Connecticut Delegate, Christopher Relyea, Presents His Perspective on Accessibility and the 2000 National Youth Event

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From July 6-10,2000, Isa Loudon, Kelly Palchik, Sarah Huleatt, my sister Alexis, and I, Christopher Relyea had the privilege of attending the National Youth Event (NYE) in Ames, Iowa, along with about 3,500 other youth delegates. The programs there were incredible, ranging from songs and services (signed in American Sign Language) to a program on white supremacy groups and hate crimes. Everyone was required to attend the session on white supremacy groups, and we received an informative book about it. This is one of those books you don’t want to read in the dark because it is that scary.

Anton (Andy) Engel, a fellow delegate from Nebraska, and I attended NYE to represent persons with disabilities and to promote the importance of including all of God’s people in church functions and activities.

One of my major responsibilities while I was at NYE was to present a Bible study on the story of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-21). Unfortunately, at the time I was expected to give the presentation to the assembly, I was in a great deal of pain due to shunt failure. The only way I was able to control the pain was to lie flat on my back and cross my arms against my chest. Andy was kind enough to give the sermon for me.

This is the only time, I think it is safe to say, that I had 3,500 people praying for my recovery and for me. I am grateful that the shunt failure was diagnosed several weeks later, and surgery corrected the problem and the pain. The other responsibility that I was assigned was to present one wish I have for persons with disabilities when it comes to church and accessibility. As you might guess, my wish was, “I wish that all churches were accessible to people with disabilities so more people could get a chance to know God as well as I feel I know God.” I later thanked God for watching over me, guiding me, and easing my pain enough that I could stand up to say what I had to say.

The NYE was also a great place to meet new friends. One thing I will not forget anytime soon is getting stuck on the elevator talking with a new friend, Kelly. We had a great conversation.

For me, the most memorable thing about the NYE was the caring people that were all concerned about me. Jeff was kind enough to drive my Dad and me to a hospital emergency room one time when the pain was really bad. The event staff, particularly Gordon Svobada, did everything imaginable to make accommodations for me, and helped deal with the medical problem I was having.

I would like to thank the UCC Disabilities Ministries and The First Church in Windsor, Connecticut, for making it possible for me to attend the National Youth Event. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

From UCC DM Newsletter Archive