Faith communities provide spiritual nourishment

By Jennifer L. Hipple and Joe Cullen, Communication Specialists

Spirituality can help people with disabilities feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and comfort and can support them during difficult times. Here we share the stories of ministries that have created safe and welcoming faith communities for those with intellectual and other disabilities to receive spiritual nourishment and express what is in their hearts while being in community with others and feeling connected to something larger than themselves.

People of Praise and The King’s Community

Members of the King’s Community enjoy participating in the Tuesday night services

For 45 years, Pastor Don Anderson’s Christ for People with Developmental Disabilities ministry brought spiritual nourishment to people in a way that was specially designed for them. Pastor Don formerly worked at Hammer Residences as a residential counselor in the dorms and later worked as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). Over the years, he developed an interest in the ministry and became an ordained minister. He began the Christ for People ministry in 1979 to share the love of God with people with disabilities across the Twin Cities. Pastor Don held weekly church services in Wayzata and Anoka, which dozens of people from Hammer Residences attended. They felt at home here. It was a place of belonging.

When Pastor Don retired in 2024, Maggie Starr-Knox (another former Hammer Residences staff), stepped up to help lead the Anoka community, which is known as “People of Praise” and holds services on Thursday evenings at Anoka Covenant Church. Emily Robillard, the Lead DSP at our Gardner home, felt called to help lead the Wayzata community, known as “King’s Community,” which holds services on Tuesday nights at Westgate Church in Plymouth, but is managed by Woodridge Church. Both churches welcome 60-70 people each week.

“This ministry is so important because for the majority of individuals this is their only form of church service,” says Emily. “Nationwide less than 20 percent of churches have any sort of support for individuals and/or their families to attend services. That means that 80 percent of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities do not have access to church and therefore cannot grow in their faith.” The goal is for individuals to feel welcomed, loved, and included. They are encouraged to participate in the service, whether it’s serving communion to their peers or leading prayer time. “I see the excitement every Tuesday when the individuals walk through the doors (as well as staff, families, and caregivers!). I watch them sing with all their hearts and participate in the lessons,” Emily says.

Maggie agrees and adds, “The Bible verse that we have in our mission statement is Samuel 16:7, God sees the heart. To me, it is a reminder to be actively involved in sharing the goodness of God with others. I am always joyfully surprised to be a witness to heartfelt worship to God. That’s love.”

North Heights Church: A Welcoming Community for All

For over 40 years, North Heights Church in Arden Hills has provided a welcoming faith community for individuals with disabilities, including many supported by Hammer & NER. North Heights provides an inclusive environment through their Special Needs Ministry where worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth are all thriving.

Lori Michaud, the Special Needs Director at North Heights, has worked there for over two decades. Under her leadership, the ministry has grown to provide Sunday morning worship, the “I Am His” Club on Tuesday nights, and a very popular Friday Night Lights social event with more than 100 participants every month. These programs provide people with a chance to attend worship in a welcoming environment that embraces their unique needs. “We try to accommodate everyone so they can experience faith in a way that is meaningful to them,” Lori says.

Bob Lockwood and his daughter, Dru

Bob Lockwood, a longtime Hammer & NER Board member and dedicated volunteer at North Heights, has witnessed the profound impact of this ministry firsthand. His daughter, Dru, who is supported by Hammer & NER, regularly comes to worship and really looks forward to each Sunday service. His late daughter, Stacy, found a spiritual home at North Heights, too. “This ministry has meant everything to our family,” Bob says. “It’s a place where everyone is included, no matter their abilities.”

North Heights’ commitment to diversity has not gone unnoticed; they were presented with the Community Partner Award from Hammer & NER. Through all their work, they continue building a faith-filled community where persons of all abilities pray, connect, and grow together.

(Header photo: King’s Community participants enjoy singing in the choir)