Special Friends Ministry
Welcomed, Valued, Celebrated
In February of 2018, St. Patrick launched a ministry called Special Friends, where we welcome and serve families with unique needs in our community. Every person is fearfully and wonderfully made and wanted just as they are (Psalm 139). Our desire is to set a safe, welcoming, fun, and inclusive place at our table for families with special needs.
Our ministry provides various opportunities throughout the year for individuals of all ages and abilities to participate in fellowship, build community, and have fun! Mark your calendars for our upcoming events listed below, and check back registration openings. Click here for all current events and open registrations.
Brunch Bunch: Once a month, St. Patrick Presbyterian and Germantown Presbyterian host a breakfast for individuals with disabilities. Participants come enjoy breakfast, complete a craft, and play a game with friends! The next Brunch Bunch at St. Patrick will be held on May 26th from 9:00-11:00am.
Special Friends VBS Night: We are launching on a cosmic quest, shining Jesus’ light to the world for Vacation Bible School 2023! Join us at St. Patrick for a Special Friends VBS for families with special needs, June 6 from 6:00-8:00pm! We will have a Bible lesson, dinner, games, activities and fellowship. Registration is $8 per participant, which includes a t-shirt. Caregivers can choose to drop off or stay.
Bowling Night: Join us on July 18th from 6-8pm for a fun night of bowling at FunQuest in Collierville! Cost is $10 for bowling and pizza.
Bingo and Crafts: Join us at St. Patrick on August 8 from 6-8pm for a night of Bingo & Crafts!
Field of Friends Baseball: Field of Friends will provide an opportunity for athletes with special needs and their families to participate in a season of baseball. Players will have an opportunity to participate, regardless of their abilities. Individuals will be paired up with a buddy who will assist them, as needed, when batting, fielding, or running the bases. Games will be played on Sunday afternoons in Collierville at 5:00pm (September 24, October 1, October 15, October 22, October 29).
Christmas Party: Families with special needs are invited to our Special Friends Christmas Party on December 9th! We'll have stations including breakfast, crafts, games, a Bible Story, and a special visit with Santa!
Chance to Dance: Dance Classes for those of all abilities will be offered during the spring semester at NVS Dance in Collierville. Classes will be on Sunday afternoons from 4:00-5:00pm and will include ballet, lyrical, jazz, & hip hop. There are multiple opportunities to perform during the season if interested. The cost is free, but you must register in advance.
Field of Friends Kickball: We have a brief season in the spring for athletes of all abilities to play kickball! Games are hosted at the church on Sunday afternoons from 4:00-5:30.
special friends sunday mornings: weekly, from 10:15-11:45am, parents/caregivers are encouraged to attend our worship service during this time. To pre-register for a Sunday morning visit, please fill out this Special Friends Form so we can be prepared to welcome and serve your family and know how to accommodate your specific needs.
“Leena was amazing with Adam. She was so sweet and attentive. He loved the movie projector and just hanging out. Yesterday morning as I was getting him up for school he said “can I get my church bag and go to church?” Tears! So, yes, it was a good experience for him. I know we may have a few bumps along the way but we were encouraged and so thankful for our church.”