Over the last months we have been working to make sure our Maker’s Space projects (Ps 95:6-7) could take shape and launch to provide worship and prayer practices for children with autism. The effort began at the retreat at #NTS but continued off site with several other leaders in children and disabilities ministry. Our meeting spaces often invoked the kind of creativity we hope to obtain,

I was thankful that my KC Coordinator, Chaplain Janette Platter, is working alongside these creative leaders to bring to fruition our first mini-grant projects. Overall the efforts cover quite a range of initiatives:

Worship “wagons” that really intentionally bring together resources for children with autism and a specific plan to work with worship teams to bridge the gaps often hamper autistic children’s participation

Leadership training for volunteers that intentionally bridge the practice of prayer with training guidelines

Resources that incorporate sensory resources directly into high church liturgy in combination with Godly Play resources

Curriculum designed to help minimally verbal children to express prayer

We are just beginning, but the preliminary reports reveal the imagination resident in this group and their willingness to partner. A great start to a brighter future for children with autism through worship and prayer.