Thank God for 2006 The Apostle Paul tells us to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thes. 5:18). The Year of 2006 has been no exception to this rule. On behalf of the Community of Saint Dysmas, it is my honor to address our heart-filled thanks to the staff at the institutions who help us provide this ministry; to the volunteers who, often unknowingly, bring the smile and gaze of Christ to those inside; to the inmates that attend our services and studies who often bring that same Christ to us; and to the many churches and individuals who pray for our ministry and our members and who provide financial support to permit us to do this by God’s grace. This was the first year in a long time that CSD did not have to draw on savings in order to meet budget goals and cover our expenses. This was the first year that we offered new services, such as pastoral counseling, as a scheduled weekly activity. This was the first year that we were able to have the assistance of an Intern, Vicar Sadie Pounder, and participate in this ministry of pastoral formation. This was the first year that we were invited to preach in thirty churches, and witness to the congregations what joy God is receiving from the ministry of repentance and forgiveness we are doing inside. We give thanks for all of this because it provides such hope for all of us who do this ministry, who have been touched by crime, who have been forgiven by God, or who have ever suffered from addiction or isolation. Thank you Lord and bless the individuals, the congregations, the Delaware-Maryland Synod, the Metro DC Synod, and the ELCA, that their ministry be bountiful and filled with grace. Amen. Pastor Bill Lundgren Dear Congregations: My name is Paul. I am currently serving a 15-year sentence at MCIH for drug distribution. I am from Baltimore City and I am a Lutheran. I am a member of Martini Lutheran Church located in South Baltimore City. Since my sentencing in March of 2006, I’ve been uncomfortable in this environment. But I have to thank Pastor Bill, Pastor Kaplan, Vicar Sadie, Viola and the Congregation of Saint Dysmas for making strides to help make this time for me as comfortable as possible, physically and spiritually. I’ve never had the choice to attend my religion at other prisons. Our congregation for the Community of Saint Dysmas at MCIH is now consisted of 9 prisoners. We hold Bible study which for me has built me up in faith and knowledge of the Bible. We hold church on Wednesdays where Pastor Bill plays the guitar and Miss Viola plays the piano for our songs and hymns. Our congregation has baptized inmates; we even studied the history of Martin Luther and the 95 theses. We are very spiritually alive! We agree and disagree over a lot of issues but we never dispute knowing our Lord Jesus Christ. Our worship service is very beautiful. We hold the service in the chapel built for the prison. Vicar Sadie and Pastor Bill take turns with the sermon and service. They make our service great with the time they have. We hold hymns, sermon, and communion all in one hour. It is spectacular what they do in that one hour. CSD has plans for the congregation in and out of the prison. I ask you to keep on supporting Pastor Bill and the CSD as they move forward with their plans. As a prisoner of the State of Maryland, I will say that some of us need help or contributions to move forward in all aspects of life. Inmates need it more when the State won’t help us. So please keep us in your prayers and thank you for giving us something to look forward to having in these times. Paul #334-380 Go Deeper into your Ministry Pastor Bill Lundgren attended the annual gathering of the Prison Congregations of America held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in October and was amazed at the differences between other congregations and our own. "The Lord had been telling us to increase our weekly presence inside, to offer counseling, to offer senior group ministry, to increase the volunteer fellowship time at worship and Bible study. When I went to PCA’s conference, I discovered why. In the other states (Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, Oklahoma and more), congregations are formed within one institution. The pastors are able to take cross-training with the Correctional Officers, learning what 'COs' learn regarding security procedures and inmate behavior. They receive a State badge that gives them the access of a prison chaplain. Most of them have working space, an office, inside the prison, and can even visit their parishioners if they run into trouble and are locked down in the prison segregation units." The Lord has been saying, "Go deeper into the ministry and life of the