Faithtree: How Words Can Make a Difference in Your Church

 Faithtree.org: How Words can Make a Difference in your Church

The focus of this article is not on specific words, but on how the people in our Orthodox Christian parishes feel, think, and speak about persons with disabilities who come to Church. This is not aimed at simply the leaders, teachers, and counselors in our parishes; it is meant for everybody. All of us are called to assess our attitudes to people with disabilities who come to us, whether as visitors or as seekers. As disciples of Christ, we are called to reject our fears and reservations about relating to people who are different from us:

• “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). 
• “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

When we help those in need, we are helping Christ Himself, (Matthew 25:40) as did Simon of Cyrene:

• “then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His Cross.” (Mark 15:21)

We are one in Christ; we are all in this together, as the saying goes:

• ” . . . But as it is, God arranged the organs in the body, each one of them, as he chose.  . . . there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body which seem to be weaker are indispensable.  . . .  If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. ” (1 Corinthians 12)

“Indispensible“

To access: How Words Can Make a Difference in Your Church

To learn more about how you can help, join us for a  free one hour webinar on

August 21st at 4pm pacific standard time/7 pm eastern standard time

Building a Disability-Friendly Church; 7 Practical, Low-Cost Supports that Make a Big Difference.

Register here.

A video preview of a similar Faithtree Webinar in 2016

“Building a Disability-Friendly Church: 7 Practical Low Cost Supports that Make a Big Difference”

Also:

 

A Book for Those who have Sustained Mild Brain Injury

Related Online Sites To Access:

Brainlash: Maximize Your Recovery from Mild Brain Injury

Facebook Page: Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness & Support

Description from Goodreads:

Brain injury is often caused by everyday occurrences — domestic violence, sports accidents, car smashups. This comprehensive guide complements medical treatment for anyone with mild brain injury. Its down-to-earth, practical advice covers virtually every aspect of the recovery process, including driving, sex, self-esteem, stamina, support systems, nutrition, pain, and much more. With its up-to-date findings, case studies, list of resources, and comprehensive bibliography, this is the bible that patients, caregivers, and family members will turn to again and again for help. Brainlash provides the tools and facts to make the recovery process more intelligible — and to support the wide range of people affected by MTBI. For patients, family members, physicians, and other health care providers, attorneys, health insurance companies, employers and others, it covers options and services, health and vocational issues, medicolegal topics, psychological and emotional implications, and more! Written from the unique perspective of a clinician who has herself survived a mild brain injury, Brainlash offers important tips that will make the road ahead easier.

To Access More from Dr. Gail Denton: You Tube: More From Dr. Gail Denton

Access the Book Online:

 

Dave

One of the services of Reconciliation Services in Kansas City is Thelma’s Kitchen. If you would stop by, you would meet Dave, who comes just about every day, helping out. Dave says, “The more I help, the better.”

Reconciliation Services provide help to a variety of people in need, including those with mental health issues. Check out their website:

Reconciliation Services