The Abilities Church
The church for "Real" People
Real Spirituality.  Real Struggles.  Real Strength






Abilities Church Toronto
(Main Campus)

190 Railside Rd
Toronto ON
M3A 1A3
(The Abilities Church Toronto is an extension ministry of TICC)

Sunday Worship
6pm-7pm
Experience the Inclusive Difference!Equality. Diversity. Unity. Respect. Dignity. Humility. Compassion. Sincerity. Simplicity.

"A fun church experience with real freedom and faith"

“People with disabilities have taught me more about the gospel and even about human relations than all the great psychological and philosophical concepts; or rather they  have allowed me to catch a glimpse of what   should be true theology, true philosophy and true psychology, for this am truly grateful to them.  More than this, I have discovered Jesus in them, Jesus radiating goodness, Jesus the mirror   of purity, Jesus meek and humble, and sometimes Jesus suffering and in agony… truly strength lies   in weakness...  So- called "normal" men often hide their real selves behind    a wall of timidity, hardness, and a certain hypocrisy and quest for social esteem.  They are almost afraid to show themselves as they are.  The mentally handicapped are    not like this.  Those fortunate enough to know them when they live in a happy atmosphere where they can develop to     their  full potential, have experienced the gentleness and  confidence expressed by their outstretched hands.  The defective has nothing to lose.  He can show himself as he is...The affectionate and delicate gesture of a   so-called "subnormal" man has more value before God and for the  world  than great human acts carried out with a desire for power and domination..."

People with disabilities were at the heart and forefront of Jesus' earthly ministry therefore they should be at the center of church life today!
The church today has a Christian responsibility to make an inclusion ministry a top priority because over 50% of our Lord's earthly ministry was dedicated to people with disabilities
Quote from Jean Vanier
World renowned advocate for people with disabilities, lecturer and author
Abilities Church
The church for "Real" people
Experiencing the presence of God through a pure, humble, passionate & inclusive worship


"Building Relationships not Religion"
A Simple Faith.  A Sincere Faith.  A Strong Faith.

The 5 stages of changing attitudes
towards people with intellectual disabilities
By Jean Vanier


Which stage are you at in your relationship to people
with disabilities within your church or community?
1. The first is to react of the disabled with fear of their "abnormal" behavior or disfiguration, to say they are a disorder, and as a result to reject them and seek to get rid of them. This was Hitler's reaction.  Isolation Stage

2. The second is more widespread: the disabled are human beings, but they are pitiful little fellows whom we should take care of in big institutions. This was a common reaction in the late nineteenth century.  Institutional Stage

3. The third involves getting to know the disabled, understanding their needs and responding with competence.  This attitude seeks to help them to grow, recognizing that they are not just pitiable but they are human beings like us, who elicits respect and compassion.  You find this reaction a lot in places like Canada, where we have integrated schools and so on. People with disabilities can grow in maturity and autonomy if they are helped and respected. Over 90% of people and organizations are at this stage. Inclusion is a concept or program but not a personal reality. In-service Stage

4. The fourth stage is wonderment and thanksgiving: we discover that, by becoming close to disabled people and entering an authentic relationship with them, they transform us. They help us to move from the desire for personal success and power to a desire to be with those who are weak and help them to be just as they are, knowing that we receive as much or even more than we give.  Identification Stage

5. In the fifth stage, which is close to the fourth, we see the face of God within the disabled. Their presence is a sign of God, who has  chosen "the foolish things in order to confound the strong, the proud, and so-called wise of our world". And so those we see as weak or marginalized are, in fact, the most worthy and powerful among us: they bring us closer to God. They turn our world upside down!  Jesus commands us to follow this stage. Inspiration Stage

Many churches and Christians have embraced the Hollywood mentality in favoring the beautiful, gifted and smart but God is not impressed with our looks, talent or knowledge but with our honesty, humility and love.  In the Scriptures God always used the weak to teach and lead the strong.  Jesus also taught that we must receive the kingdom of God as little children and that the least among us are the greatest in God's kingdom.

