Tuesday, September 30, 2008 — For the first time in Central Florida, individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers and friends, along with representatives from faith-based and non-profit organizations, are being brought under one roof to learn together.

More than 150 people are expected to attend Through the Roof: A Conference on Faith & Disability, October 3-4 at Northland Church in Longwood.

This much-needed conference is being hosted by Northland’s Access Ministries in partnership with Joni and Friends, the groundbreaking ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada in 1979 to equip churches worldwide to connect more effectively with individuals with disabilities.

“This conference will provide inspiration and support to churches wanting to learn more about welcoming people with disabilities,” explains Laura Lee Wright, Northland’s Access Ministries team leader. “This truly is a unique opportunity.”

Participants will hear a two-part keynote address by Pastor Joel Sonnenberg, associate pastor of Calvary Church in Fort Lauderdale. When he was only 22 months old, Joel was involved in a devastating car accident that left him with burns on more than 85 percent of his body. He was badly disfigured—without any toes, without any fingers, and without one hand.

He says that somehow God has used the inexpressible pain, both physical and emotional, the torture of more than 45 surgeries … even the continual stares from strangers and the occasional cruel comments like “Take off your mask”?

“I’ve never enjoyed the way I look, and I don’t like to look at myself in the mirror all that much,” he explains. “As I’ve gotten older, I was shown by the Lord that it’s a true gift to be different. … That’s my purpose, to show God is good.”

An internationally known speaker, Joel has seen tremendous growth and inclusion of people with disabilities and their families at Calvary Church. He will talk about what the faith community can and should be doing to connect to those with disabilities and their families.

In addition to hearing from Joel Sonnenberg, participants will attend practical and informative workshops geared toward people with disabilities, their families, caregivers and friends; along with those who serve at churches and community organizations. A second track will focus on equipping staff and lay people from faith-based and community organizations to be more welcoming and inclusive of people with disabilities.

Northland, started by 11 people in 1972 in the “north land” of Orlando, is a congregation of 12,000 that worships at several physical sites throughout Central Florida and at hundreds of “virtual” sites around the world via the church’s innovative Webstream Worship application. Visit www.northlandchurch.net to learn more.

Conference Schedule

Friday, October 3, 2008

5 p.m. Registration and Exhibits Open

6:30 p.m. Opening General Session Keynote Address: Part One

Joel Sonnenberg, Associate Pastor, Calvary Church, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

8 p.m. Workshops — Session 1

9 p.m. Adjournment for the Evening

Saturday, October 4, 2008

8 a.m. Registration and Exhibits open – Continental breakfast snacks available

9 a.m. Opening General Session

Conference Welcome: Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Senior Pastor, Northland-A Church Distributed

Keynote Address: Part Two Joel Sonnenberg, Associate Pastor, Calvary Church, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

10:15 a.m. Workshops — Session 2

11:30 a.m. Workshops — Session 3

12:30 p.m. Lunch

1:30 p.m. Workshop Seminars

3:30 p.m. Conference Adjournment

5 p.m. Saturday evening services at Northland Church—Dr. Joel C. Hunter