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HereAmI,SendMe:PeoplewithDisabilitiesandChurchEmploymentTableofContents

Introduction………….................................................Rev.BebeBaldwinBeyondDisabilityInclusionSunday:theBetterTogetherCurriculumforStudyandDiscussion…………....................Rev.BebeBaldwin

WorshipResources

CalltoWorship................................................Rev.SarahMcKenneyPrayerofConfession.....................................................TerryChaneyALitanyofConfession..........................................Rev.RickRoderickPrayersofthePeople........................................MaribethCulpepperALitanyofThanksgiving............................Rev.SusanMontgomeryALitanyofInclusion…………………………………………….…….DebTrevinoAffirmationofFaith...............................................Rev.RayMeesterScriptureSuggestions...........................................Rev.BebeBaldwinHymnSuggestions.......................................................CindyMertenBenediction...................................................Rev.Dr.CarolynPeters

Articles

IDon’tWanttobeAmazing……………………………..TerryChaney

ModelingJusticeandHope………………………..Rev.BebeBaldwin

EmpoweringtoServe..............................................Rev.LisaLarges

LearningtoListentothecallWhenGodEmbracesPeoplewithDisabilities.......................................................Rev.SueMontgomery

MyCalltoMinistry-toLove,ComfortandEncourage…......Rev.DebTrevino

IntroducingMyself:MyJourneytoOrdination..............Rev.SarahMcKenney

AdditionalResources……………compiledbyCarolBrown

Here Am I, Send Me: People with Disabilities and Church Employment

IntroductionByRev.BebeBaldwin

TheFirstPresbyterianChurchinyourtownisseekinganewpastor,andyouareamember

ofthePastorNominatingCommittee(PNC).YouhavegonethroughanarduousbutjoyfulprocessasyouhavestruggledtodiscernGod’swillforyourchurch.Now,however,youarefacingadilemmayouneverexpectedtoencounter.ThePNChasbeenreadingPersonalInformationFormsforseveralmonths,hopingand

prayingforthe“perfect”pastorforyourcongregation.Oneapplicantstandsoutabovealltheothers.Sheiscommittedtocreativeworship,hasaheartforpastoralcare,andapassionforsocialjustice.Thereisonlyoneproblem;theapplicantisblind.Doesyourchurchdaretocallapastorwithadisability?Whatkindsofchangesand

accommodationswillthecongregationbewillingtomake?Canapastorwhoisblind“succeed”?TheLeadershipTeamofPresbyteriansforDisabilityConcernsisofferingour2017resources

toaddressissuesthatweurgePastorNominatingCommitteesandPersonnelCommitteesconsiderastheymakedecisionsaboutemploymentofpersonsinbothordainedandnon-ordainedpositions.Ourwritershavecontributedworshipresourcesandarticlesoutoftheirownexperiences.Thestories,struggles,andjoysofbothwritersandcongregationsarereal.Theworshipresourcesplaceinclusionatthecenterofthelifeofthecongregation.Inclusion

inallareasofchurchlife–includingfairemployment–isnotamarginalissue.ItisattheveryheartofwhoweareasthebodyofChristandourlifetogetherasfaithcommunities.Severalthemeshavegivenusafoundationforboththeworshipresourcesandarticles.We

affirmthateverypersoniscreatedintheimageofGod.WeaffirmthateachpersonhasbeengivengiftsbytheSpiritandthattheBiblegivesusexamplesforinterdependence.But,wealsoaffirmthatGodhasgivenchurchesthegiftofholycreativityinorderto“dojustice”(Micah6:8)intheiremploymentpolicies.ItisourhopeandprayerthatyouwillusetheseresourcesonDisabilityInclusionSunday,

butnotonlyonthatoneSunday.Thisyear,thechurchplanningcalendardesignatesMay28asDisabilityInclusionSunday,butyoucanplanaccordingtoyourcongregation’sneeds.WehopethatyouwillfindwaystomakeeverySundayandeveryotherdayoftheweekatimeforinclusionofpeoplewithdisabilities.Andoneotheridea:thenexttimeyourchurchislooking

forsomeonetoserveineitheranordainedoranon-ordainedposition,pleasepassonthisresourcetothecommittee.Ourwriters,alongwithmanyotherswholivewithdisabilities,havesaid,“HereamI;send

me.”(Isa.6:8)TheyhavecommittedthemselvestobefaithfultoGod’scall.Thequestionis:willthechurchbefaithful?

BeyondDisabilityInclusionSunday

DidyouknowthatthePresbyterianChurch(U.S.A.)hasapolicythatcallseverychurchbodytoincludepeoplewithdisabilitiesinitslifeandleadership?In2006thePC(USA)GeneralAssemblyapprovedLivingintotheBodyofChrist:TowardsFullInclusionofPeoplewithDisabilities.Thechurchitenvisionstreasuresthegiftsofeverypersonandeliminatesbarrierstoinclusioninourfaithcommunitiesandsociety.

Unfortunately,itisofteneasiertopasspoliciesthantoimplementthem.

BetterTogether:TransformedbyGod’sVarietyofGiftswasdevelopedtomovethepolicyintoaction.ThisfoursessionstudyguideincludesBiblestudythatcallsustobeinclusive,truestoriesaboutrealpeopleandthebarrierstheyfaced(andsometimesovercame),questionsforlivelydiscussion,casestudiesthatchallengeourcreativity,anda“toolbox”withpracticalstrategiesforinclusion.

AcommittedteamofdisabilityadvocatesfromPDC,theOfficeoftheGeneralAssembly,thePresbyterianPublishingCorporation,thePresbyterianInvestmentandLoanProgram,thePresbyterianFoundation,andthePresbyterianMissionAgencyworkedtogethertodesignBetterTogether.

Werecommendthecourseforadultstudyandfellowshipgroups,intergenerationalgroups,leadershiptraining,andmore.

BetterTogetherisavailableonlineat:https://www.pcusa.org/resource/better-together-transformed-gods-variety-gifts/

WORSHIPRESOURCES

CalltoWorshipByRev.SarahMcKenney

TheLordhassearchedusandknowsus

Lord,whoamI?

YouareachildofGod

Lord,whoamI;whostrugglestocommunicate

You,Iknowandunderstandyourthoughts

Lord,whoamI,whostrugglestoreadandwrite

YouIknow,evenbeforethereisawordonyourtongue

Lord,whoamI,whostrugglestoseewithmyeyes

Youareuniquelyandwonderfullymade

Lord,whoamI,whostrugglestohearwithmyears

YourdaysIhavebeenordainedforyou

Lord,whoamI,whodoesn’twalkwithmyfeet

Youarestillwithme

God’sloveisforeveryone,notjustforafew

Eachandeveryoneofus,Godexcludesnoone.Letusworshiptogether,asuniquelymadechildrenofGod.

InspiredbyPsalm139

YoucanreadSarah’sstoryintheArticlessection.

PrayerofConfessionByTerryChaney

LovingGod:Weconfessthatoftenwerejectthegiftsyougiveusintheformofthepeopleyousendourwayasyourcommunity.Wedothisbydecidingthatthosewhoaredifferent,becausetheirphysicalorintellectualabilitiesare"different"than"ours"eithercannotcontributeorthattheircontributionsareminimalatmost.

ForgiveusOgodforforgettingthattheChurchisyourChurch,thattheTableisyourTable,andthatourcallistowelcome,andtomakeroomforandtowelcomeall.Helpustoseeandcelebratethegiftsofallforonlyinthiswaycanallofyourgiftsbemadetoshineasyouintend.

YoucanreadTerry’sstoryintheArticlessection.

LiturgyofConfessionandPardonByRev.RickRoderick

Leader:WearecreatedintheimageofGod.People:Butoften,wedonotseethisimageineachother.Leader:Wehavemanygifts.People:Buttheyareoftenhiddenbyourdoubtsandfearsaboutothersandourselves.Leader:Wesaywewelcomeallpeoplewithdisabilities.Wehavemadeourfacilitiesaccessibleinmanyways.People:Butapersonusingawheelchaircannotgettothepulpit.Leader:PeoplewithdisabilitiesmayteachSundayschool.People:Butnoonewithadisabilityhasbeenemployedbyourcongregation.Leader:Weareafraidthatthepersonwithadisabilitymaynotsucceed.People:Butthefreedomtofailisalsothefreedomtosucceed.Leader:Weareafraidthathiringapersonwithadisabilitymaymeanmoreworkforus.People:Weareafraidtoopenourselvestoofferinghelp.Leader:Godforgiveus.People:Fornotrecognizingthegiftsofmanyaroundusanderectingbarrierstokeepthemfromserving.

