Wings: a Faithletter for United Methodists with Disabilities and Those Who Care About Them

WINGS:AFAITHLETTERFORUNITEDMETHODISTSWITHDISABILITIESANDTHOSEWHOCAREABOUTTHEM

Fall2011—Vol.22 Issue2 No.86

…ThosewhowaitfortheLORDshallrenewtheirstrength,theyshallmountupwithwingslikeeagles....Isaiah40:31(NRSV)

FROMWHEREISIT:

AMOTHER’SDAYS

ByJoD'Archangelis

InMarchof1984,Iseparatedfrommythen-husbandandleftthesmall,dustytownofMiraLoma,Calif.,tomoveinwithmyparents,LeeandMargeryChapman,whohadrecentlyboughtahouseinFallbrook.

Mywheelchair-accessiblevancamewithme,andmyfatherandmothersoonbeganchauffeuringmearoundtodoctors’ appointmentsandthelike.Butitwasmymotherwhoalwaysdrovemetochurch,andaboutamonthaftermycominghere,sheandIbecamemembersoftheFallbrookUnitedMethodistChurch.

Astimepassed,however,itbecameincreasinglyclearthatanadultwomanwithadefinitemindofherowncouldnotlivecomfortablyinthesamehousewithparentswhowere—howshallIputit?—somewhatsetintheirways.SoeventuallyImovedintomyownapartmentinFallbrookwithalive-incareassistantwhileleavingthevangaragedatmyparents’ home.

EverySundaymorning,MothersawtoitthatIgotbackandforthtochurchforworshipserviceandforanyafter-churchmeetingsofthevariouscommitteesandcommissionsweweredualmembersofovertheyears.EverySundayafterchurch,shedrovemetoherandDad’shousewherewehadlunchandspenttheafternoonwatchingmovievideos(later,DVDs).AndeverySundayeveningafterdinner,sheloadedmebackintothevan,broughtmetomyapartment,unloadedme,andthenreturnedtoherhome.

ThisSundaycyclecontinuedevenaftersheandDadmovedtoMurrieta,about20milesnorthofFallbrook—whichmeantthateachandeverySundayforeightyearsmymotherdrovetwo40-mileround-tripsonthefreeway.Topassthetravelingtime,shelistenedtomusicontheradioorontapes(later,CDs).HerfavoritemusicwasTchaikovsky,Beethoven,andtheBeeGees.

Myfatherpassedawayin1992,and,afterthat,mymotheroftenbroughtherminiatureschnauzer,Corky,alongwithusonourSundayexcursions.Corkywouldwaitpatientlyinthevanduringworshipservice,andthenafterwardsMotherwouldlethimoutofthevantorunaroundintheopenfieldnexttotheparkinglot.

OneSunday,Corkywastakinghisusualmorningconstitutionalinthefieldwhen,suddenly,acoyotedartedoutfromagroveoftreesnearby,clampedhisjawsaroundCorky’shead,andstarteddragginghimaway.MotherimmediatelytookoffafterCorkyandthecoyote,yellingatthetopofherlungsforthecoyoteto “lethimgo”!Amazingly,thecoyotelethim(Corky)gounharmedandranbackintothetrees.IsuspectthatthecoyotefoundCorky’sweightmorethanhehadbargainedfor,butIalsosuspectheknewbetterthantomessaroundwithMother.

In1997,MothersoldherhouseinMurrietaandmovedbacktoFallbrook,amovemotivatedinpartbyherdesiretobeabletodrivemearoundmoreeasily.Severalmoreyearswentbybeforeincreasingageandheartproblemsfinallyforcedhertogiveupdrivingaltogether,andfromthenonwebothdependedonchurchfriendsandfamilymemberstochauffeurusaroundinthevan.

MymotherdiedofcardiacarrestinJulyofthisyear,justsevenweeksshortofher90thbirthday.SincethenI’vebeenthinkingaboutallthethingsshe “passedon” tomeinonewayoranotherovertheyears.Thelistwouldhavetoinclude:

1.Aspiritofbothstubborndeterminationandadaptableresiliency

2.AfaithrootedinMethodism(WhenIwasabout10-years-oldandjuststartingtoreadtheBible,Mother,whohadbeenbornandraisedaMethodist,pointedouttheJohn3:16verse—”ForGodsolovedtheworld…”—andtoldmethatwaswhatallrealMethodistsbelieved.OK,IknownowitisactuallywhatallrealChristiansbelieve,butIstillliketothinkofitaspeculiarlyMethodist.)

