Posts tagged Disability Ministries
Disability and Mental Health: No Conversation Without Us

John Christensen, lifelong ELCA Lutheran and staff member at the World Council of Churches, reflects on the deep connection between disability and mental health advocacy. With more than 16% of the global population living with disabilities and nearly 1 billion experiencing mental health challenges, the church has a vital role in offering safe spaces of love and truth. Christensen challenges the church to reject perfectionism, embrace vulnerability, and see God in every neighbor. Click here to read more at ELCA.org.

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Accessibility, Worship, and Leadership at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly

At the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, Lutherans gathered for worship, elections, and the business of the church. Worship services highlighted accessibility and leadership by people with disabilities, while elections brought historic results with Bishop Yehiel Curry elected Presiding Bishop and Pastor CeeCee Mills elected Secretary—the first time all top ELCA offices are held by diverse leaders. Resolutions also addressed equity for youth gatherings and protection for children and vulnerable adults. Still, accessibility challenges remain. Rev. Mack Patrick calls us to move from mere inclusion to true belonging. Read more click here.

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The Human Impact of Medicaid Cuts: A Mosaic Family Story

Medicaid is more than a program—it is a lifeline for families. Paige Ballinger, a Mosaic at Home Coordinator and niece of someone supported by Mosaic in Northern Colorado, shares how Medicaid services have transformed her aunt’s life and lifted the burden on her family. With recent federal budget cuts threatening these supports, Mosaic leaders emphasize the urgent need for continued advocacy to preserve and protect Medicaid for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Read Paige’s story and learn how you can join Mosaic Allied Voices to advocate for Medicaid—click here.

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Celebrating 100 Years of Martin Luther Home: A Legacy of Faith and Service

In 1925, a group of faithful Lutherans in Nebraska opened Martin Luther Home to provide education, training, and community for children with disabilities—a bold vision for its time. Over the years, the home expanded to serve adults, grow ministries across ten states, and eventually unite with Bethphage to form Mosaic. This year marks its 100th Anniversary, with a celebration and museum opening on October 5 in Beatrice, Nebraska.

Mosaic continues to live out its founding call to love and serve others. To learn more about this history and the upcoming celebration, click here.

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Illinois Couple Becomes Strong Voice for Preserving Medicaid, Say Funding is ‘Vital’ for Son’s Future

Although she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder too late to fully benefit from treatment, MaryBeth’s family became advocates that all infants be tested for the disorder. Her family has met others who, because of the now mandatory testing, started treatments as infants to counter the effects of the disorder.

The post Illinois Couple Becomes Strong Voice for Preserving Medicaid, Say Funding is ‘Vital’ for Son’s Future appeared first on Mosaic.

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Funding Available Now: ELCA Disability Ministry Grants Open Through July 31

Applications are now open for the ELCA Disability Ministry Grants, with up to $35,000 in total funding available for 2025. Individual ministries may apply for grants up to $10,000 through July 31. Projects must demonstrate active engagement with people with disabilities and align with one or more core goals of the Disability Ministry. To learn more and access the application, click here.

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Promise Magazine’s ‘Advocacy Issue’ Highlights The Faces of Medicaid

Although she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder too late to fully benefit from treatment, MaryBeth’s family became advocates that all infants be tested for the disorder. Her family has met others who, because of the now mandatory testing, started treatments as infants to counter the effects of the disorder.

The post Promise Magazine’s ‘Advocacy Issue’ Highlights The Faces of Medicaid appeared first on Mosaic.

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Advocacy Following Rare Diagnosis Helped Countless Others

Although she was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder too late to fully benefit from treatment, MaryBeth’s family became advocates that all infants be tested for the disorder. Her family has met others who, because of the now mandatory testing, started treatments as infants to counter the effects of the disorder. The post Advocacy Following Rare Diagnosis Helped Countless Others appeared first on Mosaic.

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Opening Doors Wider: ELCA Releases National Disability Ministry Report

A new report from ELCA Disability Ministries highlights how congregations across the country are expanding access and welcome to people with disabilities—and where challenges remain. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 10 churches, the report outlines successes, barriers, and recommendations for a more inclusive church. This is a vital read for leaders seeking to reflect God’s radical welcome in real, practical ways. Click here for more.

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Worship Without Barriers: New Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired

The ELCA Disability Ministries team has released new worship resources for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled. Free tools such as refreshable Braille eReaders, talking-book players, and access to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship in electronic Braille and large-print formats are now available. Listen to an insightful interview with Braille proofreader Terry Gorman, and explore accessible editions of the Bible and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Click here to read the full article and access the full list of resources.

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Teaching Disability Theology: Forming Church Leaders for an Inclusive Future

A recent May term course brought together seminary students across ELCA institutions to explore a theology of disability and the practical work of building accessible, anti-ableist ministry. Through models of disability, disability justice history, inclusive worship practices, and leadership by those with lived experience, the course offered powerful formation for future church leaders.

From dynamic guest speakers to real-life case studies, the experience highlighted both the urgent need and hopeful promise of churches committed to inclusion. Click here to read the full reflection at ELCA.org.

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Welcoming Justice-Focused Leaders to the ELCA Disability Ministries Team

The ELCA Disability Ministries Advisory Team welcomes two new members: Pastor Mack Patrick of the Northern Illinois Synod and Pastor Mary Ann Harrison of Altadena, California. Both bring decades of lived and pastoral experience, fierce advocacy for inclusion, and a deep commitment to justice for people with disabilities. Their leadership marks an exciting new chapter in the church’s call to be a body where every member is seen and valued. To read more about these leaders and their vision, click here.

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