"Now more than ever, I think it's incredibly important for the church to gather around and surround the disabled. People with disabilities, especially if they're non-verbal and severely disabled, are invisible people, and we forget the vulnerability that comes with that."
Jackie Owen, a member of Rapid Valley United Methodist Church in Rapid City, South Dakota, is passionate about the value of inclusion and the social Gospel being lived out in the Methodist movement. A recent incident brought this to the forefront for Jackie.
Rapid Valley United Methodist Church is a part of the Dakotas Annual Conference.
Jackie's oldest son, Todd, has multiple disabilities stemming from complications at the time of his birth. Despite using a wheelchair and having limited verbal abilities, Todd radiates joy, especially through his love of music.
Navigating the Social Security System
In March, Jackie logged into Todd's social security account to change some information, only to discover that the account had been suspended. Jackie contacted the Social Security office and was told that Todd's status and benefits had been suspended because he made too much money from side jobs and that they would need to file an appeal to reinstate them. This news—that didn't make sense for multiple reasons—shook Jackie to the core.
"It isn't just the dollar amount. I mean, that's a piece of it, but it's really bigger. It's the rest of his life," explained Jackie.
Many of the other support services Todd receives for his care and well-being depend on his being on Social Security. "He's going to outlive me," shared Jackie. If he doesn't have these things, and he outlives me, then we're now looking at the impact it has on my other kids as well. They all love their brother, but the impact is great."
Several calls and office visits later, the matter was cleared up without the need for a formal appeal. However, it was another reminder of the precarious nature of an already complex system that is often impacted by changing political winds.
Jackie also realized the devasting impact this could have on other individuals, especially given recent changes and uncertainties related to the government entities that authorize, fund, and manage the system.
The Power of the UMC Connection
However, Jackie has also seen the power of a connectional church through ministries like UMCOR and shared hope and belief that coming alongside persons with disabilities and their caregivers is an area where United Methodists could step in and make a difference.
At a denominational leadership training, Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, spoke of the importance of the church stepping into the gap at this time when the social safety net seems to be fracturing in our country.
Members of the Dakotas Conference have been stirred to this call to action in recent years as it relates to persons with disabilities. In 2023, Annual Conference legislation that created a Committee on Disability Ministries affirmed "that all people are made in the image of God and worthy of full inclusion in the United Methodist Church, our wider communities, and the kingdom of God."
This value of inclusion and accessibility inspired Pastor Quaya Ackerman from Rapid Valley UMC to step into the chair role of this new committee.
Jackie Owen echoes the importance of the church fully including and embracing persons with disabilities and the impact that can make on everyone.
Because of her experience at various churches throughout Todd's life, Jackie also has ideas of big and small ways churches could be more welcoming and inclusive to persons with disabilities and their families.
"People with disabilities need to be in our Sunday school classes. They need to be there so that people see that they are not invisible and treat them as normal people," explained Jackie.
Cutouts for pews in the back, front, aisle side, and outsides provide a visible statement that individuals in wheelchairs are welcomed. Making space between and at the tables in the fellowship area is an easy step to make literal space for relationships.
Above all, Jackie sees the opportunity to build relationships, to be seen, and to feel integrated and valued as an equal part of the church family as making the most difference.
excerpt from a story by Rebecca G. Trefz, Dakotas Conference communications
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. A vital congregation is the body of Christ making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world. Vital congregations are shaped by and witnessed through four focus areas: calling and shaping principled Christian leaders; creating and sustaining new places for new people; ministries with poor people and communities; and abundant health for all.