3.Agood,sometimessnarkysenseofhumor(Thisplusthedetermination,resiliency,andfaithlistedabovehelpedhertomeetthechallengesofanunhappymarriage,chronichealthproblems,andachildwithaseveredisability.)

4.Aloveofanimals(Infact,webothbecamevegetarians25yearsagobecauseofourloveforanimalsratherthanforanyhealthreasons.)

5.Aloveofmovies

6.Aloveofmusic(Mypersonalpreferences,however,areTchaikovsky,Beethoven,andEricClapton.)

7.Anacceptanceofpeoplewhoareconsidered “different,” ifnotdownrightstigmatized,bysociety(Formymotherthisacceptanceextended,ofcourse,topeoplewithdisabilities,butitalsoincludedothergroups.Forexample,shenevercouldunderstandallofthenegativehooplaaboutgaysandlesbians.)

Mother’smemorialservicewasheldonAugust14attheFallbrookUMC.Dr.DennisGinoza,oneofourformerpastors,nowretired,wrotedownsomespecialremembranceshehadofMotheroverthe17yearshehadknownher.Hewas,unfortunately,notabletoattendtheservicehimself,buthiswordswerereadbyourcurrentpastor,Dr.BradleyResare,andtheyincludedthefollowing:

“Margerydrovehervanlikeshewouldabus:shewhippedaroundthecorners(Isawher),andsheownedtheroad,Imightsay.MargerywasJo'srighthand,hercoresupport,andcompanionfriend;actually,theywerethesametoeachother.”

Weshouldall,disabledandnon-disabledalike,besoblessedastohavepeopleinourliveslikemymotherwho,whenwecan’tdoitonourown,makesurewegettowhereweneedtogo,evenifitmeanswhippingaroundafewcorners.

ThisFall2011issueofWingsisdedicatedtothememoryofMargeryChristineChapman,1921-2011.

WRESTLINGGODOVERPAIN:

ANINTERVIEWWITHJONIEARECKSONTADA(PARTII)

ByRobinRussell

(ThefollowingisparttwoofaninterviewwithJoniEarecksonTada,founderofJoniandFriends,aCalifornia-basedministryforpersonswithdisabilities.Inherbook,APlaceofHealing[DavidC.Cook,September2010],Tadarecountsherstruggleswithchronicpain.Diagnosedwithbreastcancerlastyear,shespokewith[UMReporter]managingeditorRobinRussellonJuly30,2010,the43rdanniversaryofthedivingaccidentthatleftheraparaplegic. — Editor)

You’vereceivedfromtimetotimesomerathermisguided “advice” fromChristiansonfaithandhealing.Howhasthatcontributedtoyourpain—andhowdoyouhandleit?

I’vegottenalotofe-mailsandlettersfromwell-meaning,well-intentionedpeoplewhosaythatIoughttobehealed,thatIdon’thaveenoughfaithorthat, “Theremustbesininyourlife.”

Notlongagosomebodyaskedme, “Joni,I’dliketoprayforyourhealing.HowmayIdothat?” Shewasexpectingmetosay, “Well,haveGodgetmeupoutofthiswheelchair.” ButinsteadIsaid, “MayItellyouwhatIreallyneedtobehealedfrom?Ineedtobehealedfromself-centeredness.Ineedtobehealedfromthisitchinesstogetthingsmyway,thispropensityofminetowanttotakecreditforthings.AskGodtohealmeofmypride,ormyimpatiencewithcertainpeople,mylazinessinreadingGod’sword.ThesearethingsIwouldlovetobehealedfrom,tobesetfreefrom.”

Jesusdelightedinhealingpeoplephysically,butwhathesaidinMatthew18wasincredible: “Ifyourhandorfootcausesyoutosin,cutitoff.Ifyoureyecausesyoutosin,gougeitout,throwitaway.It’sbettertoforyoutogothroughlifewithoneeyethantohavetwoeyesandbethrownintothefiresofhell.”

BasicallywhatJesusissayingisthepriorityofspiritualhealingtrumpsphysicalhealing.He’shealingallthesepeopleleftandright,butthenhesaysifyoudon’tgetyouracttogetherwithGod,it’sbetterthatyougothroughlifeblindratherthanlivewithself-centeredprideandimpatience.

