Willow Friends
Expressing God’s extravagant love and unleashing the God-given abilities of those with special needs
Moving from Presence to Belonging
In recent years, the world has made significant strides in accepting people with intellectual disabilities. We see this in schools with inclusion strategies, in buildings with equal-access accommodations, and in churches with an increase in disability ministries.
But at Willow South Barrington, we hope to go one step further. We seek to step beyond merely accepting that our friends with intellectual disabilities are present. We want each one to belong. And to fully belong at Willow means you’re connected with a Christ-centered community; you’re learning and growing spiritually; and you’re using your gifts to serve others.
As you browse this website and engage with our ministry, we pray you’ll feel a connection with one or more of our ministries—and join us in helping our Willow Friends move from merely being present to fully belonging. Thank you for being part of our journey!
Our Willow Friends Space
In Willow Friends, we have created an intentional environment for our friends with intellectual disabilities—a welcoming space in our church designed specifically for their unique needs, making it more conducive to learning about God and making friends. We even have therapy dogs in our space to provide a loving comfort for our friends during each of our services!
For Kids
Ages 4–13
Sundays, 9 & 11 a.m. in the Willow Friends space (down the stairs by the waterfall)
We offer a unique church service for our young friends with intellectual disabilities. We pray this service gives your kids an opportunity to engage and learn about the God who loves them!
Bringing your child for the first time? Fill out the new family form and let us know!
For Teens & Adults
Ages 14+
Sundays, 9 & 11 a.m. in the Willow Friends space (down the stairs by the waterfall)
We offer a church service so our teens and adults of all abilities can worship together, learn about Jesus through experiential teaching, and deepen their friendships with each other and with God.
Bringing your teen or adult for the first time? Fill out our new family form and let us know!
Teens & Adults Midweek Bible Study
Winter/Spring: January 12–May 21, 2025
We will finish our journey through the books of the New Testament, experiencing God’s Word together through video clips, table activities, songs, games, crafts, and more! We will also have a lot of fun activities, including a Pal-entines Party, Seed Packing, St. Patrick’s Party, Holy Week Experience, and End of Year Celebration.
Want to bring your teen or adult to Bible study, or attend yourself? Sign in to your Willow account and fill out our registration form.
If you do not have a Willow account, please create one first in order to sign up.
Volunteer
The volunteers in Willow Friends are the heart of the entire ministry! You bring a willing heart, we provide the training and together, we can serve all the kids, teens, and adults with special needs in our church as well as their families.
Interested in volunteering with Willow Friends? Please complete our Willow Friends Volunteer Form below.
Questions? Please contact Brenda Kuntz or call her at (224) 512-1569.
Disability & Inclusion Groups
Special Olympics Bags Team
For Ages 13+ with and without disabilities
1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Sundays | February 9 – April 13
Whether you’re an athlete, a partner for one of our athletes or just want to assist, we have a spot for YOU! Athletes with disabilities will practice bags skills in preparation for Special Olympics competition this summer. Teammates/ volunteers without disabilities, called Unified Partners, play as a doubles partner with one of the athletes with intellectual disabilities. Join us as we toss bags, share laughter and create unforgettable memories!
Creative Connections
Agest 14+
12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays | February 11–April 15
Do you have a passion for art? Do you want to grow in your creative potential? Join Creative Connections and work on your art projects with the Willow Friends community. You are free to utilize the art supplies in the Willow Friends room or bring your own. We will have the opportunity to display artwork in the Willow Friends hallway and sell at the Aladdin Jr. Micro Business Fair.
Annual productions
Each summer, Willow Friends actors and peer mentors spend months preparing for an annual musical production. This production puts God-given abilities on display, as kids and teens take the stage to perform for thousands.
Whether you’re involved on stage, behind the scenes, or simply enjoying the production, you’re sure to be inspired and moved!
Contact Us!
Jenni Von Tobel, Willow Friends Director (224) 512-1340
Paul Von Tobel, Willow Friends Pastor (224) 512-1233
Brenda Kuntz, Willow Friends Operations/Volunteer Coordinator (224) 512-1569
Willow Friends General Email, checked daily