Matthew 19:14,30; Mark 9:12, 10:14-16,31; Luke 7:28, Luke 18:16-17
The Abilities Church is following the example of Jesus by enabling and empowering people with disabilities!
Diversity
1. Celebrating the presence of God in worship through an inclusive church for people of all ages and abilities. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27

2. Communicating the power of God's Word without denominational biases, pretense and compromise. 1 Corinthians 1-4

3. Commitment to prayer through an attitude of spiritual boldness and brokenness. James 5:15-16

4. Compelling all people to personally know Jesus and to grow in Him through a pure and simple child-like faith.  Matthew 18:1-6

5.Challenging our pride within the church by making, "the least among us the greatest in God's Kingdom".  Luke 7:28

6. Conforming our personality to the "attitude" of Jesus through a spirit of humility, sincerity and love.
Philippians 2:5

Jesus is our Chief Corner Stone
Ephesians 2:20
Click
Here
Thank you to the above organizations for their promotional support and for featuring ads, interviews and stories on The Abilities Church


Protecting human rights for all people by promoting
social & religious inclusion within the whole community
Testimony from
Harriet Weigel
TAC is encouraging all community based organizations, agencies or groups to become equally inclusive with all faith groups by promoting a mutually diverse participation that respects the human, social and religious rights of the people they serve and support within the community.
"I read every page on your web site and am thrilled. God bless your inclusive ministry. I pray that others follow your lead, and begin opening doors of Worship to people with disabilities. I have dreamed of a church such as yours for over twenty years".

I currently serve over 800 people with disabilities, all of them in Ventura County, California, and communicate with another 900 people across the United States. It will be easy for me to spread the story of Abilities Church to over 100,000 people with disabilities and their advocates. They need to know your story.  People with disabilities have been invisible in the church for too long.

One of the things about your church that impresses me is that it's not a pat on the head ministry...it recognizes people that are real and empowers them. I feel closest to God when I am with people that are disabled or terminally ill. I am a Christian, and try to follow the teachings of Christ.  I don't like labels and am nondenominational. Buildings and finances don't impress me, hugs and kindness do.

The message of Christ has always been one of inclusion, but seldom interpreted that way. The Abilities church is building bridges, based on New Testament teachings that will span generations and bring many to the foot of the cross.

Your participation and efforts are the bricks of the project...your love for God the mortar.

I have seen the universal need for this church and its teaching for many years. Your mission is simple...examine the words written in red...and offer them to all. The message is as clear today as it was the day the carpenter spoke them,

"A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you".

Your web site is wonderful, every inch of it is covered with useful information. I want to memorize as much of it as possible and then with your permission...pass that information on to others".


Harriet Wiegel
Founder of Disabilities Ministries
Oxnard, California

Board of Directors
ARC Ventura County,
Ed Hunt's Rehab Point Project and
Community Advisor
Oxnard/Hueneme Police Clergy Council

Testimonies

"It was a privilege to be with you on Sunday.  I am excited about the start and vision for growth of this much needed church opportunity. The Abilities Church is responding to the call of God.  It is a sacred space that embraces and makes room for ability rather than accommodating and making special exceptions for disability.  Here, disability is not a barrier, it is a pathway into the presence of God.  It is about ministering with and to the whole community of God.   It's not about 'your disabled and I'm not', it is all about dwelling and communing together in the Imago Dei.  All have a place to belong, participate, be ministered too, and to minister - it is living Luke 4:18-21".  

Neil Cudney
Director of Pastoral Ministries
Christian Horizons


It's great to see the creation of a church that really "gets it". I have been involved in overseeing a disability ministry to cognitively impaired adults called "Me & My Friends" for over 17 years out of our local church. Our denomination has recognized the importance of the ministry and we are gearing up to create a church of our own very similar to what I see you are doing. I, too, have seen how those we consider weak are actually teaching us how to be, how to live, and how to love. I really like the name Abilities Church as it really emphasizes the fact that the Lord has given each of us certain abilities to lift up and glorify Him, to serve His church, and to reach out to others in His name, regardless of impairments or disabilities. We meet for social and spiritual activities like Friendship Night (praise, singing and signing, scripture lesson, fellowship) during the week, but have not as yet really broken out and started worshipping as a separate church or community of believers. Would love to use you as a resource if possible as we enter into unknown but exciting territory for us, leaning on the Lord to show us and direct us every step of the way".

