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HARC realizes that children can sometimes find it difficult to sit through an adult worship service. Music, liturgy, and sermons that parents find uplifting can be hard for kids to understand. When a child has a mentally handicapping condition, that challenge can become unbearable for both the child and their parents.
This is where the Sunday Morning SMILE program comes in. SMILE stands for Special Ministry in a Loving Environment, and is the name of the Sunday Morning worship and Sunday School program for children with special needs of Gethsemane United Methodist Church. SMILE also describes the faces of kids who are a part of this ministry.
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HARC is excited to be partners with Gethsemane UMC in the development of the SMILE ministry, and to donate our staff to assist Gethsemane in this program.
In the SMILE worship service, kids sing, hear stories, play games and make crafts, all set around a theme of the day. Many times, that theme centers on that days theme in the adult service. What looks like fun and games serves as a chance for the kids to worship in a way that is geared toward their needs and learn more about church, so that as they mature, they might find their own place in worship.
Along with the Sunday worship, HARC also provides Gethsemane's SMILE ministry with support for a Sunday School program where children can participate in classes with "typical learning" children. These classes give kids a chance to join other kids while still receiving the individual attention that they need. This way, they can not only be part of a class where they learn from teachers, but also gain from socializing with other students.
For those children whose condition will not allow participation in a group setting, individual care and teaching will help them to grow in their faith.
Parents will also find a chance to grow as they, too, are given the opportunity to take part in classes and worship on their own, knowing that their kids are part of a fun learning experience.
HARC and Gethsemane, working together in the SMILE program provide a great opportunity for kids and parents alike.
Parents are required to attend Gethsemane's programs while their kids are part of the SMILE program. Sunday morning drop-in's of special needs kids, age 4 to 18, are welcomed.
Contact us for more information.
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