Assurance:Leader:Scripturesaysthatweinterdependent.

People:Weneedeachother.Wecanenableeachother.

Leader:Therearemanygiftsbutonegiver.

People:WearethehandsandfeetofGod.Newopportunitieswillarisetousethetalentsofallpeople.

Leader:Believethegoodnews.

People:InJesusChrist,weareforgiven.ThanksbetoGod.

Leader:Letusgoforth,beingempoweredbytheHolySpirit.

People:Andempoweringothers.

RickisoneoffourDisabilityConcernsConsultantswhoservethePC(USA)intheareasofvision,mobility,hearing,andintellectualdisabilities.VisitthePHEWAwebsite,https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/phewa/disability-concerns-consultants/

PrayersofthePeopleByMaribethCulpepper

GraciousGod,

YouhavecalledustogethertobethechurchofJesusChrist.

Maywebeoneinfaith,discipleship,andaction.

MaythelivesweleadlettheworldknowthatYouareloveandweareYourchildrenlivinginthelightofYourtruth.

Lordinyourmercy,

Hearourprayer.

SaviorGod,mayweseeYouinourstreetandnotwalkbyontheotherside.

Helpustotakeresponsibilityforourattitudetowardothers,recognizingeachpersonisYourchild;nomattertheircolor,theirphysicalormentalabilities,theirfaith,theiractions.

Giveustheskillsandthewilltotakeourrolesseriously,alwaysseekingtoplayourpartinreconciling,representing,andrecognizing,sothatgoodisacknowledgedandbadisresisted,forthebenefitofall,butmostlyforYoursake.

Lordinyourmercy,

Hearourprayer.

Godofgreatthings,helpusinthesmallthings,sothatwecangrowinhope.Equipustolead,aswellasfollow.Inspireustoteachaswellaslearn.

Maywebegooddisciples,fruitfulprayers,loyalfriends,andgoodSamaritans,whereverwego,whoeverweare,insicknessandinhealth.

Lordinyourmercy,

Hearourprayer.

Godofgrace,letjudgementbeinYourhandswhenwefalterandfailinmeetingourresponsibilitiestoYou.

Andwhenweleteachotherdown,throughenvy,greed,prejudice,fearandhatred,mayjusticebetingedwithmercy,sothatwrongdoingisjustlypunished,butretributionislefttoYou,whoknowsusbetterthanweknowourselves.

Lordinyourmercy,

Hearourprayer.

Lord,giveustheconfidencetotakethereins,asothersfallbythewayside.

Mayourwillingnesstoshareothers’burdensleadtoothershelpinguswithours.

Asallthingsmustpass,somayallthingscometofruition,withallofusplayingourpart,athome,atchurch,insociety,butonlywithYouasourhelp,oursolepurpose,andourreasontobelieve.

Lordinyourmercy,

Hearourprayer.

Amen.

MarybethservesontheCommitteeonRepresentationforthePC(USA)andisamemberofthePresbyteriansforDisabilityConcerns(PDC)LeadershipTeam,anetworkofthePresbyterianHealth,Education&WelfareAssociation(PHEWA).

Litany of Thanksgiving

By Rev. Susan Montgomery

(This litany was written following a day in the lives of people living with disabilities.) Leader: Most gracious and loving God. You are with us in the dawning of the morning, the break of dawn, when the sun shines, and snow falls, the winds blow, and in the stillness the night, your voice is heard. People: Our gratitude overflows for you alone are the giver of life, You provide the touch of a friend, a caregiver, a family member, You send a friend, a fellow disciple who chooses to be a brother or sister in Christ. You enable us to see each other as valued children of God—your family loved unconditionally. Leader: God of life and hope, when all seems impossible Your light shines in the darkness and we see something we’ve never seen before possibility, potential we see all we can be not alone—together. People: Thank you for the people who work who make our world—and our lives—

A place where hope is made real, where knowledge is gained, skills are learned, lives are saved and faith is lifted up,

made visible and celebrated! Thank you for doctors who deliver babies and place them in the arms of families who love and cherish each breath exuding possibility. Thank you for all who seek to build lives into all they can be rather than judge to exclude. For those who affirm and seek the presence of others, especially when it is believed such a presence has little worth. Leader: Thank you God for giving worth to all your creation. Thank you for the people who have dedicated their vocations, their lives to clean water, the harvest of the land, the nurturing of minds, making sure restrooms are clean, toilet paper within reach.

For first responders, firefighters, police, sanitation workers, plumbers, housekeepers, cooks, and servers, those who make our clothing, provide us with transportation. People: Thank you God for all your creation, for butterflies that land on our arms, wind blowing against our faces, sun that feels warm on our skin, the gentle massage of a hand applying lotion, the whisper of a comforting word in the dark- ness of the night, in moments of both physical or emotional pain. Thank you for the soft fur of a dog nestling its head and looking up with those big brown eyes filled with love. Thank you for the cat who lives in a nursing home who seems to know and visit when someone is going to die. Thank you for not letting the cat visit today! Leader: For laughter, we thank you God. For tears that flow reminding us, to love is to hurt, to love is to care. For curiosity that opened new doors and windows of understanding, For wonder that leaves us in awe of your love. People: For all we know and experience, we say Thank You God! Apart from you we have and are nothing, apart from one another, we are less than you ever created us to be. With you, we have all that is ever needed for with you, we have life abundant and filled with joy. ALL: For life our God named good, we say, thanks be to God! Alleluia. A-men. SueisoneoffourDisabilityConcernsConsultantswhoservethePC(USA)intheareasofvision,mobility,hearing,andintellectualdisabilities.VisitthePHEWAwebsite,https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/phewa/disability-concerns-consultants/

LITANYOFINCLUSIONByDebraTrevino

LEADER:GraciousandmercifulGod,youcreatedthedayandthenight,theheavensandtheearth,thelandandtheseas,thesun,moonandstars,fishandfowl,thelionandthelamb,andgrowingthingstobeautifyandfeedyourcreation.

PEOPLE:Youcreatedhumanityinyourimageandchargedustocareforyourcreation,toworshipyouandloveoneanother.

LEADER:Thensincameintotheworldandwewerealldisabledbysin’spower.Weturnedawayfromyouandfromcaringforothersandabusedyourcreation.

PEOPLE:Inthefullnessoftime,yousentJesustoredeemusfromsin,torenewourrelationshipwithyouandwithyourcreationandtoteachushowtolovebothourneighborandthestrangeramongus.

LEADER:EventhoughJesustoldusnottobeafraid,wepatronizeandavoidthosewhoaredifferentfromourselves.Weavoidthestrangerwhoisbleedingbesidetheroad.Wewon’teventouchtheonewhohasAIDSorisHIVpositive.

PEOPLE:Helpustoovercomeourfears.WewanttoreachoutandlearnthatallpeopleareneededinthebodyofChrist.Wewanttowork,worshipandbefriendthoseunlikeourselves.

LEADER:Helpustoofferassistancewhenwemeetsomeonewhoisblindorvisuallyimpaired.

PEOPLE:Wemaybeabletoread,drive,distinguishcolors,describeyourgloriouscreationanddevelopafriendship.

LEADER:Helpustowelcomethosewhoaredeaforhardofhearing.

PEOPLE:Wewanttolearnabouthearingdevices,interpreters,signlanguage,TTY,andothertechnologysothatwecancommunicateandshowGod’slove.

LEADER:Helpustoshowcompassionforthosesufferingwithmentaloremotionaldamage.

PEOPLE:Wewanttosharetheburdenaswelistentothestoriesofveteransneedingtotalkofwar,lostlovedonesandchangedlives.Wewanttowelcomethosewhoareautistic,havedementiaorAlzheimer’s,understandingthatGod’slovereachesintotheirspiritsaswebecomevesselsforthatlove.

