St. John Lutheran Church Welcomes People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The community is invited to a new, inclusive worship service adapted to meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. St. John Lutheran Church, 1001 Central Avenue, in Ocean City, will be the first church in New Jersey to host monthly Rejoicing Spirits worship services, and will hold its first service on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.

Rejoicing Spirits reaches out and encourages people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become part of a welcoming faith community. To better serve this population, the Rejoicing Spirits inclusive worship service captures the attention and interest of these individuals along with their families, friends and the local supportive community. Although the Rejoicing Spirits service is adapted to more readily engage people with developmental disabilities, it remains inspiring and meaningful to everyone who attends.

The Rejoicing Spirits worship service will be held the second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. For more information, contact the church office at 609-399-0798 or office@stjohnlutheranoc.org. For directions go to www.stjohnlutheranoc.org. St. John Lutheran Church is a member church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is located at the corner of 10th and Central Avenue in Ocean City, NJ.

Glen Stewart, Rejoicing Spirits Ministry Coordinator, says, “There are so many reasons for local residents to join in this faith and fellowship experience. There is music and joyous singing; brief, concrete and meaningful messages; and plenty of opportunities to participate, serve, learn and lead. We encourage worshippers to contribute in roles such as greeters, banner carriers, scripture readers and song leaders.

The ‘no shushing policy’ gives attendees the freedom to worship as God has intended for them in an accepting, loving environment. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and people of all faiths are welcome to this friendly community.”

The foundation of this ministry is rooted in Corinthians 12:25 “So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.” Everyone involved in this endeavor realizes each one of us has gifts to share and celebrate. Through Rejoicing Spirits, congregations become aware, educated and accepting of those with differences, allowing congregations to truly be united together in Christ.

Rejoicing Spirits was founded by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Exton, PA in 2003 and continues to spread across the nation to Christian churches of varying denominations. To learn more about this ministry and to view a short video, go to www.rejoicingspirits.org.