Open Hands, Open Hearts

A Service for Families With Special Needs

Open Hands, Open Hearts is a worship service for families with special needs in a judgment-free gathering place. The service includes music and movement, prayers, a lesson, and an opportunity for Eucharist and/or a blessing.

Once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, services will once again be offered on the first and third Saturday of each month. All are welcome.

Our Open Hands, Open Hearts worship space contains a quiet area for those who need a safe zone or a break.  It also features comfortable alternative seating, including “wiggle seats,” bean bag chairs, and floor mats.  Following a short interactive bible story and activity, all are invited to gather at the altar rail to celebrate Holy Eucharist.

Our Open Hands, Open Hearts Team

The members of our Open Hands, Open Hearts advisory team include Rev. Johanna and members of the Trinity Community who are teachers or who work with special needs students: Nancy Fraser, Lisa Gaddes, Renee Melaragno, Megan Picozzi, Jill Shurtleff, and Lisa Vota.

This dynamic service draws from many resources, among them: Gretchen Pritchard’s Beulah Land curriculum and Audrey Scanlan and Linda Snyder’s Rhythms of Grace curriculum. Our service is loosely formatted to mirror our Sunday worship service consisting of gathering, song, prayer, Bible stories, Eucharist, and sending forth.

In addition to the above-mentioned and proven curricula, Open Hands, Open Heart draws from a wealth of knowledge of those who serve on the advisory committee and others from within our congregation. Each service involves the participation of all the advisory committee members as well as other faithful members of our congregation.