You’vebecomesowell-knownthatyousayyousometimesfeel likeatarget,thatifyoufalterinhowyoucopewithyourdisabilitiesitwillsomehowdamageGod’sname.Doyouevergrowwearyofbeinganinspirationtoothers?

Allofourlivesarealwaysondisplay.Everyday,whatwesay,whatwedo,howwerespondtocircumstances,thewaywetreatpeople—peopleareobservingthewayweact.Andwearebeingawitnesswhetherwelikeitornot,whetherit’sforgoodorbad.AndmanypeopleareobservinghowseriouslywereallydotakeGod.

SometimesI’mtemptedtothink, “God,Ideservefivehoursofbitternessthisweek.Ideservetimeofffromobeyingyou.CouldIjusthavealittletimeoffhere?” Butnoneofusdeservestimeofforcoddlingaself-centeredwayoflookingatthings.Evenatthemostcriticaljunctures—whenthemedicalreportsarebad,whenourhusbandsareabusive,orwhenourkidsdon’tcare,whenthemedicalbillspileup—we’recalledtorespondinawaythathonorsGodateveryturn.I’mjustremindedofitalotmorefrequentlythanothers.

Iunderstandthat[July30]isthe43rdanniversaryofyourdivingaccidentthatleftyouaquadriplegic.Doyousomehowmarkthatdate?

UsuallyImarkitbyeatingmymother’scrabcakes—herrecipe.WehadMarylandcrabcakeslastnight.Thatwaskindofourwayofearmarkingthisasadatetocommemorate.LittledidIrealizethatGodwouldusethiswheelchairtostartaworldwideministry,whichwouldreachsomanypeoplewiththegospel.

Eventoday,asIamspeakingwithourWheelsfortheWorldteamsandtakingwheelchairsaroundtheworld,holdingourfamilyretreats,ministeringtothousandsofdisabledkidsandadultsandfamilymembersthissummer—that’swonderful!IconsideritaspecialtreatfromGodonthisdaytobeabletorecountthesethingsandcelebratewithyouwhatGodhasdoneandisdoing.

AndIpraythatbreastcancerisnotmytickettoheaven.IpraythatlikeHezekiah,I’llhave15moreyearsatleastofproductiveministrythatIcanservehiminthekingdom.

(AccordingtoTadainherrecentblogs[ — Editor)

AdaptedfromtheUnitedMethodistPortalwebsite( —Nov.12,2010;originallypublishedAug.20,2010.

.

WHENWEWALKTOTHEEDGE

Whenwewalktotheedgeofallthelightwehaveandfacethatstepintothedarknessoftheunknown,wemustbelievethatoneoftwothingswillhappen:therewillbesomethingfirmforustostandon—orwewillbetaughthowtofly.

Anonymous

AWingsEncore—originallyprintedinFall2004issue.

REACHINGOUTTOYOUNGADULTSWITHDISABILITIES

ByLynnSwedberg

[InAprilofthisyear]themainstreampressincludingtheNewYorkTimesandParadeMagazineraisedawarenessthatrecordnumbersofyoungadultswithsignificantdisabilitiesareendingtheirpublicschoolyearswithnosafetynetinplace.Graduatingatatimewhenstatesfacebudgetandservicecuts,manyareonwaitinglistforhousing,dayprograms,orsupportedemployment.UnitedMethodistsarereachingoutinresponse,offeringalternativestothealltoocommonscenarioofyoungadultsstayinghomeandwatchingtelevisionalldaywhileparentsareforcedtoquitjobsinordertoprovidecare.

NaomiMitchum,CoordinatorofSpecialNeedsMinistriesatChapelwoodUMCinHouston,TX,offersaministryofadvocacy,protestingherstate'sbudgetcuts.Atthesametimesheiscalledtoexpandherchurch'sprogrammingtoincludeadayprogramforyoungadultsthatwillmeetonceaweekandprovideproductiveactivitiesthatwillbenefitotherpeople.Shealsoleadsdrummingcirclesanddramagroupsforteensandadults….[SeeaninterviewwithNaomiMitchumbelow.]

