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Removing Barriers, Creating Communities of Belonging.
December 2024
Our King and Savior now draws near: O come, let us adore him.
Blessed Advent to you!
During the seasons of Advent and Christmas people who may not regularly attend church often return to “check it out” or come to a special program. It is an expectant time. People accepting an invitation to come, may wonder if they will feel welcome. Meeting new people evokes various levels of anxiety for each person.
We each have different comfort levels when meeting new people. Building a friendship with someone with a visible disability may seem too challenging, so you avoid them. When a conversation with someone with a less visible disability turns awkward, we can become frozen and unsure what to do or flee to relieve our anxiety. These are not the scenarios we want visitors to experience at our churches. We want everyone to experience a warm welcome.
Recognizing the reality of these challenges and preparing ourselves with helpful options sets up everyone for fruitful and meaningful friendships and building God’s kingdom. Join us for learning and discussion around this topic at our next virtual gathering in January. Stepping into the new year with new insights and “tools” for extending God’s love to everyone, including folks with disabilities.
May you have a joyous Christmas season!
Deacon Kathy Ayres
AcLN Director
Connecting People and Sharing Resources
to support the church's ministry
with and by people with disabilities.
In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Isaiah 40:3
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