At Bethel we have long believed that God calls us to ministry in the "broken and fearful world" (from The Brief Statement of Faith) of the Morgan County Regional Correctional Facility in Wartburg.
Bethel's Prison Ministry began a number of years ago with volunteers who responded to a request for free world people to handle the money raised by a prisoner project, as the prisoners themselves were not allowed to handle money. The ministry has expanded, shrunk, and changed in response to changing regulations at the prison and the needs of prisoners.
At present, volunteers from Bethel provide visitation; participate in 5th Sunday Presbyterian Worship services, including sermons given by Pastor Sherrod; furnish desserts and company for the prisoners' twice-a-year Lifers/Varsity Club and Veterans Club Banquets; participate in the Easter weekend special services at neighboring Brushy Mountain Prison; provide Easter eggs for the prisoners’ childrens’ egg hunt; collect sample-sized soaps and shampoos and provide these to prisoners who otherwise might have to go without; and collect recently published used books for the prison library. One Bethel member provides guidance, editing and correspondence to the Prisoners' Writing Group.
Bethel also maintains and administers a PRISONERS RESETTLEMENT FUND which was established by a former parolee who wanted to help other newly released persons.
The Prison Ministry has changed through the years in response to changes in regulations at the state and the prison. It will need to continue to be responsive to those requirements.
The blessings and prayers of the whole church are sought for the entire Prison Ministry. Much of the ministry has been done behind the scenes and on an individual basis since the Saturday Coffee Sale Project ended. By bringing all the prison ministry projects together under the Mission Outreach Committee, it is hoped that the activities can be reviewed and defined and given greater visibility, allowing more church members to participate in a variety of ways.
Although the prison limits the number of volunteers who can serve at any one time, attendance at the banquets is open and offers a good opportunity to step "inside." Slots on the volunteer roster open occasionally, and training is provided. For more information about the prison ministry, feel free to contact Marc Sherrod, Pastor (865-376-6340).
