I ran into Peggy Chwalek and her son, Damian, late Sunday afternoon in the church parking lot. They had arrived 15 minutes early for the debut of our class for special needs kids and were lost. That’s understandable. This was their first time at Myers Park United Methodist Church. They live 20 minutes north, where they attend St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. But their parish doesn’t have a ministry devoted to youth like Damian, 17, who is developmentally delayed. So when they heard about the class we’ve launched at Myers Park, they jumped at the opportunity to join us, even if meant having to find their way on a sweltering Sunday afternoon.

As I walked with Peggy and Damian to the Youth Building for the first meeting of The Journey, that unforgettable lyric came to mind – I once was lost but now am found. As I watched Damian high-five the teens joining him at the beginning of something beautiful, I realized that the words describe more than a mother and son finding the right room. They had found here a place for Damian to feel the love of God, and the love of the church.

Inspired by parents knowing what’s best for their children and then helping to make it happen, The Journey will meet Sundays at 5:00 p.m. in Room 259 in the Youth Building. Every family within reading distance of my words is welcome to bring a child age 16 and up with learning disabilities. About half the participants at the first class were church members, half weren’t. Maureen Korzik and Kim Bostick will teach the class, using a Scripture-based curriculum called Claim The Life. Each class will explore a theme such as Dealing with Life’s Difficulties, and Developing Character. Families can bring their youngster for one or all of the sessions. Kids can start attending on any given Sunday. Just come. All will be welcomed and loved. When class is over, the crew will join Youth Ministries for the weekly Sunday night supper.

To learn more – including how to get to the room! – contact Rev. Shane Page at 704-295-4823 or shane@mpumc.org.

What a start to The Journey.

Ten kids took seats in a semicircle and took turns introducing themselves. Moms (and one dad) sat nearby, smiling and taking notes on what time to pick them up once the suppers start. A lot of the kids knew each other from school, and all seemed perfectly at ease. What wasn’t to feel at ease about? You can bring bottled water to class, homework will be minimal, the basic rules are raise your hand and respect others, and it’ll all end each week with pizza, tacos and more.

No wonder smiles filled Room 259, and maybe a tear or two of fulfillment, finally. This is trailblazing stuff in a world where not nearly enough of God’s houses reach out to those with special needs.

That’s the faith community’s loss. Sunday afternoon, I had the honor of meeting Damian, who likes the New York Yankees, is second fastest on his flag football team and wants to be either a sports anchor or fireman. He’s not quite sure yet, which is OK, since his journey is just beginning.