Friday, March 29, 2019

News and notes from AMD, 29 March 2019


Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:
-
Captioning: it isn't just for hearing impairments
https://www.3playmedia.com/2019/03/05/developmental-disabilities-auditory-sensitivities-headaches-more-how-captions-can-help/
-
Do you even care?
https://crippastor.wordpress.com/2019/03/25/do-you-even-care/
-
Deaf UMs gather in Southeastern Jurisdiction
https://umdisability.blogspot.com/2019/03/deaf-united-methodists-gather-in.html
-
Review of The Oxford Handbook of Disability History
https://www.h-net.org/reviews/showpdf.php?id=52943
-
Suicide contagion
https://theconversation.com/is-suicide-contagious-46434
-
Eight heroes with disabilities in the Bible
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4321466/jewish/Eight-Heroes-With-Disabilities-in-the-Bible.htm
-
Stepping into the light: Christians and mental illness
https://www.redletterchristians.org/stepping-into-the-light-christians-mental-illness/
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"Just say hello" -- ASL etiquette
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3007075585999946
-
AMD member Rebecca Torres-Holland writes about women, disability, and the pastorate
https://www.facebook.com/bekah.torres.18/posts/258642021708185
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RespectAbility webinar, From Longing to Belonging, April 10, 2019
https://www.respectability.org/2019/01/from-longing-to-belonging/
-
NEJ Deaf Ministry Boot Camp, May 18, 2019
https://www.umcd.org/newsnej/1905.html
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several
          disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.

Monday, March 25, 2019

Deaf United Methodists gather in Southeast Jurisdiction -- Leo Yates jr.


Deaf United Methodists in the SEJ Commit to Renewal Post-GC
By Rev. Leo Yates, Jr. 

It was a scene that probably had not been a part of Epworth by the Sea before. Deaf, hard of hearing, Deafblind persons, and hearing allies from the Southeastern Jurisdiction descended upon Epworth by the Seas off the coast of Georgia and held a leadership training retreat on March 22-23, 2019. The retreat marked a time of renewal for the SEJ Deaf United Methodists, who are associated with The United Methodist Congress of the Deaf (UMCD), a national United Methodist caucus that advocates for and supports the inclusion and empowerment of Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and Deafblind individuals and their families in The United Methodist Church. The retreat was supported by Global Ministries and was led by Rev. Leo Yates, Jr., the consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee (Global Ministries), and Mary Harris, the coordinator of a Deaf ministry at Conway United Methodist Church in Orlando, FL. 

A deafblind person and her Support Service Provider walking up to Christ Church.
While some organizations are at a wait-and-see juncture after the Special General Conference in St. Louis MO, Deaf leaders in the SEJ (and most other locations) felt that the work in Deaf Ministries cannot sit still. Moving forward with Deaf leadership training and spiritual renewal are crucial for preparing Deaf, hard of hearing, Deafblind, and their hearing allies for ministry. “Wesleyan leadership strategies still need to be taught no matter what happens with any General Conference decisions and Jurisdiction Council rulings,” said Mary Ann Deters, the SEJ president, who is Deaf. “Conway UMC is committed to Deaf Ministries and so are so many other churches in the SEJ, such as St. Andrew UMC in Titusville, FL, among others. Deaf and Deafblind people do not want to sit in the pews - they are our present and future leaders in Deaf Ministries," said Harris. 

The entrance way of Epworth by the Sea with a sign that reads, “Epworth by the Sea METHODIST CENTER.”
Yates, a deacon in full connection who presented the Wesleyan training said, “Wesleyan theology, works of piety, works of mercy, and Christian witness are all very relevant in any denomination, whether it is our current denomination or a future break away Methodist denomination. We still need to serve Christ in all times.” Billy Deters, the president of UMCD, echoed the sentiment. He was also present at the Special GC as a special observer. 
Deaf, hard of hearing, Deafblind persons, and hearing allies listening to a lecture at Christ Church.

