SPECIAL NEEDS WELCOME
Special Needs Welcome Ministry
Provides a safe, accepting space for families of children and adults with special needs to worship in their own service in church, and participate in holiday and social events.
A vision born of love
FOUNDER STORY
This ministry began with the vision of Maria Johnston, a dedicated St. James member and mother of two children with autism, who wanted to ensure that families of children and adults with special needs could experience the joy of belonging in faith and community.
ABOUT OUR MINISTRY
A place where all are included
Many families with children and young adults with special needs have found a home at St. James and are involved in various aspects of church life. Our ministry also hosts holiday and social events to raise awareness, build community, and have fun. Most importantly, we strive to cultivate a faith community where everyone is welcomed, valued, and loved.
Special Needs Welcome has been featured in the Episcopal New Service and Sacramento Bee, and we received The Diocesan Transformational Service Award.
WORSHIP SERVICE
12:00 PM Sunday Service with Holy Communion
We hold a short, informal service (40 minutes) most Sundays for children and adults with special needs and their families. We begin with a warm greeting, followed by a song, a brief lesson, Communion, prayer time, announcements, and a closing song.
The service is adapted and continually adjusted to meet the needs of those present. Our objective is to create an environment where the children can worship in their own unique way. Holy Communion is in the form of gluten free crackers. Rather than wine, we use the living water at this service.
Feel free to check us out anytime. The dress is casual. Don’t worry about what may or may not happen with your loved one in the service—those in attendance, including Maria, are all parents of special children and adults, and we all understand. Remember:
All noises give praise to God.
We all understand, and we all are loved.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Serving neighbors in need
Annual Sock Campaign
Maria Johnston, her son, and our Special Needs families collect socks each year during Advent for the Mustard Seed School, a private school in Sacramento for homeless children ages 3- 15.
St. James Food Pantry
Each Sunday, our children bring in food donations to help local families who are struggling with food insecurity.
Our children have such beautiful, caring hearts, and they are making a difference in the lives of people they’ve never even met with their kindness and generosity.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Special Needs Welcome Events
Christmas & Santa Party
The second Saturday in December, we hold our Christmas and Santa Party in Martin Hall. The children enjoy a delicious luncheon, crafts and games, cookie decorating, a raffle, and best of all, a visit and photo op with Santa.
Valentine Party
Each February, we hold a Valentine’s party. The children enjoy goodies, crafts and treats while making Valentines for one another.
Easter Party & Egg Hunt
Each Lenten season, we hold an easter Party and Egg Hunt. The children enjoy a delicious lunch, followed by an egg hunt, cookie decorating, crafts and activities, a raffle drawing, and a visit and photo op with the Easter bunny.
Trunk or Treat
Each fall, we hold a community Trunk or Treat for our special families in the community. The children enjoy trick or treating, games and activities and snacks in a safe and friendly environment.