Who are we? Access is Living Hope Community Church's disability ministry.
What is our vision? A church for all families to call home.
What is our mission? For people of all abilities to encounter the love of Christ through worship, fellowship, and the teaching of God’s Word.
What does Access do? We seek to identify and remove any barriers to worship, fellowship, and the teaching of God’s Word for families affected by disabilities so that all can be included.
How does Access accomplish this?
- In Worship: we provide individual accommodations for students and/or church members affected by disabilities to fully participate in worship services (e.g., a 1:1 buddy, sensory support, etc.)
- In Fellowship: we seek to facilitate genuine friendships among peers where every member is needed and their spiritual gifts can be discovered and used.
- In the Teaching of God’s Word: we discover and utilize the unique communication and learning style of each member so that everyone has the opportunity to hear the saving message of the Gospel by working closely with families and caregivers.
Is there a separate “Access Classroom”? We believe in full inclusion! Access does not serve our families in a separate setting or classroom. Instead, we provide support within our church’s current ministries including but not limited to LH Tots, LH Kids, and VBS.
Do we have any special events? We have an annual event called Night to Shine that takes place every year around February.
It is a prom night experience to honor individuals (age 14 and older) with special needs. Each honored guest receives “royal treatment” complete with hair and make up, shoe shining, and a limo ride to the main event. They are then greeted by paparazzi at the red carpet where they enter the event. The night is filled with dancing, karaoke, and a crowning ceremony. Parents of honored guests are welcome to join for dinner and activities in the respite room.
If you or your family is affected by disability and would like to consider making Living Hope your church to call home, please contact Candice Surh Cho at access@livinghopecc.org for more information.