MDUMC Special Needs Ministry
MDUMC welcomes persons of all abilities to all church gatherings. We offer fully accessible campuses in both of our locations. Our Special Needs Council works to remove barriers to participation in a full life of faith, including worship, study, fellowship, service, and leadership.
For individual support in attending events of your choice, to learn more about our various programs, or if you feel called to serve in this ministry, please contact Rachael Walker at Communications@mdumc.org.
Our Mission
To minister to individuals with special needs and their families or caregivers, to educate church members about the nature of various kinds of special needs, and to effect change in attitudes, programs, communication, and accessibility so that all will feel welcome at MDUMC.
SOCIAL MEDIA
IN THE PRESS
GAME CHANGERS 2026 recap
Hosted by the MDUMC Special Needs Ministry, this joyful event brings kids of all abilities together for an afternoon of baseball, celebration, and pure fun. Children with special needs will be paired with buddies on the field, creating a supportive, encouraging, and memorable experience for everyone involved.
Fall Registration for Intermission
Teens/Adults | 9-11:30 AM | West Campus - The Refuge
Join us for Intermission, a free respite program for special needs teens and adults (13+). Teens/adults enjoy bingo, arcade games, music, and being in a community with a 1:3 ratio.
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, September 12
Saturday, November 14
Saturday, January 9
Saturday, March 13
Kids | 9-11:30 AM | West Campus - The Journey
Join us for Intermission, a free respite program for children with special needs (ages 4-12). Children will explore the indoor playground, sensory play, and themed activities in a 1:1 ratio.
Upcoming Dates:
Saturday, October 10
Saturday, January 12
Saturday, February 13
Saturday, April 10
Super Place Camp 2026
Registration Now Open!
June 15-18 | West Campus - Adult Ministry Center
United Methodist Annual Conference
Sunday, May 24
Join us as the Special Needs Ministry performs a song during the opening ceremony at the Annual Conference!
Upcoming Events
Adults Super Place Camp
June 15-18, 2026 | Registration Now Open
Adult Super Place Camp is for unique and special needs adults. The day camp is a Christian camp similar to Vacation Bible School, but with the needs of special adults as the focus.
Special Needs VBS
Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17, 2026 | Main Campus
Ongoing programs
Ongoing Programs for Children:
Sunday Buddies Program - This unique program offers your child the opportunity to attend their age-appropriate Sunday School class alongside a trained volunteer while you attend worship. Sunday Buddies is offered during the 9:30 AM and 11 AM services at The Journey.
Wednesday Buddies for Young Family Connect - School aged children are matched 1:1 with a buddy. A family-friendly dinner is served before bible study.
Special Needs VBS - A weeklong Vacation Bible School held in July
Intermission - a free respite program for families from 9-11:30 AM (held the second Saturday of the month: October, December, February, April)
Ongoing Programs for Teens/Adults
Intermission: a free respite program for families from 9-11:30 AM (held the second Saturday of the month: September, November, January, March)
Joy Group - featuring Bible Study and fellowship; meets twice a month, on Sundays at 3 PM.
Adult Super Place Camp - a 4-day adult Vacation Bible School held in June.
Easter Seals Adult Programs - recreational groups for young adults and seniors with disabilities, which provide socialization, skills building, and independence.
Sunshine Sunday School - a place of learning and fellowship for older youth and adults with special needs (some Sundays @ 9:30 AM)
Grapevine Adult Sunday School Class - a place of learning and fellowship for high-functioning young adults (Sundays @ 11 AM)
God’s Love: A Journey of Faith and Joy
God’s Love: A Journey of Faith and Joy was a heartwarming evening that brought together Connor Tomlinson and Tanner Smith from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, along with their mothers, Lise Menard Smith and Nicci Smith. The event was filled with powerful stories of faith, inclusion, and love—showing how God’s presence shines through every journey.
Benefiting the Special Needs Ministry, Mikey’s Place, Steel Magnolia Moms, and the V-ATPase Alliance, this unforgettable night inspired everyone in attendance. It celebrated the beauty of community, compassion, and God’s enduring love.
