Tim Billingsley, who set up the ‘ALL, Together’ services at Northcliffe Methodist/URC LEP in Shipley, focussing on providing an inclusive welcome for all people, especially those dealing with learning disabilities, shares a little of his own journey with Jesus:
Two constants in my life have been my faith and the urge to make, mend and create. My method of escape as a child came in the form of drawing and painting; I’d use any scrap of paper I could find for my art! Once I found myself able to read, I devoured all sorts of books.
Before doing an Art Foundation course, I did some voluntary work at a day centre for Leaning disabled adults, which I really enjoyed. Later, I worked in a similar day centre in Bradford, and spent time teaching craft to learning disabled adults at a special school.
I loved all of those jobs, but a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) forced early retirement. I was a Methodist trainee local preacher, but my training was curtailed as my MS affects my concentration and memory.
My faith life was a roller coaster (It still is!). In both my church attendance and creativity, an awareness that God was just out of sight stayed with me. I prayed for Christ to be with me in my MS. I felt a bump at my shoulder, like someone walking alongside me, a good companion, saying ‘I am here with you.’ I saw that learning disabled people had few opportunities to share the Good News, and I felt a call from God to put that right.
God led me to seek support to start the ‘ALL, Together’ services at Northcliffe, our new Methodist/URC LEP in Shipley, where, five times a year, we enjoy worship which specifically caters for the needs of people with learning disabilities, as we praise, make and share together.
In praise, we share songs, stories and prayers which are usually read by learning disabled members of the fellowship, which has grown since 2012 when it all started. We celebrate and grieve together too.
We make arts and crafts, engage in puzzles and Bible reflection. The chat and mutual support that takes place while we are making things happens with a particular grace and generosity that reflects God’s extravagant love and grace.
We share a faith meal after worship. Shared hospitality is an opportunity for family and carers to share highlights and challenges as well as simply enjoying each other’s company.
God used my skills, experiences and contacts to enable me to set up the ALL Together services and Jesus’ companionship along the way has helped me in difficult times.
I still get the occasional bump at my shoulder. He walks with me still.
Has God ever bumped your shoulder? How did things work out? Share your story with us.
