News

• Disability Concerns Spring Conference - Ontario
• Disability Concerns Infographic: This graphic shows how God has been at work in churches, leading them to become more accessible to people who have disabilities, in their buildings and programs.
• Getting ready: As of January 1, 2012, Ontario churches must comply with the Customer Services Standards of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Thanks to the work of the Safe Church Committee at Community Christian Reformed Church of Kitchener we provide these resources to you.
• Personal stories, poems, and visual art can communicate grace and truth about mental illness. Walk a few steps in other peoples' shoes through their stories.
• Parent to Parent Support: This forum on the Network gives opportunity for interaction and support among Christian parents of children (including adult children) who have disabilities.
• Inclusion Handbook: Everybody Belongs Everybody Serves. This handbook emphasizes the importance of developing relationships and encouraging everyone in your congregation to use their gifts for God’s glory, and gives church leadership the tools to do that. Download free in standard size font or LARGE PRINT or order print copies from Faith Alive Christian Resources.

Where do we start?

The Disability Concerns ministries of the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America have just produced our newest resource for churches: Inclusion Handbook: Everybody Belongs Everybody Serves. This handbook emphasizes the importance of developing relationships and encouraging everyone in your congregation to use their gifts for God’s glory, and gives church leadership the tools to do that. Download free (standard or LARGE PRINT font) or order print copies from Faith Alive Christian Resources. Feel free to print it yourself, or to include sections of it in your church newsletter. 

Disability Ministry Training Opportunities

Healthy churches train their members in warmly welcoming people and encouraging them to use their gifts. Disability Concerns encourages you to consider the following training opportunities:

• Walking Beside Someone with Mental Illness Workshop. Do you care? Of course you do! But sometimes our care can miss the mark when our understanding is lacking. For CRC churches in Alberta, Disability Concerns is willing to bring an evening of mental health learning and discussion to your church. Please contact Heather DeBoer at disabilityconcerns@crcna.ca or 1-800-730-4390 ex 279 to plan your church's "Being Community: Walking Beside Someone with Mental Illness" workshop.