Sensory Bags
“Better Together: Supporting Every Family at Orangewood”
At Orangewood, one of our values is Better Together: “We are committed to our church body, intentionally learning from, encouraging, and supporting each other through all stages of life.”
As we strive to embody that value, we’ve seen it come to fruition in many ways: through communal worship on Sundays, community groups during the week, our men’s and women’s Bible studies, and more. However, there are many stories of this value being lived out that go unseen or unheard within our own congregation.
This month, we’re celebrating a new way that our church family is living this value out in a tangible, unique, and beautiful way!
Britni Caicedo, an Orangewood member and mom, felt called by God to come alongside families touched by autism. She founded the faith-based ministry Thrive at Life, which exists to empower children and families with special needs through God’s love, helping them grow in strength, purpose, and faith.
Britni with her kids!
“Thrive at Life has become a ministry and was born out of my own journey as a parent of a child with Autism,” Britni said. “I saw firsthand how families affected by autism often feel isolated, overlooked, or unable to fully participate in community and be part of the church.”
“Thrive at Life is the fruit of Orangewood’s ministry! Which is so cool to see, and I’m so grateful that God chose me to be a part of it.” Britni said.
We’re thrilled to introduce Sensory Bags — special bags designed to help children and adults with autism or sensory processing challenges feel calm, supported, and fully included in worship.
These bags are not toys, but tools that help individuals regulate, focus, and participate in worship in meaningful ways. They’re available for children who aren’t in OKids Worship (for example, older students), and can be borrowed and returned at the end of the service. Families can visit the Welcome Table or connect with Children’s Director, Ashley Eveland, at the OKids kiosk to learn more.
Britni shared,
“The sensory bags are one simple yet meaningful way we can open doors for children and adults with autism or sensory processing challenges, helping them feel calm, supported, and fully included in worship. It really shares the message, ‘all are welcome.’”
We couldn’t agree more.
As a church, we want every family to know they are welcome, wanted, and needed in the body of Christ. Jesus never walked past those with disabilities: He saw them, called to them, and treated them as valuable in the Kingdom of God. These sensory bags are one small but powerful way we get to follow His example, by creating spaces where every person can encounter the life-changing story of Jesus.
We’re so thankful for Britni, the Thrive at Life team, and our Children’s Ministry leaders for helping us take this step toward deeper inclusion, compassion, and community.
Because when we say Better Together, we mean everyone.
