Faith & Spoons

 What does inclusion, really mean in the church? Most people, think of ramps, accessible bathrooms, and automatic doors.  While that is obviously a very important, essential part, a lot of places, tend to do some, or even all of those things and stop thinking they have done the work, and that's all they need to do.  But in terms of real inclusion, those things, are the bare minimum. Those are the things that legally have to be done. (at least where I live)  If you don't have an accessible sanctuary where people and mobility devices, aren't crammed in spaces people don't usually sit, you're not accessible. If you don't have accessible hymnals, and service books or bulletins then you're not accessible.  If you don't have a way to include disabled people, in programs AND in running programs in your church then you are not accessible.  You're also unable to claim inclusion.  In fact, I would go as far to say if you don't have a way to include disable...

 I was at the church recently doing a task that was given to me, because I am the only one with the skills needed. And I was smacked in the face by an epiphany that I can not believe I did not have sooner. There was a job that they were eying me for until the minister (who has since exited)  started spewing his mouth.  About how I couldn't handle this job. And then when I started talking about being a deacon he said I could not do both.  But the able bodied person in that slot, is now doing both. (with multiple churches under their belt) and I am being called upon to assist so they can have a day off to manage the work load.   But they're not being forced to abide by the same decision forced on me.  Double standard, much? Sure they were in that position before they took this journey but it still feels like a double standard.  I was in a better position then they are now to do said job, not needing anyone else to assist because I would not have mul...

I forgot how much I loved my coffee and reflection times. Things got so busy that was just one more thing I didn't make time for.   Until recently.  Life is changing once again and it looks like I am going to have a lot more time for them.  And I am realizing just how good that is, even if it means that things are going to get more stressful. We live in a world, where people show us, how much they value us, whether we are always consciously aware of it or not.  Individuals, corporations, no one is immune, and no one can hide it.  I was reminded of that very recently.  By my church no less.  I was useful when I served in a way that suited what the church wanted, and now that I am comfortable and ready to step into my own I have heard things like maybe I should find a younger church, a different denomination, or another church more in line with my ministry. A church not happily stuck in the past.  After everything, in the last year, and there h...