“As I entered the room for the meeting, it was so quiet I thought I might be in the wrong area. And yet, a lively discussion was taking place.”
In early April, Mission Advocate, Sue Green was able to join Paul Lucero, Pastor Warren Schilf, and others who are deeply involved in Deaf ministry for a meeting of The Deaf Gathering Place. It is estimated that nearly 97% of the Deaf community in the United States, nearly 51.4 million people, do not know Jesus. This group of individuals from the Northern Illinois District is on a mission to change that.
The Deaf Gathering Place which formally began this spring is an active community which meets for seven weeks each spring and fall in various locations around the northwest suburbs “to talk about life topics and to share the love of God.” Paul Lucero, who is Deaf, and Pastor Warren Schilf, who is a hearing pastor at Immanuel in Palatine, lead the discussions. With meetings which are held in person and live-streamed on Facebook in both spoken words and American Sign Language, everyone is invited to “come as they are” to the Deaf Gathering Place.
In addition to the Deaf Gathering Place, there are several other ministries in the district which invite the Deaf community to draw near and learn about Jesus. Paul Lucero and his wife Betty Jo have been involved in Deaf ministry for over 25 years, and they are very involved in several of these ministries. Alongside Pastor Mark Winkelman from Immanuel, Freeport, four years ago, they helped start Northern Illinois Deaf Worship which meets the third Sunday of every month at Good Shepherd, Elgin. Everyone, hearing and Deaf, are welcome to join them for fellowship, Bible study, and worship.
Members of the Deaf community believe that deafness is not a disability, but a difference in how people interact with the world. However, as with anything where there is a language difference, those who speak the minority language can feel unwelcome. Everything changes with a simple, “hello.”
“Ministries which incorporate hearing accessibility in all aspects of worship and life will enable greater participation by those who are hard of hearing.” This in turn strengthens people’s faith and brings about spiritual growth.
For many years, a number of LCMS churches in northern Illinois have offered interpreted or signed services. Further, there are many very simple things–some you may already be doing–to help people who are Deaf or who have some form of hearing loss feel welcome in your church. Paul Lucero especially suggests using a PowerPoint with the sermon and offering a printed order of worship. Beyond those things, it’s important to be willing to communicate. Paul says not to be afraid and to let the Deaf person lead–they handle this every day. He especially recommends having paper, pen and a willingness to communicate using gestures and body language. It all starts with hello. Sometimes it will work. Sometimes it will not. Patience and willingness to communicate are key. Often, the effort alone speaks volumes. Thanks for the reminder, Paul.
For more information, email Paul Lucero at plucero2000@aol.com.
This is our Northern Illinois District! #OurNID