Getting a Little Help from our Friends

Tom and Julie Meekins

Over the past few months, we have had the privilege of spending time with people who are doing ministry to families with special needs throughout the country and, really, the world. It is so wonderful to come together and discuss how to love God and love people better. Here are some ideas that have either come from folks in those discussions, or as we have observed others doing ministry, and a few that were created in our own minds as we participated in these brainstorms.

That is what ministry is all about, right? Brainstorming, collaborating, trial and error and reporting back with the good and the not so good results. We encourage you to glean from others as you go about loving on the people God has called you to serve as well. It really is invigorating.

Okay…back to some practical ideas for you.

Throughout the country and the world, ministry looks different everywhere during these days of COVID-19 pandemic. Some church buildings are open with available children’s programming on a lesser scale because of having to follow social distancing protocols. Some church buildings are only open for family-together worship in the worship centers with social distancing protocols in place. Some churches have to be locked down tight with no opening time in sight. So, what is a staff person or volunteer supposed to do?

First of all, let’s go back to the basic foundational understanding that the building is not the church. I am guessing that you have repeated this phrase quite often to yourself and to others as you wrap your brain around how to love your people with so many physical restrictions. So, if the church is the people and the building is just a tool for serving – how can we do ministry?

Family-together worship in the building or at some outside facility: Children with their parents. How can we help this to be a positive and worshipful experience for all? Answer: Sunday Activity Bags for children. Some churches are making these bags during the week for the children and have them ready to handout on Sunday morning.

What can you put in the bags? How about Bible color sheets and a few washable markers or a small 4-crayon pack or 6-crayon pack of crayons. Add to that something they can fidget with, i.e. pencil grip, stress ball, bean bag, squishy, etc. Snacks are always a great idea. Our three year old grandson’s church folks put a package of animal crackers in his bag. Some other fun ideas are a finger puppet, stickers, a lace-up card, and maybe a small Bible story book. We hope we got your juices flowing and that you are already thinking about making those Activity Bags awesome for your people.

Not able to attend church: Cards, postcards, Bible Activity Sheets, and stickers can be easily put in the mail. Getting snail mail is definitely a wonderful treat for anyone. You could also put together a theme package and drop it off at their home. For example, the special needs director and some volunteers at our church put together for and delivered to our special needs families a “movie-themed” package containing: a Christian movie, popcorn (can either be a large bag from the store or some packages of microwave popcorn), cotton candy, some candy bars and some drinks (2 liter bottles or cans work). Another theme could be “Family Game Night” which might include a board game, a few snacks, and a notepad with pen or pencil to keep score. You’ve got the idea. Go to town with your own creations! In addition, some ministry folks (staff and volunteers) in various churches are doing driveway chalkings. They are stopping by homes and writing and drawing with chalk an encouraging message. They include Bible verses and affirmations of love. We suggest that you take pictures of all the chalk messages and keep them in a digital album to use for future encouragement. Other ministry folks are creating posters to drop off at homes.

As restrictions loosen: In-person gatherings: A few weeks ago, we asked the parents of our special needs support group what they needed. We offered to set up another Zoom call to connect. However, they were pining to be face-to-face. So, we coordinated two separate gatherings. One family offered their home for a dinner and swim party for families. We put the invitation out and just the right amount of people to exercise the proper protocols to safely do private gatherings took advantage of this special time. You could almost hear an audible sigh as the parents reported back how wonderful it was to get the families together. Another special needs parent couple offered their home for a parents-only gathering. I asked if any photos were taken, but the reply from several parents was that they were just too busy visiting, chatting, and enjoying each other to remember to take any pictures. Also, some members of our local support group got together to help children and parents alike create cards for one of the children who is in a residential treatment facility. This group made cards together and then gathered to eat a picnic lunch they brought and spend some time swimming in their backyard pool. At each of these gatherings, people were so very happy to connect with each other.

Remember that the foundation of all of this creativity and activity is to keep those connections with your families strong. I have heard from parents that any touch point, no matter how elaborate or simple, speaks love to a family.

Here is a list of people and resources that have helped us keep fresh with ideas as we do ministry:

Key Ministry – https://www.keyministry.org/

Soar Special Needs Ministry – https://www.soarspecialneeds.org/

Sandra Peoples – http://www.sandrapeoples.com/

Rise Above Ministries – https://www.risingaboveministries.org/

Walk Right In Ministries – https://walkrightin.org/

What are you doing to keep your ministry creative and vibrant? We would love to hear your ideas.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN CONNECT WITH US:

We invite you to connect with Tom, Julie, and Amy through:

Email: champions4parents@gmail.com

Phone: 410-746-9010

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Champions4Parents/