News
FPC Inclusion Coordinator
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 will receive her masters degree in
special education from Oakland University in May. We look forward to
the ways in which Bridget’s expertise and her commitment to the
inclusion of all people in our communities will enrich our
ministries here at FPC.
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.
Celebration Station
Children in
the Celebration Station are approximately ages four to twelve with
special needs. The curriculum includes an intentionally structured
program with a multi-sensory approach to teaching Bible stories.
Music and movement, puppets, wooden manipulatives and big books are
some of the storytelling techniques used.
You may bring your child to Room 101 Sundays
before the 10:00 service begins. 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@fpcbirmingham.org. For those
children who would like to attend our regular program, mentors or
Sunday Buddies can be provided.
For more
about Celebration Station
click here.
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.
