The Mental Illness Network, UCC, gathered in Hartsburg, Missouri, prior to General Synod (2001). Life stories shared by the group brought forth tears both of joy and of sorrow as we have heard about the continuing need to dispel misunderstanding and stigma in some of our" churches. But we also heard about the enlightened efforts of other congregations. One of the Synod songs, "I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table," expressed the goal of every person, well or not, of being welcomed in our churches. New bylaws were adopted and the following officers chosen: Bob Dell, chair- Robin Keating, vice-chair; Bryan Crousore, secretary and editor; Norma Mengel, treasurer. Robin Keating will have special responsibility for developing the Key Person Network. We want to have easy accessibility to resource and display materials, as well as educational programs, for use in local congregations.

First Ever Network Gathering, Mental Illness Network

The Mental Illness Network, UCC, gathered in Hartsburg, Missouri, prior to General Synod. Life stories shared by the group brought forth tears both of joy and of sorrow as we have heard about the continuing need to dispel misunderstanding and stigma in some of our" churches. But we also heard about the enlightened efforts of other congregations. One of the Synod songs, "I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table," expressed the goal of every person, well or not, of being welcomed in our churches. New bylaws were adopted and the following officers chosen: Bob Dell, chair- Robin Keating, vice-chair; Bryan Crousore, secretary and editor; Norma Mengel, treasurer. Robin Keating will have special responsibility for developing the Key Person Network. We want to have easy accessibility to resource and display materials, as well as educational programs, for use in local congregations. From UCC DM Newsletter Archive

UCCDM and MIN Exhibit Hall Booths

Captioned with the theme, "It's About Time," a three part display with "Yesterday" a tribute to Rev. Virginia Kreyer. "Today," illustrated with photos showing UCCDM volunteer activities, and "Tomorrow," showing the vision for the future of 1) Inclusion for all persons -- children, youth, and adult -- in all ministries in every phase of global church life; 2) Seminary and Christian education open and welcoming to all persons with disabilities; and 3) The church as employer hiring, accommodating, and making opportunities available for all persons with disabilities. Both booths provided folders packed with comprehensive resources from a faith perspective. The Mental Illness Network booth displayed art created by persons with mental illnesses.

Combined Disciples/UCCDM Workshop

"Disabilities Issues, Ecumenically and Locally" featured a video, "Persons With Disabilities Speak Out" and a panel rich in the human resources included Norma Mengel (MN), UCC minister and UCCDM secretary, and Kristin Dow (MO), DOC clergy woman and board certified chaplain at Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center. "The first thing," Norma said, "is to paint a...picture of mental illness as a physical brain disorder. I also am a very strong advocate of seeing that those with mental illnesses develop their gifts." Kristin urged moving beyond viewing those with mental illnesses as spiritually disabled. "By unpacking troublesome stories through Bible study, we can find ways to help our churches to overcome fearful attitudes. We can see those persons through Christ's eyes, the humanity within them, potential for growth and healing. We can see that we cannot run from them. They belong to us and we belong to them."

