So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. - 1 Corinthians 12:25

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You Make a Great Difference

Thank you for expressing concern for the spiritual life of all people.
Thank you for modeling community that welcomes and does not exclude.
Thank you for being the body of Christ for the sake of the world.
Thank you for being a Rejoicing Spirits church.
Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities during the recent legislative health care debates.

Because it makes a great difference!

In late July, Shannon Dingle, a person with a disability who parents three children with disabilities, wrote an article in the Washington Post entitled: “This is Why Disabled People Were So Devastated by the Christian Silence on Health Care.” In it, she acknowledges the current justice conversations in our nation about race, immigration, religious liberty, gender equality and LGBT concerns. Then she addresses disability, and the lack of attention and interest, even in the Church: “But disability? We don’t usually consider that a justice issue. We the disabled are even marginalized by those who consider themselves champions for those on the margins.”

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Rejoicing Spirits Testimony

By Pam Abbott
My sister Laurie was born with Down syndrome and has an intellectual disability. Laurie and I are 15 months apart in age; we have lived apart for most of our lives so we never attended church or had the opportunity to worship together. That is until four years ago, when we went to our first Rejoicing Spirits Service at the Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester.

From the time we pulled into the parking lot, we were embraced in a big symbolic hug from greeters who warmly welcomed us as we entered the church. I couldn’t get over how friendly and accommodating everyone was to make sure our experience was a good one. Over the course of two years, Laurie became very comfortable and confident in her sense of “Belonging” at this service.

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Celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month

October is Clergy Appreciation Month. This is an opportunity to recognize the ministry of local clergy and the difference they make in the lives of people with disabilities. Below are some suggested activities:

Appreciation lunch or dinner
Card shower
Flowers or chocolates
Offer to clean their office
Letter to local newspaper
Letter to church council or bulletin announcement
Gifts of time and resources

Thank You for Your Advocacy

Because of your calls, messages, prayers and efforts, Medicaid for people with disabilities remains safe.

Early this summer, the U.S. Senate failed to advance legislation that would have repealed provisions of the Affordable Care Act, which would have negatively impacted people with disabilities.

Your voice was heard. Your voice matters. You made a positive difference.

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Download the Latest Newsletter Today!

In addition to the stories highlighted above, our newsletter features:

Information about participating in National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
A list of available Rejoicing Spirits resources.
Much more!

Read Our Latest Newsletter