First United Methodist Church

Special Needs

Loving HANDS Ministry to Children with Special Needs

At First UMC Coppell, we believe all children are a sacred gift from God. 

Our Loving HANDS Ministry offers

Hope, Acceptance, iNclusion, Dignity, and Support

for all families of young adults, youth, and children with special needs.

Our goal is to ensure each child feels loved and accepted in our church family. We want every family who has a child with a special need to be able to fully participate in all the activities of our church.

At the family’s request we will provide a lovingly attentive friend to help their child participate or take care of the child while the parent(s) and/or sibling(s) are involved in any church activities.  Our deepest desire is that each and every child experiences the love of Jesus Christ while they are here.

Many of our adult volunteers work in the Special Education department for area school districts.  Other adults and all youth volunteers are well trained.  In order to arrange Loving HANDS for your child, please contact Heather Shaw at
hshaw@fumccoppell.org or 972-462-0471 at least 48 hours prior to the time needed.

The following activities are also available:

Saturday Evenings of REST - Please share your special child with us!  Your child will experience Loving HANDS and engaging activities while you take a moment to relax.  A Registered Nurse will be here, along with trained volunteers and professionals in Special Education.  Our Saturday dates for 2008 are:
        January 26^th                          May 31^st                    September 27^th
        February 23^rd                        July 26^th                    October 25^th
        April 19^th                               August 23^rd                December 6^th

SEEK (Summer Events for Exceptional Kampers) Camp – In June for 9-14 year olds and 15-20 year olds.  These special camps are for children and youth who are physically or mentally challenged, or both. 

Vacation Bible School - VBS 2008 is June 16-20.