Articles
Special Needs Children
04/12/06
Special Needs Children and Sunday School.
Workshop and training for
Children’s Ministry workers:
Working with kids with disabilities.
Training by Special Education Expert: Trish D.
MA, Early Childhood Special Education and Teaching Credential
Learn more about Trish
This meeting is open to everyone, but priority must be given to
Children's Ministry workers.
May 7th, 9:00 am in the Streetside Room.
Kids on the Dock
I’m sure it is no surprise to any of you that in the last few years we have seen an increase in the number of “Special needs” children who come to our Sunday school. Maybe it seems like we have a particular calling for special kids, but in fact the increased population at our church only reflects the increased population in the world. Autism in particular is much more common now. Less than 20 years ago the number of autistic children was about 1 in every 25,000 births. For unknown reasons the number of autistic children has increased dramatically to about 1 in every 150 births. No, that’s not a typo. Autism is more common now than downs syndrome, which is about 1 in every 200 births. There is no reason to believe that we won’t see more and more kids with these, and other disabilities.No matter what the disability is, it will specifically effect how a child interacts and socializes. I am referring to not only the more severe developmental disorders, like autism and downs syndrome, but also ADD, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Children with any of these disabilities often lack of ability to pick up on social cues or verbal directions and that will lead to misunderstandings and inappropriate behaviors.
FISH Co girls
My oldest son is autistic. When Johnny was little, I was a spiritual mess. I had just started coming back to church after a long time away from the Lord. All I needed was a good excuse to not come to church. If someone would have said to me that Johnny was too hard to deal with, I would have gladly stayed home. Thankfully, he had amazing and patient Sunday school teachers who knew I needed a lot of healing –and a break. I can honestly say that having those two wonderful people taking care of my very difficult child was the only reason I kept coming back to the Vineyard. Chances are you know someone with a child who has special needs. Many people start looking to religion as a way to cope with the reality of having a Special Needs child. Sadly, churches and temples are often the last places to have resources for kids who are disabled. As a result, families often lack spiritual support, and many end in divorce. My own experience is not unique, and it is my greatest desire that no family would ever be turned away because we lacked resources.
Why are we doing this for just a few kids? I have 2 answers for that: First of all, I will remind us of the parable of the lost sheep. The good shepherd didn’t wait until a few sheep were lost before he left the flock to go find them. He immediately went out to save the one.
FISH Co Boys
It is our Christian service to do all we can for the ones that are lost. Second, -here’s the bonus– the training we will be recieving will greatly benefit ALL our kids. I can almost guarantee that it will even help you in your parenting!If you serve in the Children's Ministry, please make every effort to attend.
Pastor Kim
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Click here to learn more about F.I.S.H. Company
Email Pastor Kim
KimZarcone@valleyvineyard.org
