Highlight Devotion: Christy’s Corner

Vocation

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

Christine “Christy” Bosch was born with Down Syndrome and was able to live life to the fullest thanks to the support and encouragement of others. Christy was the inspiration for Christy’s Corner Café, which strives to provide opportunities for teens and adults with special needs just like others provided opportunities for Christy. Christine “Christy” Bosch was born with Down Syndrome and was able to live life to the fullest thanks to the support and encouragement of others. Christy was the inspiration for Christy’s Corner Café, which strives to provide opportunities for teens and adults with special needs just like others provided opportunities for Christy. 

Highlight Video: Christy Bosch (with the help of her mother, Mary Jo) (Video – 8 min. 21 sec.)

Scripture: Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Reflection Questions:

• Share about a meaningful job that you have had. How did it make you feel?
• Create a list of differences present in your community. What would it look like to regards this variety as “God’s handiwork”?
• Toward the end of the interview Mary Jo makes an insightful self-correction, shifting her language from “Downs kids” to “kids with Downs”. Why do you think she changes her language? What can we learn from this moment?
• Ephesians says that we are “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” In what ways does your parish create a space where everyone can contribute? Why do you do this?
• Bonus Question: Tell a story of a time when something you thought was a flaw became a blessing?

A Prayer from The World Council of Churches – A Church of All and For All:

May we who are made in your image, O God, mirror your compassion, creativity and imagination as we work to reshape our society, our buildings, our programs, and our worship so that all may participate. In you we are no longer alone, but united in one body. Trusting in your wisdom and grace, we pray gratefully in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Going Further: 

To explore more about Christy’s Corner Café and the work of the Engaging Opportunities Foundation visit their website at www.christyscornercafe.com or stop in for a cup of coffee at their café located on 368 Rice Street, Elmore. (Kendra recommends a cup of “Jamaican Me Crazy”.) To learn more about how your congregation can be welcoming to those with disabilities read “God Revealed Through People With Disabilities” by Pastor Beth Wartick.

Greater than 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed.