Deacon Mary Ann Mello has been helping to establish Church of the Advent, which will offer its services to those whose lives are affected by Autism.
Rhythms of Grace at Advent is a new worship offering by the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. It is a liturgical program developed by the Rev. Dr. Audrey Scanlan and Linda L. Snyder to serve the Autistic community and their families. An empty church and a diocesan desire to serve the under-served presented a great opportunity for the church to use its resources to reach out to the Autistic community and their families in our own diocese. The program seeks to provide an alternative way to meet their spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. While the Autistic community is the focus, the liturgy is appropriate for all people who wish to experience another expression of how we can worship God and serve God’s people.
Advent, Coventry (formerly St. Matthias) is centrally located in Rhode Island. The property has been vacant and unused for several years. The church’s location, ample sanctuary space, and redesign potential made it an obvious place to begin this new offering! Currently, the sanctuary is being reconfigured to host this unique and interactive worship experience.While much work is still required, a soft start is planned for June.
A number of families, professionals, and clergy will work through the program to ensure it has the correct balance to best serve those who God brings together to form this new community. A large-scale opening service is planned for September. If you are interested in volunteering for a work Saturday or have any questions, feel free to email the Rev. Dennis Bucco at father.dennis@hotmail.com or the Rev. Deacon Mary Ann Mello at deaconmaryannmello@verizon.net.
To find out more about the Liturgy “Rhythms of Grace” you can check out the website at http://www.rhythms-of-grace.org. We have been greatly inspired by the support and enthusiastic encouragement by so many people in the diocese that we are glad to be able to provide you with this update. Thank you for all you interest and prayers.
Maryann writes on their blog,
"We are putting down a floor in a church nursery and this is something I have never done before. I have also never helped to start a ministry before either. All new to me. Part of putting down a floor is making sure that the old flooring underneath is level and strong, so whatever type of floor you lay on top, lays flat but also has a balanced support system underneath.
I think that is what we are doing at Rhythms of Grace at Advent, laying a firm foundation and building a support system for this ministry before we open the doors. I am finding that it does take time and patience just like laying down the floor board by board but once it is finished it will be this sweeping space where anything can happen, anything can grow, anything can be.
For me, part of the foundation of this new ministry is listening to a community that is underserved and offering a place of freedom and comfort to be able get to know and hear God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in a way that includes our own unique way of communicating, in our own language. Happy Pentecost!
Peace,
Mary Ann"
You can follow their progress, and let anyone you know who may have need of their services by clicking here.
Maybe you should try reaching out to the former members of St. Matthias church who are STILL unchurched. After being forced into a merger with a church who didn't want "those people" (and made that quite clear) many people are left without a church home. There is a big area in Central RI that needs an Episcopal church. Coventry went from 3 churches (1 parish and 2 missions) to 1 small mission church in the space of a few years. There are many of us who are looking for healing and a church home. This is yet another stab to the heart. While I understand the need for a special service and space for those with Autism, I also want a space for those of us left hurt and churchless after the failed St. Matthias/Christ Church merger. Oh, and by the way - I hope someone told you that the nursery has a moisture problem before you laid that floor.
ReplyDelete"Wow! It is hard to hear that has been your experience. Thank you for letting me know and I'll be sure to pass this info along to the leadership of Church of the Advent and the Bishop's Office."
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