The retreat consisted of worship, didactic material, small group work, and tours at Christ Church of Frederica, at Epworth, and Fort Frederica, all of which are on St. Simons Island, GA. Tours included locations where John and Charles Wesley served as missionaries during the early Methodist movement. 

The SEJ group learning about Bishop Moore, his wax figure, and some of the history at Epworth by the Sea.
Having sign language interpreters, Support Service Providers, and the use of visuals helped make the retreat accessible for those who attended. Elizabeth Cody, a Deafblind church member of Conway UMC said, “The location was conducive for everyone, especially Deafblind persons who participated with the assistance of Support Service Providers (similar to guides).” 
The SEJ group listening to a lecture at the Methodist Museum.

Mary Ann Deters conducted a SEJ Deaf Ministries business meeting on the last day of the retreat. Among its items, the meeting affirmed a commitment from everyone present. 
Mary Ann Deters, the president of SEJ of The UMCD, facilitating the SEJ Business Meeting, assisted by Rev. Leo Yates, Jr., both of which are by the altar.

The group also elected new board members and a first time spiritual advisor position for the SEJ Deaf Ministries. The new board includes: 

Mary Ann Deters, President (FL)
Esther Choi, Vice President (GA)
Mary Harris, Secretary (FL)
Richard Stallworth, Treasurer, (AL)
Betty Ostrom, Spiritual Advisor (FL)

During the SEJ of The UMCD business meeting, Betty Ostrom, the new spiritual advisor of the SEJ board, standing next to the altar, prays for the new board, while Mary Ann Deters (board president) looks on, and Rev. Yates (voice) interprets the prayer.
Hope is renewed in the SEJ for many Deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, Deafblind persons and their families. Increased awareness, fundraising, and improved accessibility were just a few of the goals that came out of the SEJ business meeting. Bishop Peggy Johnson, known for her advocacy work in Deaf and disability ministries, commended the renewal and encouraged the SEJ of the UMCD in their Deaf Ministries work. There’s a lot of advocacy work ahead; however, it makes it more exciting that others are doing it too!

A group picture of most of the those who attended the SEJ retreat.
* Rev. Leo Yates, Jr. is available for consultation for churches and annual conferences interested in learning how they can begin a Deaf ministry by contacting him at leoyjr@gmail.com. 

Many of the SEJ group posed for a picture a large John Wesley statue that is made of chocolate.



Friday, March 22, 2019

News and notes from AMD, 22 March 2019


Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:
-
MHM spring Spotlight
http://www.mentalhealthministries.net/spotlights/html_spotlights/2019/spring2019.html
-
Do you see what I hear?
https://pastorjimmymac.blogspot.com/2019/03/do-you-see-what-i-hear.html
-
Mark and Sandi Johnson, Deaf ministry
https://beardedtheologians.com/2019/02/21/beardcast-for-2-21-19-with-mark-and-sandi-johnson/
-
Life, death, and productivity thinking
https://crippastor.wordpress.com/2019/03/14/matters-of-life-and-death-productivity-thinking-bad-theology-and-exclusion/
-
Considering the ordinary
https://www.doforone.org/blog-posting/2019/2/27/considering-the-ordinary
-
Article about recent college admissions scandal mentions an under-appreciated problem: perception of disability when some people engage in faking conditions.
https://www.insidehighered.com/admissions/article/2019/03/14/advocates-students-learning-disabilities-fear-impact-admissions
-
Teaching children to protect their hearing
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/life-hearing-loss/201709/children-need-be-taught-protect-their-hearing
-
With a little thought, what this article states about business can be extended to churches.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonathankaufman/2019/03/11/why-mindset-matters-a-new-narrative-for-disability-and-business-in-the-21st-century/
-
A theology of equality for Intellectual Disabilities
https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/9331/seeking-a-theology-of-equality-for-those-with-intellectual-disabilities
-
MHM on spirit and grace
https://www.facebook.com/186943104662050/photos/a.212469705442723/2261524877203852/?type=3&theater
-
Deaf community in Zimbabwe and Cyclone Idai
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10156124576559327&id=152198489326
-
NEJ Deaf Ministry Boot Camp, May 18, 2019
https://www.umcd.org/newsnej/1905.html
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several
          disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.

