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"Do You Hear What I Hear?"

Tuesday May 2 2017

Alex Baird reports on the success of a pilot scheme aiming to include deaf and hard of hearing people in worship.

“Absolutely brilliant! I enjoyed every minute. I will recommend it to my deaf friends. I felt quite emotional when we were prayed for at the end, and when the children came in I got a lump in my throat”.

“Lovely service especially the Lord’s Supper. Thanks to all, especially the tech team. Blessings on you.”

“Thankfully God knows BSL”

These are just a few of the comments received by Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church (DLSA) in Motherwell where, since May 2016, a pilot project called “Do You Hear What I Hear?” has been operating to reach out with the Word of God to the deaf and hard of hearing.

With 1 in 6 of the population affected by hearing difficulties, there is a great need to address how we might better reach this somewhat neglected community.

The Rev Mary Whittaker, the Rev Rosie Addis and the Rev Richard Durno - our three Ministers for the Deaf across Scotland - are hugely supportive of the efforts within DLSA to harness online technology in augmenting the fine work they already carry out in the Lord’s name.

For over four years, the weekly service from DLSA has been live streamed via the church website, with a recording placed on YouTube to allow catch-up at any time. Under “Do You Hear What I Hear?” the service is signed by a British Sign Language (BSL) Signer, visible on screen, and live ‘subtitles’ are provided by an Electronic Notetaker.

The outcomes of the pilot have been very encouraging. YouTube analysis shows that around 30 to 45 people (it may be more than one person each hit, of course) now share in worship each week, with the number rising steadily. The number has increased significantly on occasions such as our Nativity Service, Holy Communion, and Remembrance Sunday.

In addition to the UK, there have been logons to the service from Australia, USA, Canada, India, Morocco, Spain, Kenya, Israel, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

Further unexpected outcomes from the pilot include a new club for families with deaf children which meets in our church halls, the wonderful news that signing for the deaf would be introduced at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and the decision of the Scottish Churches Disability Group to hold their Annual Conference at the church on September 30 this year.

We have also been blessed with the involvement of our Bible Class in signing part of a carol at the Christmas Eve Family Service. A training day was organised to reach out to anyone who may be interested in signing at their church, and a close link has been formed with Sanctuary First in their efforts to utilise the internet to reach out with the Word of God.

Our feedback has also directed us towards striving to be more helpful, not only to the deaf community, but also those with visual impairment. A local link has also been formed with dementia advisers to see how we might people who are experiencing dementia to join in worship.

The pilot project was only made possible thanks to continuous fundraising within the congregation, supplemented by donations from organisations including the Church of Scotland (Special Trusts and Novum Trust) and The Stewart Lochrie Memorial Fund.

In light of this encouraging response, it has been decided to maintain the service beyond the pilot phase, and to strive to raise the necessary funds to allow this to take place. We are very appreciative of the few donations which have been received to assist us with the costs involved in delivering this service and do hope that other beneficiaries and supporters will feel inclined to provide some financial assistance as we go forward.

The Rev Derek Hughes, Minister of Dalziel St Andrew’s Parish Church in Motherwell, says: “We believe we have made a good start towards including all who want to join us in worshipping and serving the Lord. In this, we follow the command and example of Jesus Christ. Please will you join with us in praying for the means to continue this great service to everyone who wishes to access it online or in person?”

The weekly services of worship are available live at the church website and for catch-up on the YouTube channel.

Each option includes the opportunity to share in worship via a stream dedicated to the deaf or hard of hearing.