Disability Awareness Sunday

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. — Romans 8:14

The United Methodist Church observes Disability Awareness Sunday as a reminder that the church is called to be in ministry with all of God’s children, regardless of abilities and needs. It is a Sunday when we are called to look for the overlooked and to listen for those with no voice. Whether it is the elderly member that now has trouble hearing, the child diagnosed with autism, or the young person in a wheelchair, we are reminded on Disability Awareness Sunday that the doors of our church must swing open wide enough for all of God’s children.

We are delighted to welcome Rev. Dr. Hank Jenkins to share the message at all services in person and online this week!

Rev. Jenkins is a member of the Missouri Conference where he was ordained Deacon in 2017. His primary ministry is as Co-Chair of the Association of Ministers with Disabilities. He now resides in Knoxville with his wife, Joy, who teaches at the University of Tennessee. Hank is also working on his law degree at LMU. Hank and Joy have both helped to start the Cattywampus Sunday School class at Church Street, which meets in the CLC and welcomes new members.

The SASH (Safety, Accessibility, Security, and Health) Committee of Church Street began under the leadership of Rev. Andy Ferguson in 2008. Initially the committee helped with a number of projects:

• Installation of an updated fire and smoke alarm system
• Upgrading of first aid kits in appropriate areas of the church
• Upgrading of emergency communications devices for staff
• Assessments and prioritizations of accessibility needs
• Trial-runs of Sunday morning fire drills

Since 2016, the committee has addressed other matters, including:

• Maintaining a database of medical professionals in the church’s membership who are willing to assist in medical emergencies
• Oversight of security personnel on campus during Sunday worship
• Installation of new security systems at building entrances
• Oversight of first aid kits, AEDs, and trauma kits
• Production and placement of new evacuation maps
• Updates to the church’s fire and safety manual
• Addition of user-friendly curb cuts for Hill Avenue parking lot
• Consultation on accessibility matters, including new building addition, handrails on chancel steps, new enhanced hearing system in nave, and new retractable lift to chancel area
• SASH members serving on church decision making bodies, including Properties and Covid task force
• Guidelines for “special needs” determination relative to parking
• Oversight of the church’s annual accessibility audit on behalf of the Trustees