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

Worship

Second and Fourth Sundays

11:30 am

Parables meet in the Social Hall

SEPTEMBER THEME

Inspiration and Intention

Parables worship will be drawing our monthly parables mostly from the gospel of Mark this 2024-25 program year. This first one from chapter 4 is nestled between the parables of the sower and the mustard seed. Ah, the lovely metaphors Jesus gives us to reflect on how the Spirit Seed of God is at work in the world!

“This is what the Kin-dom of God is like: A person scatters seed on the land. Night and day, while they sleep, when they are awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, they do not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, at once they start to reap because the harvest has come.”

Mark 4: 26-29

One of the things this parable reminds me of is that the Kin-dom of God does not need us to micro-manage it or fuss and worry that we somehow didn’t measure up with what we offered as “seed.” With Christness alive in the world, the Kin-dom is constantly morphing and evolving, folding in the good and bad (or that which seems to us with our limited perception “Lovely” and “Less-than”) with every pulse of Love and Light. What a thrill to be part of this way of seeing! All of us are planters as well as harvesters of the Word, as it takes on new expressions of fullness all around us in many ways.

Sometimes we think we need to wait to be inspired before we can make a new intention for ourselves or our impulse of Love. While inspiration can lead to intention, it works the other way around, too. Intentions of all kinds often lead to us experiencing the world anew.

+ The intention to find a better way to recycle your plastic might lead to a passion for collecting all kinds of other goods for recycled use through the many local agencies in our area

+ The intention to get a little exercise by walking each day might renew your connection to some neighbors with whom you have more in common than you once thought

+ The intention to fast once a week for physical health reasons might also lead to a sense of spiritual sensitivity and closeness with God

And when these Crops of Intention are full-grown in their surprising and mysterious ways (and we may think no one but us sees the growth) Jesus reminds us that we can celebrate God as the power behind that beautiful harvest.

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.

Click here to sign up for emails

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.

734.475.8119
128 Park St. Chelsea, MI 48118

Email US

The church building is open during regular office hours and Sunday mornings.

Office Hours:
Monday - Wednesday 8-4 pm
Thursday- Friday 8-3 pm

Chelsea First is part of the United Methodist Church.