here am i, send me: people with disabilities and church ... · the worship resources place...
TRANSCRIPT
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.
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.