Umbrella Conference brings together:
under one umbrella for the purposes of learning, sharing and championing the cause to include people with disabilities in our faith communities. Join us and experience the JOY of inclusive community!
Emily Colson is a popular speaker and author of the award winning book, Dancing with Max. Emily speaks in churches and organizations nationwide and has appeared on numerous media outlets. In her book, Dancing with Max, Emily and her father, Chuck Colson, share the struggle and beauty of life with Max, Emily’s 23 year-old son with autism. Emily and Max live on the coast of New England where they can often be found dancing.
Jason Hague is the author of Aching Joy: Following God Through the Land of Unanswered Prayer. He lives in Junction City, Oregon, where he serves as the associate pastor for Christ’s Center Church and chief storyteller for his wife and five children. Jason writes and speaks regularly on the intersection of faith, fatherhood and autism and he chronicles his own journey as an autism dad using prose, poetry, and video at www.JasonHague.com.
For over 30 years, Barbara J. Newman has endeavoured to create communities of inclusion through All Belong where she serves as the director of church services. Co-administrating inclusive education at Zeeland Christian School allows her to stay on top of best practices which she shares at schools and churches nationwide and in her books and practical resources. Her books include Autism and Your Church, Read More Barbara was the 2012 recipient of the Christian Service Award from Bethesda Lutheran Communities and the 2015 recipient of the Henri J.M. Nouwen Award from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, as well as the recipient of the Ability Award from the Disability Network (Lakeshore) in 2017. She holds a teaching certificate with a cognitive impairment endorsement from Calvin College, and a Master of Arts in early childhood education and early childhood developmental delay with a concentration in autism spectrum disorders from Grand Valley State University.Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities, Nuts & Bolts of Inclusive Education, and her latest title, Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship.
Alan has spent the better part of his life as a husband and father of three wonderful children. Alan holds B.Sc.Eng. and B.Ed. degrees. His longtime clarion call has been “Adventure in Everything”. Through experiencing many failures and successes he has been led to a God-fearing life centred on increasing the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals.
Brad and his wife, Krista, have two daughters and they attend Centre Street Church, where Dr. Friesen is the Pastor of Global Ministries, overseeing over 150 partners globally. From Saskatoon, SK., Brad and Krista moved to Calgary in 2000. A third generation pastor, Brad quickly found a pastoral position and completed his Masters of Divinity. Read More
Cara Milne is the owner of M-Powered Planning Ltd, an award winning business that has been promoting positive and valuable roles for people who are vulnerable for over 15 years. Cara provides training and consulting that is innovative and practical for both agencies and families. Cara’s book and training seminars encourage staff and families to see Read More
Corinne has spent the past 25 years working with many different disability-related groups and organizations. As a continuous learner, she has a missions diploma, a disability services diploma, is a pharmacy technician, has a degree in Human Service Administration, a certificate in non-profit management and has loved her career in the disability sector in Calgary, Alberta. She has also spent those 25 years as a volunteer within Centre Street Church and is the guardian of a dependent adult.Read More
Julia is the mother of three amazing young adults, two of whom have multiple disabilities. She and her husband are looking forward to celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this year. Julia is an active volunteer in the Special Needs Ministry at Centre Street Church, where she leads a monthly community group for mothers of children with special needs. Julia has a kind and gentle heart and loves to craft. She freely shares her spiritual gifts with others, blessing people with opportunities to experience the love of Jesus and to feel treasured and cared for.
Leanne is a registered Social Worker with a clinical specialization. She has a passion for working with families and has a special interest in families who have children with special needs. Leanne feels that it is in the context of strong, collaborative relationships that we can work together; helping people share their experiences, build understanding and resilience and create their own sense of meaning. Leanne enjoys presenting her auto ethnographic research related to mothering children with special needs to audiences across Canada. Read More
As a parent of a now young adult with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, Leon and his wife, Camille, have worked hard to develop strategies to help their son with the challenges of life resulting from his disability. The family actively participates in the Centre Street Church Special Needs Ministry and are happy to share the tools that they have developed in the hope that they may inspire or be useful to other families with similar issues.
