First is committed to ministering to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the mentally handicapped and their families.  Through our Special Needs ministry, we provide activities, events, Bible studies, worship experiences, special trips, parental support groups, and more.  We also strive to help these families connect with other community and government programs that will be of further assistance to them.  Our goal is to provide loving, Christian support in a manner which will positively affect the health and welfare of the mentally handicapped


SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY AND WORSHIP
The Special Needs Ministry meets on Sundays from 9 AM to Noon at our West Annex building, across from our north parking lot at 15th Street and Summit.  Kyle Macrander is director of this ministry.  We use ability-graded groups to study Bible materials specifically designed for the mentally handicapped.  Following Bible study, we also provide a worship service designed to allow the mentally handicapped opportunities to worship through singing, Bible reading, and preaching - all in a manner that meets their unique needs and abilities.  One Sunday each month, the Special Needs group joins the rest of the church family in praise and worship. Call Kyle through the church office if you would like more information.

Transportation is available for this ministry.  Please contact the church office.


PARENT'S NIGHT OUT
We provide an opportunity for parents to leave their special person at the West Annex on Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:00 PM.  We play games, sing, and have refreshments during this time of fun and socialization.  The purpose of these evenings is to allow parents the opportunity to leave their special child in a safe environment while they rest, relax, or shop.  We provide this opportunity free of charge so that parents can simply be encouraged and refreshed.  Volunteers from our church assist in this ministry.  To volunteer, please contact Janet Werner through our church office.


PARENT'S SUPPORT GROUP BIBLE STUDY
This group is for the parents of our Special Needs people.  They meet from 6:30 to 9:00 PM on the 2nd and 4th Monday evenings of every month at the home of Mary Weixeldorfer.  You may contact Mary at (816) 229-7613 for her address and directions.  We meet to encourage parents and to discuss the problems they face.  We also provide an ongoing Bible Study as a forum to this group.  Childcare is not provided during the support group meetings.  Instead, the group meets while their children are in other state-sponsored activities.



READING AND MATH PROGRAM
This group is led by Barbara Hiles, a reading teacher. She provides tutoring in reading and math for the purpose of maintaining their levels and skills.  They meet on Monday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the West Annex. Call Barbara Hiles through our church office for an appointment.


Special Needs



Contact the
Special Needs Ministry

Jerry Craig
Associate Pastor
jerry@fbcbluesprings.org
(816) 229-9335 x.307

Sandra Poff
Special Needs Ministry

Administrative Assistant

sandra@fbcbluesprings.org
(816) 229-9335 x.301