 |
|
Muncy, Pa., my hometown, is also home to one of United Methodist Women's newest units and it's first in a prison. Muncy, a picturesque small town in central Pennsylvania, is known to outsiders as the location of one of the state's two correctional centers for women.
Though the prison is just a few miles outside town, I hadn't given much thought to who lived there or what their lives were like. Then John Kirk, staff of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, came into our church office talking about restorative justice. He suggested forming a unit of United Methodist Women in the prison.
Mr. Kirk laid the groundwork with the prison chaplain and others at the prison. In February 2000, I passed through the gates of the prison for the first time to attend a planning meeting.
The State Correctional Institution of Muncy has a capacity of 628 women, but as of September 2000, there were 860 inmates, 130 of whom are in for life, with three facing the death penalty.
Williamsport District United Methodist Women President Tina Rockwell assembled women from the district mission team to serve on two teams of women who rotate leading the meetings the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. After clearances and training, we attended the first meeting in June 2000.
The chaplain, the Rev. Joann Torma, a United Methodist clergywoman, escorted us to the education building where we were soon joined by six inmates. The women had received packets of information about United Methodist Women before the meeting.
After introductions and presentation of a charter and membership cards, there were devotions and a prayer circle. The women thanked us and said they would attend the next meeting.
At later meetings, we suggested studies, including using the United Methodist Women Program Book, recent mission studies and social-action issues. The women chose to do the youth study "Street wise in Corinth," which combines the 2000-2001 mission studies on Corinthians and God's People in an Urban Culture. The women take turns volunteering to lead devotions and a secretary records the minutes.
The incarcerated women are enthusiastic about United Methodist Women's Reading Program. Attendance at unit meetings averages eight women a month. Most come with their Bibles, and we have interesting discussions.
One evening, a young woman came in smiling. When I commented I didn't think I had met her before, she introduced herself by saying, "I grew up in The United Methodist Church, was confirmed, went to church camp, the whole thing. My mother is in United Methodist Women and she is so happy to know there is a group here and that I am coming to the meetings."
The Purpose of United Methodist Women is being fulfilled at the State Correctional Institution of Muncy. We are becoming a supportive community of women seeking to know God. It is a place where the women can come with no questions about their pasts and find acceptance, good conversation, study and prayer.
It is our prayer that as the women are released, they will find that same
connection and acceptance at United Methodist Churches. For those who will not
be released, we will remain a constant caring connection with the greater fellowship of believers,
bringing the outside world in.
URL: http://gbgm-umc.org/news/2001/feb/umwprisonsc.stm