UCCDM and MIN Exhibit Hall Booths
Captioned with the theme, “It’s About Time,” a three part display with “Yesterday” a tribute to Rev. Virginia Kreyer. “Today,” illustrated with photos showing UCCDM volunteer activities, and “Tomorrow,” showing the vision for the future of 1) Inclusion for all persons — children, youth, and adult — in all ministries in every phase of global church life; 2) Seminary and Christian education open and welcoming to all persons with disabilities; and 3) The church as employer hiring, accommodating, and making opportunities available for all persons with disabilities. Both booths provided folders packed with comprehensive resources from a faith perspective. The Mental Illness Network booth displayed art created by persons with mental illnesses.
Combined Disciples/UCCDM Workshop
“Disabilities Issues, Ecumenically and Locally” featured a video, “Persons With Disabilities Speak Out” and a panel rich in the human resources included Norma Mengel (MN), UCC minister and UCCDM secretary, and Kristin Dow (MO), DOC clergy woman and board certified chaplain at Northwest Missouri Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center.
“The first thing,” Norma said, “is to paint a…picture of mental illness as a physical brain disorder. I also am a very strong advocate of seeing that those with mental illnesses develop their gifts.”
Kristin urged moving beyond viewing those with mental illnesses as spiritually disabled. “By unpacking troublesome stories through Bible study, we can find ways to help our churches to overcome fearful attitudes. We can see those persons through Christ’s eyes, the humanity within them, potential for growth and healing. We can see that we cannot run from them. They belong to us and we belong to them.”
