We are thrilled to honor three churches this year as recipients of the Marian Wilder Award: Oak Grove UMC, Wesley UMC, and Madison First UMC! Click the links below to learn how each church has committed to working with persons with disabilities in their local church setting:
2025 Marian Wilder Award Honorees
Oak Grove UMC
Through tireless efforts, the Oak Grove congregation has built the Ethridge Inclusive Playground on its church campus. It offers a place where children of all abilities can play together, with accessible entry and equipment suited for all children. The playground is also a setting for education about disabilities. Oak Grove has developed partnerships with local organizations such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, GiGi’s Playhouse, and Families of Children Under Stress or FOCUS. The congregation has worked hard to make their facilities and worship spaces be places for all to engage and belong.
Wesley UMC
Wesley United Methodist Church in Evans, Georgia, has created the Access Ministry to provide meaningful accommodations so that children, youth, adults, caregivers, and families of all abilities can fully participate in the life of the church. Ministries include providing buddies who offer support for children's programming; a sensory room for those who may need a change in environment; American Sign Language interpretation; and a monthly adaptive worship service with controlled lighting and sound, as well as other sensory friendly events throughout the year.
Madison First UMC
Madison First United Methodist Church began JH Ministries nearly a quarter of a century ago. JH, standing for Jesus' Helpers, was begun by a mother in the congregation who wanted to provide more opportunities for her differently-abled son. They began to work to make worship and Bible Study accessible and to have special outings in the community and beyond. Today, they also with a local middle school offering service and learning opportunities to students with special needs.
Madison First has also began partnering with Collinswood for their Summer Boat Church, using our lake front location and our accessible facilities to create an outdoor experience where all can worship together.