Category Archives: Intergenerational

Faith Communities Urged to Move Beyond Programs to Foster True Belonging

Posted on April 22, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Faith leaders are being called to rethink how churches welcome individuals with autism and their families, shifting from program-based support to relationship-driven inclusion. In Nurturing Care’s Day of Learning second session, titled “Faithful Partners in Belonging,” Dr. Melody Escobar highlighted … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, disability, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care, Research | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Faith Communities Welcoming Disability: Bill Tammeus Reports on Melody Escobar

Posted on April 15, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Former Kansas City Religion Reporter Bill Tammeus attended the Nurturing Care Day of Learning with Melody Escobar. Tammeus, also a columnist and book reviewer with the National Catholic Press and The Presbyterian Outlook, contributes to the KC online magazine Flatland … Continue reading →

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Churches Urged to Rethink Inclusion for Autistic Individuals, Families

Posted on April 14, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Dr. Melody Escobar, a leading practical theologian, calls on churches across the United States to confront a troubling reality: families of children with disabilities, particularly autism, leaving congregations at alarming rates due to a lack of genuine inclusion. Speaking during … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, Continuing Education, disability, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Children Find Peace, Purpose Through “Gratitude in Action” at Spring Break Day Camp

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

What began as a simple idea—teaching children to pause, reflect, and pray—came to life in a powerful way during this year’s Spring Break Day Camp at Sandia Valley Church of the Nazarene. Built on the guiding principle “Gratitude is our … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Intergenerational, Leadership, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spelling Spiritual Family Celebration

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

An update from Stephanie Answer

Posted in Autism, Children, disability, Family, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

West Coast Nurturing Care Initiative Shows Grassroots Innovation and Spiritual Impact Across Congregations

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

A series of monthly reports and ministry updates from churches participating in the West Coast Nurturing Care cohort reveal a growing movement reshaping how children engage with faith—through creativity, service, and intentional space-making. Across California, Oregon, and beyond, congregations are … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Intergenerational, Moral Integration, Northern California, Nurturing Care, Spiritual Formation, Virtue, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Resting on the Shoulders of Care One Child at a Time

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

This past weekend Nurturing Care Director, Dr. Dean G. Blevins, was given an opportunity to address a room filled with dedicated leaders, pastors and local lay workers, committed to discipleship. Dr. Blevins also offered his workshop presentation, Worship on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Clergy, disability, Discipleship, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment