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Prison Programs Central Pennsylvania United Methodists and other Christians regularly visit jails and prisons. Some do the vital Yokefellowship (PA) ministries by which small groups of Christians - some who visit the prison and some who live there - meet weekly to encourage each other in their Christian journey. Marks of a Yokefellow are: Commitment, discipline, witness, ministry and fellowship. Yokefellow Center in Williamsport is involved in cooperative ministry that includes a hospitality house, post-release mentoring and restorative justice. Lay ministers are involved with marriage enrichment, parenting classes, correspondence, Bible courses, literacy, Angel Tree Christmas packages and evangelistic services. United Methodists have made their presence felt through Prison Chaplaincy services in county, state and federal prisons located within the Central Pennsylvania Conference. Chaplaincy services include weekly worship services, Bible studies, retreats and spiritual counseling. Volunteers are also involved in Kairos; a three day spiritual retreat with the purpose of building strong Christian communities within the environment of correctional facilities. This is followed up by regular small group meetings, where participants share on a deep spiritual level and pray for one another and for residents and staff of the institution. The United Methodist Women have started a unit at the Muncy Correctional Facility and have also initiated a lay speakers course. Links: www.yokefellowship.org/williamsport/ Funding is provided for churches and groups who are initiating criminal justice ministries. The Prison Ministry Committee is currently looking to give grants to cutting edge ministries to youth and children who are in detention centers, are victims of crime, or are in the families of prisoners. They are also interested in supporting restorative justice and advocacy ministries, after care and chaplaincy. Ministry that addresses the death penalty, as well as state, national and international justice will also be considered. Funds for prison ministry are available only to ministries within the bounds of the Central PA Annual Conference. For a printable Prison Ministry brochure, please click here .
Daystar Center for Spiritual Recovery Promise Place |
Central Pennsylvania Conference, The United Methodist Church |