Opportunities are everywhere
Building connections has always been considered a valuable skill. Interpersonal connections can lead us to places we never imagined.
Pastor Aaron Glaeske sparked a connection while at his local gym. He noticed a woman assisting a group of individuals with special needs while working out. Her name was Norma and she happened to be the President of the Victoria Association for Citizens with Disabilities. He shared that he was a pastor at a nearby church, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Victoria, Texas.
Pastor Glaeske and other church volunteers had been training to start a Jesus Cares Ministry (JCM) program, specifically designed to share God’s Word with individuals with special needs.
While meeting Norma, he mentioned this new ministry. He was happy knowing he had a connection to the special needs community in Victoria. The church geared up to host their first JCM event, but no one showed up. Not soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and the entire project was put on hold.
Nearly two years later, Norma called Pastor Glaeske to inquire about the possibly of hosting a JCM Worship at the Cross service. The Victoria Association for Citizens with Disabilities hosts weekly events, and they had an opening in their schedule.
Pastor Glaeske and the volunteers began working again hosting their first in person JCM event in early September. The day featured a Worship at the Cross service, arts and crafts time and a snack. This style of worship service is designed to make each part of a worship service have special meaning.
“We had 27 or 28 attendees, with a few extra volunteers. It was a nice number of people where our church members could meet members of the special needs community,” explained Pastor Glaeske.
The overall comments from attendees, and their families, were positive.
“One of the moms made a comment about it all being about Jesus,” said Pastor Glaeske. “Another (mom) mentioned that she hadn’t been to church in 10 to 15 years, and now she’s thinking about our church.”
As the word spreads within the local disability community, organizers hope the number of attendees will increase each month.
“This JCM program came to life thanks to a small connection,” explained Pastor Joel Gaertner, National Director of JCM. “We encourage JCM leaders and volunteers to spend time making connections within the local special needs community. For example, sharing your time with a Special Olympics branch allows you to create stronger relationships with attendees.”
Redeemer Lutheran Church continues to host a monthly Worship at the Cross service. For more details or to find a JCM program near you, visit myjcm.com.
For more information on connecting to local special needs community, watch the webinar that Pastor Gaertner and Pastor Patrick Feldhus recently hosted on the topic. View webinar here.