Bill Hyde
Good Samaritan Church
Gahanna (Columbus), Ohio


"Pastor Rick and we loved your e-mail telling us about the wonderful experience you had in building your church.  We really appreciate the way you have positioned your church to include people with various disabilities in ministry positions.  What better way could you find than having people concentrate on others instead of dwelling on their own problems.  This is very healing and comforting... Our Saddleback Prayer Team will continue to pray that your church will keep on growing as you spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  God is blessing you for the good work you are doing..."

In His name,
Jim and Joan Dernocoeur
Assistants to Pastor Rick Warren
Saddleback Church


"It's great to read about your vision, your work, and about the cornerstones of your new church.  Our prayer team will be praying for you and your church as you seek to fulfill God's purposes".

God Bless,
David Chrzan
Chief of Staff
Saddleback Church
Exceptional Family Magazine
In The News!
Click on the logos below to read the stories in the Scarborough Mirror, The Toronto Star and Christian Week Magazine on The Abilities Church!


We at The Abilities Church understand that the church and community have natural elements of human segregation, prejudices and biases. No church or denomination is perfect or has a monopoly on Christianity.  Jesus' greatest condemnation was against organized religion that arrogantly criticized, segregated and discriminated against different groups of people. We at TAC are committed to fighting against all forms of segregation by becoming inclusive with all people and churches. We believe in respecting all churches by promoting Christian unity, diversity and love.  Different kinds and styles of churches are important because no one church can meet everyone's preferences, expectations and needs. Together we are one Body!

The Church for "Real" People
Welcome to
North America's first
Abilities Church Locations

There are I4.4 million disabled Canadians - 14.3% . Ontario has 1.85 million disabled people - 15.5%  What percentage of your congregation has disabilities?  Does your church reflect this diversity?
Join our growing team!
To book The Abilities Worship Band please contact us at: abilitieschurch@bell.net
Abilities Worship Band
than abilities is the place for you!
Challenging Segregation


Main Location
Abilities Church Toronto
"The church for real people"
Sunday Worship
190 Railside Road
6pm- 7pm
(Location fully wheelchair accessible)

The Abilities Church Toronto is an extension ministry of The Toronto Celebration Church

Directions
190 Railside is 3 lights west of Victoria Park Ave; off of Lawrence Ave. on the south east corner

Notice
Photos and Video will be taking during
services to be used on promotional material
Why the Church for real people?
1. Many people hide behind false pretenses
2. Many Christians wear masks of performance
3. Many Churches are stereotypical and plastic
1. Lack of interest in people with disabilities
2. Lack of identification with people with disabilities
3. Lack of inclusion with people with disabilities
Join Us Every
Sunday Evening!
This Sunday at Abilities- Sunday March 14, 2010- 190 Railside Rd. @ 6:00pm

Famous PEOPLE Players
Presentation
Copyright ©2010 The Abilities Church
The first fully inclusive church for the whole community

Theme for 2010- "Personally Practicing Inclusion"- Luke 14:12-14
Our goal is to maintain an equal congregational balance between people with & without disabilities
The Abilities Church will be participating at the
Life without Limbs
Event with
Nick Vujicic
May 28-30
Calgary Alberta
Center Street Church www.cschurch.ca
Abilities Church Presents
BLACKLIGHT DREAMS
Sunday March 14, 2010
Vanessa Siroki

Special Upcoming Events
March 14- Famous PEOPLE Players
March 28- Guest Speaker, Rena Nikou
April 11 - DramaWay presentation
April 18- WindReach Farm presentation
April 25- Festival with Gerry Thompson
May 2- Guest Speaker Colleen Clapper
May 9- Nordene Simons in Concert
May 23- Aileen Lombardo in Concert
June 13- Treneta Bowden in Concert
“Hi Everybody, This is what I think about the Abilities Church.... Complete acceptance and the freedom to participate and have fun…The AC is a place, not just for my special needs son Michael but for me too and you if you are reading this, it is a place for you as well. Walk through the doors at 6 o'clock on Sunday and you will know you belong there too and you will see church going in a whole new way”... Judy Stonkus

“I find that the Church offers the people I support with a happy, healthy place to explore their faith.  The camaraderie and openness is exactly what will help with their journey.  It is a welcoming space that is finally long over due for people who have a wide spectrum of abilities. There isn’t a disability at the Church; there are only varied differences, all of whom are children of God. IT’S ABOUT TIME!  The people whom I serve find the music and fellowship wonderful.  Often greeting friends and enjoying their company all the while being able to praise and enjoy their community”. Robert McCarrol (Midland Group Home)

