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Umbrella Conference 2019

National Disability Ministry Equipping Conference

Choose Joy!

October 25 – 26, 2019

Centre Street Church – Central Campus

About

Umbrella Conference brings together:

  • ministry leaders
  • families and individuals impacted by disability
  • professionals
  • community agencies and support workers

under one umbrella for the purposes of learning, sharing and championing the cause to include people with disabilities in our faith communities.  Join us and experience the JOY of inclusive community!

Keynote Speakers

Emily-Colson

Emily Colson

Emily Colson is a popular speaker and author of the award winning book, Dancing with Max. Emily speaks in churches and organizations nationwide and has appeared on numerous media outlets. In her book, Dancing with Max, Emily and her father, Chuck Colson, share the struggle and beauty of life with Max, Emily’s 23 year-old son with autism.  Emily and Max live on the coast of New England where they can often be found dancing.

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Jason Hague

Jason Hague is the author of Aching Joy: Following God Through the Land of Unanswered Prayer. He lives in Junction City, Oregon, where he serves as the associate pastor for Christ’s Center Church and chief storyteller for his wife and five children. Jason writes and speaks regularly on the intersection of faith, fatherhood and autism and he chronicles his own journey as an autism dad using prose, poetry, and video at www.JasonHague.com.

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Barbara Newman

For over 30 years, Barbara J. Newman has endeavoured to create communities of inclusion through All Belong where she serves as the director of church services. Co-administrating inclusive education at Zeeland Christian School allows her to stay on top of best practices which she shares at schools and churches nationwide and in her books and practical resources.  Her books include Autism and Your Church, Read More

Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities, Nuts & Bolts of Inclusive Education, and her latest title, Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship.

 

Barbara was the 2012 recipient of the Christian Service Award from Bethesda Lutheran Communities and the 2015 recipient of the Henri J.M. Nouwen Award from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, as well as the recipient of the Ability Award from the Disability Network (Lakeshore) in 2017. She holds a teaching certificate with a cognitive impairment endorsement from Calvin College, and a Master of Arts in early childhood education and early childhood developmental delay with a concentration in autism spectrum disorders from Grand Valley State University.

Breakout Session Speakers

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Alan Sitter

Alan has spent the better part of his life as a husband and father of three wonderful children. Alan holds B.Sc.Eng. and B.Ed. degrees.  His longtime clarion call has been “Adventure in Everything”. Through experiencing many failures and successes he has been led to a God-fearing life centred on increasing the wellbeing of vulnerable individuals.

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Dr. Bradley Friesen

Brad and his wife, Krista, have two daughters and they attend Centre Street Church, where Dr. Friesen is the Pastor of Global Ministries, overseeing over 150 partners globally.  From Saskatoon, SK.,  Brad and Krista moved to Calgary in 2000. A third generation pastor, Brad quickly found a pastoral position and completed his Masters of Divinity. Read More

Brad has been in ministry for 24 years and now holds his doctorate in Global and Contextual Leadership from Bethel University in St. Paul Minnesota.  He is the creator and president of the School of Identity, which helps people to know their identity in Christ, in practical terms. Brad has traveled globally and desires to bring global and culturally intelligent strategy to discipleship. Recognized for his global speaking and award winning research, Brad is excited to bring his expertise and heart to the Umbrella conference to help people understand who they are in Christ and who others are in Christ, in practical ways.
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Cara Milne

Cara Milne is the owner of M-Powered Planning Ltd, an award winning business that has been promoting positive and valuable roles for people who are vulnerable for over 15 years.  Cara provides training and consulting that is innovative and practical for both agencies and families.   Cara’s book and training seminars encourage staff and families to see Read More

the strengths of their existing services, and simple strategies that create positive changes in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Cara’s positive and energetic approach supports both common sense and sustainable change. Cara is the proud author of the book, Building Community: Practical Ways to Build Inclusive Communities for People who are Vulnerable. 
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Corinne Thomas

Corinne has spent the past 25 years working with many different disability-related groups and organizations.  As a continuous learner, she has a missions diploma, a disability services diploma, is a pharmacy technician, has a degree in Human Service Administration, a certificate in non-profit management and has loved her career in the disability sector in Calgary, Alberta.  She has also spent those 25 years as a volunteer within Centre Street Church and is the guardian of a dependent adult.Read More

