Greetings Everybody,
The UCC celebrates the study process of Open and Affirming that has prompted many local churches to reflect upon Christian welcome. Our UCC claim is to be multiracial, multicultural, open and affirming, and accessible to all (A2A). Theological reflection and
action around the meaning of Christian welcome will be an ongoing, local study. The UCCDM is preparing a guide, “Any Body, Everybody, Christ’s Body,†to lead members of local churches to reflect upon the implications of A2A. Stay tuned for information through
Also through our Web site, we invite you to participate in the development of a new initiative around children and youth with disabilities. The UCCDM plans to organize a network of support for individuals and families changed by issues of disability. All experiencing such impact, in addition to the Indiana pilot project, may contact us at the UCCDM Web site.
Since the UCC reorganization in 2000, ministries of the wider church have benefited from the dramatic increase in skilled participation of leaders with disabilities. Rita Fiero and Jeanne Tyler, two gifted persons serving as UCCDM co-chairs from 1999 to July, 2003. In 2000, Rita, longtime Connecticut organizer around disability issues, also became the UCCDM representative to Wider Church Ministries with Jeanne, pastor in Lincoln, Nebraska, serving Local Church Ministries (LCM). They continue unexpired terms on LCM and Justice and Witness. On behalf of all who have witnessed their service, we say a heartfelt thank you.
David Denham, Consultant to the UCCDM and a Local Church Pastor
From UCC DM Newsletter Archive
