So God created humans in his image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27
We know that all people are created in God’s image, and we strive to be inclusive. Being a welcoming congregation is amazing, but sometimes it feels hard, overwhelming or confusing. The PC(USA) disability consultants make it a lot easier. Founded in 2001, the disability consultant program provides not only a listening ear but also disabled self-advocates and allies who are active in ministry — as professionals and laity. When you have questions about church programming, forms, modifications to curriculum, buildings, or policies, need ideas about how to welcome; or just need to vent and find a friend who has been there, we are here for you.
The Rev. Sue Montgomery
Consultant for Mobility/Accessibility
smontgomery.pdc@gmail.com
Sue Montgomery is our most veteran consultant. As a self-advocate and caregiver for someone with a degenerative condition, she knows all about mobility challenges and age-related disability. Sue has been doing this work for over four decades. “I love being a listening ear!” she said. Sue notes the importance of accompaniment and the need for people to have models with disabilities. Recounting the story of a young woman raised in the church and told that God loved her, it wasn’t until she met the Rev. Dr. Howard Rice, a paralyzed seminary professor [who] told her that God loved her, that she was able to believe it. It took someone with a big disability, like hers, to convey the depth of God’s love. Sue is an ordained pastor.
Rev. Dr. Karen R. Moritz
Consultant for Visual Disabilities
kmoritz.pdc@gmail.com
Karen Moritz is our consultant for blindness and low vision. Karen is blind and has worked as a missionary co-worker and pastor. She knows the ins and outs of navigating church life and leadership with a disability, and she is delighted to help your community navigate supports for worship, find resources in large print and braille, and access technology and resources for people navigating blindness and low vision.
Kathy McIndoe
Consultant for Hearing
kathymc.pdc@gmail.com
Kathy McIndoe is deaf and serves our deaf and hard-of-hearing community. She can consult with your congregation about the best supports to put in place for worship, and she is an amazing advocate and friend in the deaf community. Kathy has spent her entire career in mental health support for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
Rachel Byrum, MDiv
Consultant for Intellectual Disability and Neurodiversity
rachelebyrum.pdc@gmail.com
When you have questions about supporting people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder, Rachel is here to help. With decades of experience in academic, community, and faith settings, Rachel can help with curriculum, behavior, sensory support and advocacy. When you have questions, Rachel is dedicated to walking alongside you as you find the answers. “I love being a consultant because it gives me an opportunity to help those who can sometimes be left out be thoughtfully included in the family of God,” Rachel said.
The Rev. Dr. Deborah Huggins serves as the associate pastor for Christian Education at Central Presbyterian Church in Summit, New Jersey, and she is delighted to be an ally and advocate for people with disabilities. Deborah serves as the co-chair of Presbyterians for Disability Concerns.
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff:
Andrew Kang Bartlett, Associate, Presbyterian Hunger Program, Interim Unified Agency
Dwayne Batcho, Production Clerk, Presbyterian Distribution Service, Administrative Services Group, A Corporation
Let us pray:
Creator God, you made us all in your image. Help us to see your face more clearly each day in each person we meet as we seek to see your people with your loving gaze. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment