West Virginia Annual Conference

Mission and Ministry
Amber Blankenship shows off a tattoo honoring Kairos Prison Ministry, a program which she credits with changing her life while she was incarcerated at the Lakin Correctional Center in West Columbia, W.Va. “I told God that if he would heal my broken heart, I would go wherever he wanted me to go, and I have served him every day since,” she said. She and her husband, Aaron Blankenship, are standing in front of a mosaic depicting the Transfiguration of Christ that stands behind the altar at Wesley Chapel at the West Virginia United Methodist Conference Center in Charleston. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Faith communities can aid transition from prison

Churches and other faith-based groups can provide resources for the formerly incarcerated as well as help reduce the stigma attached to a criminal record.
Mission and Ministry
Anthony (foreground), who is incarcerated at the St. Marys Correctional Center in St. Marys, W.Va., says he tries to serve as a role model for new inmates at the facility after seeing the transformation brought about by the Kairos Prison Ministry. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Prison ministries transform inmates, volunteers

Kairos Prison Ministry, similar to an Emmaus Walk, brings volunteers into prisons to minister to inmates, while Catalyst Ministries trains the inmates to minister to one another and to the prison administration.
Local Church
High gas prices and inflation are affecting the ministries of United Methodist pastors in the U.S., who are dealing with increased demand at food pantries and other charities, as well as their own paychecks not stretching as far. Original photo by Paul Brennan, courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Inflation, gas prices complicate ministries

Rising prices are affecting the ministries of United Methodists, especially rural multi-point charges. Pastors also are finding the buying power of their paychecks shrinking.
Immigration
Maria Chavalan Sut prepares a meal for herself in the kitchen at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, Va. After three years of living in sanctuary at the church, Chavalan Sut, who fled Guatemala in 2016, received a Stay of Removal for one year that allows her to move freely until her asylum case is heard. Photo © Richard Lord.

Woman in sanctuary relishes new freedom

Maria Chavalan Sut, who lived in sanctuary at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, has been granted a Stay of Removal for one year.

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