AttheUMChurchoftheResurrectioninLeawood,KS,theSonflowerBakeryinvolvesyoungadultsindecoratingbakedgoodsthataresoldinthechurch'scafeandusedforfellowshipevents.Someworkthreeshiftsaweek,othersoneortwo.Volunteersprovideassistanceasneeded,andparticipantsearngiftcardsplusselectagoodietotakehomeaftereveryshift.Thechurchrecentlyaddedafourthdayofprogramming.Youngadultsclean,sort,andrepairthe2000backpacksthatchurchvolunteersfillweeklywithfoodforinnercitychildreninKansasCity.ThechurchalsooffersSundaySchool,adultBiblestudy,fellowshiptime,handbellchoirs,...andotheropportunitiesforinvolvementinthelifeofthechurch.

Mt.HorebUMCinLexington,SCoffersamonthlydayrespiteprogramforyoungadults,andaneveningprogramopenforallages.Oneofthechurch'sUMWcircleshasadoptedtheprogramasaprojectandprovidestheneededvolunteerseachmonth.RespiteorganizersrecommendusingtheFamilyConnectionsRespiteStartUpManual,anextensiveresource….OtherchurchactivitiesincludeSundaySchool,anadaptedVBSclass,andabasketballleague.

TheWesternNorthCarolinaAnnualConferenceoffersadifferentapproach.UMAR,foundedin1983,providesservicesforadultswithintellectualanddevelopmentaldisabilities.Theyprovidehousingingrouphomesin12oftheconference's15districts,supportedemployment,andsupportservicesforindividualslivingintheirownorguardian'shomes.[Soon]...theywillopentheirfirstindependentlivinghomeinCornelius,NC….

RubyMossor,ChurchCultivationSpecialist,workswithUMchurchesthroughouttheconferencetoprovideawarenessandtrainingsothatclientsaresupportedbyandintegratedintofaithcommunities.Shestressestheimportanceofbuildingrelationshipstoaddressspiritualalongwithpracticalneeds,suchasprovidingridestochurch,purchasingunfundednecessitiesforresidentsandhomes,andcelebratingbirthdays.

AdaptedandabridgedfromTheVOICEoftheUnitedMethodistDisabilityConnection(April2011—Vol.1,No.2).

SwedbergiseditorofTheVOICE.

APRAYERFORCOURAGE

ByJuliePimlott

Godofagespast,Godofagestocome,youseeourlivesoftoday.

Wepraiseandthankyouforthecomfortthatcomesfrom

realizingyouhavealwaysbeenwithus.

Wepraiseandthankyouforyourpresenceinourfuture, inourgrowing,inourstumbling,inourchanging.

Weseekyoutodaytofindstrengthforthejourney.

Weconfessourneedforgreaterfaithtotrustinyourguiding

hand,andweaskyourforgivenessforthetimestocome

whenourhumanfrailtykeepsusfromrestinginyourwaysandtime.

Weseekyoutodaytofindcourageforthejourney.

HolySpirit,grantuscreativityandopenheartstorise

tothechallengeofservingyouinanever-changingworld.

Grantusboldnesstostepoutinfaithinwaysthatrevealyour

radical,unconditionallove.

Aswesayourprayers,maywebefilledevennowwithyour

strengthandcourage.Mayweshedourfearsintheknowledge

thatitisthepowerofyourgraceandlovethatgiveslife

toourofferingsofservicetoyourcreation.

InthenameofJesusChrist,ourhopeandstrength,Amen.

FromAliveNow(May/June2009).

PimlottattendsMethodistTheologicalSchoolinOhioandhopestobeahospitalchaplain.

VERBATIM:

ANINTERVIEWWITHNAOMIMITCHUM

ByKateMatelan

NaomiMitchum,81,certainlydoesn’tactherage.ThislivelyTexanmaybeachurchlady,butisnotyouraverageparishioner.Shehastakenherfaithandtransformeditintoapowerhouseofpotentialthathasbeenmodeledbymanyothers.

Surpriseme…

AsthefulltimevolunteercoordinatorofspecialneedsprogramsatChapelwoodUnitedMethodistChurchinHoustonandaconsultantforotherchurches,Iamalwaysonthego!Anyoneinourcongregationwhohasadisabilityiswelcomedintoourchurchandallofitsactivities.

Weworkcloselywithourparishionersinsupportgroups,Sundayschoolclasses,AmericanSignLanguageservicesandotherprograms.Therearealsogroupsforthecaringparents.

Ibecameinvolvedinthisrolealmost20yearsagoafterleadingataskforcetoassessthechurch’saccessibilityandinclusion.Therehavebeenmanyimprovementsintermixedwithastruggleforspaceandfunding,buteverystephasbeenworththeeffort.WehavegrownfromaWednesdaynightgroupoffourpeopletoacrowdof80.

