A letter regarding Living Stones Prison Congregation

Sept. 26, 2012

Dear colleagues in ministry,

Greetings to you and your congregation from the men of Living Stones Prison Congregation in Shelton. We who serve on the outside board of Living Stones are humbled by your generosity which provides support to this critical ministry. You may recall that Living Stones began as a congregation in 2006. The synod agreed to provide funds and support the congregation for the first three years while other funding sources were explored and obtained. Here we are six years later and as we all know, the economy has diminished the funding options. Although the outside board and the synod have worked together to find other funding opportunities, we continue to rely on the synod and congregations of the Southwestern Washington Synod for much of the costs.

Living Stones continues to play a vital part in the life of the men of Washington State Corrections Center. The men placed there generally arrive to begin their sentence of imprisonment. They are at a crisis in their lives. Some of us on the outside board have worked in prisons. We know that often time’s prisons are places of violence, fear, and regret. Often men feel they need to join “something” so they will not be violated or robbed of the few things they have. This is a reality of prison life for some. We have seen that when people are in crisis they are most susceptible to change. Living Stones has provided a way for many men to begin their imprisonment with a sincere desire to change and a sense of grace, hope and fellowship with other Christian men.

This ministry is important to the men and to each of our congregations as well. Many of you or members of your congregation have come to Living Stones and worshiped with the men. We have heard from those who have visited and understand the impact that these visits had on those in attendance. It is through God’s intervention that we have this opportunity to be a part of the prison and that they have accepted this congregation as a part of their regular activities. This is very rare and unique in Washington State. Maintaining this relationship between the outside congregations, prison officials and Living Stones is something that must be continued.

Recently Pastor Eric Wangen-Hoch was notified that his salary would be cut by a fourth as the synod uses funds for other new congregational start-ups. I’m sure we would all agree that doing the same work on three-quarters the salary is not an acceptable option. Therefore, there is an immediate need to fill the gap. We are imploring each congregation to prayerfully consider providing special financial support to your brother congregation, Living Stones. There is no other congregation in the synod like Living Stones and it must continue. Living Stones urgently needs your support and continued prayers.

We ask that you speak to your council and congregation. Ask them what they think may happen if this meaningful congregational experience is not available for the men at Washington State Correctional Center? What if the grace of God is not there to speak to the men and reach their deepest concerns? What happens to the men if they have limited access to God’s words of healing and hope?

Thank you for your prayers and for the consideration of additional financial support during this time.

In Christ's name, Carol Porter and members of the Living Stones Outside Prison Board