Image: Bread used by permission from the artist, Wendy Newbery
Here is the final image from our Easter sermon series. Thoughts? What do you see? What comes to mind with this image?
Story: This image comes from a participant named Lydia who has a been with her church for decades. The congregation celebrated with her when her son Levi was born. They worried with her when Levi failed to meet developmental milestones. They journeyed together as the complex diagnosis was revealed and moved through fear to hope and joy as they recognised Levi’s unique personality, gifts, and leadership. Together they found ways to ensure worship and social activities seamlessly included Levi’s interests, intentionally creating spiritual, emotional, and physical spaces that ensured Levi’s full participation and flourishing. Levi has always been understood as a full and valued member of the family of faith. When asked about her image of the church, Lydia shared that she saw her church like a warm bread right out of the oven ready to be shared. It is warm, comforting, and feeds you.
Thoughts? To what extent have you experienced church like warm bread? What has enabled this experience for you?
A participant named Ruth shared a similar experience. Her family church was there when she was baptised and throughout her life. When she had her daughter, the community had a baby shower and provided essential resources. There is a regular supply of children’s clothing and regular check-ins with support where needed. She describes her church as an extended family.
Both Ruth and Lydia, however, acknowledge that their family churches are unique. Their experiences in other contexts are not always as welcoming and understanding. Ruth continually worries that she will be judged if her daughter becomes overstimulated and has a meltdown when they are visiting another church because she has invisible disabilities. Lydia doesn’t take Levi to the country church she visits periodically because the Sunday school is not accessible to him, and she doesn’t feel the congregation would respond well to his behaviour.
No doubt, we can understand their concerns and fears. Unfortunately, not all congregations are flexible and open to diverse needs. What can and do we do to communicate that this congregation is different? How do we let the community know, that we welcome the beautiful diversity of God’s beloved children?
Jesus said: I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.
I ask…that they may all be one. The command to love our neighbours as ourselves. The command to do unto others and we would have done to us. These are challenges to us to think like we are one. How we treat other people, how we value other people, matters.
The fidget toys have been an interesting addition for people of all ages. Introducing them not only says it is OK to fidget at church but also provides opportunities for those who haven’t experienced the benefits of fidgeting to understand the value of this simple action. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the week these were introduced, a beloved young person decided to hand them out.
I ask…that they may all be one. Through fidget toys, we are sharing in experiences that may be new to some and help some people understand neurodiversity a bit better. What remains important is that openness to difference. That willingness to see the unique personality, gifts, and leadership of each beloved child of God, created in the image and likeness of God, however they may come to us.
I ask…that they may all be one. May we continually recognise the gifts God gives us in and through the many diverse individuals who come into our family of faith, and may we celebrate these by continuing to create spiritual, emotional, and physical spaces that ensured each person’s full participation and flourishing. This we pray as we sing: 404 The Trumpets Sound