LEADER:Helpustooffermorethanourmoney.Weareproudofourwheelchairrampsandwidenedandautomaticdoors,thinkingwehavedoneenough.

PEOPLE:Helpustobuildrelationshipswiththosewhousewheelchairs,scooters,guideorserviceanimals,canesorwalkers.

LEADER:Peoplewithdisabilitiesareourfamilymembers.Theyliveamongusanddoimportantworkasourteachers,ourattorneys,businessownersandourpastors.

PEOPLE:Wewanttobeadvocatesforjusticeandinclusionwhenourlovedonesareshunned,bullied,turnedawaybytheprejudicialattitudesofneighborswithgoodintentions.

LEADER:IwillworktoincludeallofGod’speople.Iwillwelcomethosewhoareableinwaysdifferentfrommyown.

PEOPLE:Icanmakeadifference!IcanturnasidemyprejudicesandthankGodfortechnologythatoffersnewability.AsIlearn,Icanteachothersabouthearingdevices,iPhonesandeReadersthatreadthescreenaloud,makingbulletins,scripture,restaurantmenus,emailandothertextsaccessible.

LEADER:LetusreachoutandincludeallofGod’speople,helpingoneanothertofindourplaceofserviceinthebodyofChrist.Remindusthatthoselivingwithdisabilitiesarethelargestminoritygroupintheworld.Helpushelponeanotheradapttolife’schallenges.

PEOPLE:LetusworktogethertobuildacommunityofinclusivenesswhereeverygiftiscelebratedandallabilitieswelcomedinservicetoChristwhoenablesandempowersallofustothegloryofGod.

YoucanreadDebra’sstoryintheArticlessection.

AffirmationofFaithByRayMeester

Godisthecreatorofall;andallofGod’screationGoddeemedgood.WeacknowledgethatGod’sloveissovereign.Godcreatedadiversityofpeople,lovedbytheGodofgraceandmercy,andthatnothingexcludesanyonefromGod’slove,noteventhepowersofdeathanddarkness.

JesusChristrevealedGod’sloveinhisbodybeingbrokenonthecross.JesusdismantledthebarriersthatseparateGod’speople.JesusrealizedGod’sintentionforthewell-beingofhumankindwhentheblindreceivedtheirsight,thelamewalked,andthedeafheard.Jesuscalledthechurchto“invitethecrippled,thelame,andtheblind.”God’spreferentialoptionforthepoorandvulnerablecompelsthechurchtoincludethosewhoareconsideredoutsiders.HealingcomesfromthefullinclusionofallinthelifeofthebodyofChristandsociety.

WebelievethatthroughtheHolySpiritGodhasgiveneachandallgiftsforthecommongood.NopartofthebodyofChristcandenythelegitimacyortheuseoftheirowngiftsnorthegiftsofothers.Thechurch,thebodyofChrist,isincompletewhengiftsaredenied.

Weacceptourselvesandloveothers,knowingthatnoonehasanygroundonwhichtostand,exceptGod’sgrace(Confessionof1967,9.22).

RayisoneoffourDisabilityConcernsConsultantswhoservethePC(USA)intheareasofvision,mobility,hearing,andintellectualdisabilities.VisitthePHEWAwebsite,https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/phewa/disability-concerns-consultants/

SuggestionsforScriptureByRev.BebeBaldwin

Gen.1:26-27DisabilitieswerecommonintheancientMiddleEast,butthefirstcreationstoryaffirmedthatallwerecreatedintheimageofGod.Therewerenoexceptions!

Ex.4:10-17;15:20-21MosesusedhisdisabilityasanexcusetoevadeGod’scall,butGodcalledAaronandMiriamtoservewithhimandleadtheirpeopletofreedom.Lev.19:14;21:16-24Christianshave,attimes,usedtheancientlawsaboutholinesstoexcludepersonswithdisabilitiesfromleadership,disregardingthecalltojusticein19:14.Isaiah1:12-17;Micah6:6-8Nooneisexcludedfromtheprophets’clarioncalltojusticeforall.Mark10:46-52Bartimaeusadvocatedboldlyandcourageouslyforhimself,evenwhenthecrowdtriedtosilencehim.Ourfaithcallsus“tohearthevoicesofpeopleslongsilenced.”ABriefStatementofFaith,line70,TheBookofConfessions.ICor.2:1-5;IICor.4:7-12;12:7b-10;Gal.4:13-15;6:11Paulwroteofhisdisabilityandhowitaffectedhislifeandministry.SeealsoActs9:1-9.ICor.12:4-26AllChristiansarecalledtoserve,especiallythosewhoappeartobe“weaker”membersofthebodyofChrist.Gal.3:28Inthesewords,whichwereprobablyfromanearlybaptismalritual,PaulaffirmedourunityinChrist.Asapersonwholivedwithadisability,Paulknewthatweareallincluded–eventhosewithdisabilities.BebeisaretiredmemberofthePresbyteryoftheTwinCitiesArea,aformermoderatorofthePresbyteriansforDisabilityConcerns(PDC)NetworkofthePresbyterianHealth,Education&WelfareAssociation(PHEWA).

HymnSuggestionsfromGlorytoGod:ThePresbyterianHymnalPublished2013byWestminsterJohnKnoxPress

#3WombofLifeandSourceofBeingText:RuthDuck,1986,1990,alt.Music:SkinnerChavez-Melo,1983#19GodofGreatandGodofSmall

Text:NatalieSleethMusic:NatalieSleeth,1973#27SacredtheBodyText:RuthDuck,1997Music:ColinGibson,1992#297InChristCalledtoBaptizeText:RuthDuck,1995Music:Welshfolkmelody;adaptinCaniadauyCyssegr,1839#302WhenHandsReachOutandFingersTraceText:CarolynWinfreyGillette,2001Music:Englishfolkmelody;harm.JohnWeaver,1988#372OforaWorldText:MiriamThereseWinterMusic:CarlGotthelfGlaser,1828;arr.LowellMason,1839#653GiveThankstoGodWhoHearsOurCriesText:RuthDuck,2007Music:Wyeth'sRepositoryofSacredMusic,PartSecond,1813;harm.RichardProulx,1975#692Spirit,OpenMyHeartText:RuthDuck,1994Music:Irishmelody;arr.AlfredV.Fedak,2011#754HelpUsAcceptEachOtherText:FredKaan,1974Music:DoreenPotter,1974#769ForEveryoneBornText:ShirleyErenaMurray,1998Music:BrianMann,2006#770I’mGonnaEatattheWelcomeTableText:AfricanAmericanspiritual,alt.Music:AfricanAmericanspiritual;arr.CarlDiton,1980,alt.#806I’llPraiseMyMakerText:IsaacWatts,1719,adapt,JohnWesley,1736,alt.Music:Attr.MatthausGreiter,1525;harm.V.EarleCopes,1963

#807WhenWeMustBearPersistentPainText:RuthDuck,2004Music:Walker'sSouthernHarmony,1835;harm.DavidN.Johnson,1968#808WhenMemoryFailsText:MaryLouiseBringle,2000Music:JeanSibelius,1899;arr.TheHymnal,1933,alt. ListcompiledbyCindyMerten,DirectorofChristianEducationandAllAbilitiesInclusionMinistry,FirstPresbyterianChurchofBirmingham,Michigan(Everybody’sChurch).

ChargeandBenedictionByReverendDr.CarolynPeters

LetusnowopenwideourheartsandmindsandallowAlmightyGodtoseeourfaithsowecanhearhiswisdom.Weknowthatourabilitytoseedifferently,toheardifferently,tomovedifferentlydoesnotdefineourcharacteristics.OurLordandSaviorknewusbeforewewereformedinourmother'swomb.OurLordmadetheblindtosee,thelametowalkandthedeaftohear.OurLordpromiseswecandoallthingsthroughChristJesus,whostrengthensus.GonowandallowotherstoseethegloryofGodinyou.Amen.MayGod'sgloryshinethroughyouthisdayandalways,throughChristourLORDinthefellowshipoftheHolySpirit. CarolynisamemberofthePresbyteriansforDisabilityConcerns(PDC)LeadershipTeam,anetworkofPresbyteriansHealth,EducationandWelfareAssociation(PHEWA).

