Do you have a child with a disability? If so, you are welcome here!
“Forever His” is a ministry of the Karns church of Christ.
We have a team of faithful Christians who volunteer to serve our guests and members with disabilities in our camps, Bible classes, worship services, and other church wide events.
Each spring and fall, we host Forever His Day Camp for children and adults of all ages and with all types of disabilities.
Beginning in 2024, a new Bible class, Forever His Friends, will be available for those with moderate and severe disabilities who cannot successfully attend typical Bible classes.
The Karns congregation also has many opportunities for fellowship including service projects, church picnics, fellowship meals, youth events, Vacation Bible School, Fall Festival, and much more! Our friends with disabilities are welcome to attend these events!
Forever His Day Camp
If you would like to attend our Forever His Bible camp, registration is required. Please visit the page below for more information.
Forever His Camp occurs each Spring and Fall for children and adults of all ages and all types of disabilities. Activities include a sensory based Bible story room, large game room, crafts, scavenger hunt, outdoor activities, live animals, and a bounce house. Each camper has one or two personal buddies who spend the entire day helping them participate in the activities, as well as tending to any physical or medical needs they may have. Volunteers include a host of medical personnel, therapists, and loving church members.
Forever His Bible Day Camp Information & Registration
If you have any questions, you may email higginbotham.kim@gmail.com or call the church at 865-691-7411.
Visiting Karns for Worship & Forever His Friends Class
Most children with disabilities can and should be fully included into classes with peers, using extra assistants, modifications, and accommodations for full inclusion. This new class will meet the needs of those who may have extra difficulties in a larger class setting.
The Forever His Friends class will provide interactive sensory and visually based Bible lessons using best practice teaching methods and a low 1:1 or 1:2 teacher to student ratio. See below for more information.
Bible classes are held Sunday mornings 9:00-9:45 AM and again Wednesday nights 7:00-7:40 PM. After Sunday’s class, worship services begin at 10:00 AM and on Wednesday nights, there is a short devotional time. We invite everyone to stay for these services where volunteers are available to assist you and your child.
About our Building
While everyone is welcome at our services, we realize there are special challenges of bringing a child with a disability. We are here to help!
- Our church building is on one level, with the main entrance on the left side of the building. There is a drive-through area where wheelchairs can be easily unloaded and handicap parking spots are available. The main restrooms are just inside this entrance and have wheelchair accessibility. There are also wheelchairs located near the Welcome Center for anyone who may need one.
- At the Welcome Center, you will find “buddy bags” that you can use during services that include a variety of items such as noise cancelling headphones, fidgets, sticker books, and items to help entertain a child during worship services.
- If your child needs a break from people and noise, we have a quiet “training room” where the service can be seen and heard, but is a quieter place for the child who has sensory issues.
- There are devices available in some pews for those with hearing impairments needing amplification for hearing aids.
- If you need assistance with your child, we have a group of volunteers who are willing to sit with you, take your child to a classroom where they can unwind with sensory activities, or whatever you find most helpful to you and your child.
Planning Your Visit to Worship & Forever His Friends
- Let us know that you and your child are coming so we can prepare for your visit and make any necessary accommodations for your child.
- Complete a form which tells us about your child so that our teachers and helpers will be better able to assist you.
- Read our Social Story which will explain very simply to your child what will happen on Sunday.
We look forward to meeting you and your family! If you have any questions, you may email higginbotham.kim@gmail.com or call the church at 865-691-7411.
Videos and Pictures from Forever His
