A proposal was made that a ministry would be set up for special needs children, youth, adults, and their families. Many times, a special needs child is not understood and may be shunned, causing the child, siblings, and their parents to stop attending church. By offering a sensory worship experience, we may be able to reach not only the special needs child, but their siblings and parents for Christ. In addition to special needs children, the ministry has been expanded to include youth and adults.
The church enthusiastically jumped on board, and a committee was formed of church members who have experience with children and adults on the autism spectrum. In August 2022, the committee attended an Autism Inclusion workshop at Pea Ridge UMC.
Two grant applications were submitted, and monies were received from each of them. Specifically, the WVUMC Congregation Vitality Grant yielded $3000 and $750 was received from Disability Ministries of the UMC. These monies, as well as donations from the congregation, have allowed us to set up the children’s calming area and the older child/adult room. The children’s calming room is painted a soothing color, and contains weighted blankets, noisy blocking headphones, tent, sensory books, sensory toys, and weighted stuffed animals. Bob and his grandson have been able to use the room since it was completed in November.
A separate area has been set up for older children and adults to give them an area to watch the live streaming of the worship service. The prayer and goal is that once the person has adjusted to the worship service itself through the live streaming, the individual(s) can return to the sanctuary to experience the worship service in-person.
In order to share about Spectrum Worship Ministry with the community, a brochure has been set up, several ministry moments have been presented at Sunday morning worship services, and the Kenova UMC church bulletin and newsletter has discussed ongoing activities.
Please be in prayer with Kenova UMC, as the Spectrum Worship Ministry continues to develop and encompasses their mission statement to reach, UP in Worship and Prayer, OVER in Discipleship and Care and OUT in Witness and Service, in the love of Jesus Christ.