A celebration of all abilities

On Saturday 09 March, over 100 people celebrated the abilities of all people at a special service held at Chester Cathedral. Organised by the diocesan Disability Forum, the service was designed to be as accessible and inclusive as possible.

The service showcased the different creative treatments that parishes can employ to make all people feel welcome. The service included sensory prayer stations, large print and Braille service sheets, a signing choir, hearing loops, and guaranteed wheelchair access.  


The Dee Sign Choir performs in British Sign Language to music
Revd Mark Turner, Associate Vicar from Eastham spoke candidly about his own personal difficulties that led to him having a stoma bag. He says that during his time in hospital the nurses referred to his room as the vicarage and he was often asked by the hospital staff to pray for their friends and relatives, which thy would do together. Mark explained how his stoma is a hidden disability and it is in the difficulties of his life that he senses God's presence the most: "One of the things that I was talking about was my experiences of someone with a 'hidden' diability and living in the church and being part of the church and how that affects me and my daily life. I feel the presence of God when things aren't going as well as they could do. When things are going not how I'd like them to go, there are, what I call, God-shaped moments where God is definitely involved in my life."


The Revd Mark Turner and Archdeacon of Macclesfield, the Ven Ian Bishop

The Revd Zoe Heming, from the Diocese of Lichfield, who often uses a wheelchair due to chronic pain, spoke during the service and told of how her life had changed after complications during a pregnancy and that she had learnt to embrace her limitations and that God does amazing things. She said: “The service we've just had was so encouarging; I've got cheek ache from smiling. We've had a signing choir; we've had service resources produced in different formats; Braille reading; and we've had testimony of people who have embraced their limitations and discovered that God does amazing things with them. I think it felt a little like being in heaven. It was a gorgeous gorgeous thing to be part of."

Lyn Kirwan volunteered to intepret the service for those with hearing loss. She has been intepreting in church settings for about 25 years. She says: "When I was learning sign language, I met a deaf lady who was going to church but didn't have an interpter so I started signing in church... and I've done that every week since then." 


Lyn Kirwan signing at the service

The Diocese of Chester has previously run an 8-week course to give parishes and church leaders the understanding, confidence and tools to respond appropriately to people of different abilities. The Disability Forum is currently reviewing and revising the course which they plan to run again later this year.

If you would like further information about how you can make your church services more inclusive, contact Vanessa Layfield, Engagement and Inclusion Officer in the Diocese of Chester.
 

Page last updated: Tuesday 12th March 2019 11:22 AM
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