On the heels of a successful first trip to church, I met with the children’s director if the church to discuss how to help Rachel better fit into the church, and how to make it so I could actually attend church while she stayed in Sunday school.
One of the many difficulties of attending church with a special needs child is allowing the parent to attend the service while the child stays in a class, at least that gas been my experience. I have found some churches are open to problem solving, whole others are bit equipped.
Thankfully, we have found a church in our new city that is willing to work with us.
Here are some if the plans we have for helping Rachel integrate into Sunday school:
Finding a few helpers who are willing to be with Rachel during the hour. The supervisor thought of a few teens she felt could handle the responsibility.
Putting together a box of sensory and motivating toys that will be just for Rachel. These would be available to her when we drop her off and they will be kept specifically for church. I will provide enough so that they can be rotated. I also want to find something she can hold during story time that will keep her/assist her in sitting down and attending. (Squishy toys might help.)
Then I plan to stay with her for the next several weeks to help her adjust and to assist the helpers with getting to know Rachel.
We’ll see how it goes. 
Keepin it Real (Formerly Chats with an Old Lady.)
The Squashed Bologna: a slice of life in the sandwich generation.
Tracey Eyster–Be the Mom
Lead Your Family Like Jesus
It's real life with Tricia Goyer
Not Quite Amish
MomLife Boot Camp
JenniferDyerBooks
MomLife Today
MoretoBe.com
Power to Change–FamilyLife Canada
Maybe a Beanie Baby animal with big ears to reinforce listening. Last trip to the Salvation Army they had a big bin of them at check-out, reminded me of hunting for just the right ones for the girls!
Jennifer I stumbled across your website last week and have been reading your posts about moving with great interest. We moved from NC to KY in July. Finding a new church home is proving to be a bigger challenge than expected and we don’t face the challenges you do with Rachel. I pray your search is brief and that you find the right church home easily and quickly.
I love how this played out! I coordinate special needs ministry – called Access Ministry – at my church, and these are great ideas. So glad you ave a plan that will allow you to attend worship services!
It sounds like everything is going well, but if you or your children ministry director ever wants to talk to me to share ideas about what you’re doing and what we’re doing, I would love that! You can find my contact info through my special needs ministry blog, http://www.theworksofgoddisplayed.com
Praying that the inclusion of your family at this church continues to go well!
(Also, Cyndee, if you would be willing to email me the name of your city, I can contact my network of special needs ministry folks to find out if they can suggest any places for you. My email is shannon@theworksofgoddisplayed.com – praying for you too!)