by Rev. Leo Yates,
Jr.
Deaf, hard of
hearing, Deafblind, and hearing United Methodists observed and celebrated Deaf
Awareness Week during the last week of September. Members from various
United Methodist churches in the Florida Annual Conference celebrated by
gathering and touring the Holy Land Experience, an amusement park in Orlando on
September 29. They gathered for a time of education, fellowship, and fun. The
group coordinator, Mary Harris, an interpreter from Conway United
Methodist Church, organized the event as a part of their church’s observation
of Deaf Awareness Week. At Conway, Deaf ministries are considered an
extension of the Deaf community; also present were Deaf and hearing
congregants from St. Andrew UMC of Titusville, Pine Castle UMC of
Orlando, and Conway UMC of Orlando. Several people served as support service
providers (SSPs) and guides for the Deafblind participants.
The celebration
continued on Sunday, September 30th, when visitors from various
churches and ministries worshipped together at Conway UMC to celebrate
Deaf Awareness Sunday. This last Sunday of September is recognized as
International Day of the Deaf. Billy Deters, the president of United
Methodist Congress of the Deaf, a recognized caucus of the denomination, was
on hand along with his family to participate and worship. Deaf, Deafblind,
hard of hearing, and hearing members from various Deaf ministries and from
the community made up the signing choir. A feature of raising
Deaf awareness was when a Conway member taught and led the
congregation the song, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” Conway’s
pastor, the Rev. Dianne Davis, was on hand to encourage and assist with
worship, which included her leading the pastoral prayer. Mary Ann Deters,
a Deaf member of St. Andrew UMC of Titusville, taught the children’s
message, based on 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, highlighting equality of
the members of the body of Christ. The church had Deaf and hearing
members to serve as ushers and greeters, which included bulletin inserts of the
ASL manual alphabet. Dennis Cody, a Deafblind member of Conway, prayed
over the offering. The Rev. Leo Yates, Jr., a consultant of Global Ministries’
Committee on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries, was the guest preacher.
At the conclusion of the sermon, Mary Harris was recognized for her planning
efforts and her dedication to Deaf ministry. Whether you’re Deaf, hard of
hearing, Deafblind, or hearing, we all share in the same enjoyment of a potluck
lunch, a common feature of United Methodism. This was certainly true on this
special Sunday as most gathered after worship in the dining hall for
lunch.
Observing and
celebrating the gifts of all people, including Deaf, hard of hearing,
Deafblind, and hearing people alike is a faithful expression of what the
Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans. “Therefore
welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans
15:7). The worship service led by Deaf, hard of hearing, and Deafblind persons
exemplified their leadership ability. Whether it’s for social justice reasons
or for diversity reasons, it’s the right thing to do that we include ALL people
and their gifts for servant ministry.
Resources:
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| An
interpreter signing for the audience |
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| Some of the audience viewing the Biblical drama. |
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| A
scene from the Biblical drama |
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| A
few gathered for lunch at the Holy Land Experience |
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| Roman soldier hugging a Deafblind audience member |
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| A
Global Ministries exhibit table |
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| A
group picture at the Holy Land Experience |
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| Deaf,
hard of hearing, Deafblind, and hearing persons signing a hymn |
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