Rhythms of Grace at Advent is a new worship offering using the "Rhythms of Grace" liturgical program, which was developed by the Rev. Dr. Audrey Scanlan and Linda L. Snyder to serve the autistic community and their families. The program seeks to provide an alternative way to meet their spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. While the Autistic community is the focus, the liturgy is appropriate for all people who wish to experience another expression of how we can worship God and serve God’s people.
Advent, Coventry (formerly St. Matthias) is centrally located in Rhode Island. The property has been vacant for several years but the church’s location, ample sanctuary space, and flexible redesign potential made it an obvious place to begin this new offering. Currently, the sanctuary is being reconfigured to host this unique and interactive worship experience. Before and after photos will be posted on our Facebook page “Rhythms of Grace at Advent Coventry” as well as new updates as they happen. A new floor installation is planned for April 26, 2014.
The church building needs some cleaning, landscaping, painting and TLC. Several work Saturdays are being planned between now and June. Do you have skills in any of those areas? We could use your help. While much work is still required, a soft start is planned for June with a number of families, professionals, and clergy. Together this group will work through the program to ensure it has the correct balance to best serve those who God brings together to form this new community, and then a large scale opening service will be planned for September.
If you are interested in volunteering for a work Saturday or have any questions you may email the Rev. Dennis Bucco or the Rev. Deacon Mary Ann Mello. To find out more about the Liturgy “Rhythms of Grace" you can check out the website at http://www.rhythms-of-grace.org. We have been greatly inspired by the support and enthusiastic encouragement by so many people in the diocese that we are glad to be able to provide you with this update. Thank you for all you interest and prayers.
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| Making room for movement & installing new flooring |
My work with young children with autism informs this comment. My first reaction to "a large scale opening service" was, well the children with autism will be overwhelmed. My hope is that those in charge of designing the service are well educated in the sensory issues of many on the spectrum. Prayers for much success.
ReplyDeleteA. Malone, cradle Episcopalian and SLP in Oklahoma.