inmates. Visit them and know them." The Community of Saint Dysmas seeks your prayers to build understanding within the institutions of the need for our increased presence inside. We need prayers for peace within the prison and for the safety of both staff and inmates. We need prayers that the visitation of volunteers, the cards and letters of those who write inmates, the ministry of mentors to the prisoners, and the love of Christ, will bring a positive change to the means of incarceration and the well being of all. To Our Cloud of Witnesses The CSD Cloud of Witnesses Worship Services were held during the week of Thanksgiving in the five prisons CSD serves. For that service the worship space was adorned with the drawings of Sunday School children of the Delaware-Maryland Synod. We give thanks to God for the following contributing artists and ministers: Alex, Alexa, Ann, Anna, Arrika, Ashlee, Bailey, Brady, Brady, Brett, Brooke, Cameron, Caroline, Casey, Catherine, Cayla, Chamberlyn, Chris, Clare, Dagaz!, Dakota, Dani, Daniel, Derrick, Ellen Jane, Emma, Eric, Eric, Garett, Garret, Harley (age 2), Hayley, Jacob, Jacob, Jaime, Jason, Jenna, Jennifer, Joel, Joie, Jordan, Josh, Joyce, Julia, Kaylyn, Kaylyn, Kevin, Kim, Kylie, Lauren, Lauren, Leah, Leana, Levi, Liam, Lien, Lindsey, Louise, Lsvanoy!, Macy, Madeline, Mattie, Mayra, Mickey, Naomi, Natalie, Paige, Pribl!, Princess, Rachel, Roland, Ruth, Ryan, Ryan, Shannon, Shantelle, Shelby, Steven, Tara, Toby, Tommy, Travis, Tyler, Tyler, Vosgw!, Zach, Zachary, and many others. We had 350 drawings from 20 churches, and every one of these was a witness of the love of Jesus to the residents of the prisons we worship at and conduct Bible studies. If you do not see your name, it may be because many of the pictures were chosen by the congregation to hang up in their cells before the pastor made the name list! A note from Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI) in Hagerstown is below. A Letter to the Witnesses To God’s Little Children: It was such a pleasure to receive your pictures which truly brightened our day. We would like to express our appreciation for all the love and prayers sent to us. Each of the pictures was wonderfully done. They were displayed on our walls during the Thanksgiving worship service. It is amazing how it opened all our hearts to the things we needed to be thankful for. Each picture had an awesome blessing for all the inmates who shared them. God’s hand is truly on you all and may He continue to bless you all and keep you safe in the palm of His loving hands. "You are truly a blessing to an old man’s broken heart." "Fantastic pictures guys, thanks!" "Thanks!" Signed: The Roxbury Lutheran Congregation of CSD: Roger, Chip, Michael, Michael, Donald, Carl, Burt, Jim, and Brian. Vicar Sadie Pounder The most precious gift that God has given the ministry of CSD this year has been the skilled and compassionate participation of Vicar Sadie Pounder. Her preaching, worship leadership, one-on-one counseling, her experience with the incarcerated and with correctional institutions as a licensed therapist, and her passion for ministry and her vision have helped us immensely. She lives her faith in Christ, and her speaking and listening skills exude her love for the Gospel. We especially thank God for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Hagerstown, and the determination of Pastor Dave Kaplan, making our partnership with Vicar Sadie possible. We give thanks for the special anonymous gifts of a donor who has provided CSD’s share of the Vicar’s salary, as well as generous giving from The Order of Saint Stephen Deacons in Baltimore and Peace Lutheran Church in Glen Bernie for her expenses. Here are highlights of why we praise God for Vicar Sadie Pounder: One-on-one pastoral counseling is now offered weekly to our inside members in Hagerstown. It began at RCI last summer. On December 13th, MCTC will be added to this ministry. MCIH will also begin in January, giving us 6 additional hours each week to bring the light of Christ inside Hagerstown prisons. Sadie has also submitted a proposal to start Senior Men’s Groups at both RCI and MCTC, to deal with the issues of aging in prison. Worship attendance has improved at both MCIH and MCTC with the Vicar’s enthusiasm and outreach abilities. She notes member attendance, letting those who miss a worship service know that we missed them. Vicar Sadie has provided vision for CSD’s efforts to bring more volunteers and visitors to work inside. Expect to see outreach efforts led by her in the churches of Washington County in the months ahead. Come and work with her, and help us make this internship everything she has hoped for in serving the Lord.

