Anabaptist Disabilities Network

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Christian researchers are examining how autism and neurodivergence could reshape church services.

“We sing about a gospel that is available for all people, of all shapes, forms, and fashions. If our worship doesn’t include all people, that calls into question whether we believe the things we profess about God,” said a parent of a child with autism.

From the CT archive: https://chrst.today/4tuQXZs

The summer Connections newsletter is out! The theme of the issue is Children in Nature and in this article, Benjamin Conner explores a theology of wonder.

Witnesses in a Wonder-full World
by Benjamin T. Conner

The first step to being a witness in this wonder-full world is to nurture our sense of wonder. Alongside children, we can push against our tendencies toward possession, mastery, and control of the world (and of Christian doctrine) and instead experience the world as co-wonderers who encounter, engage, and embrace the world. This is, in part, why Emily Hunter McGowin insists in God and Wonder, “Theology needs to be challenged by the vision, perspective, and experience of children” (p. 41). Children, all children, are recipients of grace with a vocation to join in God’s ongoing redemptive work in the world as part of a community of faith and according to their gifts and interests. In fact, it could be argued that within the community of faith, wonder is the vocation or special calling of children.
Read more here: https://www.anabaptistdisabilitiesnetwork.org/witnesses-in-a-wonder-full-world/

The Summer issue of Connections is out! This issue centers on the theme of children in nature, and in this article we hear about the Wings of Hope camp at Laurelville Retreat Center in Pennsylvania.

"At Laurelville Retreat Center in Mt. Pleasant Pennsylvania, the spirit of summer camp extends beyond the season. One beautiful expression of that spirit is Wings of Hope, an afterschool program designed especially for children and teens with disabilities, ages 5–18. Rooted in joy, belonging, and creativity, Wings of Hope creates a space where every participant is welcomed, celebrated, and invited to simply be a kid. Wings of Hope brings the heart of camp into each gathering.

Whether it’s laughter echoing through the gym during a game, the rhythm of music filling the room, or the quiet focus of a craft project, the goal remains the same: to provide meaningful experiences where young people can build friendships, try new things, and make lasting memories."

Read more here: https://www.anabaptistdisabilitiesnetwork.org/wings-of-hope-camp/