Reflections on Disability Inclusion Sunday

September 8, 2024, is Disability Inclusion Sunday in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Interestingly, the Gospel reading for this Sunday in the Revised Common Lectionary is Mark 7:24–37. This passage recounts how Jesus casts out a demon from the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman and heals a man who is deaf and has a speech impairment. While the ecumenical lectionary scriptures weren’t specifically chosen with denominational themes in mind, this alignment offers both challenges and opportunities for worship leaders who aim to promote disability inclusion.

To help navigate this, the Office of Theology and Worship, along with Presbyterians for Disability Concerns (PDC), has provided some thoughtful considerations in this handout: Reflections on Disability Inclusion Sunday. I shout out to David Gambrell, our Associate for Worship, who is a major author of this reflection.

If you’re looking for more resources on inclusion, accessibility, and belonging for people with disabilities within the church, you can explore the PDC webpage for further information. Check out their blog linked in the image below!

*Remember to provide proper citation and acknowledgment to the everyday god-talkers—especially our pastors, the faithful theologians in the pulpit. If this post resonates with you and inspires you to share a similar message, consider recognizing those who bring transformative change to our lives. They are the ones guiding us on our spiritual journey.*