Matt is the Family Ministry Pastor at Centre Street Church and is married with five children. Before entering pastoral ministry, he was a Police Officer in Calgary and provided leadership in the areas of organizational change and officer training/development. Matt is passionate about seeing leaders trained, developed, and discipled into high-capacity, life-giving, reproducing leaders that thrive instead of survive. He desires to see leaders Read More
Since growing up in a small town on the moors of England, Michael Taylor has relished the outdoor life, with hiking, back-country camping and meeting interesting people around the world his passions. As a retired field geologist and a man of faith, he sees wonder all around him, and loves to share his insights on nature, commenting on the massive mountains around him, whilst sharing side-notes on the barely visible footprints of the smallest animals.
Sandra finds joy in contributing to the ministry of God by helping create an atmosphere for family and belonging. She is also passionate about guiding people, in Christ, through brokenness towards wholeness. Sandra recently began serving as Special Needs Ministry Coordinator at Centre Street Church. Prior to this, she spent 17 years working for The Children’s Link Society, as a educational consultant and family support worker. Sandra holds a Master’s degree, in Special Education and Psychology, as well as a Diploma in Counseling Skills. She enjoys presenting and writing and has published four resource books.
Sandra is the parent of an adult son, whose early entrance into this world impacted her life in many significant ways and inspired her to see the glory of God in a whole new light.
Shannon is passionate about helping people discover their unique design, calling, and God’s best plan for them (Psalm 32:8) ~ loving and serving God’s way. Shannon began her Kingdom adventure of following the Lord at age 21, while working and traveling around Australia. Since then, God has led Shannon to grow and serve in her journey at Briercrest Bible College, University of Lethbridge, Agape Language Centre, in Africa with the African Children’s Choir and Trans World Radio, out to BC with Operation Christmas Child, and now home in Calgary at Centre Street Church for the past 7 years. As Centre Street Church’s Volunteer Engagement Manager, Shannon advocates for a biblical model of serving and loves to journey with people as they see their part in growing the Kingdom of God in fruitful ways.
Dr. Stephanie Chung obtained her Bachelor of Music degree at the Seoul National University. Stephanie continued her studies in the Master’s program in piano at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. She is the recipient of two honorary doctorates, one in Humanities and the other in Music, conferred by Trinity Western University in Canada and Belhaven University in the United States, respectively. Stephanie’s contributions through music and philanthropy are evident in the numerous charitable events, fund-raisers and concerts at which she has organized and performed. Stephanie has also been actively involved in the diplomatic community and she seeks ways to improve the welfare of people around the globe. She also serves on numerous educational boards.Read More
Stephanie’s most recent accomplishment is the establishment of Joe’s Table Café, which is a one-of-its-kind coffee shop, staffed with people of different abilities. Stephanie’s vision came from her desire to find meaningful employment for her late son, Joseph Chung, who was diagnosed with autism and sezure disorder. As Stephanie had dreamed, Joseph became a missionary after all. In January 2018, an English version of Stephanie’s book about Joseph’s life, entitled, “Joe’s Table”, was released and has received numerous heartfelt reviews.
Stephanie received a service award from US President Barak Obama in 2013, in 2014 she received the “Widen our World” award, in 2015 she received the Order of Civil Merit “Dongbaek Medal” from South Korean President Geun-hye Park, and in 2017, she received the Senate 150th Anniversary Medal for her active involvement in her communities. Stephanie Chung, a mother of five, is a philanthropist at heart, an accomplished musician, a true diplomat and an educator. She lives to generously give back to the world through her talents and loving heart.
