Church and Society

Promoting Justice, Inclusion and Partnership

CONFIRMATION PACK

FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

THE CHURCHOF ENGLANDThe financial affairs of the Church and Society are conducted

through the Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance Charity No. 249740

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10

A WORK PACK FOR LEADERS PREPARING PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES FOR CONFIRMATION OR THE RECEIVING OF COMMUNION

This is a work pack for preparing people with a learning disability for receiving of Communion or for Confirmation within the Church. It can be used on an individual basis, with a group, or on an integrated basis were the pictures can be used as a starting point and more detailed work can be worked out to go alongside, such as looking up Bible references, prayers etc.

Where this pack is used for the preparation for communion, the picture of the Bishop is the only one that needs to be omitted or placed at the end of the course with a challenge that one day you will decide for yourself!

INTRODUCTION

This pack brings to life faith for people with a learning disability. It contains a set of pictures that explore the principles and beliefs of the Christian faith.

For a first communion and younger people these can be coloured and placed in scrapbooks or files. For older people the themes can be explored through different activities. For example, if you are doing the theme on creation you can cut out pictures of animals, rivers, mountains, etc.

It should be noted that there is only one critical picture of the faith that has been omitted; that is of the Nativity. The suggestion is that you look at this after picture 3 or 2. This can be done through looking at a nativity set or the use of old Christmas cards.

The use of different mediums and presentations allows the pack to be used twice if necessary. If only using it once it may be suitable to combine the methods of colouring and cutting out. When working with people who have a learning disability the important thing is to get to know each one as a person first with all their preferences and gifts. This will often settle the best way to work as some may enjoy cutting out, more than colouring. Developing a positive relationship is the way to share faith, so the way to do it is ultimately determined by the people taking part in the process.

GUIDELINES FOR WORKING WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE LEARNING DISABILITIES

1. Think of them as people first and with a learning disability second. Never talk down to them. Remember we all have some form of disability.

2. Always be honest with them. Don't be afraid to admit that you don’t understand something. You are learning together about faith. Faith is more who we are and what we do rather than what we say.

3. Make sure you allow the person truly to participate within the process. True relationships are about learning from each other.

4. Try to be patient, do not speak for them and resist doing things for them. Allow them time to complete the task and in a suitable way to each person’s need.

5. Treat adults with a learning disability as adults not as overgrown children.

6. Relationships with people with learning disabilities are often deeper and enriched because of the way they function in a no nonsense approach.

DIFFICULTIES THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED IN RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY

1. We have to overcome our own fears and prejudices that we feel when we meet someone different.

2. There may be difficulties with verbal communication. Therefore there may be a need to rely on non-verbal forms of communicating. There may be a need to learn some basic Maketon (a form of sign language), or be able to use P.E.C. (Pictorial Education Communication – a method of using pictures and words very simply on cards). Always take advice from carers or parents when they are present. They can sometimes act as interpreters.

3. We recognise that people with learning disabilities are different from each other with their own personalities and gifts. We choose our friends; this applies to people with a disability as much as anyone else. Look for natural positive gelling; making sure that it is not stifling for the person with a disability.

WORKING IN A GROUP

Proposed Method

One person, assisted by several people who will either work with individuals or small groups, should lead each session. Each of the sixteen master pictures should be photocopied and one sentence placed under each picture as they are placed in the scrapbook. Sample sentences are included in the pack, but people may be encouraged to develop their own sentences. This may be useful in exploring their faith in relation to the pictures. If writing is a difficulty, then words printed on a computer may be made available for them to stick into their scrapbooks.

The whole group discussion will centre on the large pictures included in the pack.

The sessions work as quickly or as slowly as participants determine. There is no recommended time length for this course, but it would be surprising if it were completed in less than eight hours.

If you have never worked with people with a learning disability before, short frequent sessions are often the best method. A session should be no more than 1½ hours long, as concentration spans are often limited. This would make the course about seven sessions long, and therefore in each session you would be introducing 2 or 3 pictures. The session should be broken up so there are no long periods of 'talking at' the participants. Music can be useful in this process.

Involving Participants

Encourage each participant to develop his or her own workbooks within the framework of the course. Some may like to colour the pictures, others may make up and write their own sentences. Don't worry too much about the appearance of workbooks it is not a lesson, it is an enjoyable journey of discovery where you are cutting out pictures from magazines. It will useful for the participants to have original pictures to refer to.

All people, with and without a learning disability, can join together and through the activity of compiling the workbook discuss and grow together in faith.

