Prison Ministries Across our NC Conference Draft as of Jan 12, 2013

NC Conference Support For Prison Ministries Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministry Team (CJAMM) – 14 Members across All 8 districts ready to assist you in this ministry Gateway District representative (s) – Ms Ronda Deese ( Appointed ) – Leslie Womack (At Large) – Resources Available Speakers Bureau - Available for presentations to congregations/teams) WEB Info / Library - Located at Assigned resource person - Ready with ideas, suggestions and connections to help you Get started Expand

Prison Facilities in the Gateway District Hoke Correctional Institution (500) Minimum Custody Lumberton Correctional Institution (700) Medium Custody Morrison Correctional Institution (800) Medium Custody Robeson Correctional Center (300) Minimum Custody Scotland Correctional Institution (1700) Min/Med/Close Custody Cumberland Regional Juvenile Detention Center Richmond Juvenile Detention Center

What types prison ministries are there? In the prison: – DISCIPLE - Adult Bible Study – Epiphany - Youth – Kairos -Adult Emaus – RINGS of Fellowship - Youth Bible Study – Yokefellows - Adult Small Grp Listening Outside the prison – Reentry ministries – MATCH Women/Mother in Raleigh – Sponsorship Minimum Security Take Out

DISCIPLE Bible Study In the prison A team of 2-3 people facilitate a DISCIPLE class in the prison for 34 weeks typically taking a break for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. You usually have a small class of inmates. – These inmates are typically hand chosen by the Chaplain. The class takes 2 hours. You can expect to be at the prison 2 ½ hours in order to set up the class and get processed through security.

Ephiphany In the prison Epiphany is an ecumenical Christian ministry for young men and women who are in the custody of a Juvenile Justice Facility. The weekend models on which it is based are: Kairos Prison Ministry, Cursillo, Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis, Happening and Cross. The purpose is to manifest God’s love to incarcerated youth, known as “Stars” through a three-day short course in Christianity and an ongoing follow-up program. Each Epiphany weekend involves a team of adults and youth from the Christian community who work together to show the love of God to those attending.

Kairos In the prison The purpose of Kairos is to build strong Christian communities inside prison walls. It begins with a three-day short course in Christianity and continues with small share and prayer groups among the residents of the institution. These groups meet weekly to share their lives on a deep spiritual level and to pray for each other, their families, and the other inmates and staff of the prison. – Cookies are distributed among the residents and staff during the three-day weekend. Cookies are a tangible and vital expression of Christ's love and witness from the Christian community. It begins with a three-day short course in Christianity put on by a team of lay and clergy from outside of the institution. It is followed by monthly reunions which are a time of sharing, instruction, worship and fellowship. This is a time of renewal and strengthening for inmates and team members.

RINGS of Fellowship In the prison Following after DISCIPLE, RINGS of Fellowship is written for incarcerated youth. RINGS is designed to reach teens in an innovative format that promotes spiritual growth and positive peer dynamics. RINGS stands for Responsibility, Invitation, Neighbors, God and Service and teaches the Biblical themes of love for God and love for neighbor. How many weeks?! How much time?!

Yokefellow Prison Ministry In the prison Volunteers (All Christian Faiths) in a weekly setting with inmates of all faiths in small table discussion groups. Volunteer act as a facilitator/monitors and in a co-ed fashion Table groups range in size 3-6 people. You and another volunteer paired with inmates. You are there to listen and encourage inmates and to build a solid friendship with them via Christian witness Week to week you may be with different inmates. They may ask any questions that they wish. They always have a serious need to be heard The total time you can expect to be at the prison is 1 ½ hours and Yokefellow training is required

Outside the prison Pen Pal / Greeting Cards (Messages of Hope) Angel Tree ( via Prison Fellowship) Christmas gifts for Kids of inmates Inmate sponsorship for brief visits outside the prison (Minimum Security Prisons Only) Reentry support and services – This area is perhaps the most overlooked yet most needed !

Reentry Transitioning from prison to our communities is a daunting challenge Which many offenders are ill-equipped to tackle. Needs – A safe place to live – A good job – A loving mentor – Healthy relationships – A changed heart – A welcoming church – Freedom from addiction – Healed relationships with family and friends – Access to medical and mental health services – Restored citizenship rights

Consequences The consequences of a criminal background are substantial for ex-offenders who receive no pardon… …making successful reentry is difficult even for people with proven character.

Consequences Personal Guilt by Association Employment Housing Welfare Benefits Voting Rights

Other Ways to be ENCOURAGERS Read/ReRead scripture related to this ministry - Matthew 25: I was in prison and you came to visit me. - Hebrews 13:3: Remember those in prison as though you were in prison with them. – Notice the first word is a remember. – The only way to re-member is to have had a first memory – a first knowing – a first experience. Pray and support our volunteers and the organizations which they represent

Victims of Crime Crime harms people… …it should be our goal to help victims harmed by crime.