Wes and his wife, LaVerna Moreland began in the pastorate ministry in 1987 in Smithers BC. During this year they adopted their first daughter, Sarah. Wes has worked in various pastoral roles over the years. In 1994 he and LaVerna adopted their second child, Rebekah. Rebekah has multiple challenges including seizure disorder, cognitive delay, and Cerebral Palsy. Rebekah joined the family at around 4 weeks of age and was diagnosed with a seizure disorder when she was 3 months old. At the time, Wes and LaVerna were in ministry at Luseland Alliance Church in Saskatchewan. They continued in this ministry for another year and then moved to Regina. Read More
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration + Coffee |
| 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Opening Plenary Session Welcome and Announcements Worship Music – Christina Colyn Keynote Speaker – Emily Colson - Finding Joy on the Journey |
| 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM | Break |
| 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Breakout Session 1 A. Rise and Shine: Stories and Successes in Special Needs Ministry at Centre Street Church Corinne Thomas B. Embracing the Journey: Marriage and Special Needs Parenting Wes Moreland & Julia Deimert C. Beyond the Programs: The Restorative Power of Community Jason Hague D. Re-Storying Hope and Faith: A Mother’s Journey Leanne Shannon |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch and Networking |
| 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM | Breakout Session 2 A. Creation Calls: Designing Inclusive Outdoor Adventures to Bring People Closer to God and One Another Alan Sitter and Michael Taylor B. Planting Seeds: Promoting Spiritual Growth and Discipleship for All Matt Schorr & Sandra Werle C. The Power of Praise: Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship Barbara Newman D. Bring Back the Joy: Helpful Strategies to Address Compassion Fatigue/Burnout in Parents and Caregivers Emily Colson |
| 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM | Break |
| 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM | Closing Plenary Session Worship Music – Christina Colyn Keynote Speaker – Jason Hague - The Way of Aching Joy |
| 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | FREE FAMILY FUN EVENT Performers: Break the Barriers & Rick Alonzo Musicians: Hope’s Creed Worship Band |
| 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Registration + Coffee |
| 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Opening Plenary Session Welcome and Announcements Worship Music – Break the Barriers Keynote Speaker – Barbara Newman - The Joy of a Puzzle Piece Community |
| 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM | Break |
| 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Breakout Session 3 A. Shepherding Hearts: Engaging Volunteers in Special Needs Ministry Shannon Irwin & Sandra Werle B. Becoming Who You Are: Embracing Your Identity in Christ Brad Friesen C. Let’s Do Life Together: Tips and Techniques for Community Building Cara Milne D. God Has A Plan for Everyone: Can a Child with a Disability Be a Blessing? Stephanie Chung |
| 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch and Networking |
| 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM | Breakout Session 4 A. Peace Be With You: Strategies for Providing Positive Behavioural Support Leon Waldner B. When You’re Not Fine: Seeing Transparency as a Lifeline for Special Needs Families Jason Hague C. We All Fit: The Joy of Belonging: The Joy of a Puzzle Piece Community Barbara Newman D. Living in the Joy of Jesus: Testimonies of the Fullness of Joy Found in the Special Needs Community Panel of Presenters: Individuals and Family Members Living with Disability |
| 2:15 PM - 2:45 PM | Break |
| 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM | Closing Plenary Session Worship Music – CSC Outpouring Worship Band Keynote Speaker – Emily Colson - Let Your Joy Shine! Closing Remarks and Blessing |
Select from a total of sixteen informative breakout sessions, based on the conference theme of Choose JOY!
Sessions will cover a wide range of relevant topics and will be delivered by specialists in the field of disability ministry.
Presenter: Pastor Corinne Thomas
At this encouraging and informative session, we will walk together through the history of the Special Needs Ministry at Centre Street, from past to present. Hear about how the ministry began to rise and then to shine! Listen as participants, family members and volunteers speak about the joys and blessings of having a special needs community in the church. Watch video clips of various facets of our ministry such as Outpouring Worship Services, Kids Night Out Respite Events, Handbell Choir, Adult Bible Studies, Weekend Special Needs Ministry Classes, etc. Leave this session with practical resources and a toolkit to assist you in establishing or growing a Special Needs Ministry in your home church or ministry setting.
Presenters: Alan Sitter and Michael Taylor
Lovers of the outdoors and adventure, Alan and Michael will guide you through the “what” and the “how” of leading special needs ministry groups on hiking trips. The “why” will become evident as they share their experiences and provide examples of the positive changes, growth, and learnings experienced while exploring God’s creation. Hear stories of happiness, fun and spiritual growth that have resulted from enjoying peaceful surroundings, experiencing an appropriate level of challenge, being out in nature’s classroom and sharing the wonder with others. Both speakers were experienced hiking guides before becoming involved with designing and leading hikes and camps for people with special needs. They will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the various facets of this enjoyable community-building activity.