ARTICLES

IDON'TWANTTOBEAMAZINGByTerryChaney

Technically,mywifeMarcieandIbothattendedthesameschoolthatgrantedahighschooldiplomatoSteveWonder.Althoughhewasneverspecificallyusedasanexampleweshouldtrytofollow,hisassociationwiththeMichiganSchoolfortheBlindinsomewaysreinforcedanarrativethatwasconstantlyinthebackgroundattheschoolandthathashauntedmeforprettymuchmyentirelife.SteveWonder'smusicalgiftsaretrulyauthenticandamazing,eveniflikemeyouaren'taparticularfan.Inadditiontotheauthentictalent,Ibelievethathealsobenefitedfromculturalbiasesthatassumethatthebestpathforfolkwhoareblindtosucceedareforthemtobehighlymusical.Inotherwords,thebestmodelforsuccesstofollowforsomeonewithadisability,oratleastmydisabilityistohaveanincredibletalentthatmakesyouessentiallyindispensable.Well,thatisn'tme. AsIexperiencedit,ThenarrativethatIreceivedfrommyschool,althoughimplicitisfamiliartomany,especiallymembersofanykindofracial,ethnic,disabled,orotherminoritiesanditrunssomethinglikethis:"Ifyouwanttogethalfasmuch,you'dbetterbetwiceasgood.”You'dbetterworkatleasttwiceashard,betwiceassmart,andrememberwheretheygetthreeormorestrikesyouareluckyifyougetone."Acorollaryisthat"ifyouwantitdoneright,you'dbetterdoityourself.Inotherwords,beamazinglikeSteveWonderandmaybewe'llletyouin,orgetreadytobeleftout. Well,whenIwasinmytwenties,althoughIdidknowthatIdidn'thaveWonder'smusicaltalentIthoughtthatIdidhaveenoughamazingtalentinotherareasto"makeitworkforme"andsooffIwent.NowI'minmysixtiesandhavekindoffiguredoutthattherearealotofsmart,hardworkingpeopleoutthere,andthatoutsmartingandoutworkingallofthemisamajortask,ataskthatIwasn'treallyupto.

AsIreflectonthelensIusedtoseetheworld,especiallyinmyyoungerdays,Idon'tthinkthatIreallycelebratedmysuccesses;insteadspendingalotoftimeinfearwaitingfortheinevitableaxetofallwhensomeonerealizedthatIwasn'ttheamazingpersonthatIthoughtthatIneededtobe. NowistheplacewhereI'dliketosaythat,withthehelpofagoodtherapist,awarmandnurturingcommunity,andmostimportantlytheGraceofGodthatI'vebeenabletoputthiscripplinglensontheworldaway,buthonestlyIcan't.Ihaveusedawonderfulandwisetherapist,andIamblessedtobeapartofafantasticcommunityandI'velearnedthatIamwhoIam,andthattheworkisoftenslowbutworthit.Infact,I'velearnedthatIhavemanygifts,amongthemarebeingagoodliturgistandgroupleaderandevenmoresurprisingly,forawhitemale,theabilitytoaskforandeventousehelp. IcanattributethisdirectlytomybeingapersonwhoisblindsinceIamofteninsituationsthatIcan'tmanageonmyown,atleastnotatfirst.I'velearnedtoaskforhelp,andtousethehelpIgetbybeingappreciative,givingconstructivecomments,andnotaskingforthingsthatthehelpercan'tgive.I'llnowexplainhowthisworksinoneoftheministrycontextsIaminvolvedwithinandformycongregation. IampartofafourpersongroupthatsetsuptransportationforourrejoicingspiritsservicesatFirstBirmingham,Michigan.Theservicewasdevelopedtoappealtopersonswithintellectualdisabilitiesandisoneofthemostinclusiveeffortsmycongregationhasundertaken.Ihaveassumedresponsibilityforprovidingtransportationforpeoplewhocan'tdrive,butwhoareotherwiseabletofunctionontheirownpossiblywithalittleguidance.Idothiswithaprofessionalbusdriver,mywifeandourfriendDr.Peterandanyoneelsewhowantstojointhefun. Idothecoordinating,callinginthedaysbeforetoseewhowantstocome.Marcie,PeterandIwelcomeandchatwiththosewhocomewhileintransitonourChurchbus,andthegreatthingisthatwecancoverforeachothernomatterwhathappens. IdowhatIdowell,thedriverdoeswhathedoeswell,ifsomethinghappenstomeMarcieorpetercaneasilyandseamlesslypickupthebaton.Moreimportantly,wearesharingaministryweloveusingthegiftsthatGodhasgivenusandwedon'thavetoworryaboutbeing"amazing"becauseweareapartofsomethingthatisamazing.

ModelingJusticeandHopeByRev.BebeBaldwin

AssoonasIrosetospeak,Isensedthatsomethingwaswrong.Insteadofthewelcoming

hushthatusuallyfollowstheapplauseafteraguestspeakerisintroduced,Iheardbarelymuffledconversation,shiftinginchairsasifIhadalreadytalkedtoolong,andevensomedepartingfootsteps.

Itwastheannualconventionofanorganizationthatadvocatesfortherightsofpeoplewhoareblind.Thethemeoftheconferencewasemployment.Iknewthat,inspiteofanti-discriminationlawsandtheirowndeterminationandabilitytowork,peopleintheaudiencestillfacedbarrierstofairemployment.Somehadgivenup.

WhatcouldI,aminister,sayataconferenceonsocialjustice?Isuspectedthatmanyinmyaudiencehadnotfeltwelcomeinthechurch,hadbeenexcludedintheplacewhereallshouldbevalued.IfeltthatIhadhitawallofskepticismandsuspicion.IwonderedwhyIhadbeeninvitedtospeak.

ButasIsharedmyexperienceservingthechurch,themoodbegantochange.Ifeltthe

wallaroundmecrumbling.Mychurch,myplaceofemployment,hadembracedmygifts.Mychurchwasmodelinghope.

Toooften,thisisnottrue.Toomanyqualifiedcandidatesforordinationorfornon-

ordainedpositionshavefacedbarriersinchurch.IamlegallyblindsoIhavemanyfriendswhoareblind.Amongtheseareastockbroker,areceptionist,atherapist,aneditor,andseveralwriters.Myhusband,anexecutiveforalargecorporation,foundedaninternshipprogramthatofferedpeoplewhowereblindopportunitiestohoneskillsandgainjobexperience.Afterheretiredheexpandedtheprogramtoincludeseveralcorporations.

Ihavesearchedforpeoplewithdisabilitieswhoareemployedbychurches.Ihave

discoveredveryfew.Thechurchismissingtheopportunitytomodeljustice.Thechurchiscalledtounveilpopularattitudestowardpeoplewhohavebeen

marginalized.Wearecalledtodefythe“isms”;thisincludesableism.Wearecalledtoexpose

thepopularmythof“perfection”ofbodyandmind.Whythenarewenotchallengingpracticesthatbarpeoplewithdisabilitiesfromemploymentinchurches?

Aspeopleoffaith,wecanturntoourbiblicaltraditionforguidance.Ourfaithstory

offersgoodreasonswhywenotonlymustbreakdownobstaclestofairemployment,butreasonswhythechurchneedsthegiftsofleadershipandtheuniquewitnessofpeoplewithdisabilities.Thesegiftscantransformourministries.

First,whenweemploypeoplewithdisabilities,wecanmodelinterdependence.Our

dominantsocietyvalueswhatIcalla“cowboy”culture,oneinwhichtheherosinglehandedlydrivesoutthevillainsandsavesthecommunity.Ourbiblicaltraditionoffersadifferentmodelofleadership.

WhenGodcalledMosestoleadtheslavesoutofEgypt,hetriedhisbesttosay“no”to

theLord.Butwhenhehadusedupallhisotherarguments,heusedhisfinalexcuse.“OmyLord,Ihaveneverbeeneloquent…Iamslowofspeechandslowoftongue.”(Ex.4:10)PleadinghisdisabilitydidnotexcusehimfromGod’scall.

