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Written by Russell Mitchell-Walker
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Tuesday, 24 August 2010 09:47 |
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This past Sunday, we had just started worship, and Kathy was offering the welcome when Jamie rolled in on his wheelchair. Kathy welcomed him with, 'and here's Jamie' as he said 'hi' with a big smile on his face. I got up and moved some chairs to make space for him, got a bulletin and hymnbook and sat with him during worship. It was a profound experience to sit and experience worship with Jamie. Jamie is a regular at worship at Whitmore Park and at Sunset when we share services over the summer. I have always tried to be sensitive when inviting the congregation to stand, to include "as you are able", and don't always remember to do so. In recent years, a member in the congregation who have a daughter in a wheelchair, have also encouraged us to say "please stand or sit as you are able' which is more inclusive for those who cannot stand. I experienced the impact of our words this Sunday as I sat with Jamie, especially when everyone was invited to stand. It can be really helpful for us at times to have the opportunity to experience being in someone else's shoes or get a flavour of what thier experience is like. It is one thing to know something intellectually. It is quite another to experience it. This often roots the understanding more deeply in our being. It helps me remember that we are all God's children, created in God's image and the importance of ensuring all are feeling welcome and included. May we be open to the opportunities which provide us with different experiences that widen our understanding of others' lives and how we can be welcoming and inclusive of all.
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Located in Regina, SK.
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