GOD WILL… COMFORT, LOVE AND SERVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE DISABILITIES.
We will be His hands and feet in this ministry! 1 Peter 4:10 is our guiding verse as we believe that everyone, regardless of ability, has a purpose and has gifts that God will use to further His kingdom!
In the last few years of our 30+ year history, being one of the only churches in Calgary to have a dedicated ministry to people with disabilities and their families, we grew to serve over 250 families who look to Centre Street Church for support and belonging. Throughout our history, an estimated 1,000 individuals per year, including caregivers and family members, are touched by this ministry.
With an average of 250 people with disabilities served each month, we needed more room so we could impact more people with disabilities along with their families and caregivers through biblical teaching and loving community.
Part of the BUILD project included renovating the current Central Campus Children’s Ministry lower-level spaces to meet the specific needs of our disability community. This includes a quiet room, specialized sensory equipment, a tailored, enclosed reception area and a safer, quieter place for people to reset and refocus in the midst of busy Sunday mornings and overall more space to meet and move around in as we learn about the incredible love of Jesus Christ!
We believe one reason CSC has grown is because it looks after the vulnerable in its congregation. We help people with disabilities realize that God has placed them here for a purpose. We don’t hide their disabilities. We encourage them to use what they can to serve the church and bring honour to the Lord. This ministry gives people hope.
Ray and Roberta Groff
Disability Ministry parents and long-time volunteers
It can be a very challenging journey for families. The generosity within this church has allowed for the finances to build the Disability Ministry, and it has made an enormous difference to families like ours. Our daughter has cerebral palsy, cognitive impairment and is blind…yet she is living life to the fullest. She goes to Bible studies, serves on missions trips and plays in the hand bell choir. This is truly God’s ministry.
Dorothy and John Cowling
parents of an adult with a disability
Thirty-years ago, when I first started volunteering with CSC’s Children’s Ministry, I would have never imagined the amazing journey that God had in store for the church, for me and for people with disabilities. There just happened to be three children with disabilities in my Children’s Ministry group and I also happened to have a background in special education. But I believe that was not happenstance… that is how God moves here! Today, I’ve worked with dozens of churches to help them set up a disability ministry and I have learned that without the blessing and support of the senior pastor and senior leaders, the ministry will not go anywhere. The Disability Ministry at CSC has flourished because this church has a love for people with disabilities and provides significant spiritual and financial support for the programs that draw them deeper into a life of belonging and meaning in Christ.
Jodi Graff
CSC’s first Disability Ministry Pastor
