This article was originally published on the blog for the Disability Ministries Task Force of the Susquehanna Conference Introduction Dear Friends, In the Susquehanna Conference, Disability Awareness Sunday is recognized as the second Sunday in October. It's a day when we recognize and honor the gifts and graces of people who are part of the… Continue reading Prayers for Disability Awareness Sunday
Introduction: Hello, dear readers! I hope that you are having a wonderful summer. As July draws to a close, I wanted to celebrate other authors within the disability community. In honor of the conclusion of Disability Pride Month, I curated a list of top five books on my extensive "to be read list" that are… Continue reading Disability Pride: 5 Books by Authors with Disabilities to Add to Your TBR List”
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… Continue reading Celebrating Thirty Three Years of the ADA and My First Year at Hawley UMC
It is an honor to serve as the editor for this project. Are you a United Methodist author with a disability or a passion for creating and inclusive and accessible church? If so, we would love to see your submission to this project! (This article was originally published HERE ) Advent/ Christmas Disability Devotional for… Continue reading Disability Ministries of the UMC Seeks Contributions from UM Authors
I was inspired to write this article because language has power. I know that people are often reluctant to use the term “disabled.” I especially see this reluctance in my work in the church. Well meaning people often suggest alternative terms, such as “differently abled,” or “special needs.” However, in the past, erasing the word “Disability” has been used as way to erase us.
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.
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
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
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
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!)
Rev. Rebecca Writes 