The Revd Mairi Taylor-Gibson, Distinctive Deacon at Holy Redeemer Acomb, speaks about the ministry of Connect, a service reaching children with additional needs. She writes:
Connect was started last December as a response to our awareness of a large number of local families of children with additional needs. We were also blessed to have connections to Christians whose work or family life gave them experience which enabled us to cater for children with physical and neurodiverse needs; offering a supportive and welcoming way to hear about God.
We meet on the fourth Sunday of each month at 3pm in Holy Redeemer, Boroughbridge Road in Acomb, York. The session starts with activities such as play-doh, crafts, biscuit decorating and toys with refreshments available. After about half an hour, we invite everyone to join together (although if they don’t want to, there is no pressure, children are free to continue their activities) and sing our welcome song, followed by listening to a Bible story. We then have a time of group games such as using a parachute or finding things in church followed by a closing song and bubble prayers.
All our songs and stories are accompanied with Makaton signing and our activities have Makaton labels on them to aid communication. We are also blessed with a large open, flat church building which allows wheelchair and walker access.
Our children have really enjoyed the freedom to explore church and the story in their own way and parents have valued the opportunity to relax and meet other parents in a similar position.
Connect is designed as a service for people to use either as an opportunity to explore faith with their families or to complement their existing church life in their own settings. Please pray for our families that they will find the love and peace of God in their time at Connect and for the team as we seek to plan and invite more people to hear God’s message and see his love for their whole families.
- You can read more stories like this in our Prayer Diary – find it here.
- If you, or anyone you know, would benefit from joining, please do get in touch with Mairi through: RevDeaconMairi@gmail.com
