For more than 20 years, Matthew's Ministry at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has been providing support for persons with special needs and their families. Bible studies, scouting programs, choirs and volunteer opportunities are offered to empower those with special needs to live fully into the life of the church.
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From Sunday school, to Bible study, choir, bell choir, parent's night out, and volunteer opportunities, there's a place and a role for everyone at the The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas.
Jennifer Ross: "We have unfortunately met many families who churches have said 'we're unable to care for your child here.'"
Debbie McDonald, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection: "From the time Eric was about two-years-old until he was nine, we did not attend church."
In 1997, Matthew's Ministry was established so that parents could attend worship services and know their children were in capable, loving hands. The program has since expanded and embraced hundreds of families.
Montera Juraschek, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection: "Our son can come, he feels welcome, he can get his faith journey started at his level. It has really meant the world to us."
Nate Juraschek, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection: "By having a program like this, kind of infused into the culture of the church, it does feels more normal."
Jennifer Ross leads Matthew's Ministry.
Jennifer Ross, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection: "I think the important thing to remember about special needs ministry is that you do not need a staff. We started with volunteers. It just requires a servant's heart, and just saying 'hey what can we do to help you be a part of our church?'"
Debbie McDonald: "We just wouldn't be able to do this without Matthew's Ministry and the volunteers that they have here."
Kurt Schaffer, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection: "It's something I would have never dreamed of. It gets me kind of emotional. I don't know what to say."
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To learn more about Matthew's Ministry, contact Jennifer Ross, Director of Matthews Ministry at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, phone: (913) 897-0120.
This video was produced by United Methodist Communications in Nashville, TN.
Media contact is Joe Iovino.
This video was first posted on October 12, 2018.
