Fwd: ADN CONNECTIONS Summer Newsletter

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Anabaptist Disabilities Network <kathyny@adnetonline.org>
Date: Mon, Aug 7, 2017 at 1:31 PM
Subject: ADN CONNECTIONS Summer Newsletter
To: Gehman Mennonite Church <info@gehmanmennonitechurch.org>

Connections Newsletter: Summer 2017 Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. CONNECTIONS                                                Summer 2017 Universal Design for Congregations Because one size does not fit all   This edition of Connections focuses on Universal Design for Congregations. Universal Design is an approach to creating an environment that can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of age or abilities.    In this edition of Connections you'll find stories of congregations that have designed worship, communications, space, and leadership roles to provide opportunities for full congregational engagement by those with disabilities. In each case, the experience of all the members of the church, with disability or without, has been divinely enriched in the process. Read on and be inspired!​​    Designing Worship at Expressions of Love and Praise by Milt Stoltzfus Vibrant, meaningful, and participatory worship at Expressions of Love and Praise! It's a Friday evening at Hempfield Church of the Brethren, and worship is about to begin! Participants are moving into the sanctuary, chatting excitedly with each other and eagerly anticipating the coming hour of praising God. ​This is the scene at Expressions of Love & Praise, a monthly worship service sponsored by Friendship Community, a Christian ministry cultivating the capabilities of individuals with developmental disabilities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  Although Expressions of Love and Praise is open to everyone and anyone, these worship services are specifically designed to promote the full expression and participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities.  These lively and joyful services are truly a place where God's presence is encountered!  Read more...   Designing Leadership by Dan Longmore ​Dan Longmore has been pastor of Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church for nearly twelve years. In this interview, Dan reflects on how his ministry and congregation has been shaped by his vision disability. Dan and Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church provide a wonderful example of how leadership positions can be structured to draw out the gifts, talents, and experiences of pastors with disabilities. Read more...   If you appreciate Connections, we invite you to Make a Financial Gift to Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADN) so you too may share in the joy of nurturing inclusive communities. Contact Us We welcome your questions and comments. Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADN) 3145 Benham Avenue, Suite 5 Elkhart, IN 46517-1970 Voice Mail/Fax: 1-877-214-9838 Phone: (574) 343-1362 E-mail us Connections is published three times a year by Anabaptist Disabilities Network, Denise Reesor, Editor and Program Director. Like us on Facebook   OUR VISION: Faith communities are transformed when individuals with disabilities and their God-given gifts and experiences enjoy full inclusion in the Body of Christ. OUR MISSION: ADNet supports Anabaptist congregations, families, and persons touched by disabilities to nurture inclusive communities. Visit our Website | Like us on Facebook | Forward to Friend  Copyright © *|2017|* *|Anabaptist Disabilities Network Our mailing address is:  3145 Benham Avenue, Suite 5                    Elkhart, IN 46517-   unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences