Woodbury Lutheran Church  

Disability Ministry

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

Our programs for children and youth include:

1. 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.
2. The Haven - A safe, loving, one-on-one environment for children four and over who are unable to attend church with their families. The Haven is available only during the 8 a.m. service, and pre-arrangements are required. Contact Ann Goodell, 651-451-9832.
3. Free Respite Evening - 3rd Saturday of each month 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; call Ann Goodell, 651-451-9832.
4. Individual services - If your child or family has a need related to your child's disability, you may contact Cheri Frost, 651-739-5144, ext. 221, or Jeanne Dicke, 651-704-9464, to discuss how we might help your family.

Our programs for adults with disabilities include:

1. Friendship Group - Meeting Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30, this group study and fellowship teaches Biblical truths to adults with developmental disabilities.
2. People of Faith - A weekly Bible study for independent readers, the 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.
3. Hearts and Hands - Meeting monthly (usually on a Friday of each month), 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.
4. 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.

Volunteer Opportunities

...has become the catch phrase that summarizes what we hope our church can 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!