SHINE! Reach, Teach, and Serve

About Us
Our mission is to love, serve, and be served by, individuals with special needs and their families.   We believe that the church is disabled without the active involvement of people with special needs.   Therefore, our desire is to integrate people with disabilities into all aspects of Grace’s Christian Community.  We also understand that some needs that are best met one on one, and we are committed to meeting individual needs to the best of our ability.  

We currently offer:

• Sign Language Services.   ASL-interpreted Sunday morning worship service every Sunday at 9:15 on our Lexington Campus.  If you need an ASL interpreter at Grace contact our Deaf Ministry or Vivian Marcano.
   
• One on One Volunteers.   Volunteers that assist children with special needs are available Sunday morning Kidstown services at both campuses, including the opportunity for elementary children to be taught in an integrated environment at the Lexington campus.  If you have a child with a disability, we want to enable you and your entire family to worship with us. Please contact Pastor Barry O'Brien and he will connect you to a member of the SHINE! Leadership Team so that we can discuss the needs and gifts of your family.
   
• STARS! Specialized Bible studies and events for adults whose lives have been impacted by either cognitive or learning disabilities.  This program is led by Will and Heather Oliver.
   
• Respite.  Specialized respite events for caregivers of children with special needs, typically in the Christmas Holiday Season.    This program is led by Laurie & Dan Blake.
   
• Service opportunities.   Specialized sharing events for individuals with special needs and their families to serve their larger community.
   
• Pre- & Post-natal Support.   Comfort and support program for families addressing a worrisome pre- or post-natal diagnosis with a new baby.   This program is led by Julie and Chris Messina.
   
• Volunteer Opportunities.    A wonderful chance to connect and see Christ’s love via a person with special needs, and perhaps build a life-long friendship.   Contact Barry O’Brien if you’d like to work with children or Doug Whallon if you’d like to work with young adults/adults.  They will connect you directly with the appropriate contact on the SHINE! Leadership team .   If you’ve never done this kind of work, don’t worry!   We offer training and support for our volunteers.
  
  Please consider joining us!  For more information, or to arrange a visit for yourself, family member, or a friend, please contact us.   We welcome visitors, new volunteers, and new participants. . 

Grace Chapel has wheelchair-accessible buildings at both campuses.