This is an advertorial.
Trinity Methodist of Ruston is excited to introduce a new ministry called Club Nine 3, designed to serve children and families with special needs. This program is a welcoming space where students can learn about God, grow in their faith, connect with peers, and have fun! At the same time, we aim to support and empower their families as they navigate the challenges of raising children with unique needs.
Club Nine 3 is a multifaceted ministry offering a variety of activities to meet the spiritual, social, and creative needs of our students. These activities include:
- Sunday School: Every Sunday from 10:00–11:00 a.m., students can participate in an inclusive Sunday school class designed to ensure that every child experiences meaningful learning and community.
- Art Classes: Our free art classes are held most Wednesdays from 5:00–6:00 p.m. These classes are a creative outlet where students can express themselves while learning new artistic skills. Past projects have included name art, painted wooden creatures, color dot paintings, watercolor creations, and caterpillar magnets. We love to see the creativity and joy these classes bring to our students!
- Family Events and Mission Activities: Each quarter, we host special family events and mission activities. For example, our first family event in October was a Volleyball and Sandcastle Cookout, which was a fun and relaxed way for families to connect. On October 27th, we will have a game booth at Trinity’s Trunk or Treat event. In December, we will host a Christmas Cookie Decorating event where students and their families will create and deliver cookies to share the love of Christ with others.
For more information on upcoming events or to register a student, please visit the Ministries tab on our website at trinityruston.org. While registration is not required, it helps us prepare for each student’s needs, including any special accommodations, abilities, or allergies.
A Warm Welcome at Worship
Trinity Methodist also offers an inclusive environment during our contemporary worship service, held Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. We provide two spaces to ensure all families feel comfortable during worship:
- The Cry Room: A quiet, adaptable space where parents can adjust the volume and light levels to create a more sensory-friendly environment for their children.
- The Loft: A living-room style area where parents can worship while staying close to their children. The Loft offers comfortable seating, books, headphones, tactile toys, and a live-stream of the worship service, allowing families to move freely and engage as they feel most comfortable.
The Birth of Club Nine 3
Club Nine 3 was born out of Trinity’s desire to provide a more inclusive and supportive environment for families of children with special needs. It began when we opened our doors to welcome students with unique needs to participate in our Vacation Bible School (VBS) program this past summer. As Teila Lee—Trinity’s Youth Director, mom of a special needs youth and founder of Club Nine 3—reflects:
“In the beginning, we didn’t know who would be interested in attending, what needs the individuals would have, or if we could meet them. But through God’s faithfulness and the love of our volunteers, welcoming special needs kids into our VBS program was overwhelmingly successful. The work of God was evident as our volunteers worked directly with the students and as the students interacted with one another in the week’s activities.”
One VBS participant was Braley, a 17 year old with a chromosomal abnormality that makes her specially gifted. “She is full of smiles, laughs, and keeps our family on our toes,” reflects Braley’ s mom, Chelsea. “We had the privilege of attending VBS at Trinity, and Braley had the very best time. Singing and dancing is her absolute favorite.
“Her father and I were so blessed and thankful for this opportunity for her as there are a limited number of programs available for Braley and others that have special gifts. VBS provided a safe and fun atmosphere as well as a chance to be with her friends from school and meet new friends. We advocate and support programs that give these children a chance to participate in extracurricular activities where their lights can shine.”
A Place for All
The name Club Nine 3 is inspired by John 9:3, where Jesus answers his disciples’ question about a man born blind. He says, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” This verse reminds us that everyone has a purpose and a role in God’s plan, and that each person, no matter their abilities, can display God’s love and grace.
Club Nine 3 is open to any student with special needs. We believe that God’s love is for everyone, and our goal is to make sure that every student in our church feels that love.
For students who haven’t yet started 6th grade, they can choose between joining their age-appropriate Sunday school class with an aide (a Buddy) or participating in the Youth Club Nine 3 Sunday School room if that environment is a better fit. Parents and students are welcome to decide which setting works best for them.
Our dedicated Club Nine 3 classroom is designed for hands-on, one-on-one instruction, where lessons include Bible stories, music, motion, and interactive activities. This individualized approach ensures that every child is supported and engaged in a way that suits their learning style.
We’re excited to see how Club Nine 3 will continue to grow and meet the needs of families in our community. We invite you to join us and be part of this special ministry!
