Disability Ministries

Conference offers Deaf Camp for adults with special needs

Innabah Camp and Retreat Center hosted Deaf Camp in July.  Camp closed with Holy Communion in American Sign Language led by Bishop Peggy Johnson. 

Tony, Deaf with severe Cerebral Palsy, leaned heavily for support and balance on A.J., Deaf-Blind, who used his cane and relied on Tony to navigate them around the obstacles as they walked the grounds of Camp Innabah.  A wild and touching week at Camp Innabah was enjoyed by the 26 campers and 10 staff from July 11 to July 17. 

Education and Training Opportunities in Ministries with People with Disabilities

Education and Training Opportunities in Ministries with People with Disabilities in the Pennsylvania Area in 2010 

A Place for All: Faith and Community for Persons with Disabilities

Bishop Peggy Johnson (see photo at left from the documentary) has a lead interview as part of an extraordinary documentary by Diva Communications on creating places in faith communities for persons with disabilities.  You can now order online a copy of this DVD as a resource for developing ministries with persons with disabilities in your congregation:  www.divacommunications.com/aplace.

Bishop Johnson says: Our culture tends to not value people with disabilities as whole persons. But the goal, for any religious group, is to help people see with new eyes that people with disabilities are truly valuable and have skills and abilities that enhance the faith community.

See a video clip below.

Deaf Ministry is growing

Youth sign "I love camp" at a camp for young Deaf people at Camp Pecometh.  This camp was sponsored by Philadelphia Area Deaf Ministry. 

Deaf Ministry is starting to grow in the Philadelphia Area of the United Methodist Church.  Please contact Carol Stevens, the Deaf Ministries Area coordinator for more information at areadeafmnstry@gmail.com or 443-794-6499.

Disabilities Concerns Committee

The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Disabilities Concerns Committee is looking for persons to participate in the work of the team.

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