DISABILITIES

serving together

Come join us as we share the love of Jesus in word and deed with children and adults with developmental disabilities and the families that love them. Partnering with our STARS is a life-changing experience; be prepared to receive as much as you give!

Every person who volunteers in the ministry fills out an application and undergoes a background check. Never worked with people with special needs? No problem. We will equip you with everything you need through observation, training modules and hands-on experiences. Check out our online training video on the right side of this page.

Families, we believe that God has gifted the STARS to serve, as well. Explore how your STAR can serve God at College Church.

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OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE STARS
AND THEIR FAMILIES
 

There are many service opportunities available in the STARS ministry which are described below. If you are interested in serving in STARS for the first time, or if you would like more information, email Director Julie Clemens or call her at 630.668.0878.

New and returning ministry partner application
Articles of Faith
Standards of the Christian Life
Child Protection Policy

  • Sunday opportunities

    On Sundays, we teach and disciple children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities to know Jesus as their Savior. We do this through special classes and inclusion in regular children's and youth ministry at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 am., as well as through music at 6 p.m. These are weekly commitments.

    9:30 a.m. - Serve in Teen or Adult STARS. Contact Dorothy Nicholson.
    11:00 a.m. - Serve in Teen or Adult STARS. Contact Sarah Nelson.
    9:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. - Serve as a buddy in Young STARS classes or
    inclusion. Contact Shelley Swanson, Ministry Associate for Young Families and Inclusion.
    6:00-7:15 p.m. - STARS Choir (September-April) Help our adult and teen
    STARS praise God through singing, drama and signing as they prepare for
    Christmas programs and Disability Ministry Sunday (in March or April). No
    musical background required. Contact Kristin Visconti, Ministry Associate for STARS - Music.

  • BUS MINISTRY

    Our wheelchair accessible bus picks up people with disabilities every Sunday for the 9:30 a.m. service so we can all worship together. To serve in this ministry, you need to be over 25, have a good driving record and enjoy helping include people with disabilities in the life of the church. No special license is needed. Contact Jack Swanson.

  • high school students

    High school students buddy up with STARS on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. as part of the High School Disability Ministry Team (DMT). Contact Julie Clemens.

  • WEDNESDAY OPPORTUNITIES (SEPTEMBER-APRIL)

    6:45-8:15 p.m. Praise In Action: Help adult and teen STARS praise God through percussion, hand chimes and other instruments as they prepare for various performances at church and in the community. Contact Kristin Visconti, Ministry Associate for STARS - Music.
    Inclusion in Pioneer Girls and Boys Brigade: Help include children with special needs in these kids' clubs. Contact Shelley Swanson, Ministry Associate for Young Families and Inclusion.

  • friday opportunities (october-april)

    6:30-9:00 p.m. Friday Night Fun: Usually the first Friday of the month (occasionally the third Friday). Assist adult and teen STARS have fun and form friendships through this social and recreational program. The evening includes crafts, gym activities, a snack and a robust singing/prayer time. Contact Beth Gunther.
    6:30-9:00 p.m. Buddy Break: Usually the first F    riday of the month. Assist Young STARS (ages 14 and under) and their siblings have a fun evening including recreation, crafts, table games, singing and prayer. Contact Shelley Swanson, Ministry Associate for Young Families and Inclusion.

  • hangin' with a star (october-aprIL)

    A cooperative program between College Church and the Office of Christian Outreach at Wheaton College. College students buddy up with adult and teen STARS to attend campus events. Contact Beth Gunther.

  • Email Julie Clemens or call her at 630.668.0878, ext 115 to explore opportunities to serve in the STARS Disability Ministry.

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