Missouri Union Presbytery

(Received 12/09/08) Recently I had the opportunity to stay at the Vandalia Agape House for a day. The folks visiting come from all walks of life and various ages and stages, and are interesting to meet and talk to. During my 24 hours, two groups of guests, neither of which had visited before, arrived.  A few hours later, one woman casually expressed her joy in finding such pleasant and safe surroundings.  Read more »

All those interested in participating in the work of the Criminal Justice Mission Team for MUP are invited to attend a meeting at Trinity Presbyterian, 1600 W. Rollins Rd, Columbia, MO 65203 at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 10. For more information about this mission team or area of ministry in the Presbytery, please contact Bess Gamm at (573) 324-3843 or bagamm@daffron.net. For direction to the church call 573-445-4469 during business hours.

Agape House of Vandalia has been notified that they will receive a Cardinals Care grant (from St. Louis baseball Cardinals) to be used for gas gift cards for guests. Many guests have cut back on trips to visit incarcerated loved ones in Vandalia or Bowling Green because of high gas prices. The assistance provided by the gas cards is much appreciated.

In addition to announcing this good news, Agape House Vandalia asks that if you hear of organizations or businesses willing to make grants to charitable organizations, to please provide them a contact name, address and/or phone number, so they can request an application. An Agape Board member is willing to write grant proposals. Please contact Agape House Vandalia at agapehouse3@yahoo.com or call Janet at 573/549-2881.

Agape House in Vandalia can use the following items from your congregation or church group. Your assistance in making this vital ministry a reality is very much appreciated.

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS: toilet paper and paper towels, facial tissues in cube boxes, Febreze spray, liquid laundry detergent and energy-saving lightbulbs
SNACK FOODS such a cereal bars, drink boxes
Name-brand coffee, tea and hot chocolate mix
HOME DEFENSE insecticide
Used ink-jet cartridges (black and color)–these brands: Dell, Lex-mark and Hewlett Packard
Used copier toner cartridges
OFFICE SUPPLIES: business envelopes, white cardstock, and stamps (regular and postcard)
FUNDS to purchase two solar screens for the front porch – to aid in energy conservation and comfort

If your group would like to know more, especially if you would like a speaker/program about Agape House, please contact Delores at the house, 573/594-6755, or e-mail Janet at gheim@wildblue.net

Agape House of Vandalia hosted an Open House Reception in observance of it 3rd anniversary on October 14, 2007. Congregations, individuals, and community organizations, which have regularly supported Agape House were recognized. Among these, was Rev. Jim Williams, who previously served on the Board and continues to support this facility and it's life-changing ministry. The celebration made note of the 2,000th guest, who was welcomed and housed at Agape House in August 2007!

PURPOSE: provide affordable, overnight lodging to families of inmates at the state correctional centers of Vandalia and Bowling Green.

For more information please contact House Managers Ed and Delores Wendt at (573) 594-6755 or email: agapehouse3@yahoo.com

The Criminal Justice Mission Team of MUP recently renewed a subscription for a copy of PRESBYTERIANS TODAY for each correctional facility in the state. This magazine is provided as a resource for prisoners and staff. For more information about the Criminal Justice Mission Team and their ministry, please contact Bess Gamm at bagamm@daffron.net

Mark your calendars and make reservations for the 3rd annual Faith-Based Re-Entry Conference!

OPENING GATES,OPENING HEARTS
Saturday, September 6, 2008
9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
First Christian Church
327 E. Capitol Avenue
Jefferson City, MO 65101

This year's conference will address prison ministry, aftercare programs, family services and Department of Corrections information. There will be sessions for those who have not previously attended the event, as well as updates for previous participants. (Attendance at this conference will qualify for annual VIC in service training.)

Cost: $25 (prior to August 6, 2008) $35 after August 6, 2008
Questions, please contact: Krystal Jacobs at the Missouri School of Religion, Center for Rural Ministry, 573-635-1187