Pictured left to right are the Rev. Karl Duetzmann, with representatives of Connecticut Concerned Citizens, Anthony Candido, president; Henry Byrne, treasurer; Louis Giancalo, vice-chairman, and Jean Klink of The UCC in Devon.
The United Church of Christ in Devon (Milford) has kept its doors open for all people for more than 100 years, and recently took a step to make the church even more inclusive.
A deaf woman who attended the church as a child returned to worship recently. She communicates through American Sign Language, and therefore she could not very well understand the church service.
Immediately, the church pastor — the Rev. Karl Duetzmann — began working on a way to provide the best support for her to get the most out of the Sunday worship services.
Through his work in the city, the pastor sought out funding for a sign language interpreter through the Connecticut Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities, a local non-profit advocacy group in Milford. The group’s mission is to help others and improve lives through assistance, awareness and compassion for people with disabilities.
As a 501 C3 non-profit organization, the group seeks out charitable donations to support their work.
The Rev. Duetzmann announced recently that The United Church of Christ in Devon has received a grant from the Connecticut Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities that will pay for a sign language interpreter once a month. During the worship service on Dec. 13, representatives from the advocacy group presented a check to church council president Jean Klink and the church pastor.
The first American Sign Language interpreted worship service was held on Sunday, Jan. 3. The next sign language interpreted service will be Sunday, Feb. 14, at 10 a.m.
For more information contact The United Church of Christ in Devon at 30 Ormond St., Milford, CT 06461, call 203-878-4685 or email uccdevon@gmail.com. For the Connecticut Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities, contact Tony Candido, president at 203-878-3363.
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