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
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
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
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
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!
Please consider supporting Disability Ministries on Giving Tuesday and throughout the year! We are committed to making the United Methodist Church a place where people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of worship, leadership, ministry, and mission.
Rebecca was born with a complicated eye condition that caused her to be visually impaired. As a young person, her deepest wish was to become a music teacher and share the joy of music with children; however, systemic ableism at the university level prevented her from achieving this goal. She mourned for the loss of her dream, and then she started taking her writing seriously. Telling her story has helped her to reshape her personal narrative and to take back her power. She hopes to share what she has learned with others during this session. We all have a story to tell, and the world needs your story! Our stories shape the world, and together we can make big changes, one story at a time.
Rev. Rebecca Writes 