​SUE: “...sing, pray and visit with these special people”

What do you get when you combine a meal, a guitar, people of all ages with and without disabilities and mix it all together with God’s love?

In the case of St. John Lutheran Church of Lombard, Illinois, the end result is the SONshines. 

Voice of Care teamed with St. John's a few years ago to start an intentional ministry to people with developmental disabilities.

Today, the SONshines meets bi‐monthly on a Sunday afternoon for lunch, Bible story, songs and a craft project. The two‐hour program is staffed and run by volunteers and the special needs participants look forward to this fellowship opportunity. 

SONshines coordinator Sue Balsamo regularly invites fellow church members of all ages to come to these gatherings to “sing, pray and visit with these special people.”

Children and senior citizens serve side by side and everyone finds a favorite something to enjoy.

​Could your congregation offer a similar outreach in your community? Voice of Care is ready to equip your church.