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Articles
The following article and photo appeared in the Northwest Signal, the local community paper in Napoleon, OH in Henry County
Family worship is now
offered for those with DD
by Sheila Naveau
NWS Staff Writer
Filling Memorial Home of Mercy is a facility staffed with compassionate people who have dedicated their careers to working with the developmentally disabled (DD).
Pastor Denise Brown has taken that dedication one step further by organizing a special Wednesday evening chapel service for Henry County residents with DD and their families.
The first Wednesday of each month, at 7p.m. in the Filling chapel, residents and their families can take part in the service specially designed for their comfort level.
“Individuals with disabilities don’t always feel comfortable in regular church services,” Brown said.
She said she uses a lot of visual and verbal effects to deliver her message of God’s love for them.
“We sing, light candles, pray and I deliver a sermon message,” Brown said.
The service is not meant to be a substitute for Sunday morning church services, but to supplement a time for those with DD to attend church with their families.
“The service is non-denominational and a good opportunity to introduce individuals to worship if they don’t already,” Jerry Rayl, public relation director at the Filling Home said.
Brown said she saw the need for spiritual guidance in those with DD, so she contacted HOPE Services and the Henry County Senior Center. Everyone she spoke with agreed there is a need for such a service in Henry County.
"I feel everyone should have the opportunity to feel God’s love,” Brown said.
Brown held her first service the first Monday in May and said it received “wonderful response and great support. We had over 50 people attend.”
Residents in the group homes are requesting to read Bible scriptures during the service, and Brown said she has also been contacted by local churches requesting to bring confirmation classes to assist during the service.
“The Filling’s guiding principle is ‘We’re all created in God’s image,’ and we want everyone to feel that first hand,” Rayl said.
Anyone in the community wishing to join in the celebration of worship is welcome and can contact Brown at 419-592-6451, ext. 1248.
©2006 Lutheran Chaplaincy Service, All Rights Reserved
