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12/29/2011

Special Needs

Welcoming Special Individuals

Special Needs  Did you know there are many families who don’t feel they are able to worship because they have a special needs child?  Special needs children sometimes talk during service or aren’t able to comply with the lesson plan or sermon.  Parents have felt very unwelcome or embarrassed by the behavior they can’t control.  In order to be more welcoming of these families, we are providing some opportunities to discover more about special needs.  We hope to help every individual to feel the warmth and hospitality that is so wonderfully abundant here at Northwest UMC.

We have presented overviews on Autism, Downs Syndrome and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder over the past few months and will present these sessions again during the next school year.  We also have a Special Needs Information bulletin board in The Hall, which has great tips on how to interact with children (and adults) with special needs. 

A Gentle Worship service is offered on the second Sunday of each month at 11:00 am in the sanctuary.  This is a 30 minute service in simplified format that includes a shorter sermon and familiar songs with softer music.  It is designed to be inclusive of individuals with special needs where “wiggling” is welcome.  If you would like to simply learn more, please join us at any of these offerings.

If you would like more information or would like to assist with a classroom or provide an educational offering, please contact Pam Brannon at pamb@nwumc.com.