Jail Ministry

Description of Ministry: The Biblical mandate for turning our attention to the prisoners in our midst come from Matthew 25:31-46 where Jesus says that God will welcome into heaven those who have given food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, welcome to the stranger, clothing to the naked, and visitation to the imprisoned. For Jesus says, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me." St. John's jail ministry team participates in worship services at the local jail and visits inmates,offering them an ear, hope, acceptance, encouragement, and their faith. It is important to remember that we are all broken people, and each one of us is in need of the grace of God to be freed from sin. Grace is a gift from God to all who choose to accept its saving power. No one, not even the most hardened criminal, is beyond God's grace. Brief History: St. John's ministry team operates as part of an ecumenical group at the jail under the auspices of the St. Vincent de Paul/St. Dismas Jail/Prison Ministry. The group has been active at the jail since approximately 1986. Members of St. John's have participated as active members of the group since 1992. The group is a concerned community of church members who are supporting the jail with their time and talents in many areas such as providing Sunday religious services in the jail, individual inmate visits, donations of library books, puzzles, and religious materials, and monetary donations for inmate transition needs, hygiene items, family support, and other areas of need identified by jail personnel or by the members through their one-on-one contact with the inmate population. St. John's supports this ministry with a monthly budget allowance to underwrite a portion of the costs of our participating members. In this way, each member of St. John's is supporting this important ministry. Ways to Help: 1. Consider becoming involved in the jail ministry. Visit an inmate. Make a simple visit to offer support and encouragement to prisoners in their loneliness and desolation 2. Consider writing to a prisoner at the jail or in one of Wisconsin's prisons. Many prisoners never hear from anyone on the outside. Receiving a letter often provides a lifeline with a person who cares. (St. John's return address can be given for added security, if desired.) 3. Soft cover books (no popular romances, please), quality magazines, and puzzles are always needed at the jail and are very much appreciated. Please leave your donations in the Outreach Closet (across from the kitchen door).