October 31-November 2, 2000, Cleveland, Ohio
The United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries held its first official meeting under the auspices of Parish Life and Leadership, Local Church Ministries. Rev. Jeanne Tyler and Ms. Rita Fiero (co-chairs) guided the body through its deliberations. The UCCDM welcomed Rev. Peg Slater, Inclusive Ministry Coordinator, as the new staff person designated to this ministry. Rev. David Denham, Consultant to the UCCDM, reported on events leading to this ministry becoming part of the LCM and Parish Life and Leadership. David will continue in his service as consultant in 2001. The UCCDM met at the national setting of the church to celebrate this transition, to worship with national staff, and to share information with all staff and particularly newer staff about disability issues. On November 1, the UCCDM led worship in the Amistad Chapel at the 700 Prospect Avenue offices. Jeanne Tyler preached, Rita Fiero served as liturgist, Mr. Donald Lawrence read scripture in American Sign Language, and Rev. Bob Dell of the Mental Illness Network led in prayer and the benediction. The UCCDM displayed an exhibit in the entrance hall to 700 Prospect Avenue. Members rolled and walked through the building passing out literature concerning our ministry. On November 2, many staff in the building joined the UCCDM for lunch. The luncheon gathering celebrated access accomplishments in the building and named access needs remaining. The UCCDM lifted up in celebration the10th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), and the 5th Anniversary of the UCC Resolution, "Concerning the Church and the ADA" (passed at General Synod 20 in 1995). The UCC's own Rev. Dr. Harold Wilke was present on both occasions: at the Rose Garden in 1990 handing a pen to President Bush with his left foot, and on stage at General Synod when the body overwhelmingly passed the resolution. Mitzi Eilts of the UCC Coalition for Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Concerns spoke to the UCCDM about the Coalition's history and growth in funding. This discussion a challenge to the UCCDM as it seeks to expand its ministry and funding. The UCCDM and the Mental Illness Network (MIN) discussed the pros and cons of mutual ministry in the new structure. The MIN decided to become a part of the UCCDM. The Rev. Norma Mengel of MIN was elected to the body, serving an unexpired term. LCM-Parish Life and Leadership will host the Search and Call 2000 Gathering at Orlando, Florida, November 30-December 2 for persons who staff the search process in the UCC. Reverends Jeanne Tyler and Grant Sontag will serve on the "Search and Call and Differently Able" workshop panel regarding the call process for clergy with disabilities. This is one means to implement two resolutions sponsored by UCCDM and MIN which were passed by General Synod 22 in 1999. The UCCDM decided to be present at General Synod 23, a gathering for the UCC and Disciples to be held in Kansas City in July, 2001. The UCCDM will host a luncheon there Friday, July 13, and the UCCDM and MIN will hold side-by-side exhibits. The UCCDM/MIN will sponsor a display, in a place for all to see, of art by artists experiencing serious mental illness. The UCCDM will honor Rev. Virginia Kreyer as a pioneer of the UCC Disabilities Ministries with the first Virginia Kreyer Award. Awards will be offered as noted earlier. There are plans to host a workshop jointly with the Disciples. The UCCDM is proud to be a part of Local Church Ministries. The UCCDM believes that this ministry is theologically and strategically placed so that lay and clergy leaders with disabilities will grow in their participation in and contribution to the local and wider church. This gathering was true to the theme of the upcoming General Synod 23, "New Day New Opportunities to Worship and Serve."'

