Is This Your Place?
Questions? Call, Email or text Pastor Jonathan 704-308-4694 pastor@livingfaithlutheran.org
A Place for People With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and All the People
that Love Them
Views on disability have been, for the most part, have been wrong throughout history
The Church itself has been guilty of perpetuating myths and unfounded opinions as facts that have harmed those with disabilities. Jesus himself was asked the direct question, “Who sinned that this man was born blind? His mother or father?” He answered that it was neither and that we were all born so that God could be glorified. We are all children of God and should respect one another as such. We all show and receive love in different ways that maybe everyone doesn’t see or understand, but just because we don’t get it, doesn’t mean that communication isn’t happening. (I don’t speak German, but the fact that I don’t understand German speakers doesn’t mean they aren’t communicating.) Fortunately, God’s understanding, love and grace are limitless.
Repentance isn't just a matter of saying, "We're sorry".
It's a matter of reversing course and going in the right direction and seeking to follow Jesus' example of understanding, love, empathy and grace. We also must recognize the errors of the past and seek to right the wrongs. Living Faith is seeking to provide an open inclusive community that empowers those with intellectual/developmental disabilities to service and leadership in an environment of mutual respect and appreciation.
Faith in God or a higher power does not depend on cognitive abilities.
People with developmental disabilities can provide deep thoughts and insights to enrich faith communities. When people are given the opportunity for faith and beliefs to be expressed, it can be genuine, free and unencumbered.
We are all different. Unfortunately for some such as those with genetic disorders, SPD, PTSD, ADHD, and Autism among many other differences that people in the world exhibit, those differences cause debilitation or disability. Impairment does not equal disability. Disability is created when society creates or refuses to remove barriers and obstacles that prevent full participation in activities, culture or society.
All Are Welcome Here!
We at Living Faith are committed to being an active participant in Jesus’ mission in the greater Pembroke Pines area and throughout the world by pursuing justice and equity in all its forms, especially neurodiversity, economic justice, racial equity, areas of accessibility, and matters of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
