Disability Sunday: “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”
By Sharon Mager
CROWNSVILLE, Md. — Sunday, July 13, marked the second annual Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D) Disability Sunday. Multiple churches stepped up to recognize the emphasis, incorporating special prayer, offering opportunities for individuals with disabilities to serve, and other creative ways to raise awareness about disability in the church.
At Berlin First Baptist Church, Steven shares a scripture reading for Disability Sunday. (Screenshot used with permission)
At Berlin First Baptist Church, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Children’s Director Shannon Diehl read a children’s book to the congregation called When I Go to Church, I Belong, telling the story of how much one little girl with disabilities loves to go to church, some of the challenges she faces, and how much the congregation loves her. The character in the book says, “When I go to church, sometimes I am scared because it is too loud or too bright or too busy for me. But then I remember that I am okay, because my church has places that help me feel safe.”
After the book, Diehl welcomed a smiling young man named Steven, who is affected by disability, to the platform for the scripture reading. Diehl told the congregation, “When I met Steven, I asked him what makes him happy, and he said his Bible. He carries it everywhere!” In response, Steven held his Bible high for all to see. Visibly nervous, breathing heavily, Steven read 1 Corinthians 9:23 with encouragement from the congregation, followed by a hug from Pastor Brad Diehl. Later, Sydney, a young woman affected by disability, shared the announcements.
In his sermon, Brad told the congregation, “I believe God will be glorified as we seek to include those who would otherwise have a very difficult time coming into a situation like this. What will it take to be a congregation that is inclusive, accessible, and looking out to reach people who wouldn’t come into church for many different reasons and fears?”
North Valley Church in Myersville observed the day in various ways, including creating an ASL sign language video for a song clip. The congregation sang along while following the video to sign the lyrics.
Cresthlll Church Outreach Pastor Gene Meacham, BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle, Bill Mask, Tina Mask and Tevin. Billy Mask said his family is thankful for “the hearts of the people, the men and women” at Cresthill Church, and their support and encouragement for families with disability. “It has been a blessing to us.”
Pastor Dan Housam shared a special message, based on 1 Corinthians 12, which refers to the value and importance of each part of the church body, as well as the parable of the great banquet in Luke 14.
Housam invited Cindi Wingood, who leads the church’s BEACON (Becoming Educated, Aware, and Considerate of Others’ Needs), to share about the ministry. Wingood highlighted disabilities, such as social anxiety, sound sensitivity, and ADHD. Housam said many people, when they consider disabilities, think of those that are visible, like they sometimes see in individuals affected by autism or when a person is wheelchair bound, but many others, he said, are unseen.
BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle was the guest speaker at Cresthill Church, Bowie, a church that has been a leader in the convention’s disability ministry for over a decade. Stolle shared a message based on the account of David and Mephibosheth, the son of David’s close friend, Jonathan, recorded in 2 Samuel 9.
Mephibosheth became lame in both feet when his nurse dropped him as a boy. King David, wanting to do something to honor Jonathan after his death, asks about those still alive in his family. Mephibosheth was brought to the king, and David said to him, “…‘I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.‘
“Mephibosheth bowed down and said, ‘What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?’”
Stolle said, “Mephibosheth perceives himself as unworthy of anything. That’s how he sees himself. That’s what society has taught him…how people would’ve treated him.
“Then David, a man after God’s own heart, invites Mephibosheth to always sit at his table. I think this is just awesome.” Mephibosheth, of course, is amazed. Stolle said, “He’s been beaten down, and his self-esteem has been crushed. Have you ever felt that way? Sometimes you think ‘I’m not worthy,’ or your view of yourself has been tainted because of what people say about you or what they do to you. We’ve all been there.
Children at North Valley Church lead the congregation in song using sign language. (Courtesy of Mountain City Church used with permission)
“Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sons. Not that he had an extra place and was somebody who wasn’t equated with one of the king’s sons. The Bible says he was like one of the king’s sons.
“Isn’t that what God does for us? He makes us sons and daughters of the king, and he invites us to the banquet table (Luke 14: 12-15).”
Following his message, Stolle shared the touching video below, portraying a banquet with people with disabilities and some without, reflecting the banquet referred to in Luke 14.
For more information about BCM/D Disability Ministry resources, visit our website.
Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D Communications Specialist/News Editor