In recent years, awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity—the reality that people’s brains develop and function in different ways—has grown significantly. Often associated with conditions like autism and ADHD, neurodivergence reflects a wide spectrum of human experience. Yet the church has not always embraced these differences …
Bringing a God-sized Vision to Life: Help Build Yatosha Deaf School in Tanzania
In Tanzania today, thousands of deaf children live without access to the basic education every child deserves. While the country has made progress in expanding primary and secondary schooling, children with hearing impairments remain among the most underserved and overlooked. In Tanzania, there …
Domestic Violence seminar to introduce Triumph Over Trauma
Churches can help foster healing through peer groups October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And Triumph Over Trauma is a support-group remedy that is helping survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse find healing for their bodies, minds and …
EPA honors churches, leaders for the fruit they bear
“Be purposeful and fruitful.” That creative challenge is in the last line of Bishop John Schol’s April 4 essay titled “ Direction: A Key Ingredient for Successful Leadership – Part 2: Mission.” He reminds us of the Eastern PA Conference’s mission: “Recruit …
Domestic Violence webinar to offer insights about underserved victims and the church
Presenters at the Eastern PA Conference Domestic Violence webinar, Oct. 15-16, will share first-hand knowledge and experience about how this national problem affects marginalized and underserved communities, especially in the current climate of deadly violence overtaking so many communities. The …
Observing Mental Health Awareness Month
In the United States, May is observed as Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a perfect time to talk about mental health/mental illness in your congregation! You might consider mentioning in the pastoral prayer that many of us face mental …
More than a large print bulletin and a ramp: How to Serve with People of All Abilities
Watch the recording. Many congregations and faith communities have taken the opportunity to think differently about worship and mission during COVIDtide. For many people with disabilities, this has given new occasions to involved in new ways. Join us for a …
COVID-19 Resources for Disability Ministry
The DisAbility Ministries Committee of the UMC has developed resources to help congregations be inclusive of people with disabilities as they switch to meeting online and doing things differently. These were linked in our most recent newsletter. Deaconess Lynn Swedberg, …
UM Committee on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries – August 2019 Newsletter
August 2019 Newsletter PDF August 2019 Newsletter PDF – LARGE PRINT
Deaf ministries navigate COVID-19 challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant challenges and opportunities for many religious groups, including United Methodists engaged in Deaf ministries. Several Eastern PA leaders and churches are featured in a new article. Learn more…