Special Needs

What We're All About:

FUMC of Arlington surpasses the usual worship service, Bible study and fellowship opportunities with an exceptional focus on families with special needs members. We understand that each family has individual needs and it is our goal to meet those needs.

What We Offer:

Sunday School Classes

Shining Stars
- A safe and fun class for special needs children ages 3-12. Held weekly from 11:00 AM– 12:00 PM. Other family members can enjoy Sunday School or may choose to attend a worship service during this time. Parents must pre-register their child to attend this class. Please click here to download the application.

Amazing Grace
- Welcomes adults and teenagers with special needs each Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Amazing Grace members have a heart for serving others; they visit Heritage Oaks Nursing Home, provide Thanksgiving Dinner to a family in need, and give the church a beautiful Live Nativity Scene every year.

Hands and Feet
- A small group Bible study for junior and high school-aged special needs children that meet along with the other student ministries groups on Sunday evenings.

Special Events/Programs

First Fridays

A program to provide an evening of respite for parents of special needs children once a month. A team of volunteers provide childcare on the first Friday evening of the month while parents enjoy a night out.

We maintain a one-to-one ratio with the special needs kids to ensure safety and individualized care. We also have other volunteers who enjoy playing with the siblings and volunteers' children. Further, we have one or more nurses on hand each evening to assist with special medical-related tasks.

Each child has the opportunity to play in a group or by themselves based upon their needs and preferences. All activities are optional and children decide which ones in which they will participate. We offer music, crafts, gym time, quiet activities, movies and special entertainment.

We offer First Fridays at no charge to the families as a community outreach ministry. We currently service about 25 families and average 15-20 special needs children per evening. We hope to increase the number of families we assist.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Kay Lancaster or call 817.274.2571. First Fridays Family Application.

Special Needs VBS

A night-time event held during the summer for children who cannot attend our daytime VBS. Children have a one-on-one caregiver and they rotate through different activities including music, art, storytime and games.

Special Needs Sunday

Held one Sunday morning a year that incorporates the entire church congregation. This special event integrates special needs ministries in the sermon, music and scripture, and includes special needs children and adults participating in the services. The services are followed by a luncheon honoring special needs families and volunteers.

Special Needs Staff

Rev. Kay Lancaster

Associate Pastor

Ext: 226 | email