"Music, joy, celebration! The Abilities Church provides a wonderfully inviting and inclusive environment. It is a place for, "all the children" to shine...young and old, for we are all God's children."  Angie Littlefield

“My friend and I visited for the first time yesterday (friends of ours are members of your congregation). We enjoyed every moment - the casual relaxed atmosphere that was inclusive and accepting - the spacious sanctuary and hall - the music, prayer and fellowship. The concert and musicians were wonderful; we are excited about and eager to attend a 'regular service'.  It was heart warming to see a diverse group of people worshiping the Lord. We are all unique but we are equal in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. People who are visibly differently abled have an advantage: their limitations show. The rest of us are hurting, broken, wounded and 'dis-abled' on the inside, where it doesn't show. Sadly, that makes it easier for us to hide, to pretend we're OK and deny our deepest hurts and needs. We 'do church' whereas the congregation at Abilities Church ARE church - authentic before the Lord…. I can imagine Jesus up in Heaven smiling at you folks at Abilities Church, saying, if only ALL my children could love us like this. Imagine what we could do... I will invite my friends, parents of an adult autistic son, to your services. Then I'm sure they will invite others. The Lord will bless and grow your church: believe it”.  Your friend, Vera
Inclusion at its best!
What people are saying!
“My dedication service was back in the 1930s so you know I have been to a lot of churches .. and a lot of denominations .. and a variety of religions over the decades! But I have never before been part of a fellowship where the percentage of visible disabilities reflects the percentage of handicapped in our society .. nor where the differently-abled are valued as people who teach us the meaning of Christ's teachings and God's love. I've seen people hang back from church attendance because they don't want an uncomfortable experience listening to someone drone on about things they can't understand or relate to .. or where they sense the hypocrisy between the words spoken and the actions felt .. so it's wonderful to see my physically and/or developmentally handicapped friends find going to the Abilities Church is fun, that God loves them .. and so do we!”  Dory
Jordan is a young man with down syndrome and autism
Welcome to ABILITIES, the church for “Real” people.  One of the greatest criticism of the church is that Christians often do not come across as "real" but hypocritical, fake and phony. TAC is helping to reverse the stereotypical and negative image of the church by celebrating an inclusive faith that possesses real diversity, equality and freedom. A place were everyone is included and no one is excluded.  A place were people can be "real" and break free from the social and religious conditionings that bind and blind us.  A place were we can take off our masks of human pretense, performance and prejudices by celebrating a child-like faith that is marked by sincerity, spontaneity, simplicity and sensitivity. God always uses the so called "weak" to teach and lead the "strong". 

At last a new church that scores of people have been waiting for.  A church for people of all abilities without the rigidity, rhetoric and routine of stereotypical religious groups.  Come and celebrate faith, family and friendships within a spiritually free and fun church environment for the whole community. The Abilities Church is inclusive of all people and believes in celebrating our diversity as a community.  Come discover real freedom, purpose and happiness for living through God's love and grace.  Click here for info on starting your own Abilities Ministry!
Youth & Invisible Disabilities


There are many invisible disabilities & disorders, such as depression, mental illnesses, ADD, ADHP and learning disabilities that contribute towards youth rebellion, violence and crimes. The Abilities Church is a place of understanding and support for youth seeking to make a positive difference within their own lives and community!
Stepping outside your comfort zone
Why An
Abilities Church?
A fun church experience with real freedom, faith and fulfillment
Disabilities and poverty are directly connected





520 million people are struggling to survive poverty and disabilities.  Only 5% of the world lives on more than $100/day.  Almost half the world's population- 3.1 billion people- live on less than $2.50/day. 1.4 billion people live on less than $1.25/day.
Stats from Christian Blind Mission
Tired or turned off with Religion?

This inspiring author has written a must read book entitled, "Lessons From Life's Path To Yours".  To book her  for speaking engage-ments or to purchase her book please visit her online at:
www.vanessasiroki.
homestead.com
Showcase






Give the gift of Inclusion
Your donations and gifts will help tear down the walls of social discrimination, isolation and segregation for people living with disabilities by helping to build bridges of inclusion, diversity, equality, dignity, awareness and empowerment.  TAC is both a community church and community cause for INCLUSION.
Representative Photo
Pastor Robert, Jaime and Kenny