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
March
Order Your Chocolate Easter Eggs from the UWIFA Notice for Parents, Guardians, and CaregiversOur New Logo!Attention FUMCO Gleaners!Caregivers Support GroupSupport Our Youth's Confirmation JourneyPhotos for the Church Directory - LAST CHANCESign Up for the Easter VigilCollege Care PackagesWant to be a Childcare Worker?How to Order Easter FlowersGreenbag Sunday is Here Again!Trustees Spring Work PartyAffinity Nights Are Coming BackAnti-Racist Film Club UpdateFriendship Hikers Upcoming DatesA Refugee Ministry OpportunityAffinity Nights - LGBTQ Inclusion ClassHelp Us End Gun ViolenceAre You Ready For Holy Week?
April
A Notice for Wearing Fragrance in WorshipThere's Still Time to Sign Up For the Easter Vigil!UWIF Rummage Sale Update2023 Community Garden WorkdaysSpecial Easter Offering: LEAFHow to Schedule Building Use at First OlympiaGreen Bag Sunday Results!SideWalk is RelaunchingAffinity Nights Are Here!An Easter Message from Our BishopRainbow Fellowship GatheringsLunch With the PastorGraduate Recognition SundayAn Emerging Lord's PrayerAnti-Racist Film Club UpdateOrder Your Pride Shirts Today!UWIF Tea Party RSVP2023 UWIF Scholarship RecipientsAngelina's New Job Title
May
An RMN Message From Doug Lacy-RobertsCalling All Cookie Bakers!Choose Grace Over GreedA Congregational Care AnnouncementLast Chance to Pre-Order a Pride Shirt!FOWIA Spring Card SaleCaregivers Support GroupA May Devotion From Pastor HeatherAnnual Conference Special Session NewsCongregational Care Team TrainingTumwater Softball ScheduleBrunch With Missionary Katherine ParkerBishop Cedrick Bridgeforth Installment PhotoA Volunteer OpportunityGreenbag Sunday is Here Again!Our Pride Shirts Are Here!FUMCO Staffing Sumer 2023
June
The LAST Spring Affinity NightWatch Out for Scammers!The New National UWIF CEOSummer Preaching at First OlympiaAttention Friendship HikersTacoma Rainiers Baseball TripA Devotion From Pastor AlexaJoin Us at Capital City Pride!Goodbye Pastor AnnMeet Shelton UMC's New PastorMasterworks Concert This WeekendGet Connected at FUMCO!A Tumwater UMC Work ProjectOPOP Releasing Friend NewsMinistry With Children and Youth This SummerAnnual Conference ReportRefugee Ministries UpdateWant to Help Plan the UWIF Bazaar?Capital City Pride is THIS Saturday!Our Summer Worship Logo
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