Friday, March 15, 2019

News and notes from AMD, 15 March 2019


Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:
-
"I will pray for you"
https://largertable.com/2019/02/26/i-will-pray-for-you/
-
How my Judaism helped me accept my disability
https://www.respectability.org/2019/03/how-my-judaism-helped-me-accept-my-disability-shabbat-smile/
-
Restoration by repentance
https://crippastor.wordpress.com/2019/03/07/restoration-by-repentance-a-reflection-for-lent/
-
Design for confidence
https://mymodernmet.com/sarah-ivermee-custom-hearing-aid-decorations/
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SAWS of Virginia
https://www.facebook.com/SAWsVA
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ASL courses at university
https://www.ryerson.ca/news-events/news/2019/02/new-american-sign-language-courses-spell-success/
-
MHM: religion and happiness
http://www.pewforum.org/2019/01/31/religions-relationship-to-happiness-civic-engagement-and-health-around-the-world/
-
Cleaning out my basement
https://beckiewrites.com/2019/03/07/cleaningandchrist/
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Is "special needs" the new "r-word"?
https://themighty.com/2019/03/special-needs-r-word-bad/
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Who do you believe is indispensable?
https://crippastor.wordpress.com/2019/03/11/who-do-you-believe-is-indispensable-on-exclusion-love-life-and-death-in-the-united-methodist-church/
-
Is the church doing enough to welcome its neurodiverse members?
https://uscatholic.org/articles/201902/church-doing-enough-welcome-its-neurodiverse-members-31661
-
Where do I belong?
https://thethread.ptsem.edu/culture/where-do-i-belong
-
AMD member writes about inclusion's forgotten areas.
https://um-insight.net/perspectives/gender-race-and-disability-the-aspects-of-inclusion-we-frequ/
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several
          disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Do no harm --- Leo Yates, jr, LCPC


Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth after General Conference
by Rev. Leo Yates, Jr., LCPC

The Book of Discipline affirms LGBTQ+ persons are of sacred worth. In order to carry out the traditional Methodist charge of "first, do no harm," bishops, pastors and church leaders need to be aware of measures that can save lives.


