what parents are saying about the church on the web

I'm surprised to be saying this, as a Twitter newbie, but I love Twitter. I've found so many great resources through Twitter, and I'm always looking for more. (And, on that note, please point me toward any resources you've found valuable, particularly any statistics and research you've found - numbers not just anecdotes - about special needs ministry and/or people with disabilities and faith/religion/church!)

These are a few women who I've found via Twitter, moms who can help us all understand why special needs ministry matters.

First up, Sarah who blogs here but guest-posted here about the church & autism:

I would also suggest to parents that they do everything they can to integrate their child into “normal” youth activities as much as possible.  Obviously, sometimes that just won’t work, depending on the child’s needs.  But when it will — go for it.  Allowing typical children to interact with a person of special needs is an experience that will stick with them far longer than childhood.  And you may be surprised at the benefits to your own child.  Again, ask for help.  Seek the input of other parents and see what can be done to provide a mutually beneficial experience for all the children of the church. {To read the rest of the post, click here.}

Next, Amanda who blogs here but guest-posted here at my one of my favorite autism blogs, The Thinking Person's Guide to Autism (and who will be guest-posting on this blog in the near future - and can I just say how excited I am about that?!?)

There was a time when I took going to church for granted. I grew up in church with a tight-knit group of friends who went on trips together, put on plays, occasionally behaved badly and yet, were ultimately baptized into a family that was more than the sum of its parts. Church was fun -- and yes, uplifting and spiritually rewarding -- but when you're a kid, the fun is what gets you there. I always wanted my children to have the same opportunity. {To read the rest of "Church with the Special Needs Child," click here!}

And, finally, at 5MinutesforSpecialNeeds, this week Heather wrote about the public humiliation she's experienced at church:

Why can’t we take our child to church? My mother is convinced of my eternal damnation because we don’t take the children to church. I keep asking her if she can find me a church that will “allow” Jack to sit there and be loud. Sure, they’ll “allow” it, but no one will speak to us, and eventually, after enough death stares, we’ll quit going again. {Read more here.}

Please pray for your church and other churches, that we wouldn't miss the opportunity to show love to all people, including those with disabilities. And pray for Heather's family to find a welcoming church, because they are still searching for one.