For the past several months, Micah has been meeting periodically with our pastor Steve Baker to chat about whatever he has on his mind. This would never have been possible before Spelling to Communicate (S2C) opened up the possibility for Micah to clearly communicate. I enjoy listening in on the sessions which are supported by Melody, one of his two S2C Certified Spelling to Communicate Practitioners. Steve often asks questions that prompt Micah to share his concerns and thoughts that I am not always aware of, which helps us better support what he wants.
A couple months ago Steve asked Micah if he would like to have a more active role during church services. Micah said yes, then Steve asked him about lighting the candles as the service opens. Micah agreed that he would like to do this. I must admit, I could think of a number of possible challenges with this new role, but I was excited about Micah trying it. However, on the following Sunday when it was time for him to do the lighting, he adamantly refused. After asking him two weeks in a row with the same response, we revisited the question when Steve met with Micah. When Steve asked Micah about his apparent change of mind about candle lighting, Micah spelled out I GET ANXIOS WHEN IN FRONT OF PEOPLE. Steve told him not to worry, maybe there was something else he could do, and asked if Micah had any ideas. Micah spelled out PERHAPS THE COLLECTION. This seemed like a great idea to all of us and did not trigger as many concerns in his mother’s mind which is helpful as I am quite sure that Micah is tuned into much of what I am thinking.
Our church has a collection box in the back of the church where people put their offerings prior to going to sit in the sanctuary. When it is time for the offering collection to be brought up front, one of the Elders puts the offerings in a plate to be brought up the isle and handed to Pastor Steve to put on the alter. With our plan in place, I eagerly awaited Micah’s new role only to have him decline to carry the collection up the first week after Micah said he would like to try. When we asked him, he shared that his body was not cooperating and that he was still anxious. It seemed the more he thought of walking the offering up, the more anxious he got. This is such a hard reality for Micah, to have a body that often does not do the simplest tasks that he wants to do. Thus, the plan changed to me not asking Micah if he wants to do the collection until just before it is time to go up. This also means I try not to even think about asking him ahead of time.
The photos show you that Micah aced the role a couple weeks ago. He was delighted as were many in the congregation as they have been faithfully praying for Micah for years and many have an understanding of what a monumental step of service this was for Micah. A small step for most, but a blessed leap forward for Micah.
Jan Lessard Peightell, September 22, 2026
*Photos by Deb Puderbaugh 
