[Blindtlk] rides from church members

[Judy Jones]

Ours was great.  When we were new to one church, we asked the office 
secretary how to go about finding a ride.  She actually posted in the 
bulletin, was announced at the next service, surprise to us, and 6 couples 
offered.  The start of some good friendships.

When we lived in Tacoma, there was mass transit, and one of the bus drivers 
attended that church, too.

The church we are attending now in Twin Falls has a bus ministry, using the 
school bus to pick up people.  One lady rides it every Sunday, although her 
husband drives to church, because she says she likes to meet new people.  We 
have had offers we haven't needed to ask for.  The DNA of some churches may 
be more extraverted.

Judy
-----Original Message----- 
From: Steven Johnson
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 5:58 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

One of the approaches in which I have not seen yet taken or suggested here 
is that of increasing membership to a congregation.  By creating a ride 
share program through the congregation, the membership has the potential to 
also increase as we can fairly assume that there are many others who want to 
attend church, but are unable.  This includes persons with disabilities as 
well as elders, and others who do not have reliable transportation or any 
transportation at all.  Sometimes it takes the right approach, and not 
necessarily falling back to *this is the way it's always been done.*  Many 
congregations across this nation are hurting for membership, and this may be 
just a small part of the larger key to opening that door.

Steve


-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Judy Jones
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 1:08 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

It seems like we always have to be in-your-face kind of people, not in a 
negative way, but, like you said, find ways to get involved, even if it's 
volunteering to update a calling list or e-mail list.  I have done this for 
our church in the past.  Fortunately, we've found people to be very open 
with transportation when needed, and I'm very glad the women haven't been 
wowed out about me helping in the kitchen, etc.

Judy


-----Original Message----- 
From: Elizabeth Campbell
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 7:09 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

Hello all,

I know transportation is a difficult issue, but what about thinking of ways
to help with projects for the church, such as writing an article for the
newsletter or helping to make phone calls when necessary? Maybe an offer to
volunteer will lead to meeting people who want to help with rides and so
forth.
Also, I've found it's  helpful to find out who is in my zipcode, or one
close to me. Again, it's always a good idea to help with gas money or taking
someone to lunch.
My church which is Unitarian is also quite liberal, and I get impatient at
times that the congregation doesn't seem to always get it when it comes to
disability issues, but if people don't deal with what we deal with on a
daily basis, how will they know what we need unless we continue to educate?
I do get frustrated, but we have to keep trying.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of justin
williams
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 6:58 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

I am having the same problem; my church is liberal also.  I've pretty much
stopped going to church; the decision to go to lunch or not after church is
awkward, and sometimes, rides to church fall through.  If you want me a part
of the congregation, it seems like there would be a little more cooperation.
I might ask, who is going to lunch, and literally, get no response, or a
bbunch of I nots.   I have pretty much stopped going.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lauren
Merryfield
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 1:06 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

Hi,
I know my church has a volunteer committee. I emailed, suggesting that we
have a transportation committee, but I might be about the only person
needing a ride.

I did have them put a notice in the bulletin and on the bulletin board, but
we didn't get any responses. I don't think some of them see me as valuable,
but as someone who is broken and not healed; that kind of thing. It is a
more liberal church, so it seems like they could be more
disability-oriented. I think they are working on improving things, with our
new minister. She always stops to say hi to me, which is really nice. But
when Marilynn isn't available, I really don't have other options except to
take a cab.
Thanks
Lauren

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ericka
Short
Sent: Monday, December 09, 2013 5:09 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] rides from church members

Depending on how large your congregation is, you might want to start by
sitting down one on one with the pastor and explaining your needs.  He/she
can either direct you to some names to contact personally.  They might know
of hidden services in you area also.   If you know people from adult
classes, ladies aid or parents who have kids in Sunday School with your kids
you can find a common connection.  Bigger churches have either a parish
nurse, Family  concerns or social concerns committee/team .  These can be a
good resource too.  At first you will have to schedule rides but later
people realize you really need help and don't take advantage of them, you
should have a few that will be reliable in a sticky situation.  I put a note
in the bulletin and church newsletter.  That helped.  The more involved you
are in the congregation the more they are willing to help you.  People like
to help those they care about.  People don't help strangers so often any
more probably for the same reason background checks for drivers is a good
idea.  Some days I think some congregational leaders wish I'd leave the
church because I’m pushing them to  be more disability accessible in
facilities and in attitude.  That won't happen!  Good luck.  I hope I was
helpful.

Ericka J. Short
262-697-0510

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13

"No hand is too small or too big to do good in this world." EJ. Short


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