1. Circles of Love: Encouraging Congregational Networks of Care for People with Disabilities and their Families Christine Guth christine@adnetonline.orgchristine@adnetonline.org, 574-343-1362 Anabaptist Disabilities Network www.adnetonline.org

2. Stories of congregational networks of care

3. Chad, artist and entrepreneur

4. The crowds following Jesus

5. Going with the wind

6. Water lilies

7. God’s Eye Art Board of Directors

8. Chad (right) with Dean Preheim-Bartel

9. Income paid for: Art supplies Lessons/mentoring Framing Exhibition costs Manufacturing a line of greeting cards Stipend for Chad

10. Circle of Love

11. Forgotten

12. The hand of God

13. What would sell: Christmas cards!

14. Long-term support Pastors Kevin and Sharon Yoder

15. First, an immediate need Firewood for wood stove

16. Support provided New housing Housing repairs and maintenance Connecting to government benefits Financial management assistance Emotional support Friends for Jay to hang out with

17. Support team meets with the Larsons

18. Supportive Care in the Congregation Providing a congregational network of care for persons with significant disabilities Vision, rationale 1986, revised 2011

19. Circles of Love Stories of congregations caring for people with disabilities and their families “Supportive Care Stories” 2015

20. What is a Supportive Care group? (Circle of Love) An intentional effort within a faith community Supports to a person with a disability and/or family Supports needs of daily living and church participation

21. Key elements Network of relationships Strong leadership with vision Supported person participates Identified focus Matching gifts to needs

22. Functions may include reducing isolation relieving burden on family members connecting to wider community supports Cultivating gifts of person with a disability

23. Anabaptist theological themes Salvation experienced in human community Church is the first fruits of God’s reign Knowing Christ through following him Service a calling for all Christians

24. Successful groups often involve… Customizing: Using the book like a buffet not a blueprint Collaborating with secular resources Usually initiated in crisis, but planning beyond crisis for a sustainable plan

25. Successful groups often involve… Using gifts/interests of team members Defined responsibilities carried by each person Building relationships with entire family unit

26. Successful groups often involve… Open-ended time commitment, phasing out when no longer needed Recognizing that ministry is two-way: givers are receivers and vice versa The least amount of bureaucracy that still gets the job done

27. Possible group roles Person with a disability Family members Friends Monitor of values Program advocate Financial advocate Spiritual mentor Medical advocate Parent support Worrier Facilitator Record keeper Congregational liaison

28. Implementation Getting started Preparing the congregation Forming the group Group covenant Training Legal/financial arrangements Congregational covenant

29. Love: a beautiful thing

31. Supporting mom helps whole family

32. Supporting independent living

33. Support for Ben and his parents

34. Questions?

35. What opportunities might exist for a Circle of Love in your context? What obstacles stand in the way? What is one concrete step you can take to explore a Circle of Love in your context?