Creating a disability inclusive church

So, that is Ryan on the left…and that’s me on the right. Let me introduce myself. My name is Rene’ Devantier, I am the pastor at Fowler United Methodist Church in Spokane, WA. Today I am reaching out to ask you to partner with us.

Ryan has Fragile X and Autism. He’s a sweet, loving and kind young man (he’s 19), he’s a bit loud at times, he doesn’t like to sit for long and he can be a distraction that’s for sure…taking him to church and having him in worship is an adventure, not always one with a happy ending. People stare, they get annoyed, distracted and sometimes they get angry and rude. I can pretty much read their minds, why is Ryan here in church anyway…just keep in a back room, or at home, he does not belong here.

I have been a pastor for 20 some years, Ryan has not been in church more than a handful of times. It makes me sad…not only for Ryan and my family but also for the gift he could be for the community. So much for the body of Christ is made up of many parts…not sure how true that rings anymore.

I know there are many families out there with family members or friends who are disabled…who will never step foot into a church building…it’s just too hard, too hurtful. You may be that parent, that brother or sister, that aunt, that child. Or maybe you are a caregiver…working long hours, too tired to add church to your schedule.

What if there was a church…a worship service…where Ryan would not be a distraction anymore? where it was safe to move around without being stared at, in fact where movement is encouraged and part of worship…where there was a sensory room to chill out? if you would visit a church like that, or if you want to pay it forward so someone else can go to that church, then please read on.

Fowler United Methodist Church is in the beginning phases of creating a place of worship for people with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. We call it NewDay… At NewDay we are envisioning a community of people with and without disabilities where all can find meaning, purpose, and opportunities to contribute as well as to receive.

A community that provides all people with a space to worship, learn and live out our faith in Jesus. A community that says, “I am not alone on my journey.” Where everyone is valued, has a voice, and belongs. We want to create a space where we can design and plan worship together, where all of our gifts and ideas might help mold the space and time we set aside to be with God.

Here are our needs to have an open house on September the 24th

• $1,360.00 Sanctuary pews removed - labor to create space for wheelchairs 
• $ 145.00 Extended reach handle for lift 
• $6,315.00 Replace Main Doors, open concept, reframe, 
• $ 354.32 Main Doors Doorbell
• $6,315.00 Bathroom remodel – alarm – lighter doors or switch auto open switch 
• $2,250.00 Fix cracks on sidewalk for safer entry 
• $4,000.00 Sensory room (camp theme)
• $2,500.00 Mural – inside - Amber Hoit (AOD Painting: Art of Design Painting) 
• $ 300.00 Parking lot – stripe ADA spots 
• $ 500.00 Signage inside of the building and outside 
• $ 600.00 (tablets x 3 for use during worship) 
• $ 2,500.00 Technology needs for online (second camera) 
• $1,000.00 Advertising 
• __________ 
  

        $28,861.37 Grand Total 

In the future, we hope that NewDay might also be able to fill other needs for the disability community not currently being met here in Spokane. We hope to also provide a template to share and teach other communities on how to recreate NewDay in your city.

So, would you share this with everyone and everywhere you can. Let us transform this world, one church at a time.

Peace, pastor René