Monroe Family Service Meeting

February 24, 2003

6:30-8:00pm

Chair: GVT

Attending: Steve Reed, Christina Stelter, Karon Carroll, Richard Fricks, Allen Peirce, Shari Peirce, Greg Ishmael, Darin Goff (WSR), Bob Jordan (record keeper)

Opening prayer and intro: GVT

Discussion of WSR opportunity: Darin

The Four Monroe Institutions:

·         WSR The Reformatory (oldest institution, where the special programs usually start - inmates have long sentences - closed custody, 900 pop., 1st place to go)

·         TRU Twin Rivers (medium security, 40% sexual crimes, 900 pop., 2nd place to go)

·         SOU Special Offenders Unit (medicated inmates, close to Western State status, 240 pop., will probably never go here)

·         MSU Minimum Security Unit (closest to release - minimum security, 400 pop., 3rd place to go)

Review of volunteer policies:

·         Discussion of contraband, some treats for kids OK, some Sunday School materials OK - cannot be left behind or given to kids to keep.

·         Very little flexibility for infraction of the code of conduct or prison contraband rules. Stay focused!

Brainstorming a church service:

·         One service per month, probably 2nd or 3rd Sunday, beginning May 2003.

·         9am to 10:30am. This is easiest on custody staff. Model after your own church service.

·         Bible lesson oriented so it's fun for kids.

·         Kids age range 4 - 14. Wives included in the service.

·         Bob J. and Richard F. commit to three months, be the leaders to get the program started. Maybe re-up after three months if needed, else turn over to newly trained team.

·         Goff will be there if needed or requested, also, a chaplain too can be there. But it is to be run the way PFC desires.

·         GVT, Goff, Ishmael to review cross-sex ministry.

·         Wanting to get Central Christian Church out of the church and into the community. (Ishmael is pastor of this church.) A satellite location.

·         Goal: The service is intended to be evangelistic, social, family oriented. Environment of belonging, comfort, and worship then becomes a part of their fabric.

General Discussion:

·         Be committed and keep your word.

·         Get ready to be blessed!

Questions:

·         Will all volunteers be expected to attend PFC-U Basic Adult training? Yes

·         Can orientation be done at PFC? Yes according to Goff. Photo's a problem. Probably going to do the orientation at Monroe (closer to most of attending volunteers).

·         4th Monday night until further notice for planning meeting.