Yukon Church Starts Sensory-Friendly Church Service; Hosting Easter Egg Hunt

One place everyone should feel welcome and included is the church, however for kids with special needs church services can be a real trigger for them. 

Children with sensory issues are typically overly sensitive to bright lights, loud sounds, sudden movements and even touch. 

“We saw many families come in just looking for a place where their child can be safe, again they can learn about the Lord, just like everybody else,” said Morgan McGhee, Preschool Director with Trinity Baptist Church.  

Trinity Baptist church is in Yukon, and launched their sensory ministry on February 5th of this year.  

“Our sensory room is for our Pre-K and under kiddos, so our littles that just need that extra soft space to come and play maybe get out some of that extra energy,” said McGhee. 

There is a later time for the older kids and even adults with sensory issues. 

“They get to learn in all kinds of ways, with their hands, with manipulatives, through writing and reading and then we also have a time of live worship for them as well,” said McGhee. 

Laura Ladymon’s 11-year-old son Kellen is stage three autistic. 

“It’s really good to know that Kellen has a place to come where he’s loved and he’s safe,” said Ladymon.  

The church has also planned a special Easter egg hunt this Friday just for kids with sensory issues.  

“On good Friday April seventh we’re going to be having a sensory friendly Easter egg hunt, which will be at 4:30 PM before our main hunt starts at 6 PM,” said Ladymon.  

It is free to anyone with sensory issues, no cost and no need to register. 

“Just hunt all the eggs that they want to and so it just gives them a safe time to come and do that without a large crowd and without all the noise,” said McGhee.  

Whether they are hunting for Easter eggs or attending a church service designed for their needs, it’s important to just be thought about. 

“97 to 98 percent of families with autistic people in their family, don’t go to church because they don’t feel welcome or they don’t feel safe,” said Ladymon.  

The church is focused on creating a place of inclusion for everyone, just like in the Bible.