Taking part in the Christmas program at the Blandburg church are, front (from left): Darlene Mays and Lena Hullihen; middle: Lexi Ciambotti, Katie Burke, Brooke Baird and Santa; back: Garran Burget, Jeffrey Mallard, Sara Ritchey, Vienna Yingling (held), Luke Hullihen, Reagan Hullihen and Laiken Yingling (held). Courtesy photo

BLANDBURG — At its height, Blandburg, a small town in Cambria County, had three thriving churches. Over the years, closures led to the United Methodist congregation making up the only place of worship. That number almost went to zero as in January 2023, the church had just seven members.

In an effort to save the church and its more than 100-year-old building, a decision was made to make a radical shift and resurrect an idea that had been attempted years prior but stymied by the COVID-19 pandemic.

That dream — to have an inclusive ministry that catered to people with special needs — began in 2019 when Jaynee Hullihen, pastor at the current Blandburg United Methodist Church, along with her husband Zane, took their son Luke to the Emmanuel Church in Johnstown for a twice-a-month inclusive program.

The Hullihens saw a need for a similar, but local ministry, for families in need of such services.

In 2020, all the steps were taken and the first monthly service was set to begin April. But then the pandemic hit and the plan was suspended. Various other obstacles also got in the way and years later, the ministry was still only a dream.

Dream resurfaced

With the church down to seven members, though, the plan resurfaced as a way to breathe new life in the congregation and the community. The concept changed from a once monthly service to a weekly service. Its inclusive nature means that those in the community can worship alongside those with special needs and others who may have felt uncomfortable in a traditional church setting.

Pastor Hullihen said what separates the service from others is the dedication to making special needs individuals a primary focus of the regular weekly services.

She said research showed that other churches offer respite space for special needs individuals so their families can worship. In addition, they found that many churches offer special nights for those with special needs.

The Blandburg church, though, went full-in with a weekly service that centers on those with special needs.

“Within a very significant sizable distance, we were the only (church) we found that was making a special-needs inclusive-centered service to be our primary, exclusive service, Hullihen said.

The first service was held in May 2023 and featured 32 people. After that, services brought in 20 to 25 people each week.

Special events added

In July, the church increased its plans and added special events outside of the regular service — such as tye-dye and movie nights — that reached more people.

In addition, dedicated time during the weekly services was planned that allowed special needs individuals and their families to both experience the service as well as take part. This was done by inviting different groups of special needs individuals to perform during the service.

For example, the ARC Angels of Blair County (August) and the Hakuna Matata Handicapable Square dancers (October) showcased their gifts as part of worship.

The church’s programs continue to blossom.

On Dec. 22, the Patchwork Praise Ministry offered 13 individuals the chance to participate in a Christmas program. More than half of those who took part have special needs, creating a true inclusionary mixed cast.

For Hullihen, what excited her most was the level of excitement for the program.

“The Christmas Program is a prime example of what we envisioned initially,” said Hullihen. “Everyone was an immediate and excited yes. They offered to help where they could. I think this both shows the need that exists along with the possibilities that can exist in the future.”

“All those who attended, left with a positive attitude,” explained Zane Hullihen. “Both the audience and participants looked like they were having an amazing time. I believe these individuals are like a direct line to God, which is why I believe they radiate such happiness to all who experience them.”

The service has elicited many success stories.

For example, Luke Hullihen rarely went to worship services. Now he attends weekly, took Communion for the first time at the age of 31, and takes ownership of the service through things like filling the snacks. A large percentage of the now regular attendees have either never attended church before or attended sporadically in the past, the Hullihens said.

Adapting for change

Many physical adaptations were necessary to create a successful environment. The worship space was updated to reflect a more contemporary vibe, pews were removed to make room for wheelchairs, the parking lot was expanded and an ADA compliant ramp was installed in addition to placing Bible verses on the wall and creating a sensory area.

The transformation was not just physical but also a major shift in an approach to hospitality and worship,the Hullihens said. The snacks and drinks are provided weekly for before, during and after the service. Noise reducing headphones are made available to those who struggle with sensory overload and messages strive to be engaging and easier to understand.

Worship itself is unique, embracing individuals of all abilities and ages. Attendees are encouraged to move between the sanctuary and adjacent community space as they need, allowing them to engage in a worship service that doesn’t force silence or stillness on people who oftentimes may struggle with societal expectations of church behavior, they said..

“All of us that attend on a regular basis in one way or another didn’t fit in somewhere,” said Zane Hullihen. “Many had been found to be bad fits by other churches in the past and the process of winning people back is gradual and ongoing. Once people witness a service, our success rate of getting them back is very high. The biggest obstacle is getting that initial visit. I believe the more people we get comfortable enough to try it out, the faster we are going to grow this ministry.”

Services are held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday For more information on the ministry, visit patchworkpraise.org or contact preacher Jaynee Hullihen at 814-687-4498.