Presenters: Shannon Irwin & Corinne Thomas
As ministry leaders, following God’s way, it is important that we build and share a foundation of who, how and why we serve, with a Kingdom focus and love at the heart of everything we do. In this informative workshop, we will walk you through some practical, foundational elements of engaging volunteers (recruiting, selecting, equipping, leading and developing lead volunteers) with a Biblical lens. We will also take into consideration some of the unique elements of engaging volunteers in a Special Needs Ministry. In this discipling process, everyone has the opportunity to grow and the privilege of being part of God’s heart and Kingdom work.
Presenter: Leon Waldner
In this session, a parent of a young man with Austism Spectrum Disorder and an active volunteer with Special Needs Ministry will share effective tools and techniques that will help you deal with the various behavioural challenges that may arise when working with individuals with special needs. During the session, many practical strategies will be outlined, including:
Join us and find encouragement and ideas for behavioural management that can be used in the home, community and ministry settings.
Presenter: Pastor Jason Hague
Structured special needs ministries are essential, but the church has much more to offer than strict programs. In fact, faith communities are better positioned than any other agency to help people with disabilities grow and thrive. In this session, Pastor Jason Hague will tell stories of his own unique congregation and paint a picture of how the church can discover and employ her restorative call to those who need it most.
Presenter: Barbara Newman
Discover new ways to introduce someone to Jesus Christ, ways that may involve fewer words and more action. Then, discover strategies to extend and grow that relationship with Jesus Christ through worship. Find methods for all to worship as “one body, together in Christ”. Leave this engaging session equipped with some great practical tools to bring to your home and congregational times of worship. Become excited about the power of praise!
Presenter: Cara Milne
Cara Milne, director of M-Powered Planning Ltd., will share her top tips and techniques for community building. These will include ideas that could be used within a church and faith setting, but also some that would work within homes, neighbourhoods and workplaces. Conversations during this session will include specific ideas and examples around how to help people who are vulnerable to belong within their own communities.
Presenter: Barbara Newman
Celebrate a biblical vision for individuals and communities, where all belong! Discover the very practical ways this perspective brings joy and impacts our conversations, parenting tools, and congregational life. Learn about a three-part framework that can be utilized as a tool to help ensure that everyone fits in the heart of a church, family, or community.
Presenters: Pastor Wes Moreland & Julia Deimert
What happens when the fairytale ending of “happily ever after” is forever changed by the arrival of a child with special needs? Whether by birth or adoption, a special needs child brings unique challenges to a marriage. Having a child with a disability affects the way a couple interacts with one another and with those around them. We will be looking at how marriage relationships change and evolve over time and plan to discuss ways in which the church can help support couples and combat isolation by encouraging parents and their children to be active and valued members of the church community.
Presenters: Pastor Matt Schorr and Sandra Werle
Matthew 28 calls each of us to “go and make disciples of all nations” and that includes individuals with special needs – both as recipients of the good news and also as servants on mission! Join with us as Pastor Matt reviews general principles around discipleship. Continue learning and growing as Sandra reviews specific strategies for promoting spiritual development in children and adults with disabilities. Receive practical resources, including “10 Commandments for Special Needs Ministry Teachers”. Expect to leave this session motivated, equipped and excited to experience the joy of discipleship and helping others grow in relationship with Jesus.
Presenter: Dr. Bradley Friesen
We live in a society that suggests that our identity is found in whatever we want it to be and whoever we identify as. Unfortunately, this ideal has been reported to be false by many people who share that they never felt secure in themselves, as they developed their identity apart from God. In this timely and thought-provoking session, Dr. Friesen will speak about his own journey and share how he found fulfillment through rooting his identity in Christ. He will discuss how having your identity firmly established in Christ not only helps you experience spiritual victory, but has practical applications as well. In understanding your own identity in Christ, you will, in turn, learn to see others as being made in God’s image and this will impact how you serve all people, including those with diverse needs and abilities.
Presenter: Pastor Jason Hague
Many Christians grow up thinking they are supposed to be “fine” all the time. But in special needs families, “fine” can be hard to come by. In this session, author and pastor Jason Hague will talk about the power of spiritual and emotional honesty in the lives of hurting families. Along the way, he will discuss the power of prayers of lament, how to embrace weakness in relationships, and how to rely on God’s abiding presence to get us through everyday struggles.
