Special Needs
Indispensable Body Parts
At Grace, we are seeking to be a church in which God’s unlimited grace inspires all generations and peoples to follow Christ. All peoples include children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. Remarkably, when we come alongside people touched by disability, their lives and the lives of everyone in the church are improved. “The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (1 Corinthians 12:22).
Children’s Special Needs Ministry
Grace Presbyterian believes ALL children are indispensable members of the Grace family. We cherish our Special Needs children as God’s gifts to our congregation.
We strive to have every child participate in our activities with the rest of the group. We place special needs children with a teacher who especially loves them and patiently teaches your child in the way they best learn. If your child needs extra support, they will be paired with a trained Buddy who will give them the extra help and comfort they need. If needed, we also have “break out rooms” for those times your child needs a quiet place or access to various manipulatives and activities.
We have many events, just for Special Needs Families, including Drop-in Date Nights, and Family Open Gym.
Register:
If possible, please register your Special Needs child before attending so we can be sure to have the support they need waiting for them when you arrive. After filling out the form, our Special Needs Coordinator will contact you to discuss the special needs your child has and the best way we can support your family.
Adult Special Education Class
Adult Special Education Class is tailored toward adults with intellectual or developmental challenges, but who want a welcoming place to worship and learn together on Sunday mornings. Many class members have been attending for decades and have made Grace Special Ed their Sunday School home. Some come from group homes in the area, and others are brought by their caregivers or families, some of whom attend other Sunday School classes at Grace. Newcomers are enthusiastically welcomed with open arms.
A structured schedule is followed every Sunday, although class time is very informal with generous opportunities for mingling and connecting with one another. We make a joyful noise singing, with piano accompaniment. We have a Bible study lesson (usually including a video), first as a large group, then in smaller groups led by individual teachers. We offer a simple craft project for everyone to work on individually and exercise their creativity. Refreshments are served, and special diets are carefully accommodated.
A wide range of ages and abilities are represented in Adult Special Ed. A large staff of teachers and helpers is on hand, so all attenders can feel welcome and receive individual attention. Our objective is to assure everyone that they are special in God’s sight, and to help them be disciples of Jesus who will go to their homes and workplaces during the week and show his love to others.
The class meets from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. each Sunday in room 162.
If you have any questions, please email program coordinators Russ and Robin Fahlberg.