Neurodiversity and Faith
The diverse and complex realities of humanity are an incredible gift that God has given us. We are surrounded by incredible difference in physicality, culture and connection. So too, we are surrounded by the incredible diversity of the human brain. Whether our brains work in a neurotypical fashion or we see the world through the lens of autism, adhd, or other neurodivergent lenses, we seek to connect to each other and to God. 
Here at Flame of Faith United Methodist church we are dedicated to sharing God’s love and welcoming all people into God’s family. To this end, we’ve been seeking to learn, as a leadership and as a worshipping community what it means to invite and welcome all into worship. How can we shift and lead worship in ways that share God’s love?
Comfort in Worship and Activities:
  • One of the areas we’ve began to focus is through using worship aids to help us all connect in Worship and other activities. This has included providing noise-dampening headphones, weighted lap pads, wiggle seats and of course: fidgets. These supplies are available to any and all participating in activities here at the church.
  • Order of Worship – While the songs, scripture, prayers and message change each week, our order of worship rarely changes. You can find a visual order here, or our weekly updated order here.​
  • Learning styles – Not everyone learns best through the common auditory-only Preaching style of Pastor Sara. We are working to add visuals to our screens throughout each sermon to help everyone follow along. The times of prayer and song are often participatory moments of connection to God. We seek to learn and know other ways of being intentionally inclusive. 
Neurodiversity Events:
  • On April 28th, 2022 we welcomed three neurodivergent speakers to share their stories at our Neurodiversity and Faith Event. Watch the recording below. 
Future Goals:
  • Bible Studies or other small-groups focused on support and welcome.
  • Future speakers
  • Participation and Leadership – There is no inclusion without the continued and intentional focus on leadership and guidance of neurodivergent folk. Want to add your voice to the table? Contact Pastor Sara. 
Past Neurodiversity Events:
  • On April 29th, 2023 Pastor Sara connected with three others in the community on a panel for business and neuroatypical individuals. Anything but Typical was an all-day symposium on accessibility in our community for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  For a recap and information visit the event page. 
  • On April 28th, 2022 we welcomed three neurodivergent speakers to share their stories at our Neurodiversity and Faith Event. Watch the recording below. 

Autism Friendly Community

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Flame of Faith UMC has been certified as an Autism Friendly Community Partner through the North Dakota Autism Center. We are excited to continue to learn and grow as we welcome and invite the full spectrum of humanity into our community. 

Worship Bags and Sensory Aids

A bookshelf with bins for fidgets, blankets, wiggle seats, noise canceling headphones
Our Worship Bags and Sensory Aids include: warm blankets, coloring books for kids and adults, noise-dampening headphones, clipboards, fidgets, weighted lap pads and wiggle seats.

Calming Area

Picture of corner with shelf, posters on wall that say calm space, all our welcome here, blue carpet on floor, blanket, light and folded up tent.
We've recently added a calming space in our back classroom. With soft lights, blankets and sensory body socks, we hope all will feel safe and welcome at Flame of Faith UMC.