Disability Ministry At Valley

    Aug 9, 2023 |

    We are delighted to welcome you and your family to Valley Community Baptist Church! All people are made in the image of God and therefore have tremendous value and dignity. Our Disability Ministry is here to support people with disabilities and their families so they can live out our church’s mission to honor God and grow in Christ by worshipping God, equipping believers, bringing people to Christ, and serving our neighbors.

    If your child requires the assistance of a Buddy during one of our church events, please contact Mary Swank in the Care office prior to your first visit. We will do everything we can to make your experience successful. 860.673.6826

    Below are just a few of the opportunities that are available:

    For Kids Ages Infant - Grade 4

    Weekend Inclusion in Valley Kids Church
    Our Valley Kids classrooms offer engaging environments for children. The schedule includes time to play and engage with peers, a Bible lesson, and small group interactions.
    For children impacted by disabilities who are able to function well in the high energy environment of our Valley Kids classrooms, we offer the option of a Buddy during our Sunday morning services. This one-on-one volunteer will help with redirecting, alternate curriculum, and assisting in breaks or interventions that will help your child succeed in our regular Valley Kids  classrooms.

    Sensory Room Option for Valley Kids Church
    Valley Kids classrooms can be overwhelming for some of our children with disabilities. If inclusion into our regular Valley Kids classroom is not the best fit for your child, we do offer a self-contained, sensory friendly, classroom for children with disabilities. This sensory-friendly environment is an option for those whose disability impacts them in a way that makes our regular classrooms feel overwhelming.

    Midweek Kids Club Inclusion
    Our Valley Kids Club is for kids in Grades 1-4. We offer one-on-one Buddies to children impacted by disability who desire to participate in all or part of our Kids Club program. Clubs are held every Tuesday from 6:15-7:45 p.m. from September through May. At Kids Club meetings, boys and girls may sing, participate in fun lessons, memorize Scripture, create crafts, hear from interesting speakers, and participate in serving opportunities. All the while, kids will be forming relationships with other kids their age and with godly men and women who serve as role models. It is our hope to see this club facilitate growth in each child's heart to love God and others more each day. There is a fee to join Kids Clubs.

    For Students in Grades 5-12

    Sunday Inclusion for Valley Students
    One-to-one Buddys are available to help teens interact with their peers during our Sunday morning opportunities for Students. Students in Grades 5-8 gather during both the 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services and High School Students gather during the 9 a.m. service only.

    Midweek Inclusion for Root 56, Riot, and Synergy
    Root56    , for Students in Grades 5-6, and RIOT, for Students in Grades 7-8 meet at Valley Wednesdays at 7 p.m. from September - May. One-to-one Buddys are available to help students with disabilities engage with their peers in fun activities and hear Bible teaching relevant to their everyday lives. Students then break into small groups called Huddles, where they become more acquainted with their peers and leaders as they encourage each other in their faith.

    High school Synergy is for students in Grades 9-12 and meets at Valley Avon Wednesdays, 7 p.m. September - May. One-to-one Buddy's are available to assist students with disabilities as they engage with their peers through fellowship, worship, and fun with each other and a relevant message shared by an adult leader.

    For Adults

    Everyone is welcome to join us at all of our worship services. Handicapped parking spaces are in the main parking lot, facing the South entrance. In a wheelchair? The drop-off area is in the circle right in front of the main doors to the Sanctuary; we'll help you to a special wheelchair space in the Sanctuary. Hearing-impaired? Go to the Welcome Center for a listening device. Our Family Room is available for those who might need a break during any of our worship services.

    Friendship Community
    This group is for adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. We meet each week in-person for fellowship and fun as we celebrate all of our diverse abilities! Join us each Thursday at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Contact Mary Swank for more information. 860.673.6826

    Friendship Bible Study
    Mondays at 11 a.m. beginning September 18 - via Zoom
    We are excited to journey with adults with disabilities and their caregivers as they grow deeper in their walk with the Lord. Email Mary Swank for the Zoom link.

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