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L.E.A.P. (Loving and Engaging Amazing People)
A ministry for children with special needs and their families that loves them unconditionally and engages them in spiritual growth by removing hindrances they face so that they see their worth in God's eyes. This ministry is an extension of God’s command to love others and an expression of our church’s heart to be a unified body of Christ.
This ministry is supported by many loving, servant-hearted individuals who have all been background checked and have a gift with children. In addition, we offer training and connection time for our volunteers to keep us working together as a team.
To meet some of the varying needs of families with special needs kids, here’s what L.E.A.P. offers:
Pit Stop
We want to give parents a chance to refresh and reconnect with each other, so we offer respite care for children with special needs and their siblings. We typically meet on the second Friday of each month from 6-9 PM at the Avenue. Kids have a blast with our caring volunteers for a night of fun games, crafts and a movie. Reservations need to be made the Tuesday prior to the event.
Sunday School
We care about the spiritual growth of all children. We have an amazing kids program, so we try and integrate children with special needs whenever possible. When a child needs more one-on-one attention, we pair that child up with a buddy so they can be included. If needed, we will even put together a personalized IP to help maximize the child’s time in their class. When integration isn't the right fit, we offer a class for the elementary/teen years and for teen/adults, both are during our first service. The class for elementary and teen years has a short Bible lesson that focuses on the same memory verse for a month, does a paper craft, and then allows for intentional and creative playtime. The teen and adult class, called Sheep’s Gate, is a class that focuses on teaching spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, worship, fellowship, and evangelism.
Parent Support Group (PSG)
Parents need time to connect and grow in their faith too! This Bible study group has ceased meeting formally for the time being. However, if you are interested in getting connected with other parents informally, contact Tammy Breeding at 226-2698 or e-mail her at tjbreeding@yahoo.com
L.E.A.P. Together
At least once a year we have times when all the L.E.A.P. families come together to fellowship. So often, each family is running in a different direction, so this provides a great time to get to know each other and connect with friends.
Teen Network
Knowing that siblings may have the longest relationship with a child with special needs, we want to support them in their unique and challenging role while in their teenage years. We offer teen sibling networking times, when there are teens to participate. These times have been casual get-togethers to play games and have fun so they don’t feel alone, but instead feel supported and encouraged in their role as a sibling.
Prayer Support
Not only do we hope to support families physically, but also spiritually by covering them in regular, confidential prayer. Personal requests can be made anytime to Elisha via email at rentfrow1@mindspring.com.
A Note from the Ministry Leader
This ministry is so important to me, because it helps people find a place to belong in the church. Time after time, I see God at work in this ministry proving to me how important this is to His heart. I am a benefactor of God’s work in L.E.A.P. and am so blessed as I get the chance to spend time with so many amazing people, whether it is families being served or volunteers serving. My hope is to get to know you and your family and help you plug into the larger church, knowing that each person has gifts and joys to share with us that make us all stronger. Feel free to call or email me and discuss your participation!
Blessings-
Elisha Rentfrow
For more information about LEAP, contact: Elisha at (970) 282–3429 or rentfrow1@mindspring.com.
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