Bell sounds God’s saving love for all abilities
Emily Lillo had always wanted to ring the hand bell that signals the start of each Worship at the Cross service. But she’s a volunteer, and typically the honor is given to a participant with special needs since Worship at the Cross is designed for people with cognitive impairments. She’d watched many others light up with the chance to sound the call to worship — not knowing she’d eventually get her turn.
Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM) developed Worship at the Cross as part of its work assisting congregations in ministering to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and communities. Throughout the special service, senses are engaged in worship. Participants can:
- See six signs that help illustrate each part of service.
- Hear a bell ring to signify the beginning of the service.
- Participate in the service by singing and making music.
- Share prayer requests.
- Sing hymns and play rhythm instruments.
Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Green Bay started Worship at the Cross Services in 2005, and Emily has been an active volunteer. She is part of a group of teens from Fox Valley Lutheran High School in nearby Appleton, Wis., who come to help with Worship at the Cross each month. Emily is a freshman at the school; she’s very involved in music and likes helping others.
When Emily’s older sister, Karenna, invited her along to a JCM program a few years ago, Emily had so much fun she just kept going. One of her two brothers also influenced her decision.
“I decided to volunteer because my brother has autism, and I just wanted to see what life is like for him. I do enjoy being with people with special needs. I like to see what their point of view is like,” Emily said. “It’s cool to see the people so excited about Jesus and so involved.”
At Worship at the Cross, Emily hands out rhythm instruments to participants and sits with them during the service. She sings and encourages them to make music. At a recent service, she got one more special assignment. Long-time JCM volunteer Robert Fischer knew Emily wanted to ring to the bell at the start of worship, and invited her to do the honors.
“I really enjoyed it. I felt more connected somehow to the service,” Emily said. “I always see how others react when they get to ring the bell, and it’s more relatable now.”
Her favorite part of volunteering with JCM is “seeing the joy on their faces when they realize that Jesus does love them and he’s always there for them,” Emily said. “Having a brother with special needs I realize they are also people. They do need a Savior. Just because they aren’t able to understand like I can understand, they can realize Jesus gave Himself for them and He does love them.”
Get involved with a JCM program near you by visiting www.tlha.org/jesus-cares-ministries.