The pain is palpable. Reaction is strong. How do we help? Where do we go? What can we offer? With these and other questions, churches, pastors, and others are wondering how they might help LGBTQ+ persons following the adoption of the Traditional Plan at the Special General Conference in St. Louis, MO. It appears that, worldwide, the denomination is going in a more conservative direction, which will cause undue harm to LGBTQ+ persons, both youth and adults. While LGBTQ+ adults are more equipped to protect themselves, or even attend a different church if need be, the same cannot be said for LGBTQ+ youth. This is part of the grave concern, as youth who attend services with parents or caregivers often do not have a choice but to attend services with them, and for some, being a part of a insensitive youth group.
Hearing or being taught homophobic messages at church can and will likely contribute to a person’s self-perception that often leads to low self-esteem, even to mental health issues. This, of course, is related to prejudice and stigma that some LGBTQ persons face, such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, and so on.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine in 2018 found a link between judgmental religion and suicide among gay and questioning youth, particularly where religion was important to them. This study included data from a 2011 University of Texas at Austin's Research Consortium, where it indicates that suicide is one of the leading causes of death among LGBTQ persons ages 10-24.* The study showed that questioning individuals were three times more likely to attempt suicide. For gay and lesbian individuals, religion was associated with 38 percent more likelihood to have suicidal ideation (thinking).* John Blosnich, the co-author of the study, from the West Virginia University’s Injury Control Research Center, noted that sexual minorities may worry what their sexual orientation means for their families, especially those who are religious.*
Suicide Prevention
To combat injuries, be familiar with the signs of suicide. Go to the websites of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Mental Health Ministries to familiarize yourself with these signs. Some signs of potential suicide from the Trevor Project include some of the following:
·           Not care about their future: “It won’t matter soon anyway.”
·           Put themselves down: “I don’t deserve to live. I suck.”
·           Express hopelessness: “Things will never get better for me.”
·           Say goodbye to important people: “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had. I’ll miss you.”
·           Have a specific plan for suicide: “I’ve thought about how I’d do it.”
·           Talk about feeling suicidal: “Life is so hard. Lately I’ve felt like ending it all.”
 ·          Have a burst of cheerfulness after a period of sadness.
Startling Suicide-Related Statistics
NAMI provides us with some startling statistics that include:
·           LGBTQ youth are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide or engage in self-harm
·           Questioning youth are 3 times more likely to attempt suicide or engage in self-harm
·           38-65% of transgender individuals experience suicidal ideation (thinking about it)
To learn more about some of the experiences and hostility that LGBTQ+ youth experience, which can contribute to suicide and self-harm, check out the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network’s (GLSEN) National School Climate Survey. and the It Get's Better Project for LGBTQ+ youth.
Mental Health Support
According to NAMI, LGBTQ+ persons are 3 times more likely to have a mental health condition. NAMI’s website offers a list of signs of mental illness and a short video presentation. If you feel that a youth or an adult might be suffering from a mental health condition, access to treatment is recommended. If it’s available in your area, dialing the health and human service referral hotline at 2-1-1 is one easy way to find treatment providers. Also, providers who offer inclusive services or specialize in this area can be found at the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association’s Provider Directory
Substance Abuse Support
The Center for American Progress states one of the main reasons some LGBTQ+ persons turn to substance abuse is because they live with a high level of stress because of social prejudice and discriminatory laws. Estimates by NAMI indicate that 20-30% of LGBTQ persons abuse substances compared to 9% of the general population. Alcohol abuse exists among 25% of LGBTQ persons, compared to 5-10% of the general population. 
Many times, people turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with feelings, often not realizing that an addiction is developing.. Being a part of a discriminated social group is stressful for many LGBTQ persons, whether a youth or an adult. If substance abuse is suspected, having a conversation with the youth or adult is recommended along with a referral to treatment (dial 2-1-1 for a referral or contact your local health department).  As you can imagine, overdoses can be deadly and encouraging a person to consider treatment is one of the most compassionate things you can do. If the person isn't receptive in the moment, don't try to win them over, or argue with them. Keep the door open to where they'll feel comfortable with you to return for future conversations.  Just offer your assistance if they ever need it, but with boundaries (e.g. not giving them money). And at some point, bring it up again. Being non-judgmental and empathetic is recommended when approaching the subject.
Help is Available
There are more resources available than you might think when serving LGBTQ+ persons. For example, the Trevor Project offers 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for LGTBQ+ youth. Here are available resources:
·           Trevor Lifeline 1-866-488-7386 (24/7)
·           TrevorChat (3-10pm ET Mon-Fri) a confidential instant messaging service
·           TrevorText – (3-10pm ET Mon-Fri) a confidential service that connects LGBTQ youth with a counselor. Text START to 678678.
For transgender support, the Trans Lifeline offers a hotline that offers emotional and financial support. The Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is 877-565-8860.
The Tyler Clementi Foundation offers a plethora of resources that addresses bullying, suicide prevention, and other helpful resources for affirmation and support.

