Parables

We believe that the most "special need" we all have is to have a place we know we belong.

Parables is a worship service for all abilities, particularly designed for those on the wider spectrum of neurodiversity and/or bodydiversity, or what has been sometimes termed “special needs”—though every need is simply a human one.  We believe that the most “special need” we all have is to have a place we know we belong—where people genuinely see us and value who we are in all our uniqueness. Parables invites active, informal participation from those in attendance and is often called the “No Shushing Zone.” Special features include: sensory headphones and fidgets, Spirit scarves for Passing the Peace and dancing, visual schedule board, and a therapy dog or two. The program’s predictable format each week helps to create a welcoming space for worship, especially for those whose cognitive differences allow them to engage in the church experience more spontaneously. At Parables we celebrate the gifts of life’s interruptions as a way to find Jesus!

Rev. LeAnn Seto

Summer Worship

Parables meets on the second and fourth Sunday of the month at 11:30 am in the Social Hall.  All are welcome!

Summer Worship with Parables: Exploring the Lord’s Prayer

This summer, we invite you to join us for a special worship series with the Parables ministry as we gather on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of June, July, and August at 11:30am. Our theme for these five Sundays will be “The Lord’s Prayer”—a beloved and powerful prayer that many know by heart, yet contains layers of meaning that can speak freshly into our daily lives.

Each gathering will center around a portion of the prayer, inviting us to reflect deeply and discover new ways of connecting with God through these timeless words.

Here’s a look at our summer schedule:

  • June 22 – “Our Mother and Father, who is in heaven, holy is your name…”
    We’ll begin our journey with the opening lines of the prayer, reflecting on the loving, inclusive nature of God and what it means to honor God’s name in our lives.
  • July 13 – “Your Kin-dom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”
    Together we’ll explore how we can help bring God’s Kin-dom to life right here and now, through acts of justice, kindness, and courage.
  • July 27 – “Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses…”
    We’ll reflect on God’s provision and grace, and how we are called to extend forgiveness and generosity to others.
  • August 10 – “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”
    We’ll talk about facing life’s challenges and finding strength and guidance in God’s presence.
  • August 24 – “For yours is the Kin-dom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.”
    We’ll wrap up our series with a celebration of God’s eternal love and the joy of living in the promise of God’s Kin-dom.

And there’s more!
On the Sundays when we don’t meet for worship, special events and gatherings will take place—fun, engaging ways to stay connected as a community. If you’d like to learn more about these events and receive updates, sign up to receive emails from the Parables group.

Whether you’re a regular or new to Parables, we hope you’ll join us this summer for meaningful worship, community connection, and spiritual growth. All are welcome!

 

Parables Worship & Special Events

All Are Welcome!

Join us for inspiring worship at Parables! Experience heartfelt connections and spiritual growth every week. Also, don’t miss our special events for fun and fellowship.

Want to join in on the special events?  Email LeAnn Seto and let her know you want to be added to the email list!  Click the button below and then choose “LeAnn Seto” from the dropdown list.  Make sure to check the box for Parables Email list.  Add your name and email address then hit send. 

Chelsea First

Our church culture

Chelsea First United Methodist Church (Chelsea First) is a Christ-centered congregation with a positive, open, and engaging spirit. We are a church for everyone, at all seasons of life, and bring a grounded, engaged, and supportive approach to Christian worship while working passionately toward making a positive impact in our community.

© 2025 Chelsea First UMC

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Chelsea First UMC
128 Park St., Chelsea, MI 48118
📞 (734) 475-8119
✉️ info@chelseaumc.org
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