I’vetakenwhatIlearnedthroughmyworkandbroughtthattootherchurchesaswell.I’malwaysgettingemailsfromothercongregationsaskinghowtheycanbecomemoreinclusive.So,Icreatedatoolkitthatcoversinformationonthechurchenvironment,emergencypreparedness,mentorshipguidelinesandalessonplans,andmuchmore.SpreadingaccesstoworshipissucharewardingexperienceandIamcontinuingtolearnfromthespiritofothers.

How’dyoujointhecripclub?

Sixmonthsaftermydoublemastectomyin1979,Ibecameillandwasfirstdiagnosedwithlupus.Alittlelessthantwodecadesandseveraldiagnoseslater,Iwasidentifiedashavingmultiplesclerosis.I’vebeeninthesamepowerchairforthepast12yearsnowandanewoneisdueanycenturynow—justhavetogetthroughalloftheredtape!

Sowhendidyoustartconqueringtheworld?

WhenIdecidedtoquitbeingdisgustedaboutmydiseaseandcomplimentmybodyonwhatitcoulddo.ThatwaswhenIkickstartedmycurrentworkandbecamearoaringadvocatefordisabilitiesbecausemymouthworkedandmyheartwasinit.

Anywheelingwordsofwisdom?

Inlife,youhavetolearnhowtowalk,talk,orwheelfast.

How’sthe9-to-5treatingyou?

I’mstillwriting.It’samazinghowahobbycanturnintoyourcareer.Withmanyofmybooks,magazinearticles,andteachingmanualsalreadypublished,Iamnowworkingonabookdesignedforpeoplewhohavecancerandtheircaregivers.It’llbeahelpfultoolfornavigatingthehealingprocessanddoingmorethanjustgettingthroughthedisease.

Whoinspiresyou?

Iliveingratitudeforallthegenerouspeoplewhoinspiremeandwhohelpmeachieve,especiallymyhusband,Bob.Heoriginallystartedadvocacyworktobemyhandsandfeet,butbecamehookedbythestudents’ genuinespirits.

Bestaccessiblegetaway?

TwoofmyfavoritegetawayshavebeentoGermanyandDenmark.InCopenhagen,accessibilitywasabreezeandthesightswerebreathtaking.Yet,Ihavehadmyfairshareofhumorwhiletraveling.IbetthereisenoughmaterialtowriteabookjustaboutalloftheelevatorsIhavebeenstuckin.

From “Verbatim,” NewMobility(May2011).ReprintedbypermissionfromNewMobility(

.

COMMUNITYOFFAITH

ByRobertaPorter

CalledbyChrist

tocommunity—

toworship,topray,tolearn,

tocare,

this

isnotaplaceforustobe

unchanged,safe,

exclusive.

Here

webringourcommon

brokenness

andblessing;

healinghappens

byGod'sgrace,

andourgiftsaregiven

forservice.

Here,inChrist'sloveand

compassion,

webelongtoeachother,

herethestrangeriswelcomed,

andcalled

friend.

FromAliveNow(January/February1999).

PorterlivesontheOregonCoastwithherhusband,Jim,wheresheenjoysvolunteeringinherchurchandcommunity.

ATALLORDERTOFILL:

ANINTERVIEWWITHJOYCEBROWNLEE

ByJoD’Archangelis

BelowisanemailinterviewconductedthispastSeptemberwithJoyceBrownlee,co-chairalongwithhersister,JoannOrendurff,oftheConferenceCommitteeonDisabilityConcerns(CCDC)oftheCalifornia-PacificConferenceoftheUnitedMethodistChurch. — Editor)

HowlonghaveyouandyoursisterJoannworkedwiththeCal-PacCCDC,andhowlonghaveyoubeenco-chairs?

JoannandIhavebeenmembersoftheCCDCsincethegroupwascreatedinSeptemberof2001atFallbrookUnitedMethodistChurchandhavebeenco-chairssinceJanuaryof2007.

HowmanyCommitteemembersdoyouhaverightnow?

Atonetimetherewere13Committeemembersinadditiontoourselves,butseveralofourmembershadtoresignduetoworkdutiesorhealthandtransportationproblems.Wetriedtokeepintouchwiththefewmembersthatwereleftbyemailorphone.Lately,theCommitteehasbeenlargelyinactiveduetofundingconstraints.Since2009,mysisterandIhavebeentheonlyonestoseethatdisabilityaccesswasavailableatAnnualConference.WehavehadnocooperationfromdistrictsuperintendentsorlocalpastorsinnominatingpotentialCCDCmembers.

