Jesus was famous for extending a radical welcome to everyone he met, crossing over all kinds of human-made lines and boundaries. Having received Jesus’ radical welcome ourselves, we seek to extend that same welcome to all people.
At Saint Luke, every person’s identity is recognized and celebrated as a gift from God –no exceptions! Whatever your race, culture or color, you are welcome here. Whatever your marital status or family structure, you are welcome here. Whatever your gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, physical or intellectual ability, you are welcome here.
Together during lent, we have been looking at the various ways that Jesus extended radical welcome to various groups of people and how we can follow His example. Each week we explore a new demographic, learning both from Jesus’ example as well as hearing personal stories from members of the Saint Luke community.
This week we take a look at how Jesus interacted with those of varying levels of physical and intellectual ability. Journey with us!
JESUS SETS THE EXAMPLE
“For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” -John 13:15.
When it comes to varying abilities physically and intellectually, Jesus interacted with all people. This is good news for the estimated 48.9 million people in the US alone who have a disability of some kind! Jesus does not shy away from any type of need, expect people to come to him in “good” shape, or refuse to touch those that otherwise may have been isolated from community. In fact, he interacted with all abilities with radical welcome and grace. He is the embodiment of full accessibility, engaging each person with respect and dignity.
According to author Joni Tada, an international advocate for those with disabilities, 25 of the 34 miracles recorded in the Gospels involve Jesus interacting with people with disabilities! He radically broke the social norms and touched a man with leprosy, asked a blind man what he wanted rather than just assuming, and saw a paralyzed man as more than his disability. He was constantly surprising people with how he radically welcomed all. As a church community, we have not always followed in His footsteps. At times we have deeply wounded those different than us through our actions. However, when we follow God’s lead amazing things can happen. Today’s guest, Laura Binner has experienced God’s radical welcome to those of all abilities and it has impacted her in significant ways.
ALL SPIRITS REJOICE
The fourth Sunday of each month, Saint Luke has an opportunity to reach out to the special needs community, their care givers, and families. The Rejoicing Spirits service is a national ministry whose goal is to enrich the faith lives of people in the disability community. Saint Luke joined this national ministry over ten years ago.
This service provides an opportunity for the special needs community to experience their faith and express themselves in an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. The person with special needs can walk into our sanctuary and be themselves, in a no-judgement zone, where they are seen for their abilities and not their disabilities.
As a parent of an adult child with special needs, I can testify to the gratitude you feel when your differently-abled loved one is warmly welcomed to church. We all react positively to a warm welcome. Now picture yourself with multiple disabilities. It’s human nature to stare and feel uncomfortable with a situation that is new. Imagine being the recipient of constant stars and avoidance. Now imagine how you would feel to have a group of people greet you with a smile, kind words, and an extended hand.
Saint Luke’s youth band, 2 Copper Coins, play music and sing throughout the service. The band provides a celebratory atmosphere that magnifies the joyfulness of the service. They have an appreciative audience that may have never experienced live music before. The band members reflect Jesus’ love with their devotion to the service and willingness to be there every month for our special needs community.
“...we’re all more the same than different...”
There is a time set aside in each service where the pastors ask for prayer requests. This is the most touching part of the service and the time where I feel God’s love fill the sanctuary. One of the pastors, or a volunteer, will ask people to raise their hands if they have a prayer request. People in the audience raise their hands and wait for the microphone. There are people who have difficulty expressing themselves, people who can’t speak but can make audible sounds, there are people who can’t see, but wait for the acknowledgement of the microphone. Each and every person has an opportunity to express their thoughts for prayer. This is the time where the disability becomes invisible and the abilities shine through. There are prayers for sick parents, prayers for safe travel, prayers for world events, prayers of thanks for their care-givers, and humming sounds that carry a thick spiritual tone. It’s a time where your heart expands and you realize that we’re all more the same than different. It’s truly beautiful and touching. I am always left with a sense of awe in the abilities of the people who seem the most disabled.
Rejoicing Spirits is well named. It is a time to rejoice in Jesus’ love for everyone. It provides an opportunity for a radical welcome: to leave your comfort zone and attend to a group of people that are new to your experience. It is in these radical welcomes, and new experiences, where we grow together.
Jesus’ love knows no limitations. Radical!
TAKE A STEP
Following Jesus’ lead, we too can extend radical welcome to others with varying abilities. Here are a few things you can try as you seek to follow in His footsteps.
Remember that we are all more the same than different. Jesus saw beyond abilities. We too can seek to view one another as whole individuals, rather than make judgements based on one aspect of ourselves. When we do so, we have the capacity to observe and appreciate the many things we have in common with one another, rather than simply our differences. When we recognize that we are more alike, we can feel more confident to engage with those we previously saw as “different.”
Learn more about varying abilities. Perhaps this means picking up a book or having a conversation with a friend. We often find that as we learn more about those with differing experiences, the more admiration and compassion we have for one another.
Seek out a Rejoicing Spirits gathering near you. Rejoicing Spirits is an innovative ministry that works to enrich the faith lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and friends and other supportive community members. There are gatherings all across the United States. If you are local to Devon, PA, feel free to consider joining us at Saint Luke. For those living in other areas, check out the other gatherings.
God, we lift up to you all who are disabled - in hearing, in sight, in limb or in mind. Save them from bitterness and frustration, and give them joy in the midst of their limitations. May they find peace and fulfillment in knowing you and discovering your will for their lives. We pray for special grace for those who care for them. Give them your love and kindness and understanding of the real needs of those they look after. For Jesus' sake, amen.
-Mary Batchelor; from 1000 World Prayers
Laura’s family joined Saint Luke in 2006. The warm welcome and unconditional kindness and support their disabled son received on their first visit made it an easy decision! She’s worked on the Rejoicing Spirits committee since its inception in 2009.