The name “139” refers to Psalm 139 where David writes, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” We, at the Moody Church, firmly believe that God made us all wonderfully, and that those with disabilities show us God’s wonder in different ways that we would otherwise miss.

139 Disability Ministries

The Deaf

Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? At The Moody Church, we know and believe that the Deaf are fearfully and wonderfully made and desire that the Gospel be clearly communicated to everyone, no matter what language they use.

 

Join us for our 10:00AM Sunday Morning Service interpreted into American Sign Language (ASL) for the Deaf to the right of the front platform in the Sanctuary. (Seating is reserved for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.) *Assisted Listening Devices are available for the Hard of Hearing at our Information Desk.

 

Deaf-led ASL Classes: Interested in learning American Sign Language? The Moody Church Deaf Ministry offers immersive ASL classes for beginners taught by a member of the Deaf community. Classes will be available upon request only. Contact Antonio Sanders (Deaf Instructor) at antoniosanders88@gmail.com and he will send you the information to participate in an online class based on his availability.

The class book, which can be purchased independently, is titled A Basic Course in American Sign Language and can be found on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

The Blind

Do you have a loved one who is blind or are you yourself blind or vision impaired? The Moody Church is seeking ways to connect with ministries for those who are blind and vision impaired to help those with visual disabilities to connect with God and others.

 

If you or a family member read Braille and will be attending our service this Sunday, we encourage you to stop by the Information Desk outside of the Sanctuary to request a Braille Binder that has our songs and more transcribed into Braille so that you can easily follow along in the service.

 

If you are interested in using a Braille Bible during the service or for personal study please contact elizabeth.wade@moodychurch.org. We currently have Bibles in both Grade 1 and Grade 2 Braille. 

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

We seek to eliminate barriers that inhibit those affected by IDD from hearing the gospel. Our goal instead is to empower our brothers and sisters with IDD to use their spiritual gifts so that they may share the good news of Jesus’ love with each other, the Body of Christ, and the lost. To that end, we offer programs for all ages and stages including 139 Buddies in TMC Kids and 139 Friends in Co-Laborers Community that meets every Sunday, as well as Special Events over the Summer to serve the members of our Church Body living with IDD.

Accessibility & Inclusion

Do you or a loved one have a physical or intellectual Disability? We at the Moody Church want to make sure that there is nothing keeping you from connecting with God and others while you are worshiping, serving or fellowshipping with us.
Churchwide Special Events: Our Leadership Team seeks to think through all of the major events that our church hosts to make sure they are accessible to all people regardless of abilities.
Sensory Spaces: The Moody church offers overflow/sensory spaces for all of our main services and concerts. This is specifically for those who find our Main Sanctuary overstimulating or need movement throughout the service.
Access Reports: If there are areas of the church that you have been unable to get access to or have other access issues that you would like to report, please let us know by leaving your information and the issue on a Connect Card.

Co-Laborers Community

Every Week on Sundays @ 11:30 AM in Room 301 during the Fall/Spring Semesters (No meetings during the Summer Semester: June-August)

 

Co-Laborers is a place where adults who have special learning needs and differing communication styles can grow together in their knowledge of Christ’s love as friends, family, and workers in God’s beautifully diverse Kingdom. Our focus is helping every part of the Body of Christ see how we bring God glory.

Mental Health

The Moody Church’s Mental Health Ministry shares the conviction that it is possible to live well despite having a mental health challenge or disorder because of the hope there is in Christ!

We utilize a collection of resources to provide simple, innovative and grace-filled mental health solutions and community support to come alongside those experiencing a personal journey with mental health challenges and disorders. Our Mental Health Ministry is not meant to replace counseling, therapy, or medicine, but rather to come alongside with the hope and grace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

139 Summer Fun Nights!

Saturdays | 5-7pm | Room 307

 

Families and Friends with special needs, you’re invited to a night of fellowship, food, and fun. Come to one or ALL three of these themed nights as we celebrate God’s goodness and grace in our lives over the Summer Semester. Mark your calendars and Click here to register!

 

  • June 27th, 2026 – Movie Night
  • July 25th, 2026 – Christmas Night
  • August 22nd, 2026 – Craft Night

 

*This is not a drop-off program.

Joni & Friends Family Retreats

June-September

 

Families and Friends with special needs, Summer has a lot to offer, but Summer just isn’t complete without Joni & Friends Family Retreat! Hey, that rhymes! If you have never been, though, a Family Retreat is simply…

 

“A place where families living with special needs find rest, hope, and community in the body of Christ.” ~ Joni & Friends
Family Retreat can be quite the experience whether it is your 1st or 10th time, so please consider this as a vacation opportunity if you are one of our 139 Church Families and a short-term missions/disability ministry training opportunity if you are one of our 139 Volunteers/Buddies (families often go and serve together). You won’t regret it!
Here are the 2026 Family Retreat dates/locations:
Click any of the links above for all the details or call the Joni & Friends Chicago Office for more information.

Interested in serving with 139?

139 is in need of volunteers for the following:

  • TMC Kids/Youth Ministry
  • Co-Laborers Community (Discipleship Class for Adults with IDD)
  • Funs Nights (Special Event/Community Outreach)
  • Group Home Visitation (Community Outreach)
  • Joni & Friends Family Retreats (Short-Term Missions)

If you’re interested in volunteering for any of the above service opportunities, email elizabeth.wade@moodychurch.org.

Leadership

Elizabeth Albarran

Elizabeth serves as the Director of Disability Ministries and Connections. She is a Liberty University graduate with a degree in Special Education and Behavioral Science. It is her goal to better share God’s story and the hope of the gospel with those of all abilities. She loves to incorporate her love of music, languages, travel, literature, and games into an immersive learning experience.

 

For questions and concerns please contact elizabeth.wade@moodychurch.org.