LEARN ABOUT SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRIES

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AT CHAPELWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, HOUSTON

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The congregation at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, Houston, invites and welcomes persons with special needs into the life of the church. Inclusion has been created so that all persons may worship, serve, learn and socialize within the congregation, and persons of all faiths are welcome.

CHAPELWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHUCH,

11140 GREENBAY, HOUSTON, TX 77024,

713-465-3467

chapelwood.org

PERSONS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WILL FIND THE FOLLOWING AVAILABLE:

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Designated handicap parking spaces and van parking spaces with slash lines.

Worship aids:

• Signing in the 9:45 worship service and upon request for Mercy Street and social functions.
• Seated communion, if desired, and gluten-free wafers available.

A special needs table in the narthex containing

• Large print hymnals, Bibles and worship bulletins
• Assistive Listening Devices  (from usher)
• Bulletin inserts for persons who cannot see power point screen
• Assistance from ushers upon request.

Mobility aids:

Restrooms with special equipment, elevators, electronic door openers on many doors, Braille markers for signage.

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Educational Adaptations:

Mainstreaming of persons of all ages with special needs if desired with a mentor (buddy) .
Separate groups for persons with developmental delay who do not wish to mainstream. These groups include

• Sunshine Room Sunday School (FH4-5) for children. Sunday morning, 9:45-10:45. Buddies provided for the room and for mainstreaming.
• Circle of Friends Teens and Adults (FH 3) Sunday morning, 9:45-10:45.
• Circle of Friends Adult Activity and Bible Study, Fellowship Hall for dinner then Circle of Friends Room after dinner, Wednesday night 6:00 – 8:15. Breakout groups in art, drumming, music, Bible study, drama until 8:15. Also provided are larger group activities such as fishing, swimming, dancing, talent shows, art shows and special worship services.
• Circle of Friends Teen Group, activity and Bible study, Fellowship Hall for Wednesday night, dinner at 6:00, YC100-101 after dinner meet until 8:15.
• Pals’ Place, monthly Friday night fun for teen and friends students and a night out for parents. 6:00 – 9:30, FH 3-4-5-6
• Circle of Friends Chat Group for parents of adult with special needs, third Wednesday each month, Bell Room 2, 7:00-8:15.
• Circle of Friends Chat Room for parents of teens with special needs, last Wednesday each month, Bell Room 2, 7:00-8:15.
• Sunshine Room Parent Chat Group, first Sunday each month, FH 3-4, 11:00 – 12:15 a.m.

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Library section contains books for and about special needs.

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Numerous support groups under auspices of Ministry of Care. Locations posted on bulletin boards.  Contact Liza Kutner, 713-465-3467.

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Our philosophy is that every meeting of persons is a gift exchange. We provide love, safety, a spiritual environment,  Bible instruction appropriate to level of comprehension, socialization and lots of fun.

Leaders of our Circle of Friends program  believe that every student is a star. They are.

Chapelwood United Methodist Church is a Safe Sanctuary Church.

For information, contact Liza Kutner, director of caring ministers, or Naomi Mitchum, volunteer coordinator of special needs.