Rochester, MN UCC - Dignity and Integrity – Hebrews 2:5-12

“All have one God.  For this reason, Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters saying… in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”  - Hebrews 2:11-12 NRSV

 When I was little my nose ran constantly. I remember loving my grandmother’s house, because there you were always within arm’s reach of a tissue box. Without this special accommodation, I couldn’t go very long without some adult scolding me for sniffing or watching with scorn as I wiped my nose on my sleeve. At my grandma’s, I had what I needed to be comfortable.

Last year our congregation decided to work intentionally on being more welcoming and inclusive of people with disabilities. After an adult education session last year where we learned that the Bell Choir can be hard for people with sensory processing issues, we began stocking a basket with noise canceling headphones in the Narthex. A few people have made use of these during worship. They are now able to participate in worship and be comfortable in a way they weren’t able to before. What’s more, we get to be a church that shows we care about all of our members and visitors enough to consider their needs and do our best to make them comfortable. 

This Sunday we will explore ways to expand our welcome to people with disabilities with our guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Jess Chancey, and a special adult education hour. Rev. Dr. Chancey serves as staff chaplain at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, and is the former co-chair of the UCC’s Disability Ministries board of directors. Rev. Dr. Chancey will preach from Job and Hebrews on disability. Stick around after worship for an adult education hour discussion on becoming a more accessible congregation for all people.

– Rev. Andrew Greenhaw