Claire at Church

One big area of support that our family has found with Claire is at our church. It is really cool to be able to take Claire to a community where people know how to treat her. They understand Claire and truly care about her. When we bring Claire to church, it takes even a little bit of pressure off of us because we know she is in a safe place and we don't really have to keep an eye on her or look after her because we know that everyone else in our church will do that.

For one thing, Claire is welcomed at Children's Worship at our church. This happens during the main service, the kids go downstairs and have their own little service and message. Claire loves to join them singing and listening. She is sure to be happy when she's at Children's Worship.

Another part of our church that has been great for Claire is Sunday School. There are multiple different classes that happen during the Sunday School hour, and our church even offers a sunday school that consists of only kids that have special needs. This is a blast for Claire. She gets to color and hang out with some of her favorite adults and peers.

Nowadays, Claire rarely comes into the sanctuary during the church service. (Although she is often seen opening and closing all of the doors during the sermon). One of Claire's favorite parts of Church is the worship, but it is hard to get her to come into the sanctuary because for some reason she doesn't want to! The few times that Claire does come into the sanctuary for worship, she glows with excitement. Clapping her hands and singing at all times. During some songs that Claire really likes, she even cries because she is so joyful. Watching Claire worship is truly amazing.

Claire gets to come to church not only on Sundays, but on Wednesdays as well when our high school youth group meets. I get to bring Claire with and she loves hanging out with all of us. Claire helps me lead worship on stage every Wednesday clapping her hands and singing passionately. It is a lot of fun to have Claire with at youth group. She brings a ton of joy into the room every week.

Our church, Glen Ellyn Evangelical Covenant, has offered great support with aides for Claire, Sunday School, and youth group. Not only that, but even behind the scenes with parent support groups and prayer for families. Glen Ellyn Covenant is a safe-haven for families with special needs to feel welcomed and included and has been a huge blessing for our family and Claire.