From UCC DM Newsletter Archive

1999 Annual Meeting

NCPWD, ALIVE AND WELL AT GENERAL SYNOD (GS) 22

The opening session of GS22 began, notably, with a speak-out by the Rev. Dr. Harold Wilke calling the church to task for omitting "ACCESSIBLE TO ALL" from references to our stated intent to be a "multiracial, multicultural church, accessible to all." Jewel Shuey and assistants kept this message before GS attendees in a fresh way each day with numerous changing posters which began with simply a big black "A", evolved to "MMA," and eventually to "Multiracial, Multicultural, and Accessible to All." All statements in the new UCC Bylaws, which had omitted the term "accessible to all," were changed in actions of the delegates by friendly amendments, as was wording in one of the other resolutions before GS. The combined NCPWD/Mental Illness Network (MIN) booths were again centers of hospitality and sharing for Synod goers. Our new NCPWD commercial display background was a good addition and made it easy to change the display to reflect important activities of each day. Harold Wilke was often present in the booth, with his wife, Peg. He autographed many copies of his autobiography, "Angels on My Shoulders, Muses at My Side," just released by Cokesbury Books. Two resolutions came before the delegates of particular concern to NCPWD/MIN. The first requested the church take a pro-active stance toward the calling of clergy with disabilities. The second called on the people of God to open wide their hearts to persons with serious mental illnesses (brain disorders). Both passed by an overwhelming majority following some editorial changes made during the committee process. Our workshop, "Your Faith has Made You What? The Meaning of Wholeness for Persons with Disabilities," and our meal which emphasized conference task forces on disability issues were very successful in bringing new people into our circle and in meeting real needs. The accommodations for persons with disabilities at GS plenary sessions, worship services, and in the Convention Center and hotels continue to be a source of concern. NCPWD committee members were enthusiastically welcomed and used as resources by the local arrangements committee once we arrived at GS, but, we were not given the opportunity to work with the local arrangements committee prior to GS. Consequently, despite the excellent work of the local committee, there were avoidable slip-ups. Some of these were attributable to denominational office planning rather than to the local committee. Of particular concern to the NCPWD is the difficulty persons needing special hotel accommodations have in making reservations and in making sure that their individual needs can be met. In addition, the serving of communion continues to be an issue. Persons with visible disabilities were singled out for individual service at this GS, and given no option to pass the communion vessels along with other worshipers. Because this was not announced beforehand (which would have resulted in the same objections it did with consequent changing of the arrangements, as happened at GS 21), there was confusion. Persons with disabilities began to pass the vessels and then had them pulled away by servers. ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation for plenary sessions initially was provided only during the scheduled times. When delegates voted to extend a session, persons who required interpreter services, became disenfranchised because the interpreters left the podium at their scheduled times. This was brought to the attention of delegates, and the problem seemed to have been resolved by the conclusion of GS. Our committee will again make diligent efforts to be resource persons to UCC staff and to the local arrangements committee for GS 23. Such coordination is strongly recommended by the local arrangements committee of the Rhode Island Conference. One anonymous GS delegate said to one of our members, after the week was well underway, "This is YOUR Synod, isn't it!" We were well-pleased with our increasing visibility and acceptance. (Report by Billie Louise (Beezy) Bentzen, Past Chair-person, NCPWD)

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REV. DR. HAROLD WILKE CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF MINISTRY!

On July 4, 1999, at General Synod in Providence, the Rev. Dr. Harold Wilke was honored at the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries' Banquet. Harold was ordained in 1939. During his sixty year career he accomplished many things on behalf of the UCC. As an advocate for persons with disabilities he touched the lives of many clergy and laity with disabilities. Harold received a lifetime achievement award at the Banquet which consisted in part of a special medallion that Paul Sherry presented to him. The presentation was followed by a standing ovation which lasted several minutes. Everyone present at the banquet shared in a very special spiritual moment. Harold served in many capacities over his 60 year career as a pastor, chaplain, author, speaker, and workshop leader. He served 10 years as director of Lay Life and Leadership, the predecessor of the Office for Church Life and Leadership. Harold is the founder and director of the 'Healing Community'. He has addressed the United Nations, and delivered a speech to the Pope who warmly embraced him after the message. He, along with the Reverend Virginia Kreyer was the catalyst that started the UCC National Committee On Persons With Disabilities (UCPWD), now known as the UCC Disabilities Ministries (UCCDM). A strong advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), President George Bush invited him to offer a blessing when the President signed the bill. It is believed that this was the first time a bill signing ceremony included a prayer. Harold has been called by some disability experts the grandfather of the ADA. In grateful recognition of his gifts and service the UCCDM announced the formation of the "Wilke Fund," a fund that will be used to support the goals of the UCCDM.

