Rev. Sara McManus demonstrates wobble cushions during worship at Watertown First UMC.

First United Methodist Church in Watertown is using an Innovation in Youth Ministry Grant to reshape how children and families experience worship, learning, and community together. Weekend Children’s Leader Bobbie Jenner is leading a new sensory‑friendly ministry that responds to the growing number of neurodivergent children and youth who find traditional church environments overwhelming.

“While church is intended to be a welcoming place for all, many families with neurodivergent children face significant challenges participating in church services and events,” Bobbie shared.

With support from the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations’ Innovation in Youth Ministry Grant, Watertown First is developing sensory‑friendly supports and accommodations across its ministries, including Vacation Bible School, Wednesday night programming, youth group, children’s church, and weekly worship. Quiet, low‑stimulation spaces are being identified and created within the sanctuary and other areas of the church so that children can participate at their own comfort level. The team is also introducing sensory tools—such as wobble seats and tactile resources—and modeling their use so families see that these tools are welcomed and “for everybody,” not just for a few.

“It takes courage for a church to say, ‘We’re going to change how we do things so more kids and families can participate.’ Watertown First didn’t just talk about inclusion—they’re rearranging rooms, adding tools, and inviting volunteers to learn new skills. That’s faithful, practical ministry,” said Katie Meister, Program Director for the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations. “Watertown First reminds us that grant applications aren’t just numbers on a page. They are turning grant dollars into ministry. That’s why this story matters so much to us.”

All of their classrooms have been equipped with tools to help them be more sensory friendly.

Because every child’s sensory needs are unique, the ministry is designed around flexibility and choice. “Creating a space that has a variety of tools or modifications that are just openly available and easily accessible, but also modeled and utilized by others, can help families and kids see that, ‘Hey, it’s not just here for me—others are using it and encouraging it.’” Bobbie said.

This grant is allowing the church to address more than just one sensory challenge. “Without the grant, we really would have had to concentrate maybe just on, say, noise,” Bobbie explained. “We can now make all of our environments—preschool, nursery, and up through 12th grade—sensory‑friendly.”

The vision is bigger than equipment or room design. It is about belonging. “Having a disability does not make someone less worthy of belonging, connection, or participation,” Bobbie said. “By removing barriers and creating spaces where individuals can be comfortable being their authentic selves, Watertown First can better reflect the love of Jesus.”

Bobbie has seen how easily families feel judged or isolated when their child doesn’t fit expected patterns of behavior. “If the whole family doesn’t feel welcome and safe, then more than likely none of them come,” she said. “Sometimes families don’t have any place where they truly feel like they belong and can just be themselves. We want church to be that place.”

The Innovation in Youth Ministry Grant is a one‑time grant opportunity offered by the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations to support congregations who are launching, strengthening, or re‑imagining non-traditional ministries with youth and young adults.

Generous donors make grants like this possible, and their partnership helps congregations create welcoming, innovative spaces like Watertown First, where every child and family belongs. If you’d like to talk about what’s next for your church—or learn how your giving can fuel ministries like this—connect with the Dakotas | Minnesota Methodist Foundations today at info@DkMnMF.org or call 612-230-3337.