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
God’s Love: A Journey of Faith and Joy
Thursday, October 9 | 6 - 7:30 PM | West Campus - The Journey
Join us for God’s Love: A Journey of Faith and Joy, a heartwarming evening featuring Connor Tomlinson and Tanner Smith from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum, along with their mothers, Lise Menard Smith and Nicci Smith. This unforgettable event will highlight powerful stories of faith, inclusion, and love—and how God’s presence can be found in every journey. Benefiting the Special Needs Ministry, Mikey’s Place, Steel Magnolia Moms, and the V-ATPase Alliance, this is a night of inspiration you won’t want to miss.
*Registration Opens Monday, September 1*
Register 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 13 | Register a Participant or Register to Volunteer
Saturday, November 8 | Register a Participant or Register to Volunteer
Saturday, January 10
Saturday, March 14
*All Registrations Coming Soon*
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 11 | Register a Participant or Register to Volunteer
Saturday, December 13
Saturday, February 14
Saturday, April 11
*All Registrations Coming Soon*
Upcoming Events
Special Needs Sunday
Sunday, September 14 | 9:30 & 11 AM | West Campus - The Journey
Inclusive church services dedicated to and featuring our Special Needs community. All are welcome.
God’s Love
Thursday, October 9 | 6-7:30 PM | West Campus - The Journey
A Journey of Faith and Joy featuring Connor Tomlinson and Tanner Smith from Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum. We're thrilled to welcome Tanner Smith and Connor Tomlinson from Netflix's Love on the Spectrum, along with their amazing moms, Nicci Smith and Lise Menard Smith. Come hear heartfelt stories of love, acceptance, and faith that will touch your heart and open your mind. This event celebrates the beauty of neurodiversity and will all shine a light on three local non-profits making a difference: Steel Magnolia Moms, Mikey's Place and v-ATPase Alliance. Tickets go on sale September 1st!
Game Changers Special Needs Baseball Game
Spring 2026
Adults Super Place Camp
June 2026
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 - School aged children are matched 1:1 with a buddy to attend Sunday School during 9:30 & 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)