TheBookofDisciplinerequiresthateachCCDCincludememberswithadisability.DoyouorJoannhaveadisabilityofsomekind?

Ihavefibromyalgiaanddegenerativediskdisease,whileJoannhasdiabetesandaherniateddisk.

WhatarethegeneralfunctionsofeachCCDCintheUnitedMethodistChurch?

AccordingtotheBookofDiscipline, itistheresponsibilityofeachCCDC(1)Toraiseconsciousnessandsensitivityamongpersonswithorwithoutidentifiabledisabilitiesincongregations,(2)Toadvocateforandhelpdevelopprogramswithineachconferencethatmeetstheneedsofpersonswithdisabilities,and(3)Todevelopprogramsofinformation,education,advocacy,andtrainingthatenablelocalfaithcommunitiestoallowfullinclusivityandaccessibilityofpersonswithdisabilitiesintheiractivities,programs,andleadership.

InwhatparticularareasdoyouthinktheCal-PacCCDChasbeenmostsuccessfulinthepastyears?

WehavebeenmostsuccessfulinimplementingdisabilityaccesstoourAnnualConferenceeachyearwithspecialneedsregistration,reservedseatingwithnumberedseat-coversforwheelchair-usersandotherswithmobilityissues,shuttleservicebetweenthechapel—wheretheConferencesessionsareheld—andthecommonsareaandhousing,andtheprovisionofadditionaltemporaryhandicappedparkingspaces.OurthankstotheUniversityofRedlandshospitalitystafffortheirsupport!

Inyouropinion,arethereparticularareasinwhichtheCal-PacCCDChasnotbeenassuccessfulasyouwouldhaveliked,andwhy?

Conferencesaresupposedtoprovidetrainingforclergyandlaityindisabilityministries,includingtheareasofSundayschool,campsandretreats,andfaithdevelopment.The2008BookofDisciplinestatesthatDisabilityAwarenessSundayshallbeobservedannuallyonadatetobedeterminedbyeachconference.OurbiggestchallengehasbeentogettheConferenceandthelocalchurchestobeawareofthesemandatesandtocarrythemout.Wegetalotof “lipservice” fromConferenceleadersandstaffbutnorealencouragementandsupport.

Forexample,wehavebentoverbackwardstoencourageourlocalpastorstoscheduleDisabilityAwarenessSundayservices.It’shardwhenyouhavepastorswhodon’teventhinktheyhavememberswithdisabilities.NotonlydoesthelackofaDisabilityAwarenessSundaydepriveacongregationofanopportunitytopossiblyhearfromaspeakerinthedisabilitycommunityorlearnaboutwaystoopentheircongregationtonewmembers,theCCDClosessomeofthefundingfromspecialofferingsitneedstokeepitsheadabovewater.

Anotherexample:WetriedtoplanaseminarforlaityandpastorswithspeakersfromthemilitarytospeakonPTSD(PostTraumaticStressDisorder),amongothertopics,soourlocalchurcheswouldbemoreawareofandwelcomingtothosewhohavebeeninjuredphysicallyandmentallyinbattle. WehadtocancelduetolackofinterestandsupportfromtheVAandfromourownConference.

TheBookofDisciplinerequiresthatthetrusteesofeachchurchconductanaccessibilityauditoftheirchurchcampuseachyear.OurSanDiegoDistrictSuperintendenthadrequestedthatalldistrictchurchesdoanauditoftheircampus.WehaveprintedupandmadeavailableauditnotebooksatAnnualConference.Weareavailabletoassistchurcheswiththisauditandtoprovidetraining.Toourknowledge,nochurchhasfollowedthroughwiththerequest.Hereagainwehaveexperiencedlackofsupportandinterest.

TheCal-PacConferenceisundergoingsomemajororganizationalrestructuringofitsprogramsandministriesrightnow.WhateffectarethesechangeshavingontheCCDC?

InJuly,theCCDCwasputunderthenewly-formedJusticeandCompassionEssentialMinistriesTeam(JCEMT)asan “advocacygroup.” Supposedly,therewillbefreedomintermsofinvitingwhomeverwewantintothegroupandofdecidingwhatourvisionandmissionandgoalswillbe(whichweactuallydideightyearsago).

