Disability Awareness Sunday Success !
God planted many seeds around the country on Disability Awareness Sunday this year . The day was officially Sunday 17 September – but other dates were used , as any Sunday can be Disability Awareness Sunday . All over the UK , congregations shared the Gospel message and showed that disability inclusion is central , not an add-on , to the message of Jesus .
Roofbreakers in different parts of the UK have shared how their church celebrated :
“ We celebrated Disability Awareness Sunday at Cwmbran Salvation Army in South Wales , using the theme of inclusion and giving me the opportunity to talk about being a Roofbreaker . A blessed day .”
“ We marked Disability Awareness Sunday with an allage meeting . We looked at key verses that talk about how everyone is welcome , how God has a part to play for everyone . Those who lead community groups with additional needs shared how they support the families who attend . It was such a great morning and we ’ ve had lots of great feedback from the church .”
“ Kinross Parish Church played Ashleigh Milroy ’ s video from the Disability Awareness Sunday resource pack . I want to say a huge thank you for Ashleigh ’ s very sincere presentation . Many found it very moving . It came over so well .”
Thank you to everyone who marked Disability Awareness Sunday this year . Resources for the 2023 service are still available on our website so it ’ s not too late . Next year we will be celebrating on Sunday 22nd September 2024 – get the date in your church diary now !
We ’ re also very grateful to those who wrote prayers for Disability Awareness Sunday . Resource pack prayers were from Ashleigh Milroy , Emily Owen and James Carter . UCB radio prayers were from Jonathan Bryan , John Garrett , Lynda Herbert , Ashleigh Milroy and Deena Nimick . Thank you too to Mike Townsend , who recorded a brief introduction to our work .
Here are two of the prayers written especially for UCB radio .
From Jonathan Bryan ( who wrote the book Eye Can Write ):
Heavenly Father , Thank you that everyone has a part to play ; Expand your church ’ s vision beyond inclusion : So that we realise and value each person ’ s gift , and demonstrate your spirit ’ s way . Through your grace , may we be built up Into the body of Christ , in order to display your love outpoured in service to others . In Jesus ’ name , Amen
From Deena Nimick ( a Roofbreaker who is part of the Vineyard Church in Northern Ireland ):
Father , life is messy and living with a disability can make it even more chaotic and confusing . Sometimes disabilities can be seen by others , but often not . However , Father you see it all and none of it is a surprise to you . Help us to remember this . Also help us remember you can turn mess into blessing because of Jesus – we just need to hand the mess over to you . Thank you for the hope you give us , no matter how big the challenge . Through Paul , you have told us " My grace is sufficient for you , for my power is made perfect in weakness .” Therefore , like Paul , help us to boast all the more gladly about how you sustain us . Father , using the gifts you give us through your Spirit may we , your children , continue to be used to build your Kingdom . May we bring light , hope , wisdom and joy because of who you are and all you ' ve done for us . Amen www . throughtheroof . org