Nebraska Synod ELCA

Program Description

Rejoicing Spirits is an innovative ministry that works to enrich the faith lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and other supportive community members. Rejoicing Spirits was founded on the belief that all people should have the opportunity to explore faith and spirituality. Unfortunately, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are often overlooked when it comes to inclusion and leadership in our faith communities. Most churches have done significant work in adapting buildings to accommodate physical needs, but unseen barriers often prevent people with disabilities from becoming active members in a faith community that they choose. This innovative ministry works with congregations to provide a meaningful, inclusive worship service in a loving and supportive community for people with intellectual disabilities and the people who love and support them. People are free to be themselves while actively participating as contributing members in an inclusive faith community

Mosaic provides resources, support and coaching to help congregations include people with disabilities as active and valued members. Congregations partner with people with disabilities and their support systems to explore faith using the Rejoicing Spirits ministry model. Click Here to learn and engage with Rejoicing Spirits.

This is a partnership opportunity with Mosaic and Nebraska Synod’s Emmaus: Lifelong Learning. It will provide pastors, deacons, PMAs, worship planners, Sunday School leaders, schoolteachers, youth ministry staff and those who support individuals with disabilities an opportunity to engage and learn.

Session One: Wednesday – July 21 – 7:30 pm Central/6:30 pm Mountain

A 45 minute Zoom opportunity to see and share in Mosaic and Rejoicing Spirit worship in action. Consider gathering a group of interested folks to experience a joy-filled and spiritually encouraging liturgy.

Session Two: Tentative date Thursday, August 10. You are invited to a live 2- hour participation event at either the Mosaic in Beatrice or Mosaic in Axtell. You will be developing an inclusive worship experience and sharing with residents at one of the Mosaic locations. Here Mosaic staff will encourage you to create an inclusive worship experience at your home parish and will arrange a feedback event at a later date.

Facilitators 
Jon Gosswein and Eric Spruth-Janssen are creative thinkers, theologically grounded pastors, enthusiastic
leaders and fun people who have learned through experience ways to engage a broader audience in
worship. Both serve on the Mosaic staff and bring their years of experience, learning and experimenting
to the conversation.

Class Details:
Format: Online via ZOOM – Zoom link will be send to those registered.
Date: Wednesday, June 21, 7:30 pm Central/6:30 pm Mountain
Date for Session Two is tentatively set for August 10. Date will be confirmed at Session One.

Cost: There is no cost to participate in this learning opportunity. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Beatrice or Axtell for Session Two
Target Audience: This Mosaic-Emmaus partnership course will be benefit pastors, deacons, PMAs, Sunday school teachers, worship planners and those who support individuals with disabilties.
To Register: To register send an email with your name, cell phone number and email address to Pastor John Gosswein pr.john.foc@gmail.com

Zoom link will be sent to those registered.
Registration deadline is June 19.