Hospitality and Belonging: Community Membership and People with Developmental Disabilities by Milton Tyree

"Congregational membership for people with developmental disabilities”—sounds great, doesn’t it? But already, in those seven words, we’re facing a paradox.

Typically, when we think about someone becoming a congregational member, we immediately consider ways this person can use her God-given gifts and talents to contribute to the ministries of the church. Adding “developmental disability” to the equation changes the tone a bit. After all, we’ve been conditioned to think about people who have developmental disabilities primarily in terms of things they cannot do, rather than things they can contribute. Deficit-based thinking—“What’s wrong with her?”—is not a good way to begin a conversation!

Clearly, we need another way of relating to people who have developmental disabilities, one based on commonality and mutuality. We need a conversation that’s rooted in belonging.

Learn more about congregational hospitality for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the September/October 2009 issue of Horizons Magazine (HZN-09-240; $4 plus shipping).

Milton Tyree works for the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky, promoting employment for people with disabilities, as well as providing congregational access consulting through PC(USA).

Painting, Greeting Visitors by Raul Ghormley. Raul participates in Art Enables, a studio and gallery in Washington, D.C. for emerging artists with developmental disabilities. Down syndrome can make words difficult, but Raul speaks through his art. Through his art, one learns that Raul’s family is from Peru, he was born in July and he loves bands, flags and all things military.

To learn more about Raul and the other artists involved with Art Enables, visit www.art-enables.org.

Other Articles Online This Issue

Meddlin'
Hospitality and Belonging: . . .
Hospitality, Community and Evangelism
2009 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women
(Devotion) . . . A Prayer
(Discernment) How Did Hannah Know?
(Going in Circles) Following Mama


Learn more about congregational hospitality for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the September/October 2009 issue of Horizons Magazine (HZN-09-240; $4 plus shipping).	Hospitality and Belonging: Community Membership and People with Developmental Disabilities by Milton Tyree "Congregational membership for people with developmental disabilities”—sounds great, doesn’t it? But already, in those seven words, we’re facing a paradox. Typically, when we think about someone becoming a congregational member, we immediately consider ways this person can use her God-given gifts and talents to contribute to the ministries of the church. Adding “developmental disability” to the equation changes the tone a bit. After all, we’ve been conditioned to think about people who have developmental disabilities primarily in terms of things they cannot do, rather than things they can contribute. Deficit-based thinking—“What’s wrong with her?”—is not a good way to begin a conversation! Clearly, we need another way of relating to people who have developmental disabilities, one based on commonality and mutuality. We need a conversation that’s rooted in belonging. Learn more about congregational hospitality for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the September/October 2009 issue of Horizons Magazine (HZN-09-240; $4 plus shipping). Milton Tyree works for the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky, promoting employment for people with disabilities, as well as providing congregational access consulting through PC(USA). Painting, Greeting Visitors by Raul Ghormley. Raul participates in Art Enables, a studio and gallery in Washington, D.C. for emerging artists with developmental disabilities. Down syndrome can make words difficult, but Raul speaks through his art. Through his art, one learns that Raul’s family is from Peru, he was born in July and he loves bands, flags and all things military. To learn more about Raul and the other artists involved with Art Enables, visit www.art-enables.org. Other Articles Online This Issue Meddlin' Hospitality and Belonging: . . . Hospitality, Community and Evangelism 2009 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women (Devotion) . . . A Prayer (Discernment) How Did Hannah Know? (Going in Circles) Following Mama	Current Issue SEPT/OCT 2009 About This Issue Contents FREE Resource How to Use In Our Next Issue to Horizons or call (866) 802-3635 the September/October 2009 issue, HZN-09-240 ($4 plus shipping/handling)

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