Treasured Clay: A Worship Series Celebrating All Abilities

Inspired by 2 Corinthians 4:7, the Treasured Clay Worship Series invites us to discover how, as humans of all abilities, we are treasured vessels who carry the presence of Christ within us. God's power shines through our humanity, revealing the divine presence in each of us.

Throughout the series, congregations are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the human experience by welcoming both familiar and new voices to lead in worship, including individuals who are Deaf, blind, living with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or who are neurodivergent.

Week 1: Blindness or Visually Impaired Individuals

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52
Sermon: Eyes of Faith: Seeing as God Sees
Worship Enhancement: Braille books available on every row in the worship space.
Children's Time Leaders: Andy & Andi Shifflett (Andy, vision loss)
Children's Book Read: My Life with Blindness
by Mari Schuch (Author) and Isabel Munoz (Illustrator)

Week 2: Individuals with Physical Disabilities

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5-18
Sermon: Treasured Clay
Worship Enhancement: Congregation remains seated during service
Children's Time Leader: Paige Moore, who uses a wheelchair
Children's Book Read: One Day There Was No Walking, Only a Chair
by Paige Moore

Week 3: Deaf or Hearing Impaired Individuals

Scripture: Mark 7:31-37
Sermon: Be Opened
Worship Enhancement: Sign Language Interpreter, Wendy Graham
Worship Leader and Special Music: Ron Lanier (Deaf from car accident at age 7)
Children's Book Read: Padipillo
by Valerie Abbott (Author), Gina Wojtysiak (Illustrator), Crystal Cregge (Designer)

Week 4: Individuals with Disabilities from Birth

Scripture: John 9:1-7
Sermon: God's Miracles and What's Missing
Worship Enhancement: Guest Speaker, Chris Grandle (born with Spina Bifida)
Children's Time Leader: Reed Cranford (born with Small Patella Syndrome)
Children's Book Read: What Makes You Super?
by Fernanda Neves (Author), Leonardo Zampronio (Illustrator)

Week 5: Individuals with Chronic Illness or Intellectual Disabilities

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12
Sermon: Faithful Companions
Worship Enhancement: Camp Hope Partnership
Worship Leader: Tamera Mason and service dog, Irene (chronic illness)
Children's Time: Mike Meadows (intellectual disability)
Children's Book Read: Meet Mike: A Special Olympics Athlete
by co-authors Mike Meadows and Rev. April H. Cranford

Week 6: Individuals Who Need More Time

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:11
Sermon: Beautiful Time
Worship Enhancement: Signed children’s books given to all children
Worship Leader and Children's Time Leader: Julie Conner (children’s book author)
Children's Book Read: It's My Time to Fly: The Story of Caterpillar Number Five
by Julie Conner (Author), Emily Row (Illustrator)

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NRSV)

Treasured Clay Additional Resources

MINISTRY RESOURCES

BOOKS

My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church by Dr. Amy Kenny (2022)
Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally by Emily Ladau (2021)
Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion by Lamar Hardwick A.K.A., The Autism Pastor (2021)
The View from Rock Bottom: Discovering God's Embrace in Our Pain by Stephanie Tait (2019)
Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship by John Swinton (2016)
Pot of Gold by Julia N. Grandle (1985)

MOVIES/VIDEOS

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution by Netflix (Please note adult language and scenes are shown through the movie)

I'm Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much | Stella Young's 2014 Ted Talk (Please note adult language used.)

The Unbreakable Boy (PG) is produced by a film production company specializing in Christian-based movies. The film is based on the true story of a family and their young son, who has both a rare brittle bone disease and autism. Austin brings joy to every day.

Rev. April H. Cranford