Know Your Neighbor. Love Your Neighbor.

The SPUMC Hospitality Team invites everyone to join our inclusiveness training series, “Know Your Neighbor, Love Your Neighbor.” This series aims to help our church community better recognize and support marginalized groups, embracing them with the love Jesus calls us to share.

January 26: Choose Inclusion – Neurodiversity in God’s Family and in Our Community

Severna Park United Methodist Church is excited to host a panel of experts and self-advocates who will be exploring ways in which we can build a stronger community of understanding between neurotypical and neurodiverse individuals. The panel will address what it means to be a member of the neurodiverse community and will be discussing issues affecting them. The panel will explore the varied strengths and differences of neurodiverse individuals and how best to appreciate and accommodate them. There will be a discussion of strategies for bridging gaps that may exist in communication between neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals. Interwoven into the conversation will be thoughts on how our faith, church, and God can be pillars of strength for individuas and families living lives with neurodiversity in a neurotypical world. The panel will be led by Melissa Goldberg, Executive Director of the Autism Society of Maryland. Additional panel members will include Jessica Deadwyler and Matthew Plantz.

Rev. Enger Muteteke will be opening the program with an introduction on why a House of God can lead the way in this conversation, why as followers of Jesus we are called to take this lead, and thoughts on how, through Christ, we can do that. 

Event Schedule:

  • 9:15 AM: First session with Cheryl Farquhar – SPUMC Parlor
  • 12:00 PM: Light lunch
  • 12:30 PM: Second session – Presentation by the Autism Society of Maryland with panel discussion – SPUMC Fellowship Hall

Childcare available with pre-registration.

Rev. Enger Muteteke

Senior Director of Programs and Education, General Commission on Religion & Race (GCORR) and Elder in the Baltimore Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church

As Senior Director of Programs and Education at GCORR, Rev. Enger is responsible for the development of programmatic directions and resource development for conferences, cabinets, and the global church.

Rev. Muteteke holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from The College of William and Mary, two Masters’ degrees in Theology from Wesley Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Communities from Western Kentucky University, and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Walden University. 

Over the years, two things have provided a clear picture of God’s justice in the world: 1) hearing a retired seminary professor say, “Always love the people God sends you,” and 2) the Great Commandment (“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.”)

Rev. Enger Muteteke

Melissa Rosenberg

Executive Director, Autism Society of Maryland

Melissa joined the AUSOM staff in December 2016, a nonprofit specialist with over 25 years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, community outreach and arts management. She works with the AUSOM Board of Directors, volunteers and community partners to move the organization forward and offer additional opportunities for meaningful employment, independent living, friendships, arts experiences, social interactions, respect, inclusion and acceptance. Melissa received an undergraduate degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Maryland University College. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership Howard County and serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Community Services Howard County, Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, Howard County Local Children’s Board, and Maryland’s Autism Stakeholder Group on Autism-Related Needs.

It is an honor and a privilege to work each day within the Autism community to support and uplift these amazing individuals, family members and professionals who reside in our community.

Melissa Rosenberg

Jessica Deadwyler

Autism Society of Maryland, Resource Coordinator (Anne Arundel County)

As a former special educator and a parent of an Autistic Child, Jessica has spent much of her time researching resources and networking with families. Her son is in secondary school and she finds that much has changed since his diagnosis. Jessica’s experience as a parent and educator have given her an advantage when providing resources to the community. She has learned that no individual’s abilities are the same, and each family should be nurtured according to their needs. As a parent, she empathizes with families who are new to the journey. Though initially intimidating, the pathway navigating through Autism as a family is rewarding.

Matthew Plantz

Self-Advocate

Matthew was the first self-advocate to serve on the AUSOM Board and joined us in 2017 He has been an active participant on several committees and important voice for individuals with Autism. His contribution to our organization has been significant. Matthew currently co-chairs our Advocacy & Resources Committee and is a member of  the Development Committee and Housing Task Force. Matthew has joined AUSOM staff on “Autism 101” presentations to local schools and community organizations, adding his perspective as a person with disabilities. He has helped park train rangers, speech language pathologists, students, teachers, faith leaders, and naturalists about the intricacies of Autism. Matthew possesses a wealth of knowledge regarding disability issues, legislation and struggles faced by the disability community. He follows the news, knows the numbers and the key players. In addition to his service to AUSOM, has served on multiple disability-related committees and boards including Community Advisory Committee/Kennedy Krieger, Commission for Disability Issues of Howard County (Chair), and currently chairs the Board of Directors for People on the Go.

Hey, my name is Matthew Plantz. I’ve lived with autism for 40+ years. I am currently living in a home supported by The Arc of Howard County. I have had the pleasure of serving on the Community Advisory Committee for Kennedy Krieger, the Commission for Disability Issues of Howard County (serving as chair for two years), and currently serve on the Board of Directors for People on the Go…

Matthew Plantz

24-25 Fall-Winter Sessions

  • 10/13/2024 – Rev. Enger Muteteke: “Why Do We Need to Know and Love Our Neighbor?”
  • 11/17/2024 – Rev. Narae Kim: “Understanding Cultural Differences and Immigrant Families”
  • 1/26/2025 – Cheryl Farquhar: “Neurodiversity in God’s Family”

Looking ahead, the 2025 Spring Sessions will cover topics on Mental Health, Family Dynamics, and LGBTQ+ Inclusion. Please join us at 9:15 AM or 10:45 AM in the Parlor. For more information, contact Rev. Narae.