Godhadananswer–asimplebutprofoundsolution.Aaron,Moses’brother,wouldspeakforhim.Moseswouldbethestrategist;Aaronwouldbehisspokesman.ThenGodcalledathirdleaderfortheflightfromEgypt,Moses’sister,Miriam.WhentheHebrewsweresafeacrosstheRedSea,sheledtheminsongsofpraise.Thestorygivesusamodelofinterdependentleadership.

Whenmysightwasdeteriorating,Iworriedaboutbeingabletocontinueinministry.A

wisefriendgavemesomeofthebestadviceIhaveeverreceived.“You’lldoeverythingyou’vebeendoing.You’lljustdoitdifferently.”Ihadtolearninterdependence.

Iaskedawiseandtrustedwomanwithaheartforpastoralcaretogowithmeonmany

ofmyhospitalcalls.Shenotonlycoulddrive,whichIcouldnot,butsheandIsharedwhatwehadheardandobservedandhowthechurchcouldservethepersonmostfaithfully.Oursharedministryenrichedourworkofpastoralcareandprovidedamodelofministry.

Second,thechurchneedsthewisdom,understanding,andlivedexperiencesofpeople

withdisabilities.WeunderstandwhatitmeanstobepartofwhatThomasE.ReynoldscallstheVulnerableCommunion,*yetweliveabundantly.Weknowthatevenwhenourbodiesmaynotbe“cured,”ourlivescanbehealed.Weunderstandthebiblicalconceptofhealingasmorethanaphysicalcure.Healinginvolvesthewholepersonlivingincommunity.**

WecanbringourownexperienceaswestepintoScripture.Forexample,let’sthink

aboutthestoryofJesus’encounterwithBartimaeus,whowasblind.(Mk10:46-50)WhenhecalledouttoJesus,thecrowdorderedhimtobequiet.Theytriedtoisolatehim,tokeephim

inhisplace.Mostlikelytheybelievedthatitwashissinorthesinofhisparentsthathadcausedhisblindness!ButJesusheardhimandpaidattention.Jesuslistened.Hedidn’ttellBartimaeuswhatheneeded.Heasked,“Whatdoyouwantmetodoforyou?”HeencouragedBartimaeustobehisownadvocate.Jesusgotitright!

Asleaderswholivewithdisabilities,wecanpubliclyandwithauthoritydefythemyths

aboutdisability.DuringaGeneralAssemblydebateonwhetherdisabilitiesareGod’swillforourlives,Dr.HowardRice,aformerGeneralAssemblymoderator,rolledhiswheelchairtothemicrophoneandannounced,“ThisisnotGod’swillformylife.”Thatendedthedebate.***

Third,thechurchisnotcompleteuntilweincludethegiftsofallmembersofthebodyof

Christ.TheApostlePaulknewfrompersonalexperiencewhatthismeans.Helivedwithadisability,his“thornintheflesh.”(IICor.12:7)Scholarsdisagreeaboutthenatureofhisdisability.Itmayhavebeenachronicillnessoraconditionthataffectedhispersonalappearance.(Gal.4:13-14)Hemayhavehadseizuresorimpairedsight.(Gal.6:11)Whatisimportantisnotthenatureofhisdisability,butthatheusedhisgiftsformission–preaching,nurturingchurches,andwriting.

IsittoomuchtosuggestthatPaul’sown“disability”enrichedhisunderstandingofthe

bodyofChrist?Didhisrespectforthe“weaker”membersofthebodyreflecthisownexperience?(ICor.12:22-26)Paulknewthatinterdependenceisnotaproblemtobesolved,butGod’sgift,thestrengthoftheBody.

Qualifiedcandidatesforchurchemploymentarecallingforjustice.Giftedpersonswith

disabilitiesareseekingtoserveGodthroughthechurch.Howlongwillitbebeforeweheartheircalls?Howlongwillitbebeforewehonortheirgifts?Whenwillwebefaithful?Whenwillwemodelhopeandjustice?*Reynolds,ThomasE.VulnerableCommunion:ATheologyofDisabilityandHospitality.GrandRapids,Michigan:BrazosPress,2008.**Black,Kathy.AHealingHomiletic:PreachingandDisability.Nashville:AbingtonPress,1996.SeeChapterTwo,pp.43-56.***BetterTogether:TransformedbyGod’sVarietyofGifts.PCUSAat: http://www.presbyterianmission.org/resource/better-together-transformed-gods-variety-gifts/ PartTwo:WhatCanInclusionMean? Seealso:BetterTogether,ToolBox,ToolsforEmploymenttoseehowpeoplewhoareblinddoavarietyofjobswiththeuseofassistivetechnology.

EmpoweringtoServeRev.LisaLarges

InScripture,especiallyaswemostofteninterpretit,peoplewithdisabilitiesaretheones

receivinghelp,notthehelpers.MyguessisthatoneofthereasonsthatsofewdisabledpeopleareemployedinchurchesisthatchurchpeoplecarrywithinusfromSundaySchoolthoseoldimagesofdisabledpeopleasthebeneficiariesofhelp.Wedon’tseethemashelpersandwedon’tseethemasleaders.

Somaybethefirstcorrectiveinimprovingourpoorrecordofhiringandcallingchurchstaff

istodiscovernewwaysofunderstandingthehealingstoriesintheGospels.Inmanyofthosestories,peoplewithdisabilitiesareactors–oftenbold,creative,andcourageousactors.Theyriskcensureandmore,theydefywhat’sexpected,theyadvocateforthemselves,andtheyrecognizeJesus’powerinwaysthatthecrowds,thereligiousauthorities,andeventhedisciples,failincomprehending.

Inthefallof2016IwascalledtoapositionasAssociatePastorforCongregationalCareat

LakeNokomisPresbyterianChurch.AtthetimeIacceptedthecall,IhadbeenapartofLakeNokomisPCforfiveyearsorso.Inthattime,Iassistedinworship,taughtSundayschool,visitedfolksinthehospital,preachedwhenourpastorwasaway,andparticipatedinchurchlife.Memberscametoseemygiftsforministryandhadtheexperienceofknowingmeinleadershiproles.Iliketothinkthatthisscrappychurch,whichhasprovennottobeafraidoftryingnewthings,wouldbethekindofchurchthatwouldcallapastorwhohaddisabilities.Atthesametime,Iknowthatbecausetheyalreadyknewme,itwaseasierforthemtoextendtometheofferofanordainedposition.

Iknowthatotherswithdisabilitieshavecometoemploymentthroughsimilarroutes.They

volunteeredorinternedorproposedatrialperiodthatallowedtheirfutureemployerstheopportunitytoletgoofthemiss-conceptionstheymighthavebeenharboringaboutwhatdisabledpeoplecanorcan’tdo.

Whilethishasbeenapositivecourseforsomeofus,thetruthisthatmostpeoplewith

disabilitiesdon’thavetheluxury,ortheopportunityforadefactounpaidtrialperiod.That’swhytheonusisonus,aschurchmembers,tostepupanddotheworkweneedtodosothatwewillfullyandfairlyconsiderpeoplewithdisabilitiesforpositionsasadministrators,pastors,custodians,childcareworkers,musicians,andmore.Hereareafewideastohelpusonthat

path.Asabonus,Ithinkthesesameideaswillhelpustobemoreresilient,open,creativeandadaptable---characteristicsthatwillhelpkeepourchurchesaliveandvitalandrelevant.

UnderstandimplicitbiasRace,class,gender,disability–becauseweliveinaculturewhereprejudicestillexists,we

allcarrybiasesandassumptionsthatsubtlyeffectourdecision-making.What’strickyisthatmanyofthesefalseviewsofrealityinfluenceusinwaysthatwearen’tfullyawareof.It’sespeciallyimportantforpersonnelcommittees,pastorsearchcommittees,andthosewithhiringauthoritytounderstandhowbesttocounterimplicitbias,sothatwehavethechurchstaffthatweneed,andnotjustthestaffthatwewant.

