Friday Nite Kids
Ministry for kids birth - 21 with special needs and their siblings
In March of 2010 a new facet of our Special Needs Ministry evolved when we introduced Friday Nite Kids. This program was inspired and patterned after the successful Friday Night Owls ministry at Kirk of the Hills Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Friday Nite Kids began with four kids, and two Memorial Park families, and has expanded to include over 20 families from both our church and in the community, as well as over 50 volunteers. Friday Nite Kids was created to offer a fun night of supervised play and activities for children with special needs and their siblings so the parents can have an evening out.
Children with special needs and their siblings (6 months through grade 12) meet on the 2nd Friday every month (September-May) for a free night of fellowship that includes large motor games and sensory activities, computer time, stories, snacks, and a craft. The group meets from 6:00-8:30 PM in the Children's Wing. Participants must register each month via the invite e-mail. We also hold a week-long Bible camp in July.
Children with special needs and their siblings (6 months through grade 12) meet on the 2nd Friday every month (September-May) for a free night of fellowship that includes large motor games and sensory activities, computer time, stories, snacks, and a craft. The group meets from 6:00-8:30 PM in the Children's Wing. Participants must register each month via the invite e-mail. We also hold a week-long Bible camp in July.
Special Friends
Fellowship and activities for adults 21+ with special needs
Over 20 years ago, a visit to Memorial Park Church by quadriplegic author and inspirational speaker, Joni Erickson Tada, sparked the dream of Special Friends. Initially, the outreach ministry focused on the spiritual and social needs of adults with a physical handicap. Throughout the years, Special Friends has remained strong, but has developed to meet new needs, new volunteers and new ‘special friends’.
Today we have an average of 60 Special Friends, family members and volunteers who attend our monthly meetings. The special needs of these adults typically fall into a range of developmental disabilities, however there are also some with physical challenges as well. Special Friends provides an evening of worship, fellowship and activities for adults with special needs. Family and friends are always welcome along with our many MPC volunteers.
Adults with special needs and friends meet the second Tuesday of each month (September-May) for a free night of Bible stories, prayer time, songs, birthday celebrations, games, movies, snack, crafts and fellowship. The program runs from 7:00–8:30 PM in Westminster Hall. To register, contact Marlene Pugliese at 412-779-4634.
Today we have an average of 60 Special Friends, family members and volunteers who attend our monthly meetings. The special needs of these adults typically fall into a range of developmental disabilities, however there are also some with physical challenges as well. Special Friends provides an evening of worship, fellowship and activities for adults with special needs. Family and friends are always welcome along with our many MPC volunteers.
Adults with special needs and friends meet the second Tuesday of each month (September-May) for a free night of Bible stories, prayer time, songs, birthday celebrations, games, movies, snack, crafts and fellowship. The program runs from 7:00–8:30 PM in Westminster Hall. To register, contact Marlene Pugliese at 412-779-4634.