Presenter: Leanne Shannon
What difference might one mom’s story of parenting her son who has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder make? This engaging and evocative presentation traces Leanne’s journey, a parent who initially feels isolated, hopeless and lost as she navigates how best to support her unique son. The story evolves as she does; as she discovers that her son is not ‘broken’ and that she is ‘enough’. Throughout the presentation, Leanne reflects on her own perspectives and insights and takes an honest look at the challenges faced as well as the eventual discovery of resilience and strength. After sharing her inspiring story, Leanne invites audience members to reflect on their experience of her story and on their own journeys; both personally and professionally. She poses questions about how this re-membering might impact the future; encouraging growth, learning and healing.
Presenter: Emily Colson
Compassion fatigue is characterized by physical and emotional exhaustion and a profound decrease in the ability to empathize. It is a form of secondary traumatic stress, as the stress occurs as a result of helping or wanting to help those who are in need. It is often referred to as “the cost of caring” for others. If left untreated, compassion fatigue can affect mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. Join Emily Colson, as she speaks with honest compassion about life and shares survival skills for parents and caregivers that will help you to live abundantly, one day at a time, and bring back the joy to life!
Presenter: Dr. Stephanie Chung
Join Dr. Stephanie Chung, musician, philanthropist, diplomat, educator, innovator and mother of 5, as she shares her incredible heart and inspiring story. During this moving session, Stephanie will speak about her son, Joseph, who was diagnosed with autism and epilepsy and tragically, passed away of an untimely death. This left Stephanie’s faith in God faltering and her heart totally broken. However, she will testify that God clearly demonstrated, in a miraculous way, that He had a plan and a healing process began. Just as Stephanie had dreamed, Joseph did become a missionary, as he was the inspiration for the establishment of Joe’s Table Café, a one-of-a-kind coffee shop that serves the community, with the main focus to open employment opportunities to those with different abilities. With her characteristic generosity, Dr. Chung has offered to provide a copy of her book, “Joe’s Table” to all participants attending this session and she will witness to the fact that God reveals Himself in amazing ways.
Presenters: Panel of Presenters
Prepare to be inspired as you listen to a panel of speakers that includes individuals, family members, volunteers, and ministry leaders testifying to the fullness of joy that can be found in the special needs community. Prepare to be uplifted and filled with hope as you participate in this lively session overflowing with positive stories of celebration.
Christina Colyn is passionate about connecting with people through music. She has spent the last twenty-five years contributing musically in various environments including singing at church and providing music therapy in specialized learning programs. She is a mother to three beautiful daughters, one of whom was born with special needs. The last several years have seen Christina return to writing, recording, and performing original music, having released a full-length album in 2018.
Learn more about Christina, her music and her upcoming events at www.christinacolyn.ca.
Break the Barriers is dedicated to accelerating awareness, understanding, acceptance, and education for all people with various abilities. We value each person equally, recognizing that we all have abilities and disabilities. We collaborate our efforts to ensure that every child and adult achieve success. At home in California we offer twenty-five inclusive sports, arts, and educational programs in which each student can discover their abilities. Everyone shares and learns from one another. Our performance group, the “Barrier Breakers”- a mixture of amazing performers, with various abilities, is responsible for bringing Ability Awareness, Outreach and Education to our community and around the world.
The Outpouring Worship Band is comprised of dedicated volunteer musicians who are passionate about glorifying God through music and song. To round out the band’s sound, there are always enthusiastic participants of all abilities who join in with energetic hearts of worship, singing praise to our awesome God and Saviour. The band plays monthly at Outpouring events at Centre Street Church, where people come together as an inclusive community to learn more about God and to worship as one.
Witness a dynamic performance by the international “Barrier Breaker” team as they demonstrate the power of inclusion through gymnastics, dance, martial arts, stunts, testimonies, music and more. Guaranteed to be a transforming experience that you won’t soon forget!
Rick Alonzo will also astound, combining his talents as a painter with contemporary music and movement to offer an artistic presentation unlike any other!
Prepare to be impacted by the energetic, captivating music and meaningful lyrics of Hope’s Creed. This Calgary-based worship band is sure to get you celebrating with their message of enduring hope and unending joy!
This is a free event, no tickets are needed.
Donations gratefully accepted.
Doors open at 5:45 pm for guests with mobility challenges and 6 pm for the general public.
Brought to You By Centre Street Church