Special Education Ministries of Holland is a place where people can be accepted, belong, learn about Jesus, and be in community with one another. This is true for our students who are adults with varying developmental disabilities as well as for our teachers who all volunteer their time to make this ministry possible.
Our goal is for each student to be paired one-on-one with a teacher. We believe this helps to cultivate a community where everyone has a place and belongs. It also ensures that each student has someone to connect with, ask questions of, and create a friendship with.
Special Education Ministries, more fondly known as SEM, meets on Thursday nights from 7-8pm during the Hope College calendar year. Each night consists of singing worship songs, listening to and participating in a Bible lesson, and completing a worksheet or activity to discuss the lesson one-on-one or in smaller groups. We also plan fun special nights around the holidays or seasons such as hay rides, Christmas caroling, Valentine’s Day hoe downs and crafts, and a harvest festival!
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, we have been unable to meet in person this past year but have been continuing the ministry by meeting online in a live Zoom meeting each week. These meetings are also being recorded and uploaded to YouTube and the SEM website if you would like to view it at a later time.
Website address: www.hollandsem.com
If you would like more information about becoming involved with this ministry, please contact Deanna Oonk, Christ Memorial Church Ministry Coordinator.