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
2026
January
Free Little Pantry Donation RequestsNominations Sought For 2026 Peacemaker AwardLunch and Learn With UWIFAnti-Racist Film Club ScreeningJanuary Upper Rooms DelayedInterfaith Works UpdatesValentines Cards For SaleUpcoming Outreach TrainingAccepting Rummage Sale Donation ItemsValentines Dinner FundraiserGreen Bag Sunday ReturnsLove Singing Hymns?
February
Scarf-Bombing UpdateFaith Network For Immigrant SupportFREE Grant-Writing TrainingUpdate On Our Tree DamageYou Can Help The Rummage Sale2025 Giving StatementsSign Up For a Food & Fellowship GroupAsh Wednesday DinnerIFW Compassionate MeditationSouper-Bowl Sunday ResultsPlanning Your LegacyLenten Bible StudyTrans-Supportive Events At Good Shepherd7th Annual Eye-2-EyeHave You Lost Anything?
March
The Rummage Sale Starts TomorrowHow To Order Easter FlowersUWIF Lunch And LearnAnti-Racist Film Club March ScreeningCrisis Clinic VolunteersDo You Need a Bible?Scarf-Bombing Goes On Hiatus SoonInterfaith Works Training SeriesAre You Ready For The Easter Car Hop?Save The Date: Thurston County Hunger WalkOur Free Little Pantry Needs DonationsRed Robin Fundraiser - March 23UWIF Upcoming EventsDo You Bake?Green Bag SundayA Daily Bible DevotionalInterfaith Works NewsLast Week To Order Easter FlowersHow You Can Support Lebanon
April
May
Little Free Pantry NeedsConsider Representing FUMCO at Interfaith WorksTexas 4000 is Coming to FUMCOA Staffing Update From SPRCSpam AlertHelp Our Nisqually NeighborsAnti-Racist Film ClubReminder: Capital City MarathonSave The Date for Katherine ParkerLay Servant Ministry ClassesIFW Compassionate Meditation EventParking on Pentecost SundayUpcoming Graduate SundayRainiers Baseball Game TicketsFirst Olympia UMC at Pride
June
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