Anchor Baptist Celiac Ministry Page
Ministering to those with gluten intolerance and celiac disease
We have a special place in our hearts for celiac kids! Visit Anchor Baptist's page devoted to kids with Celiac disease here: Cel-Kids
What is celiac disease?
Celiac Disease is a hereditary autoimmune disease. People who have this disease are intolerant to wheat, rye, and barley. Oats should also be avoided due to cross contamination. It is estimated that 1 in 130 people have it in the U.S. Most of them are undiagnosed. Check the linked sites below for some detailed information about symptoms and diagnosis. The only known treatment is a totally gluten free diet.
Our ministry to celiacs
Our church is uniquely suited to minister to the celiac population of Grand Rapids. In our congregation, we have one fifth of our members already diagnosed with this disease. Troubling things that were noted at a Celiac Support Group meeting -- attending a church potluck and participating in communion or the Lord's Supper. Many people expressed that their church didn't understand. The issue of cross-contamination, even if they brought their own food, was a concern. And there was the stress of even finding good food to purchase at the store
Our church decided to provide a ministry that was being overlooked.
- We determined that our Lord's Supper would always be gluten free. It is fine for all who attend.
- We organized and held a Gluten Free Food Fair in May of 2007. It was the first in the area and quite a success. About five hundred people attended. Visit our Gluten Free Food Fair page for details.
- We began a support group for children. It is linked with the local celiac support group as well as being held and sponsored by our church. Visit the Celiac Kids webpage for up to date information on meetings and events.
Everyone in our congregation is familiar with celiac disease and able to help with food ingredients at church events. (We also have diabetics and food allergies in our congregation.)
Please explore these links to learn more about celiac disease
