Any Body, Everybody, Christ’s Body
A Congregational Guide for Becoming Accessible to ALL
Written and compiled by:
Rev. Jo Clare Hartsig – UCC Disabilities Ministries

Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins. Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another. As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
–I Peter 4.8-11a (RSV)

ANY BODY, EVERYBODY, CHRIST’S BODY

Table of contents

• Introduction – Jo Clare Hartsig

Any Body

Part I – What we believe

• Introduction
• In the Image of God
• Read and Reflect
• Jesus Never Said “Be Perfect” – Walter Wink
• Just As I Am – Charlotte Elliot
• God Is Still Speaking – sign language

Any Body Part II – What We Know About Disabilities

• Guidelines for “Customizing” Presentations and Learning Experiences
• Disabilities Activism
• Signs of Liberation and Access – Harold Wilke
• Resources for Disability Awareness

Any Body Part III – What We Do

• Introduction
• Materials to Share
• Ableism
• Labyrinth Basics
• Hymns for A2A Congregations – New Century Hymnal
• Words That Empower: How to Speak About People With Disabilities
• Multisensory Worship Ideas
• Practical Helps for Church Ushers
• Bring On the Church Coach – Bill Gaventa
• Disability Access Symbols
• Pastoral Care and Disability – Tips to Consider
• Thoughts on the International Access Symbol
• Disability Etiquette Tips
• Guidelines for Writing About Disability – Brewster Thackeray

Everybody

• Introduction

Everybody Part I – What We Believe

• Guests, Hosts, and Strangers
• Celtic Rune of Hospitality
• Scripture Reflection – Entertaining Angels – Genesis 18:1-15
• Scripture Reflection – Perfect Stranger – Luke 24:13-35

Everybody Part II – What We Know

• Bill’s Ten Little Rules for Community Building – Bill Gaventa
• “Mainstreaming” The Alienated: The Church Responds to a “New” Ministry – Harold Wilke
• Friendly, Yes; Welcoming and Hospitable, No – Charlene Smith
• Extend Hospitality to Strangers
• Hospitality Resources
• Christian Education: A Child Shall Lead Us
• You Don’t Have to Break the Bank! What Your Church Can Do Now to Be Accessible with Minimal Cost – Charlie Bamforth
• Audits/Assessments
• Who May Come to the Banquet – Confirmand/Youth Group Activity
• Group Activity – A2A Checklist
• Developing an Inclusion Committee/Task Force/Team
• Healing in the Hands We Hold – A Liturgy of Inclusion – Jo Clare Hartsig

Christ’s body

• Introduction

Christ’s Body Part I – What We Believe

• Introduction
• Encountering the Disabled god – Nancy Eisland
• Reclaiming Brokenness
• Joining the “Quilted Circle” – Shafik Asante and Associates

Christ’s Body Part II – What We Know; What We Do

• Resources
• I Call You Friend: A Liturgy of Welcome – Heather Luehrs and Ann Ito
• Joining the “A2A” Network
• A2A Registration Form
• A2A Process Checklist
• Them vs Us: A Litany

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