Our Featured Ministry on Sunday, October 27, is the Accessibility Ministry.

The Accessibility Ministry of All Saints Church is one of advocacy “Advocating for Disability Inclusion” — advocating for and advising the church and community about how to provide full inclusion for persons with disabilities and their families, whether they are members or visitors. Ministry members work to identify and help find solutions to physical, communication, procedural and attitudinal barriers to full participation in all worship services, programs, and events at All Saints Church toward the goal of offering and ensuring a place where persons with all abilities can participate with dignity in a welcoming, accessible environment. Please stop by their table on the lawn and pick up their brochure and meeting schedule — and learn more about their ministry. For more information contact Ana Camacho at acamacho@allsaints-pas.org.

Here is a personal story by Accessibility Ministry member Min Doromal:

I believe that my life, with my strong faith, has fully embraced the adage that says “the only permanent thing in life is change.” I have multiple disabilities, including spinal cord (paraplegia), bladder, glaucoma, vocal cord, etc. I have had multiple surgeries, and extensive rehabilitation services. When I first came to All Saints, I was still able to walk, but now I use a power wheelchair that I have named “Bentley.”

The first time I came to All Saints, I attended a noon Ash Wednesday service, and found it to be similar to the Catholic Church services I had attended in the past. I found out that then-rector Ed Bacon was leaving the congregation soon. Being a professional artist and muralist I volunteered to create a large mural celebrating the Rector’s 25 Years of Service with pictures of congregants and guest speakers — it was approved to be done — and parishioners were able to gather and color the mural, while becoming better acquainted and sharing their stories.

After being part of several programs at All Saints, I became involved with the Accessibility Ministry. Accessibility issues became even more important to me with more neurological challenges. I help with the table on the lawn, have attended some meetings, and participate in the Accessible Oblations. It is an important ministry at All Saints that helps to create a radical, accessible welcome.

I am and have also been involved with other ministries at All Saints, including the LGBTQ community, journaling small group, being a “greeter on wheels,” and EFM.

I remain active with my artwork, specializing in charcoal, and teach a charcoal art workshop at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey. This is part of the recreational therapy program for patients with stroke and spinal cord injuries. I participate regularly in the “Art of Rancho Exhibitions,” and was Artist of the Year of Rancho Los Amigos in 2017. I am also working on a charcoal workshop for an art studio in the Jewish Community Center in Beverly Hills.

I appreciate and am thankful for my involvements at All Saints Church, and feel that since I have been a part of this church, that I have been led on a more accepting and loving faith journey.

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Min will participate in the Accessible Oblations this Sunday.