My time at Bethany Lutheran Church began with hope and a sense of belonging, particularly within the praise and worship ministry. The early days were filled with community spirit and engagement, making me feel a part of something truly special. However, as the world faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, my experience within the church began to shift in ways that deeply affected me.
The practical aspects of participating in the ministry became increasingly difficult. Music pieces were often made available only 24-48 hours prior to rehearsals, a challenge compounded by my inability to use aids like a "confidence monitor," essential for many in my position. This was just the tip of the iceberg in a series of communication and scheduling mishaps that seemed to underscore a broader issue of chaos and lack of coordination.
A particularly poignant period of silence from March 29, 2020, to approximately April 2, 2021, after several attempts to communicate from my end, left me feeling isolated and overlooked. My suggestions and attempts to address these challenges, made from a place of vulnerability, were met with silence, exacerbating my feelings of alienation.
Upon my return, the lack of acknowledgment of my experiences, coupled with a public mishap during a rehearsal that went unaddressed, further solidified my growing sense of disconnection from the community I once felt a part of. This led me to scrutinize Bethany's policies on equity and inclusion, where I was disheartened to find a glaring omission: the lack of representation and consideration for people with disabilities.
My decision to leave the praise team, and later the chancel choir, was not made lightly. It stemmed from a need to protect my mental health and find a space where I felt seen, valued, and included. Throughout my time at Bethany, I hoped for a community that embraced all, regardless of their abilities. Sadly, my experiences highlighted a gap between this hope and the reality.
This review is not written from a place of bitterness but rather from a desire to share my journey and perhaps prompt reflection on how inclusive practices can truly be implemented. My experiences at Bethany, while challenging, have not dampened my faith but rather directed me towards seeking a community that aligns more closely with values of inclusivity and compassion.
In closing, I wish Bethany and its congregation well. There is much good within the church, and my hope is that my experiences can contribute to a broader conversation about inclusivity, representation, and the true meaning of community support and engagement. read more