Insofarasweunderstandthenewstructure,anynewmemberswillberecruitedtodoaspecifictask,and,whenthattaskiscompleted,theywillbereplaced.Wouldn’titbeeasiertohaveapermanenttaskforce,committee,orgroupthantodorecruitingeveryfewmonths?Imean,itwashardenoughfindinginterestedpeopletoserveinthepast.We’llseewhathappens.

TheJCEMTmettheweekendofSept.9-10.WeweretoldthattheConferenceneedstodevelopanew “culture” ofaccountability,respect,cooperation,andcollaboration.Soundslikeatallordertomeandcouldtakealongtimetobringabout.

WhatareyourconcernsforthefutureoftheCCDCintheCal-PacConference?Andwhatdoyouhopewillhappen?

ItisunclearatthistimewhethertheCCDCwillremaininexistenceasitis,orinsomeotherform,andwhetherornotwewillcontinueasco-chairs.ButwedobelievethatifthelackofsupportandcooperationfromourConference,districts,andlocalchurchescontinuesasithasinthepast,theCommitteewillprobablyceasetoexistinanyform.

Still,itisourhopeandprayerthattheCCDCdoesnotsufferanuntimelydeathbecausetheoneswhowillfallbythewaysidewillbethoseforwhomwehavefoughtforsolongtoprovidephysical,communication,andattitudinalaccesstoallofourchurchesandchurch-relatedfacilities.

ACALLTOWORSHIPFORDISABILITYAWARENESSSUNDAY

LEADER:Lord,howawesomeitisthatwecangatherheretodayandloudlysingpraisestoyourname,andknowthatwearestandinginyourpresence!

PEOPLE:Lord,Ican’tstand.Iuseawheelchairandthereisnoplaceformychair.

LEADER:Itreallyisgreat,Lord,thatweareabletohearyouspeaktousthroughtheproclamationofthewordthismorning!

PEOPLE:I’msorry,God.Ididn’thearwhatwassaid.

LEADER:And,Lord,it’ssofantastictobeabletoreadyourWordalongwith thepastor,andtorecitethecreedsandlitanies.

PEOPLE:Thismorningmyvisionisdim,God.Icannotreadthebulletin.

LEADER:Lord,wereallyfeelblessedthatweunderstandeverythingthatishappeningaroundusinthechurchinthishour.

PEOPLE:God,whydoIlearnsomuchslowerthanothers,andmustfeel,weekafterweek,thatIdonotreallybelonghere?

ALL:Openus,OGod.MakeusaccessibletoyourSpirit,andaccessibletoallyourpeople.

AdaptedfromRev.DaveWade

SeeUMCOR/DISCwebsiteforafulllistingofworshipresourcesforDisabilityAwarenessSunday(

PETITIONSONDISABILITYISSUESTOBESUBMITTEDTO2012GENERALCONFERENCE

ByDebbieWade

TheLong-RangeCommitteeoftheUnitedMethodistTaskForceonDisabilityMinistrieshaswrittenfourpetitionstosubmittothe2012GeneralConference.TheyexpressourdesiretohelpmakeallUnitedMethodistpeoplemoreawareofthosewithdisabilitiesandthatsuchpersonsbewelcomedintoalllevelsofourchurch.Severalconferences…receivedcopiesofthesepetitionstobepresentedtotheir2011AnnualConferences.

Thefourpetitionsconcernthefollowingkeypoints:

(1)MakingtheUMTaskForceonDisabilityMinistriesaStandingCommittee

(2)MakingchangestotheDisciplineparagraphsrelatedtoClergyIncapacityLeave,renamingitClergyMedicalLeaveandofferingmoreadvocacyandaccommodations

(3)MakingDisabilityAwarenessSundayaSundaywithaspecialoffering

(4)ResolvingthateachConference,inthequadrenniumfrom2013-2017,haveathemeondisabilityawarenessatoneofitsAnnualConferenceSessions

Formoreinformation,pleasegototheTaskForcewebsite( “advocacy.” Youradvocacyforthesepiecesoflegislation,andforpeoplewithdisabilities,isgreatlyappreciated.Pleaseholdthesepetitionsupinyourprayers,andremembertheTaskForceinyourprayers,asweprayforyou.Together,wecanhelptoensurethatourUnitedMethodistChurchestrulyhave"OpenHearts,OpenMindsandOpenDoors"!

