Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry

2023 Updates from Disability Ministries of the Susquehanna Conference

At the time of this writing (March, 2023) I am honored to serve as the chair of the Disability Ministries Task Force of the Susquehanna Conference. This committee deals specifically with disability concerns within our conference. Members of our committee include other clergy throughout our conference and lay members who attend many different churches. I wanted to share the following excerpt from the report I submitted to our Annual Conference because I am excited about our work related disability ministries.

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry

Please Think Carefully Before Inviting a Faith Healer to Visit Your Church

An Open Letter to Clergy and Congregations of the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church: Please Carefully Consider Before Inviting a Faith Healer to Come to Your Congregation (This article was originally published on the website of the Disability Ministries Task Force of the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church) Key Points: --Please… Continue reading Please Think Carefully Before Inviting a Faith Healer to Visit Your Church

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Women in Ministry

A Brief Summary of the 2022 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC with Suggestions for Accessibility

A Brief Summary of the 2022 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church with Suggestions for Accessibility The Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference (NEJ) of the United Methodist Church was held on November 2-4, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. The theme was “One in Ministry to All the World." Approximately 150 delegates, including both laity and… Continue reading A Brief Summary of the 2022 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC with Suggestions for Accessibility

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Women in Ministry

Three Lessons I Learned as a Visually Impaired Piano Student

Subtitle: Piano lessons taught me about self-reliance, perseverance, and life! Note: This piece was written in response to the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind’s Prompt, “Self-Reliance.” Image shows the author seated on a piano bench Introduction: I remember the first time I ever saw a concert pianist. His name was Andre Watts and he was… Continue reading Three Lessons I Learned as a Visually Impaired Piano Student

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry

Prayers You Can Use for Disability Awareness Sunday! (Inspired by the Lectionary!)

The Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church is celebrating Disability Awareness Sunday on October 9, 2022. Here are some prayers that I wrote for anyone who would like to celebrate a Disability Awareness Sunday in their own worship setting! Image shows an inclusive group in silhouette Introduction: What is Disability Awareness Sunday and Why… Continue reading Prayers You Can Use for Disability Awareness Sunday! (Inspired by the Lectionary!)

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Stewardship, Women in Ministry

Altoona District UMC Churches Purchase Lifechanging Device for Visually Impaired Teenager in Africa

Claudine is sixteen years old and visually impaired. After losing her parents, she found a home with Mama Arlene Brown and Hope Made Real. She dreams of becoming a doctor. In this photo, Rev. Rebecca and her husband, Jeff, stand with mama Arlene Brown. Mama Arlene Brown is originally from Pennsylvania. She started an orphanage… Continue reading Altoona District UMC Churches Purchase Lifechanging Device for Visually Impaired Teenager in Africa

Disability & Accessibility, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Preaching

His Encouragement: Giving Thanks for Unexpected Healing

After unexpected good news from a cornea specialist, I want to take time to give thanks to God for an unexpected healing. I believe in the power of every day miracles. Bible Verse: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin… Continue reading His Encouragement: Giving Thanks for Unexpected Healing

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Stewardship

Resources and Ideas to Celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday at Your Church!

This year during Annual Conference, the Susquehanna Conference passed a motion to celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday on the second Sunday of October! We hope that you will join the Disability Ministries Task Force of the Susquehanna Conference as we celebrate this special Sunday. Although this article was originally written for use within the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church, it includes ideas and resources you can use in your own congregation! There are lots of ways you can be involved!

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Preaching, Prayers, and Devotions, Sermons & Sermon Notes, Women in Ministry, Writing

I wonder if she was lonely? Thoughts on Mark 5:21-43 and the woman who was healed from bleeding

Can our experience of the sorrow caused by necessary social distancing help us identify with the pain and isolation of the woman Jesus healed from bleeding? Mark 5:24-29, NIV A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a… Continue reading I wonder if she was lonely? Thoughts on Mark 5:21-43 and the woman who was healed from bleeding

Disability & Accessibility, Diversity, Ministry, Pastoral Life, Preaching, Sermons & Sermon Notes

Failure and Forgiveness: What Can Holy Thursday Teach Us?

A towel and some dirty water. These humble objects are the symbolic signs of what it means to serve Christ and love one another. --Mary Louise Bringle, Feasting on the Word, Year B Can you think of a time in your life when you were sick and needed someone to take care of you? Can… Continue reading Failure and Forgiveness: What Can Holy Thursday Teach Us?