For most parents, taking their children to a new activity causes a bit of alarm or wariness. Those emotions are heightened when their child has a special need.
One local Vacation Bible School (VBS) has designed its activities with children with special needs in mind.
Last week, God's Great Rescue was hosted by St. John's Lutheran Church, Schubert, at the Special Learning Center, 1115 Fairgrounds Road.
The key is being friendly and welcoming, director Ginger Luetkemeyer said. Although a common goal for most churches, several members at St. John's have taken training and done research to be more aware of methods to serve those with special needs.
The Special Edition VBS has been hosted by St. John's for seven years. In addition, the small, rural congregations hosts occasional Sunday worship services designed for families who might not feel they could bring their children to a traditional service, she said.
The VBS was an extension of the members' desire to share their unique gifts with the broader community. Many St. John's members either have reared children with special needs or are professionals in special education or therapy.
"We became aware there are families that struggle in finding outside social opportunities," she said. "It's a challenge for some children to participate in regular summer activities and for others it can be overwhelming."
Partnering with the Special Learning Center removes the apprehension of an unfamiliar environment, since many of the children who might benefit from the VBS Special Edition may also be students there, Luetkemeyer said.
Taking the time and training to become sensitive to the needs of these families is a national trend, Luetkemeyer said.
"We're seeing across the country more special needs ministries opening up and more outreach to these families in particular."
St. John's has found many good resources from the Joni and Friends organization, with curriculum and training.
One of the bigger hurdles is communication - children with speech delays or are non-verbal, Luetkemeyer said. Other times children are medically fragile or have physical needs.
All of these issues can be accommodated in lessons with a little extra planning, she said.
"It doesn't take a lot more work; just be aware of challenges they may have," Luetkemeyer said.
The VBS Special Edition also is fully-integrated, meaning not all who attend have a special need.
It looks just like any other traditional VBS with an opening for everyone, puppets, hands-on activity and creatively told Bible stories.
"We don't try to be anything special," Luetkemeyer said. "We just want to provide the same experience in a friendly environment.
"It's all about Jesus. It doesn't matter what your needs are."
Luetkemeyer encouraged other area congregations to talk with their families with special needs children to find out what support it could provide.
"It's all part of making a church friendly to all people, to be aware that everybody has needs or special circumstances you may not understand," she said. "They might be hurting on the inside or have challenges physically, behaviorally or with communication.
"It isn't about special programming all the time; it's about understanding what their challenges are and doing what church should strive to do - to meet people where they are."
On the web: joniandfriends.org