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Welcome! About us — History and Members — Practicing the Means of Grace |
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And look at this! Some people came in, carrying a paralyzed man in a chair. The Disability Ministries Committee is dedicated to opening hearts, minds, and doors for people of all abilities in the United Methodist Church. As an agency of the United Methodist Church, we welcome interested people of all backgrounds. We draw our mandate from the story in Luke, which tells how many people displayed through their actions that the man was part of their community. We'd like to be those friends Jesus mentioned, and help you with your questions, even if it means knocking down some doors or a roof! Our vision is to create a culture of inclusion for persons with disabilities within the faith community. Our mission: through advocacy, education and empowerment, the Disability Ministries Committee will lead the United Methodist Church in creating a culture where people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of worship, leadership and ministry.
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Welcome Cards These information sheets provide an introduction, overview of the goals, and often-requested information about our work. English |
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History and Members |
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The committee began in Leavenworth, Kansas as the United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities. Its goal was ensuring that people with developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers were included and nurtured in the worshipping community. Founding member Pat Cook had a vision to form the group, which the denomination initiated in 1992. From its inception, the group has worked to include representatives from across the United States who have a passion for ministry with persons with developmental disabilities and their families. The Task Force was instrumental in changing the language of the Book of Discipline, paragraph 653, to include a provision for each annual conference to have a Committee on Disability Concerns. In 2009, the group voted to change its name to the United Methodist National Task Force on Disability Ministries to more accurately reflect its expanding work in partnership with people affected by all types of disabilities. In 2010, the name was further clarified as the United Methodist Task Force on Disability Ministries. The 2012 General Conference voted to make it a standing committee. Using the formal name Disability Ministries Committee of the United Methodist Church, we are comprised of thirteen representatives from the various jurisdictions, who, along with advisors from other groups and consultants, work to lead the church in becoming a welcoming place for people with any disability. The entire group meets once a year. It reviews goals and progress during monthly conference calls. This web site, established in 2010, provides resources on disabilities and spirituality to congregations and individuals, as well as being an advocate for disability concerns.
Annual Meeting Reports Presentation about Task Force (2012) Presentation about Task Force (2012)
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Spread the word! You can obtain brochures about our work to share with others:
