E-mail to a FriendSpecial Needs VBS
June 22–26
Register now!
Special Needs
The Special Needs Ministry at Calvary welcomes all ages and abilities! Guests (including parents and caregivers) are always invited to join us. We focus on providing our students with opportunities to worship, grow in their faith, and serve our church and community.
Sunday Morning Program
We’re excited to welcome you to worship God with us on Sunday mornings! We offer classes at 9:45 AM during the worship service and at 11:15 AM during the Life Group hour.
- Children & Teens meet in Room 101 for a Bible lesson, engaging activities, and fellowship.
- Young Adults & Adults meet in Room 100. They participate in part of the worship service alongside their group leader and “buddies” in the Sanctuary before returning to Room 100 for a Bible lesson, activities, and fellowship time.
Visiting for the first time? Please stop by the Family Welcome Desk on the first floor near the elevators. We’ll help you register and get to the appropriate classroom.
As a ministry community, our group’s fellowship activities may include dinners, pool parties, bowling, strawberry picking, holiday shopping, respite events for caregivers and parents, the annual Luke 14 Banquets, and more. Please feel free to contact us with any questions about the program.
Contact: Laura Harrison, 704.887.3695, lharrison@calvarychurch.com
+ 
Monday–Friday, June 22–26
9:00 AM–12:15 PMWe offer a Special Needs group for younger students (5–12 years old) and for older students (13+ years old).
This summer at VBS, kids with special needs will explore all the ways light brightens, illuminates, reflects, and reveals while discovering that Jesus is the light who brings hope to a dark world! Like the disciples, they will be challenged to answer Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” Throughout the week, they will discover that Jesus is who Scripture says He is — the perfect, proven, and powerful Son of God.
Light up your summer at Illumination Station and shine a light on Jesus!
There is no cost for VBS, including a T-shirt, crafts, materials, and snacks.
Spots are limited. Registration closes on May 7 or when all spots are filled.Want to be part of our VBS Volunteer Team? LEARN MORE
Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12
Contact: Laura Harrison, Director of Children’s Ministry, 704.887.3695, lharrison@calvarychurch.com
Lifeway VBS materials and graphics © 2026 Lifeway Christian Resources. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
+ 
Special Needs Respite Night
Saturday, April 18Saturday, April 18
4:00–7:00 PM, in the Calvary Life Center- Registration for this event is FULL.
Students of all ages with special needs (and their siblings ages 3–12) are invited to enjoy this spring-themed event. It’s a fun evening for our students while their parents or caregivers take a break.
Students will be paired with a buddy to participate in activities designed for their age and ability level, including a bouncy house, games, crafts, and a treasure hunt. We’ll enjoy dinner from Chick-fil-A (with gluten-free options available). It’s a fun time filled with lots of love!
Event Volunteers
- This need has been met!
We need volunteers for this event! Get details HERE if you would like to serve alongside our students with special needs.
Contact: Laura Harrison, 704.887.3695, lharrison@calvarychurch.com
+ 
Joni & Friends Family Retreat
August 10–14
Apply to attend!August 10–14
Bonclarken Conference Center, Flat Rock, NC
Joni & Friends Family Retreats offer a haven for families living with disabilities. In a fully accessible camp environment, families are cared for, rejuvenated, and encouraged in Christ. Enjoy a fun, Christ-centered environment that is safe and accepting for each family member. During this respite, you will build lasting memories and find renewed hope by participating in Bible study, engaging activities, and opportunities to connect with other families facing similar challenges.
Space is limited!
Contact: Sandy O’Donovan, 704.341.5323, sodonovan@calvarychurch.com, or Pastor Sibu Rajappan, 704.341.5336,srajappan@calvarychurch.com
+ 
Special Needs 139 Praise
Wednesdays, 6:30–8:00 PMSpecial Needs Students
Ages 14+
Wednesdays | 6:30–8:00 PM, Room 200139 Praise meets on Wednesday evenings, concurrently with Children’s Bible Clubs and Elective Bible Studies. In this group, students will praise God through music, movement, and art.
Snacks are served; if your teen has food allergies, please provide a safe snack each week.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14
Contact: Laura Harrison, 704.887.3695, lharrison@calvarychurch.com
+ 
Special Needs Program Registration
Participants register annuallyCalvary is pleased to welcome children, students, and young adults with special needs to participate in our growing ministry!
Each year, special needs families must complete a student registration. This information helps us provide care and support for every student so they can grow in their faith, participate fully in church activities, and become all God created them to be.
Please complete this annual registration below:
Contact: Laura Harrison, 704.887.3695, lharrison@calvarychurch.com
+ Luke 14 Banquets
Celebrating Christmas
with Special Needs friendsCelebrating Christmas
with Special Needs friends!
Each year, Calvary invites friends in our church and community with physical and developmental disabilities, plus their families and caregivers, to the Luke 14 Banquets. It’s one of the highlights of the Christmas season! These free events feature:- A festive meal
- An interactive Christmas program with singing and special presentations
- A gift for each guest, including family members & caregivers
LUKE 14 DINNER —
Saturday, December 13, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 PM, Crown Room
This dinner is for families with members who have special needs. Invited guests must confirm attendance by December 1.
LUKE 14 LUNCHEON —Tuesday, December 16, 2025 | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, Crown Room
This luncheon is for friends with special needs in group homes in our community.
GUEST INVITATIONS
Guests who have attended before and those in our Special Needs Ministry will receive an invitation in November via email or postal mail. Please reach out; new families and friends are welcome. We’d love to have you join us!To be added to the Luke 14 invitation list for next year, please contact Sandy O’Donovan at sodonovan@calvarychurch.com.SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY
Calvary has an active Special Needs ministry, and we’d love for your child or student to join us! Learn more at calvarychurch.com/specialneeds.
“And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.’” — Luke 14:23
+ Special Needs Volunteers
Serve on a rotating schedule
Calvary has many children, students, and young adults with special needs who participate in our growing ministry.
We always need additional volunteers to serve in a variety of roles. Will you help by serving as a Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Friend/Buddy, or Parent Partner on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings?
- We have an immediate need for three new team members! Most volunteers serve on a monthly rotation on Sunday mornings at 9:30–11:15 AM or 11:15–Noon on the 1st and 3rd Sundays or 2nd and 4th Sundays.
- We need volunteers to serve on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, from September to November and January to May.
A background check is required for volunteers ages 18+.
Please contact us to get involved!
Contact: Laura Harrison, 704.887.3695, lharrison@calvarychurch.com