

NURTURING CHILDREN THROUGH WORSHIP & PRAYER
Episcopal Church in Minnesota
Gathered: Inclusive Worship with Neurodivergent Children
PROJECT:
Elizabeth Lienesch
CONTACT:
LOCATION:
Minneapolis, MN, USA
The purpose of this program is to expand, deepen, and build “churches that work” for neurodivergent children across the state of Minnesota and beyond. A worshiping community at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church will meet the immediate needs of neurodivergent children struggling to find a place in church while serving as a hub for in-depth learning about effective practices. Two training cohorts, comprising clergy, staff, and lay leaders from rural and urban ECMN congregations, will participate in a two-year program focused on neurodivergence and inclusivity in worship. They will receive support to implement inclusive practices tailored to their congregations. Additionally, an online resource hub will offer accessible training, guides, and tools to help churches everywhere create worship services that welcome and engage neurodivergent children. The ECMN aims to serve 24 congregations through its cohorts and 150 children through its worshipping community.