ELCA Disability Ministries is seeking 1–2 new advisory team members to help guide this vital work. If you have experience or knowledge of disabilities and a passion for ministry, apply by January 31, 2025. Visit this link to learn more and submit your application. New members will be announced by March 31, 2025! More info in this ELCA blog post.
Read MoreLearn how to foster deeper inclusion in your congregation with ELCA Disability Ministries’ workshops at the 2025 Extravaganza! Held January 23-26 in Louisville, these sessions explore accessible games for youth groups and baptismal theology from a disability perspective. Register today at elcaymnet.org/workshops.
Read MoreDiscover a powerful new Thanksgiving for Baptism resource from ELCA Disability Ministries, crafted to celebrate the diversity of God’s creation and reflect on baptism through the lens of disability. First shared at the ELCA Youth Extravaganza, this inclusive liturgy is now available for congregational use, offering fresh ways to affirm the sacredness of every life.
Read MoreThe ELCA Disability Ministries team is reviewing applications for the 2024 grants, with decisions expected by October 25. These grants support inclusive ministry across our church. Plus, don’t miss National White Cane Safety Day on October 15 and reflect on National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October. Read the latest ELCA Disability updates for full details.
Read MoreThe ELCA Disability Ministries blog post for this month is a sermon preached by Pastor Mack Patrick at the opening worship at the tAble, a pre-event to the 2024 Youth Gathering. Based on Psalm 139, it grounded attendees and staff in their time together, exploring “how we are created to be wHoly”.
Read MoreELCA Disability Ministries reminds us that the application window for grants is now open, and will close on July 31, or earlier if they have received 30 completed applications. Read clarifications on the process and goals for the grants here.
Read MoreThe ELCA Disability Ministries is now accepting grant applications for 2024, offering a total of $50,000 to support projects that integrate and uplift people with disabilities within our congregations. Eligible projects should align with goals such as promoting leadership, enhancing support resources, and building inclusive community connections. Applications will close by July 31st or sooner if 30 applications are received. Apply today to contribute to a more inclusive church environment. For details and registration, visit ELCA Grants.
Read MoreStay informed and engaged with ELCA Disability Ministries in their latest update. Look forward to a new grant opportunity aimed at supporting and enhancing the work of disability ministries across our community. Additionally, consider joining their advisory team to play a pivotal role in guiding and expanding our ministry efforts.
Read MoreDiscover the impactful presence of Disability Ministries at the 2024 ELCA Youth Ministry Network Extravaganza, highlighted by three insightful workshops, a groundbreaking Thanksgiving for Baptism service utilizing Braille, and enhanced accessibility features. Explore how these firsts in the ELCA community are paving the way for more inclusive worship and participation, marking significant strides towards embracing all members of the church.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA's Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) for a critical listening session with the disability community on March 15th, 2024. Share your insights to help guide the ELCA's future, focusing on inclusivity and dismantling racism. Register now to contribute to a more equitable church, and read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreJoin the ELCA's Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) for a critical listening session with the disability community on March 15th, 2024. Share your insights to help guide the ELCA's future, focusing on inclusivity and dismantling racism. Register now to contribute to a more equitable church, and read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreThe latest ELCA Disability Ministries news updates are available, featuring: a webinar with Dr. Bill Gaventa, The Curb Effect: How Accessibility Impacts Everyone; a book review of The Difference That Disability Makes by Rod Michalko; the Disability Ministries advisory team’s “Top 10” list ; resources for a Blue Christmas worship service; and a reminder that Jan. 4 is World Braille Day and that Extravaganza 2024 takes place Jan. 18-21, 2024, in New Orleans, La.
Read MoreELCA's Disabilities Ministry Blog this month illuminates the resilience and imagination encapsulated in Rev. Jessica Harren’s journey as she shares insights on healing and being queer and disabled. The blog also highlights the notable incorporation of American Sign Language services in the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, extending support to those in crisis. A focus on providing more accessible resources is evident with the availability of dyslexia-friendly religious texts, an invaluable aid for those struggling with dyslexia. Read more about these topics and many more inclusive and supportive resources and insights here.
Read MoreThe tAble is more than just an event – it's a sanctuary for youths with disabilities leading up to the ELCA Youth Gathering. Every participant not only finds fellowship but also a deep sense of belonging. Learn how you can amplify its reach and make a difference. Explore this initiative at elca.org/gathering.
Read MoreClick here for the ELCA Disability Ministries June 2023 newsletter, with a reminder that July is Disability Pride Month, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and celebrating the disability community.
Check out this article to learn more about Disability Pride and what it means for so many people — including you. This resource explains the meaning behind the design and colors of the Disability Pride flag. How can your congregation and/or ministry partner with your friends in the disability community this month and all year?
Read MoreCongratulations to the five recipients of the ELCA Disability Ministries grants for 2023! We have invited each to offer a snapshot of the project their grant will be funding.
Read MoreIn recognition of the enactment of the ADA, July is designated Disability Pride month. The continued work of advocacy by and for the disabled continues to make life for many safer and better.
Read MoreClick here for the ELCA Disability Ministries March 2023 newsletter, with a reminder that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. If you want to learn more, please go to the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities site.
April is Stress Awareness Month. If you're struggling or reaching out to help a friend who may be struggling with stress, consider some of the many resources on coping and managing stress by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Read MoreThe healing of the blind man in John chapter 9 is one of my favorite healing stories in the whole Bible. I love this story because in this story Jesus confronts and rejects the common belief that disabilities are somehow caused by sin.
I commend to you the book A Healing Homiletic: Preaching and Disability by Kathy Black. Kathy Black is an ordained Methodist minister who has served as the chaplain at Gallaudet University and pastored two churches for deaf persons.
Read MoreKeah Brown, a journalist, has filled this book with her essays. In each standalone essay, Ms. Brown addresses a particular issue of life as a black woman living with Cerebral Palsy in a mostly able-bodied white America. She discusses the depression that comes from internalizing the “idealized body” of the able-bodied world we live in.
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