SPECIAL NEEDS
At First UMC Arlington we have an exceptional focus on families with special needs members.
We understand that each family has individual needs and it is our goal to meet those needs.
If you're interested in volunteering with our Special Needs ministries or would like more information on attending, please contact us!
Sunday School
Shining Stars
Sundays | 10:00 am | Ages 3–12 | Room 108
A safe and fun class for special needs children to attend on Sunday mornings to learn about and experience the Love of God.
Other family members can enjoy one of two worship services held during this time.
Parents must notify us each week that their child will be attending, so we can match volunteers with the child’s needs.
Please contact Betsy Spencer no later than the Thursday before the Sunday you wish for your child to attend.
Amazing Grace
Sundays | 10:00 am | Teenagers & Adults | Room 153
Amazing Grace members have a heart for serving others. In addition to weekly Bible lessons, they participate in mission activities, such as providing holiday meals for families in need, creating a beautiful live nativity scene for the church before Christmas, and leading the church in the "Your Change Can Change the World" campaign during the season of Lent.
First Fridays Respite Program
First Fridays is a program that provides an evening of respite for parents of children and adults with special needs once a month (during the school year) at no charge.
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A team of volunteers provides childcare for children with special needs and their siblings on the first Friday evening of the month, while their parents enjoy a night out.
We maintain a one-to-one ratio with the special needs children to ensure safety and individualized care.
We have one or more nurses to assist with medical-related tasks, as well as other volunteers who enjoy playing with the siblings.
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Each participant has the opportunity to play in a group or by themselves based on their needs and preferences.
We offer music, crafts, gym time, quiet activities, movies, and special entertainment.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Betsy Spencer or call 817-274-2571.
Annual Events
Vacation Bible Camp
Date: TBD
Contact Betsy Spencer for more information on Special Needs Vacation Bible Camp.
Amazing Grace Live Nativity
2025 Date: TBD | Room 153
Come and walk through the Manger Scene performed by our very own Amazing Grace members.
"Your Change Can Change the World" Lenten Offering
Each year, Amazing Grace Sunday School sponsors a Lenten offering at the church called Your Change Can Change the World. The congregation is encouraged to collect change from their pockets at the end of the day in cups provided by Amazing Grace. These cups are brought to the church each Sunday during Lent and are received and counted by the class.
Amazing Grace selects a mission project to fund with the money collected.