In the disability ministry world, there’s a well-known painting that many people pause over. When I first heard the theme Extend the Table back in November when we as a church prepared to add the new Noon service, it was the very first thing I thought of. It’s called the “Luke 14 Banquet” mural, painted by artist Hyatt Moore. Take a minute and look at this painting. What do you see?

I see a banquet table full of people. Some may use wheelchairs or walkers, some may be young or old, and some may even have a guide dog. We don’t know their whole stories, but when I see them, they are joyful. No one is told they are too much. No one is merely present without truly being engaged. Everyone belongs.

I think this is the most beautiful painting in the world. Not because I understand much about painting or art history, but because this painting reflects a vision of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus tells stories of banquets where the invitation goes wider and wider. Luke 14:23 says, “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.’” Extending the table is exactly what the Gospel does. It makes room. It notices those who are often overlooked and honors every person because they reflect the image of our Creator and Savior.

At Browncroft, we desire to make this picture of the table a reality. We want every child, every family, every person—including those impacted by disability—to know that they are loved, wanted, and invited to be part of the Kingdom of God.

But in order to extend the table through our Inclusion Ministry, we need more hands to help set it.

One of the most practical and powerful ways you can help create space for every person is by joining our Buddy Team. Buddies are volunteers who come alongside kids who need a little extra support, presence, patience, or flexibility to participate fully.

Being a Buddy isn’t about having special training or knowing the perfect strategies. It’s about availability. It’s about compassion. It’s about saying, “You need a seat at our table.”

When you serve as a Buddy, you support an entire family in being able to worship fully and know they are not alone. You become part of the picture in the painting—a community that reflects the heart of Jesus.

About a year ago, I wrote a blog post sharing my heart for Inclusion Ministry and why it’s so important to me. We made a bold ask for people to serve as Buddies or Sensory Room Hosts, and honestly, God did incredible things. This ministry grew from just 2 Buddies to 18 volunteers who now serve regularly. Something truly beautiful is happening. And the need continues to grow.

On Sunday I shared that we are searching for 7 more Buddies to serve individuals who are currently attending our ministry. We are grateful for the interest some of you have shown already and are continuing to seek people who would be willing to serve. My prayer is that we don’t just meet this need, but that we meet it with surplus—so that even more families can attend Browncroft and learn that Jesus loves them.

So I’m asking you to consider saying “yes” to joining our Buddy Team. Your “yes” could be the very thing that opens space at the table for someone who has been waiting for a seat.

For more details and to sign up to learn more about what serving in this role could look like, visit browncroft.org/sensoryroom.

Let’s extend the table together.