 

"Planning to Grow" 1999 NCPWD Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the NCPWD was held in Providence, Rhode Island on July 7, 1999, with seven members, two staff persons, and 13 associate members and friends, including representatives from the Mental Illness Network, attending. Minutes will be distributed to members, associate members, and friends who attended the meeting. (Should anyone else wish to receive minutes, please contact one of the persons listed at the end of the issue.) We reflected upon what the UCC restructuring implies for the UCCDM in the future and what we need to do to grow into the future. We will have a much stronger presence in the new structure with voting members having six-year terms on the Executive Council and the boards of Local Church Ministries, Wider Church Ministries, and Justice and Witness Ministries, and a voting member on the GS Nominating Committee. The level of representation in the new national structure does not mesh with our current committee structure and bylaws. Keeping up with these activities will consume most of our budget and leave few financial resources for pursuing the DM mission. The following people will represent the committee as voting members in the UCC national structure: Executive Council: Christina Thomas; Local Church Ministries: Jeanne Tyler; Wider Church Ministries: Charles Bamforth; Justice and Witness Ministries: Beezy Bentzen; GS Nominating Committee: Doris Dunn. Members reported to the NCPWD on the structures and budgets of other historically under-represented groups within the UCC that might serve as models for the further development of the UCCDM. A committee was appointed to draft revised bylaws. We considered a membership fee and fund raising. We also considered having a national gathering. Committee Members elected for 1999-2001 and their terms are as follows: Doris Dunn (2001), Charlie Bamforth (2001), Christina Thomas (2001), Rita Fiero (2003), Jeanne Tyler (2003), Jewel Shuey (2005), and Donald Lawrence (2005). New officers: Co-chairpersons: Rita Fiero, Jeanne Tyler; Vice-chairperson: Charles Bamforth; Secretary: Doris Dunn; Executive Council Representative: Christina Thomas. Report by Beezy Bentzen, Past-Chairperson, NCPWD Thank you Beezy and Peggy for your service to NCPWD.

 

From UCC DM Newsletter Archive

The NCPWD Annual Meeting, October 8-10, 1998

The NCPWD met for its annual meeting, October 8-10, 1998, at our national denominational setting in Cleveland, Ohio. The meeting included joint sessions with Pathways for Promise, an ecumenical mental illness network chaired by Jennifer Shifrin from St. Louis, Missouri. Pathways' UCC representative is Rev. Bob Dell from Sandwich, Illinois, also our contact with the UCC Mental Illness Network. Joint Session Highlights:
Jennifer Shifrin of Pathways and Beezy Bentzen of NCPWD began the session with a celebration of the coming together of the two groups. The Rev. Jim Vanderlaan, of Pathways and the Christian Reformed Church, challenged Pathways and NCPWD representatives to find common ground for service in the life and mission of the UCC. Two areas of common concern emerged:

• The Rev. Dr. Charles Bamford of NCPWD offered findings from his UCC Employment Study which indicates that clergy who have disabilities are a source for leadership in our wider church which has a pastoral shortage.
• Jennifer Shifrin proposed that the two groups, Pathways and NCPWD, consider working together on an Aging and Disability Initiative.

Other NCPWD Meeting Highlights:

• Agreed to celebrate and support the Accessible Congregations Campaign initiated by the National Organization on Disability (NOD). A flier is enclosed. NCPWD invites your congregation to join in committing to access by completing the flier and returning it to:

  National Committee on Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)

  Rev. David E. Denham, Consultant

  700 Prospect Avenue - 3rd Floor

  Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1100.

  Address questions to Lorraine Thall, NOD Coordinator of Accessible Congregations Campaign, 202-293- 5960 or www.nod.org

• Agreed to support resolutions for General Synod 22 on Employment and Mental Illness
• Decided to sponsor jointly with the Mental Illness Network a meal, a caucus, a booth in the exhibit hall, and a workshop at General Synod 22
• Decided to update NCPWD Resource Packets for General Synod distribution and subsequent requests
• Will continue to advocate for the location of persons with disabilities to be in Local Church Ministries within the new Design of the Covenanted Ministries while celebrating the general recommendations for presence with voice and vote in the three other ministries. As of November, primary responsibility for persons with disabilities still is located in Wider Church Ministries
• Rejoiced over the new Radisson Hotel at Gateway, adjacent to the UCC building at 700 Prospect, which opened in June, 1998 and has 22 rooms specifically designed to be accessible. Thanks to the hotel staff and to Rip Noble, our UCC staffer, for working with NCPWD representatives, to make the hotel a model in accessibility and hospitality!
• Cooperated with UCC Live, Office of Communication in developing a video emphasizing disability issues and the ministry of NCPWD. Interviewed were Rita Fiero, NCPWD member; Rev. Doris Powell, NCPWD Associate Member; and David Denham, Consultant on Disability Issues. Call the Office of Communication, 216-736- 2222, to purchase your copy.

