Nurturing Accessible Family Ministry
Anabaptist Disabilities Network partnered with leaders from Mosaic Mennonite Conference for this workshop on Saturday, January 27, 2024. Watch a recording of the workshop below or on Mosaic Mennonite Conference’s YouTube channel. Read a synopsis of the workshop on Mosaic Conference’s website.
Topics discussed include:
- Congregational vision: What is the goal of a congregation in increasing accessibility? How can we proactively plan to welcome families with different needs? How can we create a sense of belonging that values each person who comes through our doors, and their unique gifts?
- Relating to families: Identifying needs, communication, and creating care plans.
- Community: Nurturing care for the whole family, congregational awareness, and education.
About the Presenters:
Bonnie Miller is a field associate for ADN. She has 27 years of experience in elementary/early childhood education: twelve years in general education and fifteen years in special education. She has been involved in IEP annual conferences as both a parent and a teacher. At both school and church, Bonnie works to make classrooms barrier-free for children with a variety of disabilities. Bonnie has advocated for disabled members in her congregation and enjoys brainstorming ways to help every child experience full inclusion with their peers.
Lyle Miller is a board member for ADN. He serves as a Stewardship Consultant for Everence, where he supports congregations in their financial stewardship ministry, nonprofits in their development activities, and individuals in their desire to be generous. Prior to joining Everence, he served in pastoral ministry for eight years and more than 20 years as a college administrator.
Lyle and Bonnie attend Waterford Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana. They have two young adult children, one of whom has cerebral palsy.
