Hi This autumn edition of the Community Engagement newsletter contains updates, resources and events from different UK disability ministries, a job advert, and a reflection on our current Chaplaincy project work around end of life care and bereavement. Introduction and reflection
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I wonder who you were with when you watched the Queen’s funeral? For many watching with family, it was one of those events we will remember for our lifetime, a moment of stillness and shared grief in a time of change. Over the last few years, we haven’t always been able to mourn in the ways we would have liked to. For some, the event will have brought back memories of small, distanced gatherings at the graveside, or Zoom connections as we watched a church or crematorium service
remotely. While we can’t have all the lavish ceremony of a royal funeral, conversations in the days after reminded me of just how different we all are in our hopes and wishes for the time around death. As part of Chaplaincy in the last few months, we’ve been working on a project that helps us to articulate and record these wishes, both for spiritual care in the few weeks or days at the end of our lives, but also how we’d like to be
remembered. |
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Many people find conversations of this nature uncomfortable, so we’re training staff to initiate these discussions where appropriate, and helping people to communicate well around their choices, recording their wishes so they have the
care that is right for them, in the environment they choose. Speaking about the bereavement support they had received from staff, when someone they lived with had died, one Chaplaincy group member said “You can talk to staff about it, it makes you feel better inside you. And I talk to God about how I feel too, he listens to me.” |
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Livability has created some free resources to help you better your wellbeing – from a Wellbeing Guide to 'Tips on how best to connect with your community'. Wellbeing is something that makes Livability stand out as a charity. Making sure the people we support are getting the most out of life is as essential to us as caring for everyday needs. Find out more using the link below. |
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Disability Awareness Sunday from Through the Roof |
Disability charity Through the Roof marked Disability Awareness Sunday on 18 September 2022. As this was in the period of national mourning for the Queen, you may wish to schedule an equivalent service at some point over the Autumn using
their resources. They hope you will use the day to raise awareness of disability inclusion and have a disability focus during a church service. Their resource pack includes service ideas, a bible reading and sermon plan, prayer, ideas for young people’s groups, and supporting videos. For more information and to apply to receive the pack. |
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Are you interested in creating more mixed-ability activities where you live? Would you like to experience a WAVE service or social event in your community? Our friends at WAVE are keen to hear from anyone who
has a heart for inclusion. They’re supporting people to create mixed-ability groups for friendship and social mixing. There’s more information on their press release, and you can contact them below. |
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Inclusive Church: Annual Disability Conference – Wholly, Holey, Holy |
Inclusive Church’s popular disability conference meets again on Saturday 15 October. This year it’s entirely online, bringing it in reach of a far wider audience. Led by disabled theologians and practioners, this year it reflects on the
ways we are Whole, with our weaknesses (Holes), and ultimately God's own Holy people. Through art, story and theology, in plenary talks, small groups, workshops and liturgy. For information and to book your ticket, click below. |
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Could you be our next Chaplaincy Manager? |
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Applications for the role of Chaplaincy Manager are now open, with a closing date of Monday 17 October. This is a part-time, temporary role covering maternity leave. It would be well suited to someone with experience of disability and church. Maybe you know someone who could apply? |
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