Riverview Review 2023 - Flipbook - Page 38
HANNAH
SHAEQ
In 2023, we formed a new
ministry designed to help meet
the sensory needs of kids in the
Riverview community who have
additional needs. Being in church
can be pretty overwhelming for
any of us but when you have
sensory differences it can make
the experience all too much! Our
kids ministry have found it so
helpful to have specific people
and spaces available for children
in need of a little extra support.
Strategies can range from
noticing that a child needs a
33
hand squeeze to calm down, to
being ready to offer a little more
instruction during craft. For some
children, they are helped by
taking a walk into the low sensory
rooms that we call “Star Space”.
In these specially dedicated
rooms, children can relax as they
spin around in the egg chair or
dive into the crash mats for some
deep pressure input!
We love the diversity of Riverview
and our Star team is so blessed
to intentionally get to know
the kids in our additional needs
community in order that they
might have access to being
known and formed in community
too.
Additional support means that
these children can be engaged in
the community of Riverview Kids.
Additional support means that all
children have the opportunity to
make friends, read the Bible and
lead other kids in worship! Our
Star ministry enhances Riverview
Church as we discover that image
of God through the beauty of
inclusivity.