special needs
Walnut Hill is a Christ-centered, ability-diverse community working together to encourage strengths and support needs of those impacted by disability.
Our team understands the importance of individualizing environments and experiences to address the needs of every person. In each ministry area, we strive to allow everyone to participate as independently as possible. A “buddy” or “mentor” may be able to help your loved one attend our typical Sunday morning programs. Should this be needed, we also provide a self-contained class that could better suite your loved one for a positive and engaging church experience.
Though we have age-based programming, we understand that a conversation may be necessary to determine the best fit. We are happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have. Please contact specialneeds@walnuthillcc.org.
Are You New?
We would love to meet you and learn more about your family. Please contact specialneeds@walnuthillcc.org so we can make your first visit go smoothly and answer any questions you might have.
If you are a special needs family attending our New Milford, Valley or Waterbury Campuses, please contact us for more information about how we can best support you. Email specialneeds@walnuthillcc.org.
SUNDAYS @ BETHEL CAMPUS
AGE GROUP SUPPORT
Kids & Youth
9 & 11 a.m. Sundays
Infants-Grade 6: Individualized support can be made available for inclusive participation in age/grade-level Sunday morning programming.
Grades 7-12: Individualized support can be made available for inclusive participation in age/grade-level Sunday morning programming.
New? We ask that you contact us prior to coming to church in order to have the best support in place for your child.
Young Adults & Adults (18+)
9 a.m. Sundays
A group of young adults and adults impacted by special needs are invited to sit together in service. A person ready to provide any needed support sits alongside them. As appropriate, we can help arrange respite support for adults whose families would like to attend service. Please contact specialneeds@walnuthillcc.org.
New? We ask that you contact us prior to coming to church in order to have the best support in place for your family member.
BETHEL CAMPUS SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY SPACES
Community Room
11 a.m. Sundays
Our Community Room is a vibrant space for young adults and adults to gather in a sensory friendly environment for worship and teaching. This room is monitored and led by a volunteer team.
Friendship Room
9 & 11 a.m. Sundays
Our Friendship Room is specifically designed for those who are impacted by special needs who benefit from being in an environment that is adapted for each ability level and need. This room is monitored and lead by a volunteer team.
Sensory Room
9 & 11 a.m. Sundays
Our Sensory Room is open to anyone who needs to take a moment to be refreshed. This calm space is perfect for those who need to step away from programming and allow the refreshing of the Spirit minister to you. (Note: This room does not have a support person assigned to monitor it.)
ALL-CAMPUS YOUNG ADULT & ADULT MID-WEEK GROUPS
These groups break for the month of August and resume in September.
Regional Community Group
In Person: 6:45-8:15 p.m. in the Bethel Special Needs Community Room
Zoom: 7-8 p.m.
Adults (18+) impacted by special needs from across the region are invited on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday nights of the month for fellowship, worship and exploring God’s Word. We are excited to journey with adults with special needs as they grow deeper in their walk with the Lord. Please email specialneeds@walnuthillcc.org for the link.
Young Adult Bible Study in Partnership With Joni and Friends New England
Adults (18+) impacted by special needs are invited to join on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday afternoon of the month from 4-5 p.m. on Zoom. Come fellowship, worship, explore God’s Word and pray with Walnut Hill friends and new friends from across New England. We are excited to partner with Joni and Friends New England to journey alongside adults with special needs as they grow deeper in their walks with the Lord. Please email specialneeds@walnuthillcc.org for the link.
SUNDAY SERVING
Our young adults and adults are encouraged to serve throughout the church. Please contact specialneeds@walnuthillcc.org to talk about serving opportunities.
Family Events
Throughout the year, we have a variety of events for our special needs community and their families. Check out our events page for upcoming events and activities. For more information, contact specialneeds@walnuthillcc.org.
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