Inverness Prison sits, almost unnoticed, in OHSS’s parish which is why we should take a special interest in the Prison, Prisoners, Staff, volunteers, and their families. Prisoner’s Week is designed to focus on those in and those outside prison. As a church, as a community, as an employer, as a landlord could we reach out more to help those who have been in prison get off to a better start when they come out? As James says each week “bless those we love and those we find hard to love!” The whole of Creation is a single Story of Grace with countless experiences, transformations, challenges and growths contained within… the 2022 theme for Prisoners Week invites us to listen to grace-filled stories of those affected by imprisonment in Scotland, of their families and of the victims of crime. This year, Prisoners Week is celebrating the stories of transformation, forgiveness, hope, new beginnings and encouragement on the journey. Launch service Sunday 20 November 2022. Marketplace opens 5pm with Service starting 6pm, at Bishopbriggs Community Church, G64 2SN. Featuring speaker Rev Jill Clancy (Chaplain, HMP Barlinnie), along with stories of grace from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Register to attend via Eventbrite. Resources and Information Resources include stories of hope, worship and prayer material, plus posters and leaflets. Download, and find out more, on the Prisoners Week website.
Iain Todd
Do we find it hard to love prisoners ? Ouch…I hope not ..we may feel out of our comfort zones but ‘hard to love ‘ …mmmm