Roanoke / Texas / United States
Joy Class was born out of necessity in 1989 at First Presbyterian Church in Austin Texas. Doris Clark became concerned when her son reached age 21 and there was no longer a place for him in a Sunday School class. Tim, who has Down Syndrome, had been in church school classes for years but as an adult there were no welcoming classes where he could actually learn and contribute. Out of personal needs, new ministries are formed. Meaningful adult classes were greatly needed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Classes where students could learn about the church and about their service to God. Classes where students could learn to be contributing members to their church. Out of this need the guidebook, FEED ALL MY SHEEP with the curriculum, CHURCH WORDS, was born and a class called Joy Class was begun in 1989. Several Joy Classes have begun across the country and more are needed. Most churches could find a group home or persons living in apartments or at home who need this class.
