Our mission statement declares “Gathered by God’s grace, we are empowered to serve and sent to share Christ’s love”. We live this out in a variety of service and outreach opportunities–some of which happen every year, and have happened for a long time, and some of which are one-time responses to specific needs. Checking out the “Good News” publications is a great way to learn more about the work God is doing in and through our congregation.
This past year we hosted a dance for DDS (Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon Valley). It was a great time by all! The first was held in 2015; 2016 is also planned.
Of course there was dancing!
This awesome event was also made possible by a Thrivent Financial Action Team card.
“Joyful Spirits” Worship Service
~A service welcoming all people, including those with special needs~
What is it?
Joyful Spirits is a worship service that intentionally welcomes all people, including those with special needs.
Can you still come if you are not “special needs”?
Yes! All are invited. The interactive format is particularly friendly to people of all ages and all disabilities, including autism. The idea is not to have a service for just people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our service, instead, offers welcoming and accessible environment to all people. Only a handful of the people at the service could be classified as “special needs.”
What does it look like?
It looks like the Kingdom of God; that is, people of all ages, shapes and sizes praising God! We follow a simple worship order that includes prayer, scripture and singing. Readings and prayers are done in a back-and-forth style. The music is guitar/camp-style, using familiar songs with a limited number of verses.
Why a separate service?
Zion’s already welcomes people with developmental and physical disabilities; we probably have three to four people on any given Sunday, including folks in wheelchairs. Everyone is still welcome on Sunday. However for some people “normal” church doesn’t work. Families often struggle and feel that their presence in church only interrupts other people’s worship experience. One could easily argue that the most unchurched group in America are people with disabilities and their families. Each of us know someone who no longer goes to church because they struggle to find an environment suitable for their family.
When is it?
The service is on Wednesday night, beginning at 6:15 and lasting until 6:45 PM. Families and members of the community are also invited to a supper, which starts at 5:30.
Why have it on a Wednesday night?
1/3 of all people who work have a Sunday commitment. While I wish no one had to work on Sundays, this is simply not the way the world works. The midweek service also offers a bit of rest and joy in the middle of the week for everyone.
Is this service connected with the national “Rejoicing Spirits” movement?
Rejoicing Spirits is an offical ministry run out of Saint Paul’s Lutheran church in Exton, PA. Zion’s Lutheran is in the process of establishing our relationship with the official ministry.
(Note: Zion’s tries to be sensitive to language regarding people who have disabilities. If you feel the language on this page is not helpful or even offensive, please contact the church.)
Note: Our ESL program is in hiatus for the fall of 2015. We are looking for someone to help lead this ministry. If interested, please contact the church.
Each Monday night, from 6:30 to 8:00, roughly a dozen adults gather to learn and practice English. The adults are first and second generation immigrants from a variety of countries. This ministry works closely with the school system to identify families who could benefit from this program. The program can always handle more people who are willing to serve as English conversation partners for the students.