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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
April 2005 |
Prison ministry asks congregations to be covenant churches
BLOOMINGTON - The South Indiana Conference Prison and Jail Ministry Committee asks Hoosier congregations to recognize that ex-offenders and their families are frequently alienated from the community and to prayerfully work to include them in the faith community. Organizers say we must strive to remove social stigmas and warmly welcome and value them as neighbors and friends.
The Prison Ministry calls churches "to provide avenues of spiritual empowerment so that with God's help people can become what God intends. Churches are called to create spaces where people can assume responsibilities in the church. Churches are called to provide caring guidance by example, counseling when asked and necessary assistance to bring about sustained life change."
If your congregation is not involved in a prison ministry, the SIC Prison Ministry encourages congregations to consider becoming a Covenant Church.
Here's what churches can offer:
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Prayer with and/or for ex-offenders
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Acceptance, knowing "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God," kind words of welcome and hearty handshakes go far to affirm a person's worth
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Assistance in finding employment
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Help connecting individuals to support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gambling Anonymous or others, with accompaniment to meetings when permitted
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Maintain a file of available social service resources
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Help addressing basic needs such as:
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A "Health Kit" - towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, nail clippers, comb, three safety razors, six band aids, a roll of toilet paper
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Food for a week - canned soups, crackers, canned meat, etc
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Bus passes or some kind of transportation to be used while job-hunting
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Clothes to wear while job hunting, and clothes for work
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A telephone or address to use while job-hunting
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A bedding kit - two sheets, pillow, pillow case, blanket
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A housekeeping kit - with dish detergent, can opener, pan, two each of spoons, forks, table knives, plates, cups
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Assistance in finding housing until an independent life-style can be sustained
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The Prison Jail Ministry Committee has set some rather ambitious goals for its first year of existence. During the next two years, 2005-2006, PJMC is planning on promoting jail ministries in every county jail in the South Indiana Conference. It will also seek to encourage the development of ministries with ex-offenders and their families. For further information, contact e-mail pjm@sicumc.org.
For more information about becoming a Covenant Church, please contact Robert Reilly at 812-952-2797 r.reilly@insightbb.com or Jane Ann Lemen at 317-293-4660, lemengn@cs.com. If you are already in active ministry, please share your ideas with us to pass on to others.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008