Can you imagine being separated from your family and friends at Christmas? Those who are incarcerated suffer this isolation and other deprivations on a daily basis, but at Christmas, those losses can be particularly difficult. Through EPA&GNJ’s Christmas Cards for People in Prison program, you can help those who are imprisoned know of God’s love for them. Simply write an encouraging note on a card, sign your first name only, and return the completed cards to the EPA&GNJ Conference Prison Ministry Team so that they are received by Monday, November 2 at the latest.
Over the last several years, congregants and community members in EPA&GNJ have delivered thousands of these cards each year to a number of correctional facilities, touching the hearts of those who are imprisoned. With your help, we can continue to reach out in love through this ministry again this year. And it’s easy to do – just follow these 3 simple steps:
OBTAIN CARDS: This can be achieved several ways. Either:
- Make the cards yourselves, using the approved card images following these simple directions. It’s easy, inexpensive and you simply need the correct paper (67# cover stock) and access to a color printer/copier. If you are able to do this, it helps us provide for those who cannot. FOR THIS YEAR, PLEASE USE THESE CARDS WITH APPROVED IMAGES, PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE COMMERCIAL CARDS. THANK YOU! Or:
- For those who do not have the resources needed to make the cards, bundles of cards (5/bag) can be picked up from a few locations around the EPA and GNJ conferences. Or:
- For those for whom the above 2 options will not work, simply fill out this form and we can try to mail cards (up to 100 of them) to you for completion.
COMPLETE CARDS
Write a brief encouraging note on each card and sign your first name. Please be sure to follow directions provided here. Feel free to use these suggestions to help you get started on thinking about what to write and click here for a flyer to use for promotion.
RETURN CARDS
Completed cards can be mailed/returned to the EPA Conference Office:
Eastern PA Conference of the United Methodist Church
Attn: Prison Ministry and Restorative Justice
P.O. Box 820
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0820
Or, return cards at one of several drop off locations around the EPA&GNJ conferences.
Questions? Contact Marilyn Schneider, Chair of Prison Ministry and Restorative Justice Team at prisonministries@epagnj.org.