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Martha Roberson

One Sunday at church a number of years ago, as I massacred the closing hymn, a friend whispered to me that all God asks of us is to "make a joyful noise." This comment echoes in my mind the third Monday of each month when I participate in the service for the developmentally disabled.

About a year and a half ago, Bill Joyner, one of our deacons, and Henrietta Pressler, a UNC student, teamed up to create this outreach ministry to fill a void in our community. Often times, the developmentally disabled and their families or caretakers are not comfortable worshiping at our traditional services. What has evolved from the combined efforts of clergy, parishioners, and students at the Chapel of the Cross is a service that is structured to meet the needs of the developmentally disabled. The monthly service provides a relaxed and informal atmosphere with the repetitive structure required by the attendees. Each service includes a lesson through a story or brief narration, prayers, the celebration of birthdays, and a sharing of the peace. The highlight to many is that the service is filled with singing and dancing, led by guitarists and often includes instruments for all the participants. Everyone is making a "joyful noise" and we are able to share the Good News of Christ. Following each service, everyone is invited for refreshments in the dining room. This gathering offers a special time for the participants to enjoy interacting further with the students, parishioners and amongst themselves.

A few families who participate regularly in the service were anxious to describe their thoughts about this service. Lorraine LaPointe attends with her husband and son, Adam, and reports that "it is the best service I have ever attended!!! We love the songs ... with the hand mannerisms and we especially enjoy how Bill and the students put parables into action as it makes it easier for all to understand. Adam now looks forward to attending our own church services." Shau-Hong Toscano who attends the service with her two sons said, "We are very grateful that there is a service that accepts my children and anyone who otherwise would not be able to attend a regular church service. We are very thankful that we have a great group of UNC students who play guitar, sing and dance with us. They are also amazing actors and actresses who act out the Bible stories to help us learn. And most of all we have Deacon Joyner who tells us wonderful Bible stories and leads us in our fun dances." Though they were apprehensive at first, "now my children are the ones who remind me each Monday to attend the service. Oh how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful community with all these warm and open-minded souls."

We invite each of you to take the opportunity to share in our "joyful noise" and participate in the Third Monday Service at 6:30 p.m. in the church. If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

© 2001: Chapel of the Cross