The UCC Disabilities Ministries presents the 2009 award to an individual committed to helping our churches become Accessible to All to: Mary Larson, Lay Assistant, Mt Sinai Congregational, United Church of Christ, Mt Sinai, NY.

Mary Larson is the coordinator and motivating energy behind “Welcome Sundays”, occurring monthly during regular worship times at Mt. Sinai UCC. It is a service welcoming those with differing abilities and is “multi-media” and interactive (with refreshments!) In addition to church members attending this worship service, other regulars include individuals from a number of group residential facilities and their assistants. Mt Sinai’s outreach to people with developmental disabilities and their families has been mutually enriching.

People with disabilities comprise 20 percent of the American population, yet they traditionally are not represented within congregations. In fact, a 2000 National Organization on Disability/Harris Survey found that though 84 percent of people with a disability state that their religious faith is important to them, less than half attend a religious service at least once a month.

We rejoice at the good work of inclusion that is happening at Mt Sinai and lift up their example for the whole church.