Through The Roof
We all know the story of the paralysed man lowered through the roof to get to Jesus and I give thanks for ramps and better access into our churches so that doesn’t have to happen in our cluster!
But there are many disabilities in our community that go un-noticed. Barriers to attending and participating in Church services and events. There is more that we can do to help. Being aware of any issues is the first step. For some people they don’t want to make a fuss, so just stop coming to church. Perhaps there is someone in your congregation whom you haven’t seen for a while? Perhaps you need to ask why? Perhaps you are the person experiencing difficulties but don’t know who to tell?
I recently came across the charity ‘Through the Roof’. It is a Christian disability charity that do many things including; building a network of Roof Breakers and advocates through training and resources to break down the barriers faced by disabled people in Christian life. Click here for more details: Through the Roof
I had an inspiring talk with them on the phone, they are looking for Roof Breaker champions in each parish or cluster, a point of contact and someone to sign up on the website to access the disability tool kit, and to set up a free zoom workshop ‘Removing barriers’. This can be tailored to our needs and will look at the message our churches are giving. There is also a network of local Roof Breaker Champions who meet regularly to support each other. This looks a wonderful organisation to be part of and a great opportunity.
Perhaps this is a role you could take on? In your church or for the cluster. To be the person who notices someone struggling and helps them overcome that challenge. To point out to the rest of us what needs changing. If you are interested, see here for more details: Roofbreakers - Through the Roof and let me know so that I can co-ordinate the long list of volunteers! judithayers@yahoo.co.uk