Matthew 25:36, 40 gives us insight into God’s heart for prison ministry: “I was in prison and you came to visit me. … I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” LAUMC has a growing ministry with the incarcerated, and there are two upcoming opportunities for those who are interested to learn more about how and why to get involved:
Going In, Staying In Workshop
If you are interested in becoming part of our Incarceration Ministry, you will need to take a workshop led by Correctional Institutions Chaplaincy (CIC Ministries). CIC Ministries trains volunteers to provide spiritual services in Santa Clara County jails and juvenile detention facilities. The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 9:30–11:30am at Calvary Church in Los Gatos (16330 Los Gatos Blvd).
Introduction to Racial Injustice, the Prison Industrial Complex, and Mass Incarceration
If you’d like to learn more about our country’s prison system and why the Church needs to respond, you are invited to attend a workshop called “Introduction to Racial Injustice, the Prison Industrial Complex, and Mass Incarceration and the Church’s Response” on Saturday, September 21, 10:00am–3:00pm at Willow Glen UMC in San Jose. The workshop is designed and led by Sophia Jackson, a formerly incarcerated person who recently graduated from Pacific School of Religion. Lunch is provided, and a donation of $10–20 is suggested. Register here if you plan to attend.
Stories From Volunteers
Several LAUMC congregants currently volunteer at Elmwood Prison, listening and sharing. The inmates and volunteers learn from each other. Two volunteers have shared their stories:
“Three years ago, I volunteered to serve communion at a Christmas service at Elmwood. I didn’t know what to expect, but as I gave communion, I looked into each woman’s eyes and said, “You are loved by God.” Afterwards, an inmate said that the most important part about the service was knowing that she was not forgotten. This touched me to my core; to be reminded that we are loved by God and never forgotten. I continue to volunteer twice weekly and learn so much about the depth and resiliency of the human spirit.”
“I meet weekly with a small group of women (10–12) in the psych unit. Each week the guards decide who they will let out. We host a spiritual formation class, where we discuss faith-related topics, read scripture, and sing. I am deeply moved by the conditions these women live in and have personally grown closer to God as I grow in my faith as I explore these topics with God’s precious children in Elmwood.”