Disability Ministry

We at Woodbury Lutheran strive to be inclusive and welcoming to individuals with disabilities.

Our programs for children and youth include:

  • Sunday School Buddies - One-on-one staffing within a Sunday School class or youth group for students who need accommodations because of learning disabilities, physical limitations or behavioral disorders. Contact Nancy Schubbe, 651.739.5144.
  • The Haven - A safe, loving, one-on-one environment for children four and over who are unable to attend church with their families. Contact Cheri Frost, 651.730.7052 or email below for more information.
  • Free Respite Evening - 3rd Saturday of each month (September through May) from 5 - 8:30 p.m. Children and teens with developmental or physical disabilities are provided snacks and planned activities in a nurturing environment by trained volunteer caregivers. Free Respite is open to our church community and members of the greater community. Reservations necessary; Contact Cheri Frost, 651.730.7052 or email below.
  • Individual services - If your child or family has a need related to your child's disability, you may contact Cheri Frost, 651.730.7052 or Jeanne Dicke, 651.704.9464, to discuss how we might help your family.

Our programs for adults with disabilities include:

  • Faith & Friends - Meeting Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30, this group study and fellowship teaches Biblical truths.
  • People of Faith - A weekly Bible study and Christian fellowship meets Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Woodbury Lutheran. Group home residents and those living independently are welcome. To register for "People of Faith" contact Maureen Stoffel, 612.719.0661.
  • Hearts and Hands - Meeting monthly (the second Sunday each month from 12:00 - 2:00 pm), Hearts and Hands provides opportunities for adults with disabilities to socialize with church volunteers and a community of their peers. Watch the upcoming events calendar for our next event! All adults with disabilities are invited to attend. Caregivers should attend with those with medical needs or who require one-on-one attention. Upcoming events are:
    • September 11th 
      • "Rejoicing in God's Masterpiece"  Fall Picnic - Picnic food & games outdoors (weather permitting)
    • October 9th 
      • "Rejoicing in God's Forgiveness"  Fall Retreat - Lunch with crafts, music & fun
    • November 13th 
      • "Rejoicing in God's Blessings"  Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner - Bring a side dish to share with your friends, other activities
    • December 11th 
      • "Rejoicing in God's Son"  Christmas Dinner & Celebration of Jesus' birth
    • January 8th 
      • "Rejoicing in God's Gifts"  Talent Show - Lunch, activities, and a service project
    • February 12th 
      • "Rejoicing in God's Love"  Dance - Lunch, music and fun!
    • March 11th 
      • "Rejoicing in God's Awakening" - Lunch & sharing time with friends, other activities
    • April 15th 
      • "Rejoicing in our Salvation"  Pizza Party & Dance - Pizza lunch, music, dancing & fun!
  • Drop-off Points - Find a special Accessibility Van Drop-off in the east parking lot near the handicapped parking areas. Or drive up to the canopy doors at the south entrance.

For information about these events or to register contact: Lorraine Dahl 651.714.4311 or Donna Retter 651.739.5326

To volunteer in this important ministry, please call Terry Kohlmeier at 651.738.1155. Thank you!

How Can You Help?

For children with disabilities:

  • Sunday School Buddy - Be a personal one-on-one friend to a child with a disability during Sunday School as they attend their Sunday School class. Contact Nancy Schubbe, 651.739.5144
  • The Haven - Children over age 3 who are unable to attend worship and have significant developmental disabilities are welcome in The Haven which provides one-on-one ministry during worship. Care must be arranged in advance by contacting Cheri Frost, 651.730.7052 or email below.
  • Time Away Care Night - come play with kids who have disabilities on the third Saturday each month to give their parents a much-needed break.  We start off with a pre-serve huddle at 4:45, kids arrive at 5:00ish. A fabulous dinner is provided for the volunteers while the kids enjoy a snack in a separate room, and then parents return anytime before 8:30. A good time is had by all!  Contact Cheri Frost, 651.730.7052 or email below.

For adults with disabilities:

  • Hearts and Hands Mentors - attend monthly themed events and be helping hands to those who come for fellowship and fun.  No experience necessary, just a willingness to be a friend.
  • "In-Church" Coordinator - Be the liaison with other WLC ministries and schedule opportunities for adults with disabilities to serve within the church

For ministry support:

  • Mental Health Folders - Keep folders filled with mental health data sheets to help support families and individuals who are struggling.
  • Prayer Support - Commit to supporting this ministry through prayer.

To volunteer your time and talents or for more information, contact Cheri Frost.

Seeing People Through God's Eyes...

...has become the catch phrase that summarizes what we hope to achieve as we equip our congregation to be inclusive and welcoming for individuals with disabilities. We want to see people with disabilities as God sees them, which is actually no different than how He sees all of us...

...persons of worth and value, created in the "image of God" (Genesis 1:27)

..."fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:4)

..."indispensable members of the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:22, 27)

...sinners in need of a savior just like the rest of us (Romans 3:22-24)
We all know what the scripture directs us to do... to care for, love, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with ALL people.

This ministry hopes to provide an inclusive environment to WLC members and visitors - both adults and children - with disabilities.

And there are also thousands of people in our community with disabilities. Statistics show that ninety-five percent of them are unchurched. What an incredible and much needed opportunity for outreach!