Music

Music can be used to link sessions or open and close them. Always use music that reinforces the themes you have been talking about.

Language

Remember to use simple language and try to avoid jargon, for example, 'being saved'.

The following words are used in the course and may be regarded as jargon; confirmation, baptism, tomb, etc. These words frequently occur in church life and some understanding of them will help the participant understand their church service week by week. Only use them if they really need to know them.

Try to use the same name that is relevant to your local setting throughout. For example, if Jesus is always known as Jesus in your church, don't introduce the name Christ or interchange them unless you are sure the participants will recognise him as the same person, or call him Jesus Christ all the time.

The same goes for God the Father, not just Father or God.

Continuing Support

The people leading and assisting the groups or individuals with a learning disability can help them at the Confirmation Service and can form a link in the church so they can go on in Faith and Service.

WORKING WITH AN INDIVIDUAL

Working with an individual is basically the same as with a group but obviously the large group work will have to be included on an individual basis too. For music, tapes can prove useful to sing along to.

SESSION 1 - INTRODUCTION AND GETTING STARTED

Aim

The aim of this session is for all the people to get to know each other and to make a small start on the workbooks, hence showing to all how the course will be conducted.

Getting Started

It might be useful to use some carefully chosen group games to break down any barriers. For example: making something together out of newspaper; throwing a ball between people and shouting out their name. The activity depends on the age and ability of the group, but do try to break down barriers.

Divide people into small groups or pairings ready to start work on the workbooks. Try to take notice of any friendships or people who seem to be getting on, hopefully this will be the start of a deepening relationship between people as they share this course together, and will have spin offs for the rest of their lives.

When pairings or small groups are sorted out, show the large picture of confirmation, explain as simply as you can what a confirmation service is like and its meaning with regard to faith (omit this if it is preparation for first communion). Encourage the whole group to discuss it. [Refer to guidelines on page - 3.]

Large Group Work Explanation about the course and workbooks. 'Get to know you' Session. People to work out small groups and pairings. Show large picture of Confirmation and encourage discussion.

[Refer to guidelines. Page 3]Small Group/Individual Work

Picture 1 placed in workbook with the following sentences: I am confirmed as an adult. At my Confirmation I am saying,

“Yes I believe in God and Jesus”. We receive the Holy Spirit when the Bishop confirms us.

When the Bishop confirms us through the Holy Spirit we gain new strength to witness to Jesus.

Discuss further and check understanding from large group discussion.

Prayer SuggestionJesus who loved all peopleTeach us to love others as you didMay we learn together and grow in your love Amen.

Music Suggestion Shalom – Junior Praise Thank you for this fine day – Junior Praise

SESSION 2 - BAPTISM AND CREATION

Aim

The aim of this session is to give the participants a simple understanding of what baptism is about, how confirmation is linked to it, and to introduce the idea of God's part in creation and the specialness of each person. Talk about what it is like to recognise that you are special to God.

Throughout the course it may sometimes seem as if you are repeating some information from the previous week. Do not be afraid of repetition.

Always allow time for individual members to discuss things; for example, they may have been to a family baptism, or they may work on a gardening project during the week that they would like to talk about.

There are two pictures of baptism in the pack. This is to allow for the inclusion of woman priests in the Church.

Large Group Work

Show large picture of baptism. Discuss. Refer to guidelines to help discussion, page – 3

Small Group/Individual Work

Pictures numbered 2 and 3 should be given out and placed in workbooks with the following sentences:

I was Baptised/Christened as a baby. When I was a baby other people said “Yes” to God for me, as I was too young to understand.

God made everything in the world. We are all special to God as we are made in His image. God sent someone very special into the world; his name is

Jesus. He is God’s son. Discussion relating to the pictures.

Prayer SuggestionThank you God, for making the animals, plants and birds.Thank you for making me.May I/we come to love you and grow in your love. Amen.

Music Suggestion If I were a butterfly – Junior Praise (Children)

Have you seen the pussycat? Junior Praise (Children)

Stand up, clap hands – Junior Praise He’s got the whole world in his hands – Junior

Praise My God is so big – Junior Praise

SESSION 3 - EASTER AimThe object of this lesson is to bring alive the Easter story and how it relates to our faith today. This is probably the most difficult session as the Resurrection involves a certain amount of abstract thought that may not be easily grasped by people with a Learning Disability. It is important not to scare or mislead. The coming alive of Jesus is not the same as your mum coming alive and meeting her down at the shops. Often people with a learning disability will talk about their Mum or Dad being in Heaven, which is what they have been told. This session on Resurrection is the ideal time to gently explain what that means. My experience is that we often end up talking about funerals so check out whether they have experienced a funeral as people with a learning disability are often excluded from them for fear of upsetting them too much. Give it a go! There may be a need to carry some of this session over, depending on the group. Be ready to answer questions such as: 'if Jesus is alive where does he live now?’ 'Why did they kill him if he was good?' etc.Large Group Work

Show large picture of cross and discuss. Refer to pointers to help discussion, page – 4

Small Group/Individual Work

Pictures number 4, 5 and 6 for discussion and placing in workbook with the following sentences:

Jesus died on the cross to give us an example of how we should give our lives for others.