Affirming Individuals & Families
The Book of Discipline affirms LGBTQ+ persons are of sacred worth; however, not ordaining individuals because they're self-avowed practicing homosexual conflicts with the sacred worth affirmation. To be accepting of LGBTQ+ persons is also to be accepting of their relationships - not forcing them to be celibate or closeted. Denying their relationships, really means denying who they are as individuals. In order to reverse potential harm that may come from the denomination’s stance or from homophobic views, bishops, pastors and church leaders can do a number of things to be affirming to LGBTQ+ persons and their families.  The Baltimore-Washington Area Reconciling United Methodists (BWARM) offers recommendations and has a list of resources. Another resource, Nurse.org offers some great tips for such support:
1.    Expand your knowledge about sexual orientation and gender identity
2.    Know key LGBTQ+ definitions
3.    Deepen your LGBTQ+ knowledge
4.    Create a welcoming environment (e.g. posting a nondiscrimination policy, unisex bathrooms, etc.)
For more tips, check out the website. In addition to these above, BWARM recommends churches consider becoming a reconciling congregation or at least a welcoming/affirming faith community, and connect with Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), Love Your Neighbor Coalition (LYNC), Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA), and the like. Sometimes, collaboration with community organizations works just as well. 
There is no doubt that Christ calls us to be compassionate. In this call, he echoes the tapestry of compassion stories and verses in the Old Testament. For example, from The Message Translation, Zechariah 7:8-10 reads,
“‘Treat one another justly. Love your neighbors. Be compassionate with each other. Don’t take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor. Don’t plot and scheme against one another—that’s evil.’” 
Help LGBTQ+ persons to feel like they belong, not like a visitor or deemed as the stranger. This certainly holds true for same sex couples and their families being welcomed.
Arguments Don’t Help
There are some who believe that any orientation other than heterosexuality is wrong. They may share Bible verses that support their understanding. The same can be said about those who believe that homosexuality and different gender identities are a part of God’s creativity. However, arguing with others is not helpful and only serves to cause division. People on both sides of the aisle, can have their own opinions and beliefs. That’s okay, as long as it’s not infringing on others. Encouraging tolerance and fostering acceptance in worship settings work better than hurting one another.  Sharing the love of Christ with one another is how we make disciples. It’s worked for millennia.
Conclusion
An overlooked verse from Leviticus still holds true to today. It reads, Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18) We strongly recommend affirming LGBTQ+ persons and their families. We need them, like they need us, to better represent the body of Christ. The resources listed above are just the beginning and those needing assistance are encouraged to check them out or other resources. Being in relationships with diverse people enriches us and the church as a whole.
Citations
*Bollinger, A. (2018). “Religion can make gay youth more likely to commit suicide.” LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved from www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/04/religion-can-make-gay-youth-likely-commit-suicide/.
* Harding, A. (2018). “Religious faith linked to suicidal behavior in LGBTQ adults.” Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-lgbq-religion-suicide/religious-faith-linked-to-suicidal-behavior-in-lgbq-adults-idUSKBN1HK2MA
* Kuruvilla, C. (2018). “Chilling study sums up link between religion and suicide for queer youth.” Huffington Post. Retrieved from www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/queer-youth-religion-suicide-study_us_5ad4f7b3e4b077c89ceb9774.

* Pumariega, A (2019). "6 questions you can ask a loved one to help screen for suicide risk." The Conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/6-questions-you-can-ask-a-loved-one-to-help-screen-for-suicide-risk-102026.
* * Rev. Leo Yates, Jr., a deacon in full connection, is a member of the steering committee of BWARM and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Maryland. He is available for consultation at leoyjr@gmail.com.





Friday, March 8, 2019

News and notes from AMD, 8 March 2019


Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:
-
Susquehanna Conference disability ministries
https://disabilityumc.org/
-
Race against the clock
https://crippastor.wordpress.com/2019/03/04/race-against-the-clock/
-
Forbes: misconceptions about disability and microaggressions
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahkim/2019/02/27/disability-microaggressions/
-
Indiana Disability Awareness month video
https://www.facebook.com/DisAbilityMinistriesUM/posts/1996686063763569
-
Noah Buchholz at Grace UMC, Delaware. Captioned video and ASL.
https://youtu.be/P2bSqqJzX9I
-
Review of Thriving Blind
https://beckiewrites.com/2019/02/25/kristinsmedleythrivingblind/
-
A response to GC 2019 (DMC)
https://umdisability.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-response-to-general-conference-2019.html
and press release
https://www.facebook.com/DisAbilityMinistriesUM/posts/2003611576404351?notif_id=1551897391017113&notif_t=notify_me_page&ref=notif
-
Report from GC 2019 (DHM)
https://www.umcd.org/newsnat/1902gc.html

Two important events:
-
UMCD Southeastern Jurisdiction Leadership Training Retreat (March 22)
https://www.umcd.org/newssej/190322.html
-
Summer Institute of Theology registration
https://hopecollegeeco.regfox.com/summer-institute-on-theology-disability-2019
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several
          disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

A Response to General Conference 2019 -- Sharon McCart



I have read post after post, blog after blog about General Conference 2019. I would like to add something different to the conversation.


There is another marginalized group that has long experienced alienation and rejection at the hands of the Church, a church that claims to recognize their humanness, and that they are God's beloved, but that fails to manifest the love of God or show the ways they love these neighbors.

I am talking about people with disabilities, who sometimes cannot even find a way in to church, who more often have no bathroom they can manage to use at church, who are rejected as leaders in congregations by inaccessible chancels and/or discriminatory attitudes, who are asked questions by Boards of Ordained Ministry that are not about theology or ministerial practice but "How will you baptize an infant?" "How will you have enough stamina to do what a pastor must do?" and more that display the ignorance of the questioner above determining the readiness of the candidate.  I am talking about people who struggle with mental health challenges and find, not love and acceptance, but fear and rejection in the hearts of those at Church.

I have heard far too many stories from people with disabilities who are not allowed to work with children or teach Bible studies. I have even heard that some people with disabilities are refused needed help at church.  I have heard from people who face disbelief that God cannot possibly have called them to ministry because of their mental illness or their differences. The most heartbreaking account was that people at church told a person with a disability, "No one likes you and here's why!"

Please, while we are talking about the changes the UMC needs to make, can we remember that people with disabilities are also hurting and have been for a long time? Can we rebuild as a truly inclusive church, not just referring to our LGBTQ+ community but our disabled community? No one left behind ---a good motto that the Church ought to borrow permanently.

There is a vision here---a vision of the Body of Christ being complete and whole and shining like the sun in a dark world. Come! Let’s build a renewed Church together!

Sharon McCart, Deaconess
                Chair, DisAbility Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church 

Friday, March 1, 2019

News and notes from AMD, 1 March 2019


Here are the highlights of postings this week from the Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Disability Ministries Committee, Mental Health Ministries, Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Ministries Committee, and UM Congress of the Deaf:

Our poets continue to write
https://crippastor.wordpress.com/2019/02/21/provoke/
-
The unfinished work of inclusion
https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/the-unfinished-work-of-inclusion/
-
Faith and Power
https://www.missionalwisdom.com/julian360/2019/2/24/faith-and-the-power-problem
-
Keeping Sabbath and self
https://oboedire.wordpress.com/2019/02/20/here-and-now-sabbath/
-
Wheelchair charging stations
https://krtv.com/news/montana-and-regional-news/2019/02/20/montana-state-capitol-installs-first-electric-wheelchair-charging-station/
-
Strength to ask for and accept help
https://www.bphope.com/finding-the-strength-to-ask-for-accept-help/
-
Resisting evil... employment discrimination
http://www.fox19.com/2019/02/20/walmarts-new-corporate-policy-may-cost-man-with-cerebral-palsy-his-job/
-
L'Arche: unknowing what you've learned
https://grandinmedia.ca/larche-place-start-unknow-youve-learned-society/
-
Discussing disability (Jewish perspective)
http://kolhabirah.com/index.php/features/1818-discussing-disability-nothing-about-us-without-us
-
"Suffer the little children"
https://www.startingwithjulius.org.au/suffer-the-little-children/
-
Google Live Transcribe app
https://www.umdeaf.org/hoh/
-
The importance of early detection
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/deaf-children-begin-processing-information-differently-infancy
-
Click here for a list of events of interest to people in disability ministry.
UMAMD logo with the UM Cross and Flame and several
          disability symbols
This newsletter is generally issued weekly by the
United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities,
a caucus of the United Methodist Church.

Click here to join this e-mail list.
This newsletter is also published on the UM Disability Blog
Visit us on the web or Facebook.