What is the UCC National Committee on Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)?

NCPWD is a committee of seven (7) people charged with the responsibility of proclaiming that the message of Christ, which mandates the participation and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the life and mission of the local and wider church. It is a "moral and spiritual imperative" as noted in the 1995 General Synod 20 resolution (page 7), which called upon the church to be morally bound by the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. NCPWD also has a large network of associate members. Dr. Billie Louise "Beezy" Bentzen of Berlin, MA chairs NCPWD. Other members are Rev. Dr. Charles Bamforth, KS, vice-chairperson; Peggy Bronson, IA; Rev. Doris Dunn, CA; Rita Fiero, CT; Christina Thomas, PA; and Rev. Jeanne Tyler, NE. Rev. David Denham, a local church pastor in MD, serves as the consultant to NCPWD. This committee is part of the Ministries for Health and Welfare, staffed by Barbara Baylor of the American Missionary Association (AMA), United Church Board for Homeland Ministries.

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For persons with disabilities, scripture has been a, source of hope and tension. We offer this workshop to help participants explore how "the healing stories" can come alive and become a channel for personal and spiritual wholeness. It is intended to help church leaders preach and teach scripture with meaning for persons facing their vulnerability. Panel participants will be Harold Wilke, Charles Bamforth, Rita Fiero, Bob Dell, and Jeanne Tyler. The workshop will be interactive. The NCPWD will be active and visible at General Synod 22, July 1 to 6 in Providence, RI at the NCPWD & MIN DINNER, July 2 5:15 p.m. The NCPWD and Mental Illness Network (MIN) are jointly sponsoring this dinner during which we will be offering resources and strategies for conference task forces on disability issues including mental illness. If you are coming to GS and are a member of a conference task force, please come and share your expertise. If you would like to help start a task force in your conference, please come and learn. If you will not be at GS but would like to see a task force on disability issues in your conference, please ask your conference to send a representative to this dinner. Reservations need to be made on the form for General Synod-sponsored meals, which was included in the first General Synod mailing. If you would like to make a reservation and don't have this form, call Edith Guffey at 216-736-2110. The cost is $24.25. The NCPWD will be active and visible at General Synod 22, July 1 to 6 in Providence, RI at the NCPWD Caucus. The NCPWD will caucus for one-half hour each evening at 9:30 p.m. (Check at our booth for the location.) Members and interested persons will have the opportunity to discuss General Synod business related to the interests of persons with disabilities, to work on passage of the two resolutions of greatest interest to persons with disabilities (see resolutions on pp. 11-12), and to discuss a new NCPWD structure for carrying UCC ministry with persons with disabilities into the new century. Please let Chairperson Beezy Bentzen know if you will be attending General Synod. ( 978-838-2307 day/eve or bbentzen@ma.ultranetcom )

NCPWD Annual Meeting, July 7, 1999

Westin Hotel, Providence, RI 9:00am-4:00pm The annual meeting of the NCPWD will take place in Providence on the day following General Synod. This will enable us to keep expenses of the meeting within our very limited budget, while also including Associate Members who are coming to general Synod and who may be able to stay for an extra day. The primary item on the agenda will be to design and develop a new committee structure which is consistent with fulfilling our responsibilities in the new UCC structure, one which will enable us to meet our objectives more effectively as we move into the new century. We will be examining the structures, including the bylaws and financing, of other UCC special interest groups such as the UC Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns and the Council for Hispanic Ministries, to help us envision and decide how to work toward a larger, more active, and self-sustaining model for work on disability ministries within the UCC.

