Hi readers

Let us tell you about the fantastic events we are part of at Dorchester Baptist Church. It started about six years ago with Peter and Jackie Higgins asking if Friendship Club members (a social group for people with learning disabilities which we are both involved with) would like an inclusive service at the church.

Well, it feels no time at all since then, and now there are four services a year! Two of these are Messy Church (lots of crafts and a short service). The other two celebrate Easter and Christmas.

And well, they aren’t just like any other service. What makes these special, is that although they are open to the whole community, they particularly welcome and benefit people with learning disabilities. They’re evolving all the time too. For example, now many people with learning disabilities actually take part in planning and running the services, as well as helping on the day.

We love being involved and are both puppeteers (yes, the service includes a puppet show) and I (William) am in the play, while Adam is a stand in, in case anyone isn’t well on the day.

People who come love it, and it’s great more people are coming, making friends and having a fun afternoon. We think it’s a beautiful example of the community coming together in celebration. The ambience is always uplifting, in fact a bit like God hugging us all.

We want to thank everyone at the Church for enabling these services to take place. Oh, and we didn’t even mention the (free) delicious home-made afternoon tea of sandwiches, cakes, jelly, ice cream, fruit and sausage rolls afterwards! If you haven’t been, we highly recommend coming. The next event is Sunday, June 26, 4 – 6pm, at Dorchester Baptist Church.

Adam and William are supported in their editing by The Friendship Club– a project for adults with learning disabilities, run by People First Dorset.