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Sunday, February 3, 2013

Not exactly...

I've been asked to help in the Special Religious Education class (SPRED) at our church. It's Sunday School for children who have autism, Down Syndrome and other special needs. Currently, the group is made up of 6-10 boys whose ages range from 6 to 17.

We spend a long time in gathering and quieting activities, helping each student choose an activity that will bring them to a calm disposition. Today, I did chalk drawings, looked at book of Biblical paintings and examined smooth rocks with one little boy who doesn't speak but who has a smile worth waiting for. 

After the calming activities, we gather in a prayer circle to listen to the message for the day. Sometimes it is a short story. Other times it is just a talk about a particular topic. The prayer circle concludes with one message that is passed from student to student to helper. 

Today's message was: "Jesus said, 'Find peace in Me.'" 

Ms. Kathy took the hands of one of our friends, smiled and said, "Find peace in Me." With a little coaxing, he turned to the helper next to him (Ms. Kristen) and said the same. Ms. Kristen turned to Adam, who was sitting next to me, looked him in the eye, smiled and said "Adam, 'Find peace in Me.'"

Adam turned to me, plopped his fists in my open, waiting hands and said, "Do you want a piece of me?"

I suppose, in some sense, that's what Jesus meant too.

8 comments:

Jennifer said...

Omg...you gave me a good laugh! Thank you!

@tracystevenson said...

this is by far one of the best things I have read in a long while!! thank you thank you for sharing it.

kimybeee said...

sweet! from the mouth of babes lol

"The Queen of Free" said...

awesome!

Janet said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for being a part of this ministry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until recently I had not been to church in well over 5 years because the church I've been a member of for 25 years did not welcome my son with autism.

My family and I are now attending a church (United Methodist Church of Green Trails) where they have an autism ministry, they have a sensory room and plenty of people to work with my son so that I can attend worship. It has been wonderful.

So I thank you for what you are doing not only for these children/youth, but also for what you are doing for their parents and family. You are a blessing.

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Rachel said...

AMEN! I want a piece of Jesus! :)