Take delight in who you are (and/or in who your child is).

Connect to community.

Take the next step towards a good future.

I had the chance to share this message of belovedness and belonging with a group of disabled adults and their family members at the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield, NJ last week. I always love speaking and receiving questions, but what I loved even more about this event was the way the organizers structured the day.

Loving Our Neighbors With Disabilities

Here’s why I loved the way this event was structured:

For the Community

First of all, they hosted an event for their community. Church members were, of course, welcome, but it was an event intended to “love their neighbors” with disabilities by bringing them together and offering them support.

Offered Local Resources

Second, they invited local service providers to come for the event. The local service providers shared ways people could receive support and make connections.

Message of Welcome

And, third, while there was no pressure at all for people to come to church, there was a clear message and posture that everyone was welcome as they are.

I would love for more and more churches to love their neighbors in a similar way.

If you’re interested in scheduling an event like this, contact me on my Speaking page.

MORE WITH AMY JULIA:

• Free Resource: From Exclusion to Belonging
  (a free guide to help you identify and create spaces of belonging and welcome)

Let’s stay in touch. Subscribe to my newsletter to receive weekly reflections that challenge assumptions about the good life, proclaim the inherent belovedness of every human being, and envision a world of belonging where everyone matters. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube and subscribe to my Reimagining the Good Life podcast for conversations with guests centered around disability, faith, and culture.