2006 Walkathon a Success! One of the primary reasons that CSD was able to finish the year “in the black,” was that many individuals and churches caught the spirit of its organizer: volunteer and President of the CSD Council, Paula Thistle. Total giving for this fund-raising event is still unknown as pledges continue to come in. The effort did raise over $4,000 for CSD ministries, and this was matched by $1,300 from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Praise God and thanks! Who is CSD? The Community of St. Dysmas proclaims the Year of the Lord’s Favor to those who are oppressed, brokenhearted, captive and imprisoned, whether they live inside or outside of correctional institutions of Maryland. The Prophet Isaiah tells us that, "The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor." (Isaiah 61:1-2a) Jesus chose this text to define his ministry (Luke 4:18-19). The Year of the Lord, is a time in which forgiveness flows like a river. Sometimes called Jubilee, it is a river that we stand within as stewards of the manifold grace of God, where we serve one another with whatever gifts we have received (1 Peter 4:10). May the Lord bless you with the water of life that comes through the stewardship of his relationship with people. Schedule of Opportunities CSD Worship Opportunities Monday Nights           MCTC Hagerstown Wednesday Nights     RCI/MCIH Hagerstown (call about MCIH as a new night is proposed) Friday Nights             MCIJ Jessup Saturday Nights          MCIW Jessup Bible Studies Monday Nights         RCI, MCIW Tuesday Nights         MCIJ, MCIH Wednesday Nights    MCTC Speakers and Preachers If you would like a special word on volunteerism, freedom, discipleship, or grace in worship or at group meetings, or you need pastor supply for Sunday worship, invite us to come to your church. Call Bob:            410-233-7897 (office) Pastor Lundgren: 301-514-8473 (cell) MCIW Adds Drama Club The inside community has formed a Drama Club for presentation of skits and dance in CSD worship services. The Drama Club will have its first performance on December 23rd, during MCIW's Lessons and Carol Worship celebration. The women’s gathering on Saturday nights now often exceeds 50 residents and volunteers, and worship is being moved from its former classroom setting to the Dining Hall. Other events at MCIW include the addition of weekly one-on-one counseling by Pastor Bill, the Drama Club practice sessions, and being an Assistant Volunteer Chaplain for Chaplain Carr on Fridays. Passion for Prison Ministry at Washington County Churches Pastors and Agents of Social Change: CSD is sponsoring monthly workshops on visiting those in prison. Called PPM, these will be held on Sunday afternoons following worship. The first workshop will be held for Washington County Conference churches at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Hagerstown on January 21, 2007, at 3:00 pm. Speakers will be invited, as well as former inside members from the prison, and existing volunteers. The purpose of these meetings is to help people access the ministry of Christ inside the prisons. Jesus told us that what we do for those we visit in prison we do for him. If you are interested in learning more about this ministry, come to St. Mark’s on January 21st, or call Vicar Sadie Pounder at 301-733-7550. The Widow with 2 Coins The inside Community of St. Dysmas has decided to begin an offering in January for the Synod’s proposed Drug Rehabilitation Center for Teenagers, that will be constructed at Mar Lu Ridge. Over 70 percent of all crimes are related to addictions, either by users or those who supply them. Many of these come from second- and third-generation families of addiction. This offering is inspired by the Gospel of Mark’s widow who gave two coins: 12:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on." The average wage for inmates who find jobs inside the prison is about $1.00 per day. This money helps them to purchase toiletries and other essentials. We will conduct this Macedonian-style offering weekly, and will bring what has been given to the Synod Assembly and present the proceeds to Bishop Knoche for the construction and operation of the Rehabilitation Center. The past cannot be changