Disability Inclusion Ministry
First Presbyterian Church Inclusion Coordinators
Bridget Donohoe is our part-time Inclusion Coordinator. Bridget works with children and families in Celebration Station as well as those who are in our other children’s and youth programs. She coordinates, recruits and trains volunteers, adapts curriculum, and will help us expand our outreach into the community as we live into our Focus Statement to “reach out to all people, especially those with special needs.” Bridget is also a special education teacher in the Clarkston School District and holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Oakland University. We are thankful for the ways in which Bridget’s expertise and her commitment to the inclusion of all people in our communities enriches our ministries here at First Presbyterian Church.
Kathleen Downing recently joined our staff and is job sharing with Bridget. Kathleen is currently writing her thesis to complete her Master’s of Special Education from Wayne State University. She is the mother of Bryce and Peyton and has worked as a volunteer in Celebration Station for several years.
Inclusion Award
First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham was selected to receive a new national award for effective ministry to persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The award was given in 2005 by Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education.
Exceptional Ministry Initiatives
Our Special Needs ministry has been selected as one of eight exceptional ministry initiatives to be shared as case studies in the book-in-process Keeping Our Promises. Here is what they had to say about our ministry:
“From the many applications that we read, we have selected eight churches that we feel have particularly compelling stories to tell, and we are happy to report that the application from First Presbyterian is one that we have selected and would like to use as the basis for a case study. ”
“The stories told by First Presbyterian Church and others like it are inspiring and instructive. They are stories that beg to be told to a larger audience. In so doing, we trust that the work begun in your congregation will continue to bear fruit in ways we can only imagine.”
Celebration Station
Celebration Station is an inclusive Sunday school program for students with disabilities
Children and youth range in age from pre-school through their teen years
The curriculum includes an intentionally structured program with a multi-sensory approach to teaching Bible stories
Children with special needs are given opportunities to interact with their same age peers while learning about Bible stories and their faith
All curriculum is individualized based on parent input and staff recommendations
Inclusion coordinator is an experienced, certified special education teacher with a Master’s degree in special education
All staff are trained and led by a certified special education teacher
If you have a child who would enjoy this class or know others who might be interested, please call Cindy Merten at 248-644-2087 x145 or e-mail cindymerten {at} fpcbirmingham(.)org
For more about Celebration Station click here or download our brochure.
NEW Art Gallery
We have recently installed gallery lighting and a gallery hanging system to display the art work of people with disabilities. If you would be interested helping with our first art show in the fall, contact Cindy Merten.
Variety FAR Conservatory
Variety FAR Conservatory of Therapeutic and Performing Arts is a private, nonprofit organization that provides creative arts therapy and recreation services for children and adults with mental, physical and/or emotional impairments. FAR also promotes public understanding of the abilities and potential of persons who are mentally, emotionally or physically challenged. FAR offers a wide range of programs in music, art, dance, theatre arts, softball, ice skating, gymnastics, garden club, cooking clubs, adaptive swimming, bowling, hockey and teen and adult clubs. Private, semi-private and group sessions are available. All ages, from pre-school to adult, are welcome to enroll. First Presbyterian Church is extremely proud to house Variety FAR’s offices (Room 201) and many of its classes in our building and work closely with this wonderful organization. For more information, visit Variety FAR’s website.
Resources
National Organization on Disability is an organization dedicated to expanding the participation and contribution of America’s 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life by raising disability awareness through programs and information.
Faith Communities and Inclusion of People with Developmental Disabilities offers numerous resources and information for churches on including people with developmental disabilities in their congregation.
Faith Communities and Spirituality is a resource packet on disability, spirituality, and healing.
Resource Packet on Disability, Spirituality, and Healing – Handouts used for courses, retreats, and lectures
Center on Human Policy – The Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disabilities Study
Disabilities Inclusion Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham
Presbyterians for Disability Concerns – Presbyterians for Disability Concerns welcomes those who affirm, support and advocate for the gifts, rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities in the total life of the church.
