FEATURE
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At the time of her diagnosis, Sue was in training as a Methodist local preacher, and despite missing some sessions, she was able to complete her portfolio and become accredited. She says,‘ As a local preacher, I use a lectern or table at the same level as the congregation – steps to a pulpit or a block to stand on would be too dangerous. My call to preach is bound up with families and alternative styles – Messy Church, café worship and All Age Worship is my comfort zone and I have managed to continue with these. I’ m a perfectionist and my preparation is meticulous. Once done, I need very little in the way of printed notes; just key points and headings in large print on a clipboard plus a clip-on microphone and I’ m flying. Steps and kerbs are a major hazard. I’ m amazed at how many different levels there are in some of our chapels, especially around the communion table. One step may not even be noticed by most people, but if it protrudes awkwardly or there are two of different tread together, to me it’ s like Everest. I have banged shins, stubbed toes, tripped and almost gone flying with these sorts of obstacles. Access steps without handrails( yes, they are still around) are a challenge.’
She continues,‘ I am a very determined lady, and if I find something difficult at church, they are very willing to help. We have large print hymn books and service books. Not the heavy hardback service books, but the soft-backed A4 Holy Communion Service. If the hymns are not in the books we have them printed in large print along with any prayers which need a response, that are usually put up on a screen. The steward on duty phones me during the week with the hymn numbers for Sunday as I have my own hymn book. I find and mark the hymns, marking any with a refrain with a red spot. Each disabled person knows their own needs, and should not be shy to ask for help. Stewards, and other able-bodied members with good eyesight, should be able to see the special needs of any disabled person in their congregation. After all, I find shop assistants excellent at helping people, without being asked.
I’ M AMAZED AT HOW MANY DIFFERENT LEVELS THERE ARE IN SOME OF OUR CHAPELS, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE COMMUNION TABLE. ONE STEP MAY NOT EVEN BE NOTICED BY MOST PEOPLE, BUT IF IT PROTRUDES AWKWARDLY OR THERE ARE TWO OF DIFFERENT TREAD TOGETHER, TO ME IT’ S LIKE EVEREST.
Preachers should be trained to be aware that not everyone in the congregation can see, hear or respond to their visual aids, and should certainly be well trained in how to present pictures on a screen, and especially not to put the picture up and say nothing!
So, what are the guidelines emerging from our event for stewards, preachers, and all of us?