Belonging – Come to the Table
Use these materials to go deeper into this message on your own, or with your small group.
Small Group Guide
Good morning Chapel family. Every once in a while, an idea comes along…and the moment you hear it, you know it’s right, because you realize: this is what Jesus would do.
When I first joined the Chapel staff in the mid-1990s, we had a thriving disabilities ministry for adults. Every month, our gym was packed with adults with cognitive disabilities. They would share a meal and spend time together. I got to attend several of those, and it was chaotic and loud and messy, and I knew it was right. I didn’t know much about ministry yet, but I knew this is what we were supposed to be doing. I knew this is the kind of thing Jesus would do.
Years later, under the leadership of Ingrid Flannery, we started building a special needs ministry that focused first on children—1-on-1 buddies for kids on Sunday mornings, “Night Out” events to spend more time with the kids and give parents a break. And I knew that was right.
A little later, we started hosting the Night to Shine, and for the past eight years, right around Valentine’s Day, I get to stand at the door and greet what seems like an endless line of teenagers and adults with special needs. I get to meet their amazing parents. And then I get to watch our guests be hosted and spoiled and celebrated by our volunteers, and dance and laugh. And every year, I know it’s right. It’s the kind of event Jesus would definitely go to.
Here’s what I’m saying: this priority that the Chapel has, of including people with special needs and disabilities in everything we do, is right. It’s not just something Jesus would do; it’s something Jesus did do. So by loving and serving and including people with disabilities, we are representing Jesus well. I am so thankful to be part of that. Aren’t you?
I have been looking forward to this day for a long time, because for the first time ever, we’re devoting the entire service to highlighting our ministry to people with disabilities. We’re going to hear from our Director of Special Needs Inclusion, Ingrid Flannery. We’re also going to hear from a very special guest, with a very unusual name. Sib Nafziger-Charles is uniquely qualified to speak about disabilities ministry. She has a level of experience and expertise in this area that is so far above mine, so I have invited her to come and share with us. I think we’re going to learn a lot, and I think this is going to be a really special day.
So…at this time, would you give a warm welcome to The Chapel’s Director of Special Needs Inclusion, Ingrid Flannery!
On behalf of the Chapel family, I want to thank Sib for being with us this morning. I also want to thank Ingrid for her dedication to this ministry. And I want to thank all the volunteers in our Special Needs Inclusion ministry—we are so grateful for you.
As you leave today, please stop by the gym—there’s so much in there. You can talk with Sib. You can sign up to volunteer for Night to Shine. You’re going to see a pillar covered with quotes, because we interviewed about 15 Chapel families who have kids with special needs, and we asked them, “What do you wish that we knew about you?” And you can read their answers on that pillar—it’s really moving. We have representatives from the Weekend Adventures ministry and a seeing eye dog organization, among other things. So we’d love you to stop by and find out more.
It’s been a great morning, so let’s wrap it up by asking for God’s grace to live out what we’ve learned. Would you rise?