ReadscripturesfromthemarginWhatwasitliketobeapersonwithadisabilityinfirstcenturyPalestine?Howdoesthe

passagewe’rereadingchallengeourassumptionsofhowtheworldworks?Whohaspowerandwhodoesn’t,andhowdoespowershift?UnderstandingthecentralthemesofScripture--liberation,redemption,salvation--istiedupwithtracingthenarrativethroughtheperspectiveofthosewhoaremostpowerless.

ExaminetheneedtohelpOftenwe’remorecomfortablewithhelpingthanempowering.Thedifferencebetweenthe

twoisvast.Whenwehelp,we’reincharge;whenweempower,wegiveothersagencyandfreedom.Helpingisgreat;sometimesallofusneedsomeonetolendahand,buthelpingusuallysolvesaproblemofthemoment.Empoweringsomeoneopensupthefuture.Italsoshiftsourconceptionofwhocanbealeader.

ThinkDifferentlyThebestgiftanyofuscanbringtoourchurchesisthecapacitytoholdlightlyallourideas

aboutwhatchurchissupposedtobe.It’sthebestwayforourimaginationstobesparked,thebestwaytoreshapechurchforanewera,thebestwaytobeopentothepeopleGodiscallingtoleadus.

LearningtoListentotheCallWhenGodEmbracestheGiftsofPeopleLivingwithDisabilities

Rev.SusanMontgomery

IfacandidateforministryinthePC(USA)wasgivenaGPS(GlobalPositioningSatellite)regardinghisorhercall,thequestionwouldberaised—whatpathswillthatGPSrecommend?InthenaturalwildsofWesternPAmultipledriverstrustthedirectionsoftheGPS.SinceaGPScannotmakedecisionsregardingroadconditions,manydriversfindthemselvesonclearlymarkedroadsthatsay“NowintermaintenancefromOctobertoApril.”There’sareasonfornowintermaintenance,therearehairpinturnsanddangerouslysteepinclines.Nosemi-truckormotorhomecantraversetheroadinthesummer,whatmakesthemthinktheycaninthewinter?AnsweringGod’scalltoministrycanbealotlikefollowingthedirectionsofaGPS.ThepresbyteryCommitteeonPreparationforministryplaysasignificantroleinguidingandsupportingthecandidate.Inlookingatchurchemployment,particularlywhenthecalledpastoreitherhasadisabilityordevelopsone,therearemanyissuestobeaddressed.

OneissueisknowingourPresbyterianrootsandunderstandingregardingapersonbeingcalledtoministry.First,GodandGodalonecallsapersontoministry.Secondly,theaffirmationandencouragementofotherswhoseegiftsforministryinthepersonexploringGod’scallisalsoimportant.FortyfiveyearsagoIwasacandidateforministry.Somethinghappenedonthefloorofpresbyterythatwillneverbeforgotten.Theissuethenwasn’tdisabilitybutgender.Womenenteringtheministrywasnew.ThepeoplewithinthechurchstruggledwithhowtounderstandGod’scallbeinginclusiveofwomen.Priortothepresbytery’svoteonwhetherornottoendorsemeasacandidate,awiseelderlygentlemanstoodandspokethesewords:“Beforewevoteweallneedtorealize,ifweendorsethiscandidate,wealsoneedtobepreparedtohirethiscandidate.”Thatsametruthappliestocandidateswithdisabilities.SincewithinthePC(USA)callandordinationarewoventogetheraroundemploymentbythechurch,thechurchneedstoheartheadviceoftheelderlygentlemanforty-fiveyearsago—“Ifweendorsethiscandidatethenweneedtobepreparedtohirethiscandidate.”

Theissuessurroundingtheordinationofwomenaresimilartotheonespeoplelivingwithdisabilitiesface.PreconceivedunderstandingsthatbarpeoplefromservingGodincludebutarenotlimitedtoliteralinterpretationsofscripture;thebeliefpeoplelivingwithdisabilitiescannotfunction,dothetasks,serveeffectively,areweak,etc.Whenwereturnto

ourrootsandunderstandcallisfromGodaswellasthroughtheeyes,ears,andaffirmationsofpeoplearoundusobservingandvaluinggiftsforministry,itisclearpeoplelivingwithdisabilitiescanbecalledtoministryandservethechurchwell.

Atthesametime,justasitisforeveryoneelse,ithastobeunderstood,noteveryonelivingwithadisabilityiscalledtoordainedministry.ToembracethebeliefthatallpeoplearecalledtoordainedministryisthesameassayingitisappropriateforaGPStosendthedriverofafiftyfootmotorhomeinthemiddleofwinterontoanunmaintaineddirtroadwithhairpincurvesandasteepincline.Ihavewitnessedwhathappenedwhenapersonlivingwithadisabilitywasnotrequiredtomeetthestandardsoftheirpeersinministry.Itledtothedownfallnotonlyoftheordainedpastorbutalsothelivesofthecongregationswhowereaffected.ItiscrucialforthePC(USA)atalllevels,local,presbytery,synod,andGeneralAssemblytoreturntotherootsofourtheologyofcall.ItisourfaithGPS.ItisGod’sPositioningSpiritcallingthechurchandpeopleoffaithwhohavethegiftsforministry—includingpeoplewholivewithdisabilities.

Forpeoplewholivewithdisabilitiestherearedifferencesbetweenlifeasapersonbornwithadisabilityandapersonwhosedisabilitydevelopedlaterinlifebyaccidentordisease.Eachpersonseeslifethroughtheirownspecificlenses.Whenachurchcallsapastorandthepastordevelopsadisability,twothingsusuallyhappen.Thepastorisencouragedtoleaveministryandlivewiththeidentityofabeingapastoratlargeondisability.Or,thechurchandthepastorcanbecreativeandseektofindwaystosupporttheministrythroughreasonableaccommodationsandteamwork.AsapastorwithadisabilitythatwasdiagnosedlaterinlifeIhaveseenteamworkdevelopthroughtheawarenessandcommunicationofmyministryneeds.Theseneedsrequiredarchitecturaladaptionstothebuilding,chancelarea,andtomyjobdescription.Althoughnursinghomeandhospitalvisitationswerealwaysaccessible,theabilitytomakehomevisitationsbecameextremelylimited.Toaddresstheministryneedsofthecongregations,createwaysinvolvingeldersanddeaconsbecamethepathtohomevisitations.Oneofthehighlightsofbuildinganinclusiveministrywasactuallymundane,yetwastelling.Asmallermembershipchurchdidnothaveindoorplumbingnoralargebudget.Infact,therestroomfacilitieswereanouthouseinthewoods.Whenthefloorboardsrottedandtheouthousewasnolongersafe,planswereputinmotiontoreplaceit.Twothingshappened—theouthousewasreplacedandanADAaccessiblerestroombecameareality.However,itwasmostunique—itwasawaterless,electricalcomposttoiletthatfitintothebackofthesanctuarywithoutmajororcostlyrenovations.Itwasresearched,chosenandinstalledbythechurch“PrivyCouncil.”Thecommitteefoundawaytodowhattheyhadbeentoldwasimpossible!Accessibilitybecameapartofthecreativevision,thecommitteewassurprisedbygrace!

Thekeystocreativityandinclusionaremany.Themostimportantthougharecommunicationwithoneanother,embracingtheministryneedsofeachother,andbeingopentotheSpirit,thecallofGodasGodcontinuestomakethingsnew.Sowhenvoicesinthe

churchsaytopeoplelivingwithdisabilities,“No,youcan’t,”weallneedtolearnhowtoask,“Whatcanwedotogether?”ItbeginswithsharingthestoriesofhowGodhascalledpeopletoministry,peoplewithdisabilitieshaveanswered,andGodhasbeenservedwell.TogetherwecanliftupideasandcreatenewGPSdatathataffirmswhatcanbedone—evenwhenthereisnowintermaintenance,hairpinturns,andsteepinclines.WithGodthereisalwaysaway,inChristthereisalwaysamoreexcellentway,andinthechurchthewayisbeingbettertogetherinGod’sallinclusive,lovingfamily.

