Greetings Everybody,

The UCC celebrates the study process of Open and Affirming that has prompted many local churches to reflect upon Christian welcome. Our UCC claim is to be multiracial, multicultural, open and affirming, and accessible to all (A2A). Theological reflection and
action around the meaning of Christian welcome will be an ongoing, local study. The UCCDM is preparing a guide, “Any Body, Everybody, Christ’s Body,” to lead members of local churches to reflect upon the implications of A2A. Stay tuned for information through .

Also through our Web site, we invite you to participate in the development of a new initiative around children and youth with disabilities. The UCCDM plans to organize a network of support for individuals and families changed by issues of disability. All experiencing such impact, in addition to the Indiana pilot project, may contact us at the UCCDM Web site.

Since the UCC reorganization in 2000, ministries of the wider church have benefited from the dramatic increase in skilled participation of leaders with disabilities. Rita Fiero and Jeanne Tyler, two gifted persons serving as UCCDM co-chairs from 1999 to July, 2003. In 2000, Rita, longtime Connecticut organizer around disability issues, also became the UCCDM representative to Wider Church Ministries with Jeanne, pastor in Lincoln, Nebraska, serving Local Church Ministries (LCM). They continue unexpired terms on LCM and Justice and Witness. On behalf of all who have witnessed their service, we say a heartfelt thank you.

David Denham, Consultant to the UCCDM and a Local Church Pastor

From UCC DM Newsletter Archive

by Bryan Crousore, MIN Editor

The Mental Illness Network and the Disabilities Ministry of the UCC hosted the Rev. Kenneth L. Ulmer of the Pension Boards for a frank, helpful discussion of issues surrounding the Health Benefits Plan. They discussed the disparity of coverage and access for those persons with some brain illness compared to others. Both Tourette’s syndrome and schizophrenia, for instance, can be seen by PET (Positron-Emission Tomography) scans as similar abnormalities of the same brain area. One is covered under the medical/surgical/imaging portion of our plan. The other is under the chemical dependency and mental health portion. This issue concerns both parity of payment and an equivalent access process. While dollar benefits do in some instances come close to parity, the access process for pre-approval of doctors appointments and ancillary services for the serious brain illnesses are vastly different, often inappropriate.

The MIN thanks Ken Ulmer for a fair hearing as we asked that the five major brain illnesses be included under the medical surgical imaging portion of the plan. The MIN welcomes anecdotes illustrative of the need to retain the present plan or to change it as MIN has recommended.

From UCC DM Newsletter Archive

First Dell Award Given At General Synod

Bob and Joyce Dell of Sandwich, Illinois, have done more than anyone in the UCC to foster the Mental Illness Network.
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Created by God
Loved by her family
Needs met by a loving staff
In a safe and caring
Living environment
Our daughter
Gives hugs and pinches
Showing her love for family and staff
Will always be a shining light
For those who are recipients
Of her love—

Merle and Jeanette Blaser

From UCC DM Newsletter Archive

Kamp Kaleo is the United Church of Christ Nebraska Conference/the Disciples of Christ Regional Outdoor Ministry Facility in Burwell, Nebraska.

Developmentally challenged persons do not come with a recipe card. We try this, we try that. Treat Adventures campers as you do everybody else, according to abilities.” – Jeannette Blaser
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Written by Bill Switzer

Ordained minister and practicing attorney, Bill Switzer is a member of First Central Congregational UCC in Omaha and serves on the UCC Board for Justice and Witness
Ministries.

Barbara and I have two children, Greg and Grant. Before our older son Greg was born, the excitement of Barb’s pregnancy gave way to anxiety over whether the pregnancy
would go full term. Now 13, Greg’s birth, growth, and development we consider “normal.” His birth, a wonderment, it is inconceivable what life would be like without him.
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