Kindness and Inclusion

• If you know an Enabled member, ask them to speak about what Enabled means to them

• Pen and paper for each member

• Print a copy of the Disability, inclusion and enabled info pack for each member

• Research more information about Enabled and prepare to share some Enabled videos

• Prepare a ‘Kindness’ grab bag – include a small snack, a bandage, a bottle of water, a greetings card, and a small chair, eg a dolls’ house chair or picture of one

Additional resource

• Disability, inclusion and enabled info pack

Today we're going to look at the subject of how we can serve without discrimination. We're going to look at an area of The Salvation Army’s ministry called Enabled. 

Enabled is a part of The Salvation Army that helps those with disabilities participate in all activities within the church; they ensure that every programme is an opportunity for every person to be included. We’re going to educate ourselves in what Enabled does, alongside thinking about how the Bible also explores this subject of inclusion.

We’ll look at a story from the Old Testament in 2 Samuel Chapter 9. It tells how King David was kind to the grandson of the late King Saul. This grandson had disabilities and might have felt he didn’t belong at the king’s table. But David’s kindness made sure he was included and treated equally.

SHARE

Ask members to share their thoughts.

• Have you ever been invited out for a delightful dining experience? 
• Do you have a favourite restaurant? 
• Has someone special ever prepared your favourite meal for you?

Then ask:

• If you were to prepare a meal for an esteemed guest, what would you cook? Please encourage members to use their imagination; it does not matter if culinary skills are not their forte – just let the creativity flow.

Ask members to list their starters, main course and dessert, then compare their unique meal ideas.

Perhaps once members have shared these ideas, the group could choose whose menus they would prefer. 

Play

You can turn the menus ideas into a game similar to Consequences. Each person writes or draws their favourite starter at the top of a piece of paper, then folds it over and hands it to the next person. Next, they write or draw their main course, fold the piece of paper, and hand it to the next person. Finally, they write or draw their favourite dessert. At this point, they unfold the paper and take turns revealing the Menu of the day.

Thought

We each have distinct preferences and concepts of the ideal menu, but one common goal is to make our guests feel welcome. It is important to ensure that they know a place has been prepared for them at the table and that special efforts were made to include them.

Today’s Bible account is from 2 Samuel 9. King David wanted to show kindness to any remaining family of the late King Saul. He asked his servant: ‘Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?’ (2 Samuel 9:3)

And so Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth, who was disabled and living in a desolate place, was found. David showed him kindness by inviting Mephibosheth to the palace, offering him a place at his table, restoring his inheritance and ensuring he was always cared for. 

ENABLED

If you know an Enabled member, ask them to speak about what Enabled means to them.

Share the Disability, inclusion and enabled info pack with members to find out what The Salvation Army does in the UK and Ireland. Give time to read as much or as little as is required, allowing members to take the information home to read in more detail.

You may wish to share the following videos.

• The Music Man Project by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland (3:03)
• The 2019 Enabled song by SA Stu (3:31)

Discuss

Discuss with members what they have learned; what words and phrases stood out for them? What impact is Enabled having? How can we, as a church and as individuals, be more inclusive, to help people belong?

2 Samuel 9

This chapter is only 13 verses long, yet it highlights the significance of kindness and inclusion. 

The backstory is that David spent many years running from King Saul, who was jealous and unwilling to relinquish the throne that God was now giving to David. Despite this, David shared a close friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan. Before David fled, he made a promise with Jonathan always to look after each other’s families.

This brings us to 2 Samuel:9. Having experienced significant blessings, David decides to show the same kindness he received by reaching out to Jonathan’s last living relative and inviting him into his home. David could have been unkind or selfish but instead chose to share generosity and include this individual in his blessings.

The principle of kindness can extend from us to others – through supportive actions, understanding and grace – particularly towards those facing greater challenges in life. Often individuals with disabilities encounter additional difficulties and smaller social circles due to misunderstanding or prejudice. Like David, we can reach out to others, showing acts of kindness and making intentional efforts to include them.

Intentionally being kind and inclusive can demonstrate compassion and support in this often challenging world. 

Members of the Enabled group often find themselves in situations comparable to those experienced by King Saul’s grandson. They may experience feelings of isolation, require assistance with daily tasks, and have concerns about their future or the wellbeing of their loved ones. Despite these challenges, they possess a wealth of love, experience, insight and enjoyment, and have testimonies to share. 

The Enabled community provides substantial support, spiritual guidance, inclusion and enjoyable activities, consistently embodying the welcoming spirit at the King’s table. In this challenging world, we are encouraged to act with kindness and extend an invitation to others to join the King’s table. 

REFLECTION

Here are some prompts that may encourage thoughtful and inclusive actions. Use the ‘Kindness’ grab bag to demonstrate:

• A snack: consider baking a cake, sharing a meal, or taking someone out for a bite to eat.
• Bandages: offer help or advice to someone who needs support.
• Water: a nice cup of tea can brighten someone’s day and make them feel included.
• Card: send a card, write a note or email to ensure others don’t feel isolated.
• Chair: take the time to welcome others, making sure they feel special and included.

PRAYER/POEM

Looking after number one,

Dismissing other’s needs,

Is not the path to greatness,

Not found in Christian creeds.

Looking after number one

Was not in Jesus’ mind;

He sacrificed his selfless life

To save proud humankind.

True greatness comes through serving,

He made his message plain;

For that’s God’s way of making

Humanity great again!

Commissioner Robert Street

The songs selected all feature Makaton, a communication aid for adults and children.

• ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul (10,000 reasons)’ by Matt Redman

  • Makaton lyric video by Worship Lyric Videos (4:22)

• ‘Light of the world (Here I am to worship)’ by Chris Tomlin

  • Short Makaton lyric video by Worship Lyric Videos (0:59)

  • Makaton lyric video by Becky George (low volume video) (5:07) 

• ‘Faithful one’ 

  • Makaton lyric video by Becky George (low volume video) (4:38) 

• ‘My Lighthouse’ by The Rend Collective

  • Makaton lyric video by Becky George (low volume video) (3:47)

• SASB 208 ‘When I survey the wondrous cross’

  • Short Makaton lyric video by Worship Lyric Videos (0:54)