AdaptedfromTheVOICEoftheUnitedMethodistDisabilityConnection(April2011—Vol.1,No.2).

DebbieWadeisChairoftheLong-RangeCommitteeoftheUnitedMethodistTaskForceonDisabilityMinistries.

AFATHER’SARMS

ByMargaretFranklinZadow

YousawhowtheLORDyourGodcarriedyou,justasonecarriesachild,allthewaythatyoutraveleduntilyoureachedthisplace.

— Deuteronomy1:31(NRSV)

WhenIwasfiveyearsold,anepidemicofpoliosweptournation.However,myparentsdidn’trealizeatfirstthatthevirushadstruckme.ThenIbecameparalyzed.Finallythedoctortoldmyparentstotakemetoalargecitytoseeaspecialist.

Myfathercarriedmeinhisarmsandheldmeintheelevator.Hesaidpeoplestared,probablywonderingwhyhecarriedsuchabiggirl.Hecarriedmemanytimesduringmychildhood—timeswhenIcried,whenIhurt,andwhenhejustwantedtoholdme.

Manychildrenaren’tasfortunateasI;theydon’thaveearthlyfatherstoholdandcarrythem.ButallofushaveaheavenlyFatherwhocomfortsuswhenwecry,holdsuswhenwehurt,andlistenswhenwejustneedtotalk.

Myearthlyfatherdiedafewyearsago,butGodhasbeenherefromthebeginningandwillbeheretotheend.OurheavenlyFatherwatchesoverusinlove,givingusstrengthintimesoftrouble,andcarryinguswhenweneedtobecarried.

FromTheUpperRoom(January/February2001).

WINGSHONORROLLOFAPPRECIATION

Wethankthefollowingpeopleororganizationswhosegiftsoftimeand/ormoneyhavemadepossiblethepublicationandmailingof

"Wings”:

JillHalley

BillWilmaChain

DianaWiggins

MarieLosh(inmemoryofMargeryChapman)

TomTerryClark

Rev.DianeMettam

NormaFrempter(inmemoryofMargeryChapman)

BruceCleoHehn(inmemoryofMargeryChapman)

JohnDorisCraig(inmemoryofMargeryChapman)

JoyceBrownlee(inmemoryofMargeryChapman)

JoannOrendurff

Rev.EdHoffman

WINGS:Anon-official,non-profitquarterlynewsletterforUnitedMethodistswithdisablingconditionsandallothersinterestedintheissuesofdisability,accessibility,andthechurch

FOUNDER/EDITOR

COMPUTERLAYOUT/GRAPHICDESIGN:JoD'Archangelis

CORRESPONDENCE:Sendallcorrespondence—includingfeedback,originalwritings,itemsfromothersources,andchangesofaddress—toJoD’Archangelis,Editor

MailingAddress:

592AmmunitionRoad,Apt.1

Fallbrook,CA92028-3191

Telephone/Fax:

760-723-2668(pleasecallbeforefaxing)

E-mail:

E-WINGS Twoelectronicversionsof “Wings” areavailable:1.Afullnewsletter-formattedversionwithcolorgraphicsinPDFformat,and2.Apartially-formattedtext-onlyversionwithoutgraphicsinMicrosoftWordDocumentformat(screenreadersseemtoworkbestwiththeWordDocumentversion).AttachedfilesinPDFformatcanbeopenedwithAdobe6.0orhighersoftwarewhichiseasilydownloadedfromAdobe.comatnocharge.

WINGSONTHEWEB Selectedbackissuesof “Wings” inPDFformatandWordDocumentformatplusinformationaboutthenewsletteranditsfounder/editormaybefoundattheUnitedMethodistAssociationOfMinistersWithDisabilities(UMAMD)website, “Wings”bannernearthebottomofthehomepage.

Donations “Wings”isanall-volunteerundertaking,butfinancialassistanceisneededforprintingandmailingcostsaswellasforthepurchaseandmaintenanceofthecomputerequipmentusedbytheeditor.Mostofourfundingcomesfromreaderdonations.Therearenosubscriptionfees.Ifyouthink “Wings” isworthit,pleasemakeoutacheckormoneyorderpayableto “FallbrookUnitedMethodistChurch” (or “FUMC”),markit “Wings,” andmailittoFallbrookUnitedMethodistChurch.

ChurchAddress:

1844WinterhavenRoad

Fallbrook,CA92028

Phone:

760-728-1472

Fax:

760-728-7433

E-mail:

.

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