Conference Committee on Disability Concerns

Report to the NC Conference of the United Methodist Church

2006

We held an organizational meeting on March 28. Following introductions, we read over paragraph 652 in The Book of Disicpline. We chose three primary themes: 1) Mental Health, 2) Eldercare, and 3) Support for Caregivers. We formed a purpose statement. The officers, other members and persons related to this committee are John Crowe-Chair, Gwen Henderson-Vice Chair, Regina Dickens-Secretary Eilene Bisgrove, Dr. Ed Hoeper, Jim Huskins, Ed Morrison, Charles Smith.

We met again on May 1^st to complete our preparations for Annual Conference. Our chair, shared a devotional based on as much as we have done unto the overlooked and the forgotten, we have done unto Christ. He tied this into his attendance the NAMI-NC Spring Conference workshops on Mental Illness & Housing, Elder Care & Mental Health, as well as Sons & Daughters of the Mentally Ill.

We are eager to lead our conference in becoming very sensitized to issues of physical and mental disabilities among our church and community members, and possibly latching on to Elder Day Care as a focal point for our congregations along with providing Care for the Caregiver.

Mental Health Plans:

· Encourage the minimum development of one NAMI-NC (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Affiliate in each of our 12 Districts.

· Encourage each congregation to educate itself and others about the mentally ill and their caregivers (families) utilizing persons available through NAMI-NC who are trained instructors.

· Encourage each congregation to learn about welcoming, ministering to, advocating for, and ministering with the mentally ill and their caregivers (families) utilizing Rev. S. materials from the Conference Media Center.

· To sponsor a Fall Conference for Clergy and Laity with Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder-Coordinator of Mental Health Ministries on November 7 or 8^th. (see note at end)

· Ask the school of missions to develop a study of Jesus’ ministry & the rest of the NT, John Wesley, Martin Luther, and The Book of Discipline for the formation of a theological perspective and foundation for ministry to the mentally ill and their families.

Eldercare Plans:

· Ask the school of missions to develop a study of Jesus’ ministry & the rest of the NT, John Wesley, and The Book of Discipline for the formation of a theological perspective and foundation for ministry to the elderly and their families.

· Identify the Local Council on Aging Agencies in the Conference and encourage UMC clergy and laity participation on planning groups.

· Co-sponsor, promote/support activities of the Older Adult Committee which currently exists.

· Target ’07 for a Special Conference on Eldercare.

Caring for the Caregiver Plans:

• Target ’08 for a Special Conference on Care giving.

Additional ongoing plans:

· Future planning for the CDC will focus on expansion of committee membership, and developing a proposed budget for fiscal years ’07, ’08, and ’09 tied to a work plan supporting the development of ministry for our 3 primary issues.

· Our next meeting is scheduled for July 17, 2006 at the Methodist Building in Raleigh from 10 am to noon.

For more information contact:
 
  John M. Crowe, D.Min., APC
 Member, NAMI-NC 
 Member, NC Mental Health Association
 Incapacity Leave
 
 E-Mail drcrowe@nccumc.org
 Phone: 919 759-2146
 
 

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