Jesus died on the cross to show how much God loves the world.

After Jesus had died on the cross they buried him in the tomb. God brought him back to life because he was special. He appeared to many people in different places to show he

was alive. We hear about the people who saw him in the Bible.

Prayer SuggestionJesus who came to life again on Easter dayWe thank you that through your death and lifeAgain you beat all the bad things in the world.Give us strength to live like Jesus. Amen.

Music Suggestion He is Lord – Songs of the Spirit

Lord of the dance – Junior PraiseWalk in the light – Songs of the SpiritOh how good is the Lord – Junior PraiseThis is the day – Junior Praise

SESSION 4 - ASCENSION/PENTECOST

Aim

This session seeks to explain that Jesus is now in Heaven through his Ascension and to explain Pentecost and the meaning of the Spirit in relation to their lives.

You can explain the kind of things that the Spirit helps them with. For example, saying prayers, guiding their actions. The Spirit is unlikely to tell them to do something nasty. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of love. It might be useful to use some short verses from the Bible.

Large Group Work

Introduction to the topic and music.

Small Group/Individual Work

Pictures 7 and 8 placed in workbook with the following sentences: After a while he said “Goodbye” and went to be with God in

heaven. That is where Jesus is now. We remember this event on Ascension Day.

Jesus sent someone special to all people who believe in him, to help them live the way God would like them to. He is called the Holy Spirit.

Prayer SuggestionDear unfinished task of mineI thank you for comforting my family and meI thank you for all my life and making me smile.You make me feel happy when I go on holidayAnd you keep my home and family safe.Lord I pray that you will protect the church. Amen.

Music Suggestion Walk in the light – Songs of the Spirit He lives, sing to God – S.U. Spirit of the living God – Songs of the Spirit and Sounds of Living Water The Spirit is moving – Songs of the Spirit

SESSION 5 - CHURCH LIFE

Aim

The aim of this session is for the participants to come to know more about their own church, an opportunity for them to ask things they don't understand and come to a greater understanding about what Sunday worship is about. It may be appropriate to look at parts of Sunday Service such as the Creed, the Confession and the Lord’s Prayer (Details of helpful material can be found under Resources at the end of the pack).

Large Group Work

Discussion about own Church and Sunday worship, with explanations.

Small Group/Individual Work

Pictures 9, 10, 11, placed in workbook with the following sentences: Each Sunday we go to church. The Church is a building, but

the people are the most important. Some are old, some are young, but all come together to spend time with God and Jesus.

We come to worship him. We are Christians together. The vicar/priest leads our worship. We sing hymns to thank God and say how good he is. In prayer we are talking to God. We tell him that we have

done wrong and we ask him to help people in the world.

Prayer SuggestionThank you for our ChurchThank you for all people who gather

to worship you there on SundayThank you God too, that though Sunday is your special dayWe talk to and worship you everyday Amen.

Music Suggestion Bind us together – Junior Praise Seek ye first – Junior Praise When the road is rough – Junior Praise

SESSION 6 - GOD'S WORD AS IN THE BIBLE

Aim

The aim of this session is to help the participants come to understand the Bible more, both in the way that it is made up and what it has to say. Choose some simple quotations that have things to say to the group. It is at this time that you may find it useful to use the Jean Vanier books. I walk with Jesus, I meet Jesus etc.

Large Group Work

Looking at a Bible together. Chapters of Old Testament/New Testament.

Small Group/Individual Work

Pictures 12 and 13 placed in workbook with the following sentences: We listen to the Bible being read. The Bible tells us about God, his people and Jesus and tells us

the way to live. We hear the vicar/priest preach. He explains what the Bible

readings mean for us as we live our lives.

Prayer SuggestionThank you for the BibleWe pray that we may understand

what it has to say to us today through storiesSo we can learn to love Jesus and God more. Amen.

