Notes from the ADNet Office
Possibilities Plus...

September 2010

For people with disabilities...there are possibilities!
For families with mental illness...there are possibilities!
For congregations with barriers...there are possibilities!
For communities who want to be inclusive...there are possibilities!

Possibilities Plus is an occasional email letter from Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) highlighting the resources both offered and needed by ADNet to carry on its work to encourage churches to fully include persons with disabilities in their community life.

Fall Conferences.  Fall seems to be the season for conferences on disabilities.  Here are some that may be of interest to our readers. 

Sunday, September 12, 2010, 2:30—6:30 p.m., Trinity Christian Reformed Church, O-60 Port Sheldon Rd, Grandville, MI 49418 (Grand Rapids area)  "Being One Body Together In Christ In Worship" A Workshop for Ministry Leaders Including Pastors, Church Leaders, Seminary and College Students, Volunteers, Friendship Mentors, and Parents.  Visit www.togetherinchrist.us or call (888) 463-0272 for  directions and information.  ADNet staff will attend this event which is approximately 2 1/2 hours driving time from Elkhart County, Indiana. 

September 23-25, 2010, St. Louis, MO “Widening the Welcome: Inclusion for All”  Developing the life of congregations to include persons with disabilities and persons with mental illnesses/brain disorders and their families.  A National Gathering sponsored by the Mental Illness Network and the Disabilities Ministries of the United Church of Christ.  For information, visit the conference website or the conference office. 

September 24–26, 2010, Souderton, PA (north of Philadelphia) "The Divine Power of Friendship" Peaceful Living Fall Conference.  Keynote speakers: Bill Gaventa, Hans Reinders, Edward Tick.  Peaceful Living is a disabilities services provider organization related to Mennonite Health Services Alliance.  For more information, go to www.peacefulliving.org or register online.

Saturday, October 9, 2010, 9:00 am to 4:45 pm, Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL (southwest suburb of Chicago).  "Midwest Disability Ministry Summit" sponsored by Joni and Friends Chicago and co-hosted by the Church Connection Initiative at Trinity Christian College and the Christian Reformed Disability Concern.  Keynote Speaker: Erik Carter, author of Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities. Registration.  ADNet staff will be present with a display at this event. 

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How can three AA batteries power a movement to help your congregation include persons with disabilities?  The answer is in the latest issue of ADNet's Connections newsletter.  Get your sneak preview! 

Publishing Project:  ADNet is seeking special funding to publish revised and updated versions of two booklets dealing with the family and church issues of significantly dependent adults. "What happens after we’re gone?" and "Supportive care in the congregation" were both published in the mid-1980's but are now going out of print.  If you would like more information or to make a special contribution, contact , ADNet Executive Director. 

Your prayers and your financial contributions are both important!  Saturday, October 30, 2010 has been designated as a "Day of Prayer for ADNet." Actually, we would appreciate your prayers for the future of ADNet, starting now and leading up to that day when the ADNet Board gathers for its one annual "in-person" meeting. The Board's work will revolve around a 10-point "Financial Sustainability Plan" adopted at its August 17th conference call meeting. For more information, contact , ADNet Executive Director. 

By faith, ADNet has taken steps to drastically reduce postal mailings for fundraising purposes.  This reduces costs and helps the environment by reducing paper waste.  However, our funding needs have not been reduced!  If you appreciate this ministry, we depend on you to click on this link, read the information, and take action to support ADNet!

Thank you for your prayers and your financial support!

Paul D. Leichty, Executive Director
Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet)
PO Box 959,  Goshen, IN 46527-0959
Voice/Fax: 1-877-214-9838

www.adnetonline.org/Give

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