At Bethlehem Lutheran Church, we believe that God created all people in God’s image, including our different ways of thinking. As Luther taught that God’s love is for everyone, we know that God welcomes minds of all kinds.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church welcomes you exactly as you are. Whether you process information differently, experience the world through your senses in unique ways, or communicate differently, you belong here. Your whole self—including your brain—is a gift from God, and we are blessed by your presence.
In Christ, we are one body with many different parts, each needed for us to be whole.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity means that brain differences are normal and natural, not problems that need to be fixed. Just like we value different plants and animals in nature, we value different kinds of minds at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Neurodivergent people may experience the world differently through:
– Autism
– ADHD (attention and focus differences)
– Dyslexia and other learning differences
– Tourette Syndrome
– Sensory Processing differences (how we feel things like sound, touch, and light)
– Anxiety and mood differences
– And many other brain differences
Each different kind of mind brings special gifts to our community. We believe God made these differences on purpose as part of creation’s wonderful variety.
The Rainbow Infinity Symbol
The rainbow infinity symbol stands for the many types of minds.
The infinity loop shows there are endless ways minds can work.
The rainbow colors celebrate the many different neurodivergent experiences.
This symbol reminds us that there’s no single “right” way to think, learn, or experience the world.
At Bethlehem, we use this symbol to show our promise to create spaces where all minds are welcome and valued.
Supports & Accommodations
We want to make the church open to people of all neurotypes. Our supports include:
During Worship
Sensory Room with one-way mirror into the sanctuary, so you can join worship in a way that feels good for your senses
Sensory Supports Table in the sanctuary with fidgets, headphones, earplugs, and other tools
Movement Space with plenty of room to walk or move during services
Different Seating Options including chairs with and without arms, soft seating, and space for standing
Communication Cards for those who don’t use speaking to communicate
Lap Blankets and Shawls for comfort and warmth
For Reading & Understanding
Large Print Bulletins in fonts that are easier for people with dyslexia
Digital Worship Materials available online before services
Visual Schedules showing the order of worship
Graphics and Infographics frequently used to show important information in visual, easy-to-understand formats
For Communion & Fellowship
Inclusive Communion with gluten-free wafers and grape juice options
Online Worship for those who prefer to join from home on YouTube
Quiet Spaces throughout our building for breaks when things get overwhelming
Living Our Commitment
Our commitment to including all kinds of minds is part of everything we do:
Neurodivergent Leadership: Our staff and church council include neurodivergent members who help guide our church
Diverse Worship Leaders: Neurodivergent people regularly help lead worship
Learning Together: We offer ongoing chances to learn about neurodiversity
Trained Children’s Volunteers: Our B.L.A.S.T. Off Kids leaders include those with training and personal experience with neurodiversity
Support Group: Special Needs Parents Support Group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 5pm
Multiple Ways to Communicate: We provide different ways to share, learn, and connect
Learn More About Neurodiversity
Want to learn more about neurodiversity? Here are some helpful online resources:
Neurodiversity: A Person, A Perspective, A Movement? – Steve Silberman’s TED Talk
“Neurodiversity: What You Need to Know” – Article from the Child Mind Institute
ADDitude Magazine – www.additudemag.com
Online resources about ADHD and learning differences
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) – www.autisticadvocacy.org
Auticate with Chris & Debby – YouTube Educational Series
ELCA Disability Ministry – www.elca.org/disability
Resources on inclusion in Lutheran churches
“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.” – Romans 12:4-5