Facing the Challenge - Finding a Solution: The Cornerstone Fund

Local churches throughout the United Church of Christ have often encountered a difficult time borrowing funds for property-related projects -- money needed to improve accessibility, renovate or expand facilities, or to refinance existing real estate debt. As a solution to this challenge, the United Church Board Ministries created the Cornerstone Fund. The mission of the Cornerstone Fund is to help strengthen local churches by providing real state-secured loans at the lowest possible interest rates. Specifically designed to meet the needs of UCC congregations, these loans feature flexible terms and the choice of fixed rate or adjustable rate options. But best of all, the Cornerstone Fund does not charge the fees normally associated with similar loans -- application fees, appraisals, loan origination fees, surveys, and most closing costs are eliminated. In working with local congregations across the homeland, the Cornerstone Fund has held that on new construction and major renovation projects, architectural barriers be addressed. Most often, these churches have realized that the removal of architectural barriers is an act of hospitality and a commitment to their faith, That They May All Be One. To date, the Cornerstone Fund has provided financing for the installation of elevators, the building of ramps, and the renovation and remodeling of older structures so that hallways, restrooms, educational spaces, meeting rooms, sanctuaries, and chancels are welcoming and accessible to all. Investments from local churches and their members create the pool of funds to make these loans possible. "Investing .from the Heart, Building for the Future" is the mission of the Cornerstone Fund. From the start, churches and their members were delighted to discover a way to participate with other churches in their building projects, a way to contribute without making an outright donation. By investing in the Cornerstone Fund, you are really investing in the future of other local churches. Now is the time to become part of the solution. If your church is considering a building-related project to improve accessibility, renovate existing space, or add additional space, call the Cornerstone Fund at its toll-free number of 1-800-UCC-FUND (1-888-822-3863). We'll be glad to discuss your project, send information on borrowing, and provide a copy of our user-friendly loan application. If you or your church want to help other local congregations, why not become an investor in the Cornerstone Fund. Just call 1-888-822-3863. We'll send an Offering Circular and current rate information. Through the work accomplished by the Cornerstone Fund, we praise God by celebrating and advancing the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone of our faith. For more information on the Cornerstone Fund, please contact Gordon Gilles, Vice President at 1-888-822-3863, or gillesg@uccorg.

Where Will NCPWD Be in the New UCC Structure?

