By Janet JohnsonSpecial to the Mariner

It was on a cool, rainy morning when guests arrived at the United Church of Christ in Norwell to attend a forum with clergy from numerous South Shore faith communities. Guests gathered to enjoy an early breakfast hosted by UCC Norwells Friends of Special Needs who believe that people with developmental disabilities thrive when they are fully included into their church community, thereby enjoying friendships and support beyond their daily work and activities. The purpose of the forum was to reveal a deeper understanding of the difficulties faced by families of children with disabilities. As people of faith, we believe it is our privilege and responsibility to develop and expand more intentional opportunities for engagement with all people in our homes of worship.

Several speakers were invited to share their experiences that helped to inform the forum guests. Emily Colson, noted speaker and author of Life with Max, shared the experiences and the challenges she encountered while being a single parent and raising her son who has autism. She spoke of her desire to attend church when Max was growing up, but found it almost impossible due to his often disruptive behavior. Emily also shared the heartwarming news that her church - North River Community Church of Pembroke never gave up trying to welcome Max in a way that would work for him. The ingenuity shared by a loving church community enabled Max and Emily to feel valued and loved, and to know that they truly belonged! This welcoming created a feeling of inclusiveness within the hearts of a loving church family and enriched everyones lives.

State Sen. Patrick OConnor, R-Weymouth,was invited to share his thoughts about how the special needs community is being served in Massachusetts. He reinforced his ongoing commitment to serve and advocate for people with disabilities and confirmed that his door is always open to his constituents.

Two participants at Friendship Home in Norwell, Martha Willson and J.R. Foley, who attend its social and work related programs, spoke of the positive impact that acceptance and welcoming in both the secular and the church community have had on their lives. Their desire, like those of so many people with special needs, is to be fully contributing members of their own communities and beyond. People soon focus on their abilities rather than challenges and learn and love the gifts that they share with others.

Jack Spurr, a business leader and long-time chairman of Friendship Home, shared how he became involved with people with disabilities many years ago and how he now is the proud grandparent of five children, one of whom is a 9-year-old boy who has Aspergers syndrome and legally blind. His relationship with people of differing abilities is powerfully meaningful and has added a very special dimension to Jacks life.

Thefinal speaker was Mary Kate Gallagher, a 2017 graduate of Notre Dame Academy, who at age 11 attended a Friendship Home Ice Cream Social and became friends with Sophie, a girl her age who has autism. Mary Kate was very moved and said to her mom, We have to do something for Sophie. Within a year, she and her mom, along with two dear friends, started the Friendship Home Middle School program which is now in its sith year. One young person made an incredible difference!

Toward the end of the mornings program, there was a time of open sharing among the guests when questions, personal experiences and future insights about moving forward were explored. As the closing of the breakfast forum drew near, it was clear to all that faith communities have a unique opportunity to be places of welcome and that we are called by our faith to do this. Expanding and moving this desire forward is what the Friends of Special Needs hopes to do. For anyone wishing additional information about this program, through August, please call Wilma Goodhue 781 659-7233 - after that, contact Reverend Leanne Walt, Lead Pastor of the United Church of Christ in Norwell at 781-659-2887. Leanne was instrumental in sponsoring this program and moderated the event. It is her belief that it is Gods will that everyone is welcome and that it is our obligation to make church a place of understanding, acceptance and loving engagement.

As the forum guests left, the rain had abated, the morning chill was gone and the sun was shining - a very good sign for the future!

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UCC Norwell hosts special needs forum - Wicked Local Norwell