wfn.org | UMNS# 608-Church Christmas play stars developmentally disabled

["NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>]

Church Christmas play stars developmentally disabled adults 

Dec. 21, 2004

NOTE: A UMTV report is available at www.umtv.org.

By Jan Snider

With a wig atop his head and audience members seated in anticipation, the
Elvis-impersonator warms up the crowd for the annual Christmas play. This gig
is his choice to celebrate the season.

Cliff isn't your typical Elvis-impersonator, and this isn't the usual
Christmas play. Cliff is one of about 30 developmentally disabled adults in
the Noah's Ark Sunday School class at Roswell United Methodist Church in
Roswell, GA.  The class is a ministry serving an often under-served group of
people. 

All the actors in this production of the Christmas story have a developmental
disability, such as Down's Syndrome or cerebral palsy. They range in age from
20 to 70.  

For three years, class members have donned costumes and transported an
audience of about 200 to Bethlehem where Joseph and Mary search for shelter.
The speaking parts are brief, but the emotion behind the words is apparent.
One actor, who has had difficulty communicating in the past, has memorized
his lines and delivers them with confidence and pride. Onlookers say he's
blossomed.

"If they don't have a speaking part, they sing in the choir or they help
usher people to their seats," explains Gail Nabors, who, along with Penny
Monk, coordinates the class. As the wise men and angels take their places,
members of the congregation can hardly contain their smiles. 

This year Daryl is the star bearer. He is draped in black and carries an
electric star. When he ascends the stage, the star is plugged in and the
"wow" factor affects both the actors and the audience. 

Nabors says she always has the same sense of wonder when she works with the
members of Noah's Ark. "It's hard to describe, you've got to have your dose
of Noah's Ark once a week."  

The special ministry has been in place for more than 20 years. Class members
chose the name, "Noah's Ark." Like the famous vessel, they are navigating the
world with God's blessing. Others in the church say that members of Noah's
Ark offer acceptance and purity that is lacking in many people who do not
face the same challenges.

They group recently began a handbell choir. One parishioner says the ringers
may know only one song, but they play it beautifully. They also perform other
dramas occasionally, including at Mother's Day and Easter. The group may try
interpretive dance soon. 

"I look at them, and I think, 'That's the way God intends us to be,'" says
Nabors, "They have such unconditional love - they teach us so much."  

For more information about the Noah's Ark class, contact Roswell United
Methodist Church, http://rumc.com/pageview.asp?PageID=27658.

*Snider is a freelance producer for United Methodist News Service in
Nashville, Tenn.

News media contact:  Fran Coode Walsh, 615-742-5470, or newsdesk@umcom.org.

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United Methodist News Service
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