In 2017, God called Corinne into ministry full-time to work as the Pastor of the Special Needs Ministry at Centre Street Church. Even though this has been a growth step for her, it has taken her two passions – working with individuals with special needs and her relationship with Jesus and has now made it her life’s work. Her passion is to challenge those with special needs to grow in their relationship with Jesus through discipleship. Corinne feels that it is an honour to be the leader of such a wonderful community that loves Jesus with all of their hearts.
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Julia Deimert

Julia is the mother of three amazing young adults, two of whom have multiple disabilities.  She and her husband are looking forward to celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary this year.  Julia is an active volunteer in the Special Needs Ministry at Centre Street Church, where she leads a monthly community group for mothers of children with special needs.  Julia has a kind and gentle heart and loves to craft.  She freely shares her spiritual gifts with others, blessing people with opportunities to experience the love of Jesus and to feel treasured and cared for.

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Leanne Shannon

Leanne is a registered Social Worker with a clinical specialization.  She has a passion for working with families and has a special interest in families who have children with special needs.  Leanne feels that it is in the context of strong, collaborative relationships that we can work together; helping people share their experiences, build understanding and resilience and create their own sense of meaning.   Leanne enjoys presenting her auto ethnographic research related to mothering children with special needs to audiences across Canada.  Read More

Leanne is also a mom of three children and she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking and writing.
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Leon Waldner

As a parent of a now young adult with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder, Leon and his wife, Camille, have worked hard to develop strategies to help their son with the challenges of life resulting from his disability.  The family actively participates in the Centre Street Church Special Needs Ministry and are happy to share the tools that they have developed in the hope that they may inspire or be useful to other families with similar issues.

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Matt Schorr

Matt is the Family Ministry Pastor at Centre Street Church and is married with five children.  Before entering pastoral ministry, he was a Police Officer in Calgary and provided leadership in the areas of organizational change and officer training/development.  Matt is passionate about seeing leaders trained, developed, and discipled into high-capacity, life-giving, reproducing leaders that thrive instead of survive.  He desires to see leaders Read More

of leaders equipped in best practices, processes, and methodologies designed to move ministries towards being volunteer-led with excellence.
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Michael Taylor

Since growing up in a small town on the moors of England, Michael Taylor has relished the outdoor life, with hiking, back-country camping and meeting interesting people around the world his passions.  As a retired field geologist and a man of faith, he sees wonder all around him, and loves to share his insights on nature, commenting on the massive mountains around him, whilst sharing side-notes on the barely visible footprints of the smallest animals.

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Sandra Werle

Sandra finds joy in contributing to the ministry of God by helping create an atmosphere for family and belonging.  She is also passionate about guiding people, in Christ, through brokenness towards wholeness.  Sandra recently began serving as Special Needs Ministry Coordinator at Centre Street Church.  Prior to this, she spent 17 years working for The Children’s Link Society, as a educational consultant and family support worker.  Sandra holds a Master’s degree, in Special Education and Psychology, as well as a Diploma in Counseling Skills.  She enjoys presenting and writing and has published four resource books.

Sandra is the parent of an adult son, whose early entrance into this world impacted her life in many significant ways and inspired her to see the glory of God in a whole new light.

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Shannon Irwin

Shannon is passionate about helping people discover their unique design, calling, and God’s best plan for them (Psalm 32:8) ~ loving and serving God’s way. Shannon began her Kingdom adventure of following the Lord at age 21, while working and traveling around Australia. Since then, God has led Shannon to grow and serve in her journey at Briercrest Bible College, University of Lethbridge, Agape Language Centre, in Africa with the African Children’s Choir and Trans World Radio, out to BC with Operation Christmas Child, and now home in Calgary at Centre Street Church for the past 7 years. As Centre Street Church’s Volunteer Engagement Manager, Shannon advocates for a biblical model of serving and loves to journey with people as they see their part in growing the Kingdom of God in fruitful ways.

