An Update From Our OPOP Team
In January 2022 the Church Council approved a new ministry initiative at First UMC
Olympia: One Parish One Prisoner (OPOP), and a new committee of volunteers was
connected with Michael, an incarcerated individual due to be released from prison in
August. This OPOP team committed to accompany Michael in friendship as he transitioned
out of prison and back into society, and we began to get to know and care for Michael in
friendship through letters and phone calls. Hebrews 13:3: “Remember those who are in
prison as though you were in prison with them,” gave us resolve.
As the time grew closer for Michael’s release in August of last year, our church learned
about some of the obstacles that newly released individuals face and frequently prayed for
Michael, especially regarding the barriers to housing and employment upon his release. In
May and June, to add action to these prayers, the church generously responded with
donations of money, gift cards, clothing, and furnishings for Michael. The team met
numerous times to stay in touch with Michael and make connections with opportunities of
employment and housing, culminating in Michael’s early successful release August 4th .
Money from the Welcome Home fundraiser also provided funds for the critical first few
weeks in a motel until a more permanent six-month rental could be obtained and covered
until the end of February 2023.
As the OPOP team finished a year’s ministry, we reflect on how much we’ve learned about
the barriers faced by newly released prisoners. We are impressed by the generosity of our
church and thankful for the many answers to prayer that we’ve experienced for our friend
Michael. It was a shining moment to see him attend church with us in December, and he has asked us to send a message of thanks to FUMCO: "Thank you for all your help and support. It really means a lot to me. Wishing you all a Happy New Year."
Please keep Michael in your prayers as he resumes life with his family and works hard to
develop a business in our community.
Olympia: One Parish One Prisoner (OPOP), and a new committee of volunteers was
connected with Michael, an incarcerated individual due to be released from prison in
August. This OPOP team committed to accompany Michael in friendship as he transitioned
out of prison and back into society, and we began to get to know and care for Michael in
friendship through letters and phone calls. Hebrews 13:3: “Remember those who are in
prison as though you were in prison with them,” gave us resolve.
As the time grew closer for Michael’s release in August of last year, our church learned
about some of the obstacles that newly released individuals face and frequently prayed for
Michael, especially regarding the barriers to housing and employment upon his release. In
May and June, to add action to these prayers, the church generously responded with
donations of money, gift cards, clothing, and furnishings for Michael. The team met
numerous times to stay in touch with Michael and make connections with opportunities of
employment and housing, culminating in Michael’s early successful release August 4th .
Money from the Welcome Home fundraiser also provided funds for the critical first few
weeks in a motel until a more permanent six-month rental could be obtained and covered
until the end of February 2023.
As the OPOP team finished a year’s ministry, we reflect on how much we’ve learned about
the barriers faced by newly released prisoners. We are impressed by the generosity of our
church and thankful for the many answers to prayer that we’ve experienced for our friend
Michael. It was a shining moment to see him attend church with us in December, and he has asked us to send a message of thanks to FUMCO: "Thank you for all your help and support. It really means a lot to me. Wishing you all a Happy New Year."
Please keep Michael in your prayers as he resumes life with his family and works hard to
develop a business in our community.
Recent
Archive
2023
January
A Message From the Greater NW JurisdictionRainbow Fellowship GatheringUnited Women in Faith Upcoming EventsWomen's Book Club THIS FridayPhotos for the Church DirectoryA Message From Our New BishopAffinity Nights Are Almost Here!An Update From Our OPOP TeamOur New Choir: Common GroundChanges in Green Food Bag CollectionLent at Home Worship BoxesValentine & Greeting Card SaleA Lenten Study with Pastor Heather
February
2022
May
June
July
August
Meal TeamGod is With Us | A Message From Pastor HeatherCome Meet the Pastors!NEW Anti-Racist Film Club Meetings!Blended Worship as Anti-Racist Practice | A Message From Pastor AlexaWe Are Hiring!Welcome Back Choir SingersMadison School Fundraiser UpdateA Message From Angi SwanJoin the Women's Book Club
September
To Mask or Not to Mask?A Message From Pastor AlexaRinging Out the Good News!Michael Needs Our HelpHymnals for HomeUpdate from the Refugee Support TeamGet Connect at the Celebration of Ministries!An Exciting Quixote Event!Want an Article in the Courier?Health Ministry: CaregivingCelebration of Ministries is Almost HereMicro-house ConstructionBlessing of the AnimalsUWIF Save the DatesCards to Benefit Safe PlaceRefugee Ministries UpdateOctober is Clergy Appreciation MonthFall Festival is Coming Back!COVID Protocol Update: October 2022
October
How to Avoid Email Scams | A Message From Pastor HeatherFOWIA Other Bank DriveGreen Bag Saturday ResultsWonderings: What is the LEAF Fund and How Does It Work?Reserve Your Christmas WreathOur NEXT worship Series: Tender MercyCome to the Co-op Laity Gathering!A UWIF Volunteer OpportunityAffinity Group Update!New Member Lunch AnnouncementA Message From Pastor Heather
November
Young Adult Care PackagesNew Hospitality Team TrainingOther Bank Update!A Message from Pastor AlexaWe Need YOUR PhotosCharge Conference Business MeetingWishing Angelina "See You Soon"We Have a New Bishop!Last Week to Send in Your PhotosPledge Sunday ReminderOlympia Youth Chorus ConcertA Message from Pastor Heather
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