[Faith-talk] Changing Attitudes

Sat Feb 6 20:57:30 UTC 2010

I am not having any issues with acceptance  in my church. We are a united
church of Christ and are open and affirming of all people of all backgrounds
and orientations. I sing in the church choir and am often asked to read from
the bible during our service. I am trying to perfect my braille skills, but
until I do that, my deacon is all to happy to type up the passages for me to
read, email them to me and I then use my computer in hand to and participate
as fully as any other congregant.

Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
CEO/Founder
My Blind Spot, Inc.
90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
New York, New York  10004
www.myblindspot.org
PH: 917-553-0347
Fax: 212-858-5759
"The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
doing it."

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-----Original Message-----
From: faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Linda Mentink
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 3:31 PM
To: Faith-talk,for the discussion of faith and religion
Subject: [Faith-talk] Changing Attitudes

Dear Mary,

I don't post much, either.  Yes, we want to change attitudes about 
blindness, and that's one reason why the division sponsor of this 
list was formed.  When RJ brought this up, he said something like, "I 
don't have this problem, but ..." That's not an exact quote, but the 
jist was that he was posing a hypothetical question. But it's real in 
the lives of many blind church members and seekers.

Blessings,

Linda

At 01:30 PM 2/6/2010, you wrote:
>Dear Linda,
>I don't believe we should be rude.  Of course, we should be in God's 
>will.  The fact is, though, that the NFB exists to change attitudes 
>about blindness,  and this obviously includes in faith 
>communities.  Blindness, as always, is one of our 
>characteristics.  We also all have different gifts to offer.
>I always felt guilty about not jumping into help our women's group 
>inthe kitch.  I tried to go in there and help.  Sometimes I would be 
>given a job.  I also tried to be in charge of our coffee fellowship 
>time.  Of course  I was fine with baking and bringing things in to 
>share.  I just wasn't good at seeting the table, putting things on 
>the plates to sqve, etc.  This was not because of being blind, 
>probably, it's just not my strength.  I am just saying that we all 
>have different strengths and weaknesses.  If we are told we cannot 
>participate because of being blind, then we need to address it 
>because it could hurt another blind person who comes there inthe future,
too.
>I'm sure that many people have quietly and respectfuly changed the 
>attitudes of people in their churches.  I also believe that there 
>are some folks, bless them, who  just will "never get it."
>Sorry to ramble on, but I don't post very often here on this list.  Thank
you.
>Mary
>
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: Linda Mentink <mentink at frontiernet.net
>>To: faith-talk at nfbnet.org
>>Date sent: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:21:24 -0600
>>Subject: [Faith-talk] Blindness and Church
>
>>Hi All,
>
>>I believe that we should worship where we can grow spiritually,
>and
>>where we agree with the teachings, not where the leadership will
>let
>>us serve.  Conversations with the leaders is appropriate.  The
>>question should be, "Lord, where do you want me to worship and
>serve
>>You?" not, "what church or denomination will allow me to serve.
>Get
>>involved in small ways when you decide you want to be a member,
>and
>>above all, pray.  Blind people serve in many capacities; yes,
>even as
>>Catholic priests.  It might be appropriate to get in touch with
>one,
>>if you're interested in being a priest, and ask that person to be
>an
>>advocate for you.  But be sure you are in the Lord's will, not
>your
>>own.  Ask if you can do something on a trial basis, if it's
>something
>>they don't think a blind person can do.  And, be respectful!
>
>>Over the years, I have been involved in many church
>>ministries--prayer chain chairman, deaconess, AWANA leader,
>missions
>>committee member, music committee member and chairman, pianist,
>>worship planner, choir member, choir director, and soloist.  I
>didn't
>>barge in; I just offered.  But it never was, "To me be the glory,
>>great things I can do."  Of course, I have been denied
>opportunities,
>>but I accepted that as God's will, and was glad to be less busy.
>
>
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