SueisoneoffourDisabilityConcernsConsultantswhoservethePC(USA)intheareasofvision,mobility,hearing,andintellectualdisabilities.VisitthePHEWAwebsite,https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/phewa/disability-concerns-consultants/

MyCalltoMinistry—toLove,ComfortandEncourageByDebTrevino(CandidateforOrdination)

Iattendedresidentialschoolsfor“theblind”andlivedawayfromhomesinceIwasfive-

years-old.ThefactthatIamcongenitallyandtotallyblindduetoretinopathyofprematurityenabledmyparentstodelaytheinevitabletransferofmydadtoanotherArmybase.ItalsocausedmetointernalizethatIwasdifferentthanthosearoundmewhenIwasnotatschool.TherewasadichotomybetweentheacceptanceandsharedexperienceaschildrenatKentuckySchoolfortheBlindandthelonelinessIexperiencedasIstoodinsidethegateofmygrandparents’propertywhileneighborhoodchildrenrodebikesandranoutsidethefence.Icouldn’treconciletheisolationcausedbymyblindnesswithmymother’swordsthatIcoulddo/accomplishanythingIwantedtodo.IfeltlikeasmalladultasIplayednearthewomenastheytalkedovercoffeeandbecauseIwasresponsibleforpackingmythingsforschoolorforthenextmove.

Theseexperiencesofloneliness,isolation,feelingexcludedhadnopreciselabelforme

untilmuchlater.Iexperiencedagreatdealoflossandgriefasteenandyoungadult,emotionswhichtaughtmecompassionandempathy.Ispentadozenyearsdoingmedicaltranscriptionand,thoughIfirstlaughedwhenanassociatepastorsuggestedIattendBibleCollege,IdiscoveredaloveforTheology,Biblicalstudiesandcounseling.Ifeltacalltoministrybutlifecircumstancesdelayedthatseveralyears.

ImademyfinaldecisiontoapplytoLouisvillePresbyterianTheologicalSeminarywhen

theplenaryspeakeratthe2006PresbyterianWomen’sgatheringposedthequestionto3,000women:“WhatiskeepingyoufromdoingwhatGodiscallingyoutodo?”Thiscameaboutamonthaftermyelderlyhusbanddiedandtherewerenomorebarrierssaveone—theapprovalofmysession.Thesedearonesneededguidanceunderstandingtheirpartinmycall.TheyfirstthoughttheywouldberesponsibleforwhetherornotIcouldcompleteseminaryrequirementsandobtainmydegree.OncetheygraspedtheywereonlyresponsiblefordiscerningthatIhadacall,thatblindnesswouldnotdeterminemysuccess,theywillinglygavetheirsupport.

IattendedthefallexploratoryweekendandwasreassuredthatIwantedtoobtainan

M.Div.Inthefaceofrecentlosses,Ifeltsafeandsupportedintheclose-knitLPTScommunity.IlearnedIwasacceptedinFebruaryandimmediatelymovedfromMarylandbacktoLouisvillewhereIfirstattendedtheKentuckySchoolfortheBlindatfiveyearsofage.

Injustninemonths,Ihadburiedaspouse,appliedtoandbeenacceptedtoLPTS,soldacar,packedupmyhousehold,movedacrossseveralstatesandputdownaretiredSeeingEyedog.—Somuchforconventionalwisdomthatoneshouldn’tmakehastydecisionsforthefirstyearfollowingamajorlosssuchasdeathofaspouse.Hereweremorelessonsinempathy,bereavementandwhatIcouldendureandaccomplishwithGod’shelpandthesupportandcareofothers.

TimeatLPTSrevealedanotherimportantcharacteristicofmycall.Inowhadwordsto

labeltheexperiencesofloneliness,separatenessandfeelingexcluded—marginalization.IlearnedthatIamfightingforjusticeandinclusionandthatIhavearesponsibilitytodosoonbehalfofotherslivingwithdisabilities.Iadvocatedforaccessibletests,scannedcopiesofreadingmaterialsandbulletinsinaformatIcouldtranslateintoBraille.Professorscametobeuncomfortablewhentheyforgottosendahandoutelectronicallypriortoclass.IwouldnothesitatetorecommendLPTStootherswhoareblindorotherwisedisabled!

ThisisalongandsometimesdiscouragingstruggleandIamgratefultohavemy

husband,David,alsototallyblind,toventtoonthedifficultdays.Whenmostdiscouraged,Ifeelmygreatesthandicapispeoplerefusingtoimaginethatawomanwhoisblindcanfullyparticipateinministry.

Ihavebeencertifiedreadytoreceiveacallfor14monthsandserveinadvocacy

organizationsoftheblindandworktodigitizecassettebooksforaministryservingthosewhocannotreadprint.Ihopetoincorporatetheseinterestsintoavocationalministry,eitheraschaplainorpossiblyassociatepastorforcongregationalcarewithfocustowardelderlyanddisabled.

IntroducingMyself:MyJourneytoOrdinationBySarahVanderZeeMcKenney

Overtheyearsintroducingmyselftoothershaschanged.WhenIwasveryyoungitwas

simple,“IamSarahVanderZee”.ThenafterstrugglinginschoolandlearningthatIwas“different”thanmanyoftheotherchildren,myintroductionbecameanadvocacytoolandawaytocommunicatemyneedsandrights,“IamSarahVanderZeeIhaveDyslexia,ADHD,andaLearningDisability(LD)”.Thisbecameaverypowerfulstatementandcommunicatedtoteachers,educators,deans,andmorethatInotonlywantandrequestextrasupportsormodesforlearning,butthatbylawIamprivilegedtothis.

Yetwiththisintroduction,Ifacedjudgement,ridiculeandexclusionfromothers,then

pain,hurt,self-hate,andangerwithinmyself.Thiswasmyintroduction/identityuntilIgraduatedfromseminaryandgotmarried,“IamSarahVanderZeeMcKenneyM.Div.”.AfterpassingmyordinationexamsandhavingmyCommitteeonPreparationforMinistryadvancemetothenextstageintheordinationprocessIbecame“SarahVanderZeeMcKenneyM.Div.,CandidateforMinistryandseekingacall”.Now,atworkIam“SarahVanderZeeMcKenneyM.Div.,SkillsDevelopmentClinician”.

Mystoryuptothispointwasajourneythatincludedalotofintroductions,alotofself-

advocacy,andalotofvulnerability.AllthroughgradeschoolIstruggledverymuch,nottokeepup,buttojustkeepmyheadabovewater.Oftenteacherswouldpassmeontothenextgradeevenwhentheyprobablyshouldn’thave.FinallyIstartedtolearnaboutmybrain,howIlearn,whatishelpful,whatisn’t.Igot“legally”and“officiallydiagnosed”andthishelpedfromalegalstandpointthatteachersandprofessorshadtoatleastallowfortheminimumaccommodationssuchasextratimeontests,takingatestinanotherroom(todecreasedistraction),etc.Thereweremanyateacherandprofessorthatdidn’tdothiswillinglyandIneededtotalktodeansandshowdiagnosispaperworktoproveIwas“legallyspecial”.

Seminarywasinmanywaysrefreshingbecausetherewasanopennessandawillingness

inmanywaystoworkwithmyneeds,butIalwayshadtoask,Ialwayshadtousemyspecialintroduction.EachtimeIcouldn’tjustgivemynameandslipquietlyintomychair.Instead,thefirstdayofclassesIwouldgivemynameandthenshowmyguts;sharemyflaws,sharemystruggles,giveawaymysecrets.Mydiagnosiswaslikeapartofmyname,thesamediagnosisthatcausedsomuchhurt,pain,loneliness,self-hate,andangerasachild;andIgavethatawayinordertovalidatemyneedsinthatclassroom.Itwasexhaustinganditwashardtonotconsistentlyrevisitthesenegativeemotionsandthoughtsofmyself,itwasdifficultattimesto

staypositiveandbeproudofwhoIam.Inmanywaysmyownviewofmyselfhaschangedovertheyears.Ihavegrowntobemoreconfident,secure,empowered,andproudofwhoIamandallthatIam.However,therearestillsurprisingrawmomentsthatdecidetopopup.

