One Body, Many Parts

As churches mark Disability Awareness Sunday this weekend, the focus will be on the theme ‘One Body Many Parts’.

The Revd Katie Deakins, a presbyter for 14 years, reflects on the meaning behind the theme.

She is currently a Minister Without Appointment in the Lincolnshire Methodist District, which she says has “gifted” her the time to “explore and hopefully contribute something positive to the work being done throughout the Connexion by the Justice, Dignity and Solidarity team, in particular the work of the Disability Circle.” Having been severely sight impaired since birth, joining the Disability Circle feels a natural part of her ministry.

“As a Methodist minister, I find this rather exciting. There is great potential for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion to be ‘seen in action’ around our Connexion, and in our individual churches.

This reminds me of a conversation I had with a congregation member over coffee, at the end of a service. It was my last service as their minister before my appointment came to its close.

The lady was getting quite upset as she felt I was the only one who truly understood her disability. Each Sunday when I preached and led worship there, Pam would attach a small microphone (tuned in to her cochlear implant) to the lectern. This allowed her to follow the service more fully. She sang all the hymns in sign language and brought something to the life of the church that was unique and quite beautiful.

As a Severely Sight Impaired minister, I felt Pam’s presence was a gift. During our conversation on that final Sunday, I told her as much. Through Pam’s lived experience of profound deafness, the congregation was enabled to learn from her.

Each and every person who makes up the Body of Christ is a unique and equally important part of it. Disability Awareness Sunday offers us the opportunity to celebrate this diversity more fully. It also enables us to explore new and exciting ways of being one body with many parts.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, Paul writes about the body of Christ being like the human body, all working together for the good of the ‘whole’, each body part of equal importance whilst unique  – “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:27, NIV)

A prayer

Loving God, as the Body of Christ we each have our own unique role.

Help us to play our part more fully; and enable us to work together more readily.

Help us to stay alert to new possibilities that present themselves as we recognise the strength that comes through diversity and unity.

Amen.