Music Suggestion The best book to read – Junior Praise Wide, wide as the ocean – Junior Praise

SESSION 7 - ADMISSION TO HOLY COMMUNION AND AFTERWARDS

Aim

The aim of this session is to bring the participants to an understanding of what Holy Communion is about and to link it to the Last Supper. To encourage them to look past their Confirmation to being adult members of the Church, this involves responsibilities. Talk about how they can serve people, both in the Church and in the community, through faith.

Large Group Work

Show large picture of Communion Discussion link to the Last Supper.

Small Group/Individual Work

Pictures 14, 15 and 16 Picture placed in workbook with the following sentences:

On the night before he died on the cross, Jesus shared a special meal with his friends, the disciples.

As they ate the bread and drank the wine, Jesus told them to do this in remembrance of him.

We eat bread and drink wine with all our Christian brothers and sisters in the Church to remind us of Jesus and all he did for us

This gives us strength to face the next week. Jesus taught us to serve, so we serve people in the Church

and community in different ways.

Prayer Suggestion

We thank you God that we have your Spirit with us todayTo guide us through our livesAnd to comfort us in times of trouble. Amen.

Music Suggestion Jubilate everybody – Junior Praise Father we adore you – Songs of the Spirit or Mission Praise

SESSION 8 – LIFE WITHIN THE CHURCH FAMILY

Aim

The aim of this session is to meet up after the Confirmation to discuss what the experience of Confirmation was like and if there is anything they would like to do as full members of the church.

Possible ways of including the Course Participants in the life of the Church after Confirmation

It is important that Confirmation is not seen as the end of the process, and that people with a learning disability should be allowed to partake in service to their church as faith must show some form of service. They are not confirmed to be 'done unto' but to be active members. They may be tea makers, church gardeners, servers at Communion or sides-persons. The list is endless, with a bit of imagination and the lifting of prejudice and over-protectiveness.

Prayer Suggestion

Use some of the favourite songs and hymns of your church

Music Suggestion It is suggested that at this stage in the course the

participants might like to produce their own prayer. This may be done verbally or written, depending on the individuals’ skills.

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS FOR SESSIONS

There are selections of hymns that are included on each of the sheets. Others may be used but it should be noted that those listed are specially chosen for the simplicity of the language used. Cause for Concern produce a special hymnbook that they use at Spring Harvest with people with a learning disability.

In many of these hymns there is a certain amount or repetition. This is important for people who have difficulty reading. The words are also used during the sessions and some lend themselves to actions. In some groups it may be more appropriate to sign songs so a useful resource is the Mankaton Songs Pack, which is available from Causeway Prospects, 10 Eaton Place, Reading, Berkshire.

It is also important not to use childish hymns. Age appropriateness is a very important factor to consider. In the Church today there is a wide and varied amount of music already available in liturgy. Look first at the music used in general services and work from there. Taize chants are also used very successfully with groups and are repetitive and age appropriate for adults with learning disabilities.

Publishers:

Junior Praise – Marshall Pickering Songs of the Spirit – Kevin Mayhew A Cause for Concern – P.O. Box 351, Reading, Berkshire RG1 7AL

USEFUL ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Communion Pack including Baptism enclosed with this pack Everyone Together - A Disability Resource pack Pastoral Care Pack, including Evangelism, Older People,

Bereavement,

Available from the Board for Social Responsibility, Diocese of Liverpool

I walk with Jesus – Pub. Editions Paulines I meet Jesus – Jean Vanier

Available from St. Paul’s Bookshops

POINTERS FOR DISCUSSION WITH PICTURES INCLUDED IN THE PACK

Large pictures:

Confirmation picture (shown at the beginning of the course)

What is happening here? Who is the man putting his hands on the person's head? This is what will happen to you if you get confirmed. Do you know what Confirmation is about?

Baptism and Christening picture

Have you ever been to a Baptism? (Shown after Confirmation pictures)

What is happening here? Why is water poured on the baby's head? Who baptises the baby? What do Godparents do and what do parents do? What does the sign of the cross on the baby's forehead mean?

Cross picture

What is this? What does it remind us of? Where do we see crosses and why?

To form the workbooks as described in the 'Method' section the leader should refer to the suggested possible sentences to explain the pictures, all the pictures in the pack are numbered corresponding to the sentence numbers.

Picture 1

Picture 2

Picture 2b

Picture 3

Picture 4

Picture 5

Picture 6

Picture 7

Picture 8

Picture 9

Picture 10

Picture 11

Picture 12

Picture 13

Picture 14

Picture 15

Picture 16