WhenIwasinseminaryandtakingmyordinationexamsitwasmadecleartomethat

theseoperateddifferentlythanotherexamsinschool.TypicallyIwouldgetextratime,beinaseparateroom,andsometimesmultiplechoiceexamswouldbealteredintoessayformexamsinstead,becausethisexamformatworksbestwiththewaymybrainworks.However,withordinationexamsitwasachallengetogetcertainaccommodations.Eventogetextratimeandtobeinadifferentspacethanthetesttakers,IhavetosendindiagnosisinformationtopeopleIhavenevermet,andtheygettodecideifit’sokayornot.SomeexamsIpassed(butIhadtotakethosetwiceinordertopass),eachtimetakingmoremoneythatIdidn’thave.Thelastthreewereessay,butyoucan’tasksomeonetoeditandyoucan’trelyonspellcheck.ThisisnotagoodthingforsomeonewithDyslexia(infactthisisabadnightmare),andonceagaintheseexamsarebeingreadbystrangers,theydon’tknowIstrugglewithspelling.Theyjustlookatmypaperandseesomeoneuneducated,andmightbewonderinghowtheygotthisfarintheireducation.EachtimeItooktheseitwasmoremoney,evenifIfailed.Thisformofexaminationwasnotworkingforme.Ikeptthinking,ifonlyIcoulddothisexamorally,peoplewouldknowwithoutadoubtthatIhavetheknowledge.Thisismyidealformofthinkingandcommunicatingmythoughts. AftermakingphonecallstotheGAoffices,Ifinallyreceivedtheadequateprocessforrequestingthistypeofchanges.Thetestingofficescangrantcertainsupports,butnotthis.InsteadtherequesthastogobeforemyownPresbytery(manyofwhichwerestrangers)andithastoearna3/4thsvote,notsimplemajoritylikemostotherrequests.Igotlucky,andyesIamusingthewordluckyverypurposefullyhere.Somanyotherswhohaverequestedthesamehavebeendenied.SomeindividualshavehadtoleavetheirPresbytery,inordertofindaPresbyterywhowillrecognizethattheirrequestisvalidandimportant.Allofthistotakeanexam,thatrequiresthesameinformationandknowledge,justinanalternativeformat.AtonepointIraisedaquestiontosomeofmyseminarypeers,“wouldyouratherdoawrittenexamorhaveanoralexaminationinfrontoffiveprofessionalswhoyoumayormaynotknow?”Farmajorityofpeoplesaytheypredictedthattheywouldflunktheexamifitwasgivenorally.IpassedeachofthethreeexamsthatIwasgivenorally.Allthreeexams,thefirsttime.

Asyoumayhavenoticed,Iamstillnotordained.YET.IbelieveGodhasauniqueministerialpathforme.CurrentlyIamintheprocessofcreatingaSpiritualCareProgramforStoneBelt,acompanythatworkswithindividualswithintellectualdisabilitiesthroughavarietyofservicessuchasresidential,career/jobsupport,lifelonglearningprograms,mentalhealthsupport,etc.Myhopeandvisionistosupportindividualswithintellectualdisabilitiesintheirspirituallife;thismaybeinexploringwiththemwhattheybelieve,assistingtheminfindingtheirfaithfamily,advocatingandteachinginclusioninthecongregations,etc.withthe

hopetocontinuetogrowrelationships,community,inclusion,participation,andpurposeforindividualswithdisabilities,theirfamilies,andtheirfaithcommunities.

NowIamfacedonceagainwithneedingtodothings“alittledifferently”.Thistimeit’s

notbecauseofmydisability.Becausethisisaministrythatisunique,andnotofaparticular“church”,IwillonceagainfaceCommitteeonPreparationforMinistry,Presbytery,andCommitteeonMinistrytodetermineifthischosenministryisanordainableone.Mypositionwillbeoneverysimilartoachaplain,butitis“unique”and“different”.

InthepastmyintroductionsseemedtochangeanditwasprettyclearwhatIwouldsay.However,thispastyearIattendedandassistedinleadingaconferenceatColumbiaTheologicalSeminaryregardingChristianEducationandtheinclusionofchildrenwithdisabilities.Thiswasaveryconfusingspaceformetobe,becauseatworkandinmycommunityIam“SarahVanderZeeMcKenney,M.Div.,SkillsDevelopmentClinician”.Myowndisabilitiesarenotrecognizedtobe“impertinent”knowninformationformyclients.However,whenIcametothisconference,Iwastherebothasaprofessionalinmyfield,acandidateforministry,butIwasalsorecognizedasa“self-advocate”.Thiswasyetanothernewandinterestingspaceformetobeanddiscovermyselfinthatspace.ItisaspacewhereallofthecharacteristicsofwhoGodmademetobeareworkingtogether,nolongerseparateorexclusive.Iamveryexcitedtocontinuetobe,live,andgrowinthisspace.

RESOURCESCompiledbyCarolBrown

PuttingFaithtoWork:AGuideforCongregationsandCommunities,FaithandDisabilityCollaborative,PublishedbytheKesslerFoundation.ToOrder:http://faithanddisability.org/projects/putting-faith-to-work/order-putting-faith-to-work-manual/

IncludingPeoplewithDisabilitiesinFaithCommunities,ErikCarter,BrookesPublishing.

Pathfinders:PeoplewithDevelopmentalDisabilitiesandTheirAlliesBuildingCommunitiesThatWorkBetterforEverybody,JohnO’BrienandBethMounts,InclusionPress.

AHealingHomiletic:PreachingandDisability,KathyBlack,AbingdonPress.

TheChurchandDisability,JeffMcNair,self-published.

GodBeyondWords:ChristianTheologyandtheSpiritualExperiencesofPeoplewithProfoundIntellectualDisabilities,JillHarshaw,PublishedbyJessicaKingsley.

AHumanizingMinistry,TimothyEstes,HeraldPress(outofprint).

BeyondAccessibility:TowardFullInclusionofPeoplewithDisabilitiesinFaithCommunities,BrettWebb-Mitchell,ChurchPublishing.

AmazingGifts:StoriesofFaith,DisabilityandInclusion,MarkPinsky,AlbanPublishing.

TheDisabledGod:TowardaLiberatoryTheologyofDisability,NancyEisland,AbingdonPress.

CopiousHosting,JennieWeissBlock,ContinuumPublishing.

AutismandYourChurch,BarbaraNewman,ChristianLearningCenterNetwork.

TheSpiritualArtofRaisingChildrenwithDisabilities,KathleenDeyerBolduc,JudsonPress.

Disability,Faith,andtheChurch:InclusionandAccommodationinContemporaryCongregations,Wilder,Courtney.SantaBarbara:Praeger,2016.

E-MailNewsletters

BethesdaInstitute’sTheSource.

TheSourceisafreeemailbulletinfeaturinglinkstothelatestnews,informationandresourcesindisabilityacrossallfaithtraditions.Itisperfectforbusyfaithleaders,family,teachersandadvocates.

Subscribeatbethesda.institute@mailblc.org

TheReligionandSpiritualityDivisionoftheAmericanAssociationofIntellectualandDevelopmentalDisabilities’Gleanings.

Gleaningsincludesannotatedlinkstoblogs,videos,books,articles,andconferencesondisabilityissuestouchingonpolitics,theology,faith,culture,science,andmore.

http://www.aaiddreligion.org/newsletter

Alsosee:http://www.aaiddreligion.org/

PC(USA)Resources

http://www.phewacommunity.org/

http://www.pcusa.org/phewa

ThePresbyterianHeath,Education&WelfareAssociation(PHEWA)wasestablishedin1956byactionoftheGeneralAssembly,toorganizePresbyteriansintovolunteernetworksaddressingtheintersectionofjusticeandhealth.Withthecorevalueof"nothingaboutuswithoutus,"PHEWAnetworksarecommittedtograssrootspartnershipsthatbringeveryonetothetable:professionals,consumers,andfamilymembers.

PresbyteriansforDisabilityConcerns(PDC)isoneofthetennetworksofPHEWA.Stayconnectedandsupportthisvitalministrythroughamembershipat:http://www.phewacommunity.org/images/PHEWA_membership_fillable_form.pdf

Resourcesfrompreviousyearsareavailableatbothwebsites.