SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY
Who We Are
Our Special Needs Ministry welcomes children, teens, and adults with special needs into the community of our church. We strive to provide safe, calming, and welcoming programs so all of God’s people feel they belong.
Our Goals
• To reach out to the community and provide a safe and loving environment where people with special needs or disabilities can worship God, grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ, and discover their purpose within the church.
• To provide programs that nurture each person’s needs, skills, and abilities while they grow in faith and love for God.
• To provide an opportunity for people with special needs to worship, study the Bible, and serve in a way that is accessible and safe for the them.
• To provide families of people with special needs the opportunity to be able to participate in the life of the church as well as know their family member is loved and cared for and growing in their faith as they are.
Planning to Visit St. Peter's?
We are so glad that you will be visiting us for the first time! Prior to your visit, we ask that you contact Rev. Whitney Peper at wpeper@stpkaty.org so we can make sure we meet your loved one’s needs as you worship with us at any of our venues or campuses.
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP
Join us for an exciting 3-day camp filled with games, faith, crafts, worship, music, and fun designed for those of all abilities. We will have groups for preschools, elementary, teens and adults with one-on-one volunteers, class leads and assistants all designed to help make sure your loved one feels supported and engaged. Throughout these 3 days attendees will take part in activities that will teach about friendship, belonging, and purpose all while engaging in small and large groups.
SUNDAY OPPORTUNITIES
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL
Kingsland Campus
SUNDAYS • 9 and 10:30 AM
Meeting Location: Wesley Building
Children, teens and adults, with special needs can participate in 2 options on Sunday mornings. At 9am in our Wesley building we offer our separate self- contained class. This class is much smaller, with usually a 1:2 teacher/participant ratio. The curriculum in this class is individualized to those participating. This is usually a good fit for those who find the larger Sunday School classes or a traditional Sunday morning worship space overstimulating and overwhelming. At this hour we can offer the buddy program to children or teens who wish to attend Sunday school classes, but need additional support. Please note that our Student Ministry only has programming at the 9am hour.
At 10:30 we offer various forms of assistant for elementary grade-level Sunday School classes in the way that is best for them. They can attend their class independently, and the teacher can be made aware of any needs or challenges the child has. They also can participate in grade-level Sunday School classes accompanied by a buddy. Buddies lend guidance and encouragement, provide extra instruction, and offer friendship to children who need an extra set of loving hands. Buddies can be assigned to a child individually or to a class as a whole. Please stop by the Children's Information Desk upon arrival on Sunday mornings and someone will guide you and answer any questions you may have. Also, you can email Rev. Whitney Peper ahead of time with any questions at wpeper@stpkaty.org.
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL
West Campus
SUNDAYS • 9 & 10:30 AM
Meeting Location: Children’s Ministry Desk
Children, teens and adults, with special needs can participate in 2 options on Sunday mornings at our West Campus. We are able to offer our self- contained class. This class is much smaller, with usually a 1:2 teacher/participant ratio. The curriculum in this class is individualized to those participating. This is usually a good fit for those who find the larger Sunday School classes or a traditional Sunda morning worship space overstimulating and overwhelming. We can offer the buddy program to children or teens who wish to attend Sunday school classes but need additional support. Please note that our Student Ministry only has programming at the 9am hour. Buddies lend guidance and encouragement, provide extra instruction, and offer friendship to children who need an extra set of loving hands. Buddies can be assigned to a child individually or to a class as a whole. Please stop by the Children's Information Desk upon arrival on Sunday mornings and someone will guide you and answer any questions you may have.
Also, you can email Kelly Dye at kdye@stpkaty.org
COURAGE INCLUSIVE WORSHIP SERVICE
SUNDAYS • 5 PM • ASBURY HALL KINGSLAND CAMPUS
This service is also live streamed to our Facebook group.
We believe that all people deserve to hear the word of God and the message of God’s unwavering love and grace, but acknowledge that there are people who are unable to attend our existing worship services for various reasons.
This interactive service is designed for all people, regardless of age, background, or physical, cognitive, or emotional ability. The service has all the elements of our other worship services, but is shorter and adapted to the needs of those participating.
Our service has been designed using Matthew 14:24-29, which is the story of Christ calling Peter out onto the water. It wasn’t because of Peter’s ability that he was able to leave the boat, but solely because Christ called him. We know that if Christ calls us, Christ will equip us, regardless of what we think we can do. This service is open to everyone, whether they attend St. Peter’s or not, and our goal and mission is to serve all the people of God just as they are.
WEEKDAY PROGRAMS
FRIDAY NIGHT FRIENDS
4th FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH*
6-9 PM | KINGSLAND CAMPUS
Friday Night Friends is a respite care night for children with special needs and their siblings. Fun activities are provided for the children while their parents have a night out. Please contact Rev. Whitney Peper with any questions!
*May, November & December will be the 3rd Friday in observance of the holidays and end of school year
H20 PROGRAM
H20 is a respite program for adults with special needs. This program provides interactive games, crafts, lessons, music, and special outings to allow its members to engage with others and grow in their skills and faith. This program meets every Wednesday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Wesley Student Center. Please fill out the forms below and bring them when you arrive. Contact Kelly Dye at kdye@stpkaty.org with any questions or to submit the forms for enrollment.
SPECIAL NEEDS PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
MEETS 3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
Parenting in the best of circumstances can be hard; when you are a parent of a child, teen, or adult with special needs, it can be overwhelming. St. Peter's is starting a support group for special needs parents. It will be open to parents with children of all ages and of any need. Members of this group will meet to support each other, pray with each other, laugh, and cry as needed. If you are interested in being a part of this support group, please e-mail Kelly Dye at kdye@stpkaty.org