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Dr. Stephanie Chung

Dr. Stephanie Chung obtained her Bachelor of Music degree at the Seoul National University. Stephanie continued her studies in the Master’s program in piano at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles. She is the recipient of two honorary doctorates, one in Humanities and the other in Music, conferred by Trinity Western University in Canada and Belhaven University in the United States, respectively. Stephanie’s contributions through music and philanthropy are evident in the numerous charitable events, fund-raisers and concerts at which she has organized and performed.  Stephanie has also been actively involved in the diplomatic community and she seeks ways to improve the welfare of people around the globe.  She also serves on numerous educational boards.Read More

Stephanie’s most recent accomplishment is the establishment of Joe’s Table Café, which is a one-of-its-kind coffee shop, staffed with people of different abilities.  Stephanie’s vision came from her desire to find meaningful employment for her late son, Joseph Chung, who was diagnosed with autism and sezure disorder.  As Stephanie had dreamed, Joseph became a missionary after all.  In January 2018, an English version of Stephanie’s book about Joseph’s life, entitled, “Joe’s Table”, was released and has received numerous heartfelt reviews.

Stephanie received a service award from US President Barak Obama in 2013, in 2014 she received the “Widen our World” award, in 2015 she received the Order of Civil Merit “Dongbaek Medal” from South Korean President Geun-hye Park, and in 2017, she received the Senate 150th Anniversary Medal for her active involvement in her communities. Stephanie Chung, a mother of five, is a philanthropist at heart, an accomplished musician, a true diplomat and an educator. She lives to generously give back to the world through her talents and loving heart.

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Wes Moreland

Wes and his wife, LaVerna Moreland began in the pastorate ministry in 1987 in Smithers BC. During this year they adopted their first daughter, Sarah. Wes has worked in various pastoral roles over the years. In 1994 he and LaVerna adopted their second child, Rebekah. Rebekah has multiple challenges including seizure disorder, cognitive delay, and Cerebral Palsy.  Rebekah joined the family at around 4 weeks of age and was diagnosed with a seizure disorder when she was 3 months old. At the time, Wes and LaVerna were in ministry at Luseland Alliance Church in Saskatchewan.  They continued in this ministry for another year and then moved to Regina. Read More

In Regina, LaVerna completed her Bachelor of Education and Wes took training in the technology field. Wes pursued work in the technology field until 2004. The couple then returned to pastoral ministry. Wes and LaVerna have navigated the medical, social and educational services for Rebekah in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and presently in Alberta. LaVerna took additional education to support children with learning challenges as she was completing her B.Ed. degree in Regina. LaVerna has worked in the education field in BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta.

Schedule

Subject to Change

Fri, Oct 25

8:00 AM - 9:00 AMRegistration + Coffee
9:00 AM - 10:15 AMOpening Plenary Session
Welcome and Announcements
Worship Music – Christina Colyn
Keynote Speaker – Emily Colson - Finding Joy on the Journey
10:15 AM - 10:45 AMBreak
10:45 AM - 12:00 PMBreakout Session 1
A. Rise and Shine: Stories and Successes in Special Needs Ministry at Centre Street Church
Corinne Thomas
B. Embracing the Journey: Marriage and Special Needs Parenting
Wes Moreland & Julia Deimert
C. Beyond the Programs: The Restorative Power of Community
Jason Hague
D. Re-Storying Hope and Faith: A Mother’s Journey
Leanne Shannon
12:00 PM - 1:00 PMLunch and Networking
1:00 PM - 2:15 PMBreakout Session 2
A. Creation Calls: Designing Inclusive Outdoor Adventures to Bring People Closer to God and One Another
Alan Sitter and Michael Taylor
B. Planting Seeds: Promoting Spiritual Growth and Discipleship for All
Matt Schorr & Sandra Werle
C. The Power of Praise: Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship
Barbara Newman
D. Bring Back the Joy: Helpful Strategies to Address Compassion Fatigue/Burnout in Parents and Caregivers
Emily Colson
2:15 PM - 2:45 PMBreak
2:45 PM - 4:00 PMClosing Plenary Session
Worship Music – Christina Colyn
Keynote Speaker – Jason Hague - The Way of Aching Joy

7:00 PM - 9:00 PMFREE FAMILY FUN EVENT
Performers: Break the Barriers & Rick Alonzo
Musicians: Hope’s Creed Worship Band

Sat, Oct 26

8:00 AM - 9:00 AMRegistration + Coffee
9:00 AM - 10:15 AMOpening Plenary Session
Welcome and Announcements
Worship Music – Break the Barriers
Keynote Speaker – Barbara Newman - The Joy of a Puzzle Piece Community
10:15 AM - 10:45 AMBreak
10:45 AM - 12:00 PMBreakout Session 3
A. Shepherding Hearts: Engaging Volunteers in Special Needs Ministry
Shannon Irwin & Sandra Werle
B. Becoming Who You Are: Embracing Your Identity in Christ
Brad Friesen
C. Let’s Do Life Together: Tips and Techniques for Community Building
Cara Milne
D. God Has A Plan for Everyone: Can a Child with a Disability Be a Blessing?
Stephanie Chung
12:00 PM - 1:00 PMLunch and Networking
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM Breakout Session 4
A. Peace Be With You: Strategies for Providing Positive Behavioural Support
Leon Waldner
B. When You’re Not Fine: Seeing Transparency as a Lifeline for Special Needs Families
Jason Hague
C. We All Fit: The Joy of Belonging: The Joy of a Puzzle Piece Community
Barbara Newman
D. Living in the Joy of Jesus: Testimonies of the Fullness of Joy Found in the Special Needs Community
Panel of Presenters: Individuals and Family Members Living with Disability
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM Break
2:45 PM - 4:00 PMClosing Plenary Session
Worship Music – CSC Outpouring Worship Band
Keynote Speaker – Emily Colson - Let Your Joy Shine!
Closing Remarks and Blessing

Breakout Sessions

Select from a total of sixteen informative breakout sessions, based on the conference theme of Choose JOY!

Sessions will cover a wide range of relevant topics and will be delivered by specialists in the field of disability ministry.

TRACK A – The Joy of Disability Ministry

TRACK C – The Joy of Inclusive Community

TRACK B – The Joy of Christ-Centred Relationships

TRACK D – The Joy of Being Anchored in the Lord

Conference Worship Music

Christina Colyn

Christina Colyn is passionate about connecting with people through music. She has spent the last twenty-five years contributing musically in various environments including singing at church and providing music therapy in specialized learning programs. She is a mother to three beautiful daughters, one of whom was born with special needs. The last several years have seen Christina return to writing, recording, and performing original music, having released a full-length album in 2018.

Learn more about Christina, her music and her upcoming events at www.christinacolyn.ca.

 

 

 

Break the Barriers

Break the Barriers is dedicated to accelerating awareness, understanding, acceptance, and education for all people with various abilities. We value each person equally, recognizing that we all have abilities and disabilities. We collaborate our efforts to ensure that every child and adult achieve success. At home in California we offer twenty-five inclusive sports, arts, and educational programs in which each student can discover their abilities. Everyone shares and learns from one another. Our performance group, the “Barrier Breakers”- a mixture of amazing performers, with various abilities, is responsible for bringing Ability Awareness, Outreach and Education to our community and around the world.

Centre Street Outpouring Worship Band:

The Outpouring Worship Band is comprised of dedicated volunteer musicians who are passionate about glorifying God through music and song.  To round out the band’s sound, there are always enthusiastic participants of all abilities who join in with energetic hearts of worship, singing praise to our awesome God and Saviour.  The band plays monthly at Outpouring events at Centre Street Church, where people come together as an inclusive community to learn more about God and to worship as one.

Free Family Fun Event

Friday, October 25, 2019  |  7:00 PM | Centre Street Church – Central Campus – Worship Centre

Break the Barriers

Witness a dynamic performance by the international “Barrier Breaker” team as they demonstrate the power of inclusion through gymnastics, dance, martial arts, stunts, testimonies, music and more.  Guaranteed to be a transforming experience that you won’t soon forget!

Rick Alonzo

Rick Alonzo will also astound, combining his talents as a painter with contemporary music and movement to offer an artistic presentation unlike any other!

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Hope’s Creed

Prepare to be impacted by the energetic, captivating music and meaningful lyrics of Hope’s Creed.  This Calgary-based worship band is sure to get you celebrating with their message of enduring hope and unending joy!

Hopes Creed 4 RMI zoom

This is a free event, no tickets are needed.
Donations gratefully accepted.
Doors open at 5:45 pm for guests with mobility challenges and 6 pm for the general public.

Umbrella Conference 2019
Two full days of learning, disability ministry sharing, worshiping, networking and JOY!

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