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Representatives of churches honored with the Open Roof Award for 2015 pose for a picture with Debbie Eisenbise, who presented the award on behalf of Congregational Life Ministries and its Disabilities Ministry.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The 2015 Open Roof Award was presented on behalf of the Disabilities Ministry of Congregational Life Ministries to two Church of the Brethren congregations: Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren in Northern Indiana District, and Staunton (Va.) Church of the Brethren in Shenandoah District. The award was given to representatives of the two churches during the Mission and Ministry Board meeting in Tampa, Fla., in advance of Annual Conference.<\/p>\n
The two congregations have been honored for making specific efforts to \u201censure that all may worship, serve, be served, learn, and grow in the presence of God, as valued members of the Christian community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Accepting the award on behalf of the Cedar Lake Church were delegates Bob and Glenda Shull. Pastor Scott Duffey and Becky Duffey accepted the award on behalf of the Staunton Church.<\/p>\n
Along with a certificate, each congregation received a copy of a brand-new book, \u201cCircles of Love,\u201d published by the Anabaptist Disabilities Network, of which the Church of the Brethren is a member. The book features stories of congregations that have broadened their welcome to include persons with various abilities. One chapter of the book tells the story of Oakton Church of the Brethren, one of the previous recipients of the Open Roof Award, which now number 16.<\/p>\n
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Following are the citations that were read at the board meeting:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/a>Cedar Lake Church of the Brethren:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cYou have made significant strides through the years to accommodate the needs of your members, and empower all people for engagement in worship and in service. In doing so, you have found ways to expand your welcome to others in your community. This is an on-going commitment.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a congregation you have supported and helped to raise children with severe brain trauma who are now adults active in the congregation and serving as ushers, greeters and grounds keepers. In addition, Cedar Lake supports students with \u2018physical and learning challenges\u2019 who participate in a work \/ service program overseen by the local high school\u2019s special education department. Some of these students are members of the church. Along with being a placement for this program during the school year, the church provides summer opportunities for service as well.<\/p>\n \u201cCedar Lake has paid special attention to the Christian education needs of all, utilizing the gifts and abilities of a member with a degree in special education to assist in children\u2019s programming. As that program expands, staff considerations include a commitment to continue to meet all children\u2019s particular physical and emotional needs.<\/p>\n \u201cIn addition, you have met challenges posed by age-related disabilities providing large-print and projected texts and hearing enhancement devices. And the congregation has remodeled for accessibility allowing those with wheel chairs easy access to the building. Hand railings and automated doors welcome all who might need extra physical assistance.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have clearly seen opportunities presented by the varying abilities of your members and through the years have responded with creativity and compassion. And so we thank you, the Cedar Lake congregation, for being a blessing to your local community, and to the denomination.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n