Christ Church Budd Lake Expands Worship Service for Special Needs Children
The Rev. Dr. Darlene Tittle explaining the birth of Jesus to the children
who attended the All God's Children Christmas Service.
All God's Children, a non-denominational Christian church service designed specifically for families dealing with autism, ADHD, Aspergers and other developmental disabilities, will be expanded to a bi-monthly schedule for 2008 at Christ Church Budd Lake.
Catering to short attention spans, the All God's Children service is a lively combination of music, prayer, Bible stories, movement and communion. The essential message of God's love and joy for all of His children is presented in a simplified, meaningful way. This service brings together children with disabilities AND children without disabilities to learn together, and from each other, in an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance. Following the half-hour service, parents share refreshments and ideas while the children enjoy animated videos with adult supervision.
"We began this service last Fall on a monthly basis to provide a welcoming worship space for families with exceptionally active and/or vocal children, who often are diagnosed with Aspergers, ADD, autism, or a host of other conditions," explained The Rev. Dr. Darlene Tittle, Rector of Christ Church. "We expected a wide range of behaviors, with each child participating to the best of their individual abilities. What we did NOT expect was the outpouring of blessings upon our church as we witness all of God's children making their joyful noises to the Lord together!"
The number of participants continues to grow, along with a growing sense of the importance of sharing the Christian faith with these extraordinary young people. For 2008, the church will be celebrating All God"s Children on the first and third Sundays of each month, from 9AM to 9:30AM. The next service will be January 20
. A special Easter service will be presented on March 23
, also at 9AM. Come and pray for healing, strength, progress, and enlightenment as we share our spiritual journeys!
Christ Church is located at the corner of Smithtown and Sandshore Road by Budd Lake in Mount Olive, just up from Route 46. For more information please call the church at 973-347-1866 or email