In the proposed Amendments to the Bylaws of the UCC to be voted upon by the 22nd General Synod, the NCPWD, along with other historically under- represented groups, will have voting membership on the Boards of Directors of three of the four Covenanted Ministries: Local Church Ministries (LCM), Wider Church Ministries (WCM), and Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM). Terms of office will normally be six years, however, in implementing the new structure, initial terms will be two, four and six years. We will have a voting member on the Executive Council of the General Synod. We will also be eligible to submit two names for the pool of candidates who will qualify for possible membership on the Nominating Committee of General Synod. In the design of the Covenanted Ministries established by the Bylaws, three of the ministries have clearly articulated responsibilities related to disability concerns. Each responsibility is placed under a particular ministry team. The three Covenanted Ministries recognize that the right and needs of persons with disabilities are social justice issues that local churches need to be open to, and inclusive and affirming of persons with disabilities that persons with disabilities have health and welfare needs. Within LCM, the mandate of the Evangelism Ministry Team is the "developing (of) churches which are multiracial, multicultural, and accessible to all." It also includes the Cornerstone Fund. The mandates for the Parish Life and Leadership Ministry Team of LCM encompass responsibilities in the areas of "ministries by, for, and with persons with disabilities." The JWMplaces disability concerns under the Human Rights, Justice for Women, and Transformation Ministry Team, with mandates to work in the areas of "liberation (age, physical accessibility, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender concerns)" and "full inclusion of persons with disabilities." In WCM, "ministry by, for, and with persons with disabilities" is placed under the Health and Welfare Relationships and Advocacy Ministry Team. It is of great significance that it is under the WCM that the work of the NCPWD is to be coordinated. Although recognizing that health and welfare are important issues concerning persons with disabilities, the NCPWD has been strongly advocating that it should not be coordinated by WCM but instead by LCM. This is because placement within WCM perpetuates the medical model of looking at disability issues. Persons with disabilities have felt alienated and separated under the medical model when the medical model is the paradigm, persons with disabilities have been made to feel that their disabilities are what defines them. When that is the paradigm, persons with disabilities, as a group, are "done to and for" and not expected to take charge of their own lives or to contribute to society. The medical model perpetuates the stereotype that persons with disabilities are "unable." On the other hand, the minority empowerment model, which resulted in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), a civil rights law, grants persons with disabilities both dignity and self-determination. This is in contrast to the medical model which emphasizes weaknesses and dependency. The NCPWD has repeatedly advocated for coordination of ministries by, for and with persons with disabilities under the Local Church Ministries, recognizing that the most important issue for persons with disabilities in the United Church of Christ is full inclusion in all aspects of church life, for both lay and clergy. To address this concern, David E. Denham, Consultant on Disability Issues, UCBHM, met with the Planning and Correlation Committee of the UCC Executive Council (EC), March 11, 1999. As a result the minutes of the EC Planning and Correlation Committee reflect the presentation given by him, with supporting comments by EC member and NCPWD Associate Member, Richard Pulling, as follows: EC minutes for March 10-14, 1999 Item: 99-3-P&C-2 "The Planning and Correlation Committee recommends the Executive Council approve the request that the Collegium of Officers and The Mission Planning Council make it a priority to reconsider the placement of the coordinating function of the National Committee on Persons with Disabilities." - Passed by the Executive Council, 3/14/99. - Item: 99-3-P&C-C "The Planning and Correlation Committee expresses its appreciation to David Denham, representative of the National Committee on Persons with Disabilities, for his helpful and informative presentation and dialog regarding restructure and about the work of the Committee."

 

KUdos to -

• The Indiana-Kentucky and Central Atlantic Conferences which make copies of this newsletter to send to all their churches in all-conference mailings.
• Molly Chaffee of Coeur D'Alene, ID, who became the first donor to the Newsletter Fund, a fund by which we cover some of the expenses of producing and mailing newsletters.

Other contributions can be mailed to: Ms. Luvette Hickey, UCBHM, 700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115- 1100, made payable to UCBHM, and designated for the Newsletter Fund.

We celebrate our name That All May Worship and Serve. There were no responses to requests other names for our newsletter.

 

A Network of Support

NCPWD is ready to guide your church to needed resources and to lend support. There are written resources to help you get started. There are people resources, persons from other churches who have had experiences with church accessibility issues and with resolving the problems. Within the Division of Evangelism and Local Church Development/United Church Board for Homeland Ministries there are the UCC Fellowship of Architects and financial resources for local churches. Does your conference have a Task Force or Committee dedicated to accessibility like the EDATF of the Central Atlantic Conference? Such a group is central to developing conference-wide energy focused on accessibility. NCPWD can assist your Conference with starting a Task Force or Committee with the help of someone with experience.

Contributors to this Issue

Billie Louise (Beezy) Bentzen, David E. Denham, Gordon J. Gilles, Gay H. McCormick.

 

Vote

At the Annual Meeting of the National Committee on Persons with Disabilities following General Synod 22, the body voted to change its name to UCC Disabilities' Ministries. Please note this name change-in future correspondences - Disabilities Ministries is a group of church leaders, lay and clergy, with and without disabilities, available to assist individuals, conferences, and congregations, "We are all vulnerable. -We are not all disabled. Person with a disability is defined as any person who has or has acquired a physical or mental impairment, which limits one or more major life activities, such as self care, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, and working on a temporary or permanent basis." Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

 

From UCC DM Newsletter Archive