Trinity Church to Celebrate Light & Power Ministry

Redlands’ Trinity Church will host a special time to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Light & Power Company Class this coming Sunday, Aug. 11, during all three church services. Light & Power is Trinity’s ministry that includes adults with various disabilities, which has become a distinctive of the church and well-known in disability ministry circles around the country. Redlands residents Jeff and Kathi McNair, both professors of special education, have facilitated the class for its entire existence. Jeff has been a professor for 25 years, the last 10 of them at California Baptist University (CBU). He also directs CBU’s MA program in Disability Studies as well as being the Public Policy Director for the Joni and Friends Organization’s Christian Institute on Disability. Kathi has taught for Azusa Pacific University, Cal Baptist and other schools. In addition to this Sunday being a celebration of Light & Power, it is a celebration of the lives of persons with disabilities. Trinity will also announce the offering of the Beyond Suffering course, a course developed by Joni and Friends to train interested people from local churches and church leaders on issues related to disability, Christian theology and disability ministry. Representatives from Inland Empire churches are invited to attend this free course. The ministry will be meeting beginning in September for 10 weeks, Sunday mornings from 9:30 through 10:45 a.m. at Trinity Church. “This curriculum has literally been taught around the world. I have personally taught it in Ukraine, Serbia, El Salvador, China and Uganda as well as the US,” said Jeff McNair. “In every setting it has been well received and has made a significant impact on the way in which people affected by disability are seen and understood. Many experiencing disability themselves have also found the course helpful.” “We would invite anyone who is interested to come and celebrate the lives of persons with disabilities,” said Kathi. “You will feel welcomed, loved and a part of God’s plan.” Trinity Church’s Sunday services are at 8, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Trinity Church is located at 1151 Reservoir Road, Redlands, CA 92374.