ELCA NEWS SERVICE
July 6, 2006
Definitely-Abled Youth Gather for ELCA Leadership Event
06-095-KH*
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (ELCA) -- More than 60 parents,
caregivers, volunteers and youth with disabilities gathered July
2-5 in San Antonio for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America's (ELCA) Definitely-Abled Youth Leadership Event (DAYLE).
DAYLE is a leadership event for youth with disabilities planned
by the Definitely-Abled Advisory Committee (DAC). DAC is one of
two advisory committees to the Lutheran Youth Organization; the
other is the Multicultural Advisory Committee.
"DAYLE is a leadership development event," said Jon Vehar,
ELCA Disabilities Ministries, Chicago. "It's about showing these
participants that they have gifts to offer too, and that they are
needed by the church." The event also precedes the ELCA Youth
Gathering to give "participants a chance to see the venues and
learn accessible routes and what the gathering has to offer
before it's flooded with thousands of other people," he said.
The event featured small group sessions; music by Dakota
Road; guest speakers; worship led by the Rev. Andrea L. Starn,
Resurrection Lutheran Church, Sandusky, Ohio; Bible studies; an
adult track; a talent show and dance; a servant event; and
elections for DAC officers.
"DAYLE is important because the event is totally planned by
youth who have disabilities. It's a great opportunity for them
to really speak about what they feel other youth ... need to
hear," Vehar said.
During the opening worship Sunday evening, Starn spoke on
the topic "Strengthened by God to Begin the Journey," using the
event's theme Bible verse, "I can do all things through him who
strengthens me," (Phil. 4:13 NRSV). As part of the sermon, Emily
Schmidlin, DAC chair, Becky Rogers, DAC secretary, and Dayle
Kitch, DAC liaison to LYO, shared their testimonies and
experiences with DAYLE.
"This event truly transformed my faith," Schmidlin said,
encouraging participants to make the most of their DAYLE
experience. "No matter where you are now, you will be different
by the end of the week," she said.
Rogers discussed her struggle with faith and coping with a
disability. "You can't push God away," she told the group.
"This event is an example of how far you can come."
Kitch shared how her faith supported her while she dealt
with serious health issues. "God gave me the courage to go on,"
she said.
Keynote speaker Judy Siegle spoke July 3 about overcoming
the challenges in her life and how faith in God strengthened her
on her journey. After a car accident left her paralyzed, Siegle
went on to become one of the elite wheelchair racers in the
world. A social worker with MeritCare Health System, Siegle
travels around the United States educating and motivating
students, families, people with disabilities and those in
leadership positions to excel in their lives.
"It's in my striving for independence that I've found my
dependence on God," she told the group. "As we journey with
Jesus it is an adventure like no other."
Siegle reminded the participants that they are not alone in
their struggles. "God's love is with us," she said. "We are not
going this way alone."
The participants staged a talent show July 3. Acts included
a poem by the parents titled "'Twas the Night Before the
Gathering," stand-up comedy, performances by Dakota Road, skits,
poetry, songs, magic tricks, and a rendition of "The Three Little
Pigs" in Pig Latin to challenge the sign language interpreter.
On July 4 Ken Medema, a blind performer, shared his story
with songs and audience participation. As part of his
presentation Medema invited participants to share their stories,
and he improvised an original song based on their personal
experiences. Medema also incorporated his piano skills into the
presentation with classical songs and oldies hits.
Participants gathered for a servant event July 4 that
involved creating health care kits. In the evening elections for
DAC officers were held. DAC officers serve a three-year term
that includes the responsibility of planning DAYLE, serving as
advisors to the LYO, and participating in the triennial LYO
convention. Kalie Alberts, Askum, Ill., William Dahl, Silver
Spring, Md., and John Russell, Atlanta, were elected to DAC, and
will begin their three-year terms after the LYO convention July 9-
12 in San Antonio. Officers will also serve as advisors on
accessibility to other organizations in the ELCA, Vehar said.
"DAC represents youth with disabilities in the ELCA. We are
representatives to the LYO board, we plan DAYLE, and we also do
other ministries," Kitch said. One of the ministries is "Beyond
the Ramp," a program designed to educate churches and youth
groups about including youth with disabilities in the church.
---
Information about DAYLE is at
http://www.ELCA.org/gathering/dayle/ on the ELCA Web site.
*Katherine R. Hinck is a senior journalism and religion major at
Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D. This summer she is an
intern with the ELCA News Service.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
