Meet Brevard Gatherings
The Beginnings
Coming off their honeymoon, the Stimson’s started The Special Gathering in Cocoa, Florida. Richard taught Special Education in the public school and Nancy was a teaching assistant. It would be another three years before Richard would be full-time with The Special Gathering.
Knowing he did not want to serve as a chaplain in an institution, Richard borrowed concepts from Youth for Christ and Young Life and applied them to the mentally challenged community. The Stimsons developed chapels for persons with intellectual disabilities. These chapels are a combination of Sunday School Classes, Worship Services and social events, such as camps, picnics, choirs and Christmas programs.
Soon the Stimsons realized that pastoring their flocks included advocating for their social, physical and emotional needs. This meant ministering to the whole person. After all shepherds protect their sheep.
With over 200 members, the ministry meets in four Florida locations (Titusville, Merritt Island, Melbourne and Vero). This is all made possible through the support of over 70 churches of multiple denominations.
The Beginnings
Coming off their honeymoon, the Stimson’s started The Special Gathering in Cocoa, Florida. Richard taught Special Education in the public school and Nancy was a teaching assistant. It would be another three years before Richard would be full-time with The Special Gathering.
Knowing he did not want to serve as a chaplain in an institution, Richard borrowed concepts from Youth for Christ and Young Life and applied them to the mentally challenged community. The Stimsons developed chapels for persons with intellectual disabilities. These chapels are a combination of Sunday School Classes, Worship Services and social events, such as camps, picnics, choirs and Christmas programs.
Soon the Stimsons realized that pastoring their flocks included advocating for their social, physical and emotional needs. This meant ministering to the whole person. After all shepherds protect their sheep.
With over 200 members, the ministry meets in four Florida locations (Titusville, Merritt Island, Melbourne and Vero). This is all made possible through the support of over 70 churches of multiple denominations.
What we do and Why
There are many fine organizations which address the vocational needs of mentally challenged person, such as:
- ARC of the Space Coast
- Brevard Achievement Center
- Easter Seals
There are organizations that address the social needs, such as:
- Special Olympics
- Brevard County Parks & Recreation
- Aktion Club
There are group homes and residential supports such as:
- Springwood
- Woodsmere
- Gillespie Homes
- ICANN
But Who is Addressing the Spiritual Needs?
- We believe mentally challenged persons have spiritual needs that are as real and valid as anyone else.
- Mentally challenged persons face life crises and concerns as difficult as anyone else.
- Mentally challenged persons have the same longing in their heart for communion with God.
We are grateful and blessed to be supported by many local churches in the area.
Friends
