INCLUSION MINISTRY

BY REV. NICK DEMUYNCK

six to ten members of our Inclusion Ministry enjoyed dinner and fellowship before breaking into their Small Group to work through the Alpha curriculum. When speaking with Emily Higgins, a volunteer and Alpha leader in the Inclusion Ministry, she shared some thoughts, “Before working with the Inclusion Ministry, I was ignorant to the fact that church can be a challenging and isolating experience for young adults who have differences. Churches tend to promote inclusion in theory but rarely in practice. There’s a difference between saying, ‘You can sit at this table,’ and ‘I saved a seat for you at this table.’ The Inclusion Ministry makes our church more vibrant. All people are created in the image of God, and I have gotten to know our God better because of the friendships I have made in EPC's Inclusion Ministry.”

Eastminster’s Inclusion Ministry is one of the most rapidly growing ministries within the church. This ministry was started to ensure that all young adults, no matter their circumstances, have a safe space where they know they are loved, supported, and can grow in their faith together. In 2021, Eastminster hired Learning Specialist, Andrea Ferree, who has helped cultivate this community.

Members of the Inclusion Ministry say they “enjoy being with the leaders who love them,” “love having the yummy food provided,” “love playing the games Ms. Andrea comes up with,” and “love being with their EPC friends and outside friends all in one space.” Speaking of friends outside of the church, the Inclusion Ministry has seen an increase in folks from all over the Midlands coming and joining in on the fun. These individuals join us for monthly meetings and have helped shape the community into what it is today. The Inclusion Ministry took on a new adventure this past Fall by participating in Alpha, a program at Eastminster. Each Wednesday last Fall,

1 Corithians 12 says the body of Christ has many parts, but all are needed for the body to succeed. With the addition of Inclusion Ministry, Eastminster is able to more fully live into what it means to be the Body of Christ in the world. Thanks be to God!