The Presbytery of the John Knox
Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin
The Rev. Steve Minnema, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian, and Brother Eddie are about to prepare a Lenten supper for the congregation.
A men’s group at Covenant Presbyterian Church elected to practice discipleship by encircling prisoners returning to the Madison, Wisconsin, area. The group formed a Circle of Support through Urban Ministry, an ecumenical social action group.
The Circle first watched a video titled “Today’s Prisoners — Tomorrow’s Neighbors,” which touched their hearts. Then they participated in a returning prisoner simulation, which sealed their commitment. Simulating the first four weeks of a typical returning prisoner’s life in four segments made clear to them the necessity of family, friends, or a Circle of Support for success.
One returning prisoner, Eddie, was surrounded by six loving “brothers” who met with him weekly to help him find and furnish a place to live, help with job searches through their contacts, and facilitate his dream of recording gospel music. Eddie is enriching the lives he touches. In six years, Circles have proven that those circling the returning prisoner gain the most from this activity. They experience the truth of the gospel firsthand, and that truth sets them free from fear they did not know they had.
Learn more about Restorative Justice and Circles of Support from www.emum.org. WhatWeDo. The Presbyterian Committee on Self-Development of People has given a grant to Voices Beyond Bars, a group of formerly incarcerated people who assist Circles.
Presbyterian-related University of Dubuque and University of Dubuque Theological Seminary are within the Presbytery of the John Knox, whose 61 churches serve 10,218 members.
Presbytery Staff
Ken Meunier, transition associate executive presbyter
Alyson Janke, stated clerk
Judy Crotsenberg, presbytery administrator
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Laura Elder, PPC
Elder Vanessa Elkins, FDN
Christie Elliott, GAC
Lord, teach us the way in which we should go. Keep us free from fear and ignorance so that we see your face in our brothers and sisters seeking to recover from adversity. Restore us all to righteousness through your grace. Amen.
Ps. 5, 147:1–11 Ps. 27, 51
Jer. 18:1–11
Rom. 8:1–11; John 6:27–40
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