have served to be warm and welcoming.
As a person who is visually impaired, I consider myself to be infinitely blessed to have the opportunity to work a full-time job. I know many people with disabilities who have college degrees who cannot find work because employers are prejudiced against the disability community. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2020, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was approximately 12.6%. That is almost double the unemployment rate for people without disabilities, which was around 6.7%.
As a member of the clergy, my occupation is not just a vocation– It is a calling. I am blessed that the United Methodist Church has enabled me to live out my call to fulltime ministry since 2014. In the United Methodist Church, we are allowed to work full time until we are 72. I love being a pastor, and my work in the United Methodist Church makes me infinitely happy. I plan to work until I am 72 (God willing) and then continue to serve the church in retirement.
Image shows the lovely bulletin board at Hawley UMC that greeted me on my first Sunday.
Celebrating Disability Pride Month and the ADA Anniversary
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26, 1990. It was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush and became effective on January 26, 1992. The ADA is a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas of public life, including employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. The passage of the ADA was a significant milestone in the advancement of disability rights and accessibility in the United States. Today marks the 33rd Anniversary of the ADA.
Since we are a church, the UMC is not required to conform to the ADA. Nevertheless, Disability Ministry is an important part of our identity as United Methodists. We believe that every person is created in the image of God and that all people possess sacred worth. This theological understanding forms the basis for valuing the unique gifts and graces that people with disabilities bring to the church and society. The Social Principles of the UMC urge us to embrace and support individuals with disabilities, acknowledging that we are essential members of the body of Christ.
Looking Ahead to Disability Awareness Sunday
As summer quickly winds to a close and we prepare for fall, I would just like to offer the friendly reminder that the Second Sunday in October is Disability Awareness Sunday in the Susquehanna Conference of the UMC. This special occasion provides us with a chance to reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
At the time of this writing, I currently serve as the chair of the Disability Ministries Task Force of the Susquehanna Conference as well as the chair of Communications for the Disability Ministries Committee of the UMC. Stay tuned for resources to help you celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday in your own Church!
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Please keep all the pastors and all the churches going through a time of transition in your prayers.
May the Peace of Christ Be with You,
Rev. Rebecca
About the Author: Rev. Rebecca L. Holland is an ordained elder serving in the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is passionate about disability ministry and the author of three books. She blogs about faith, books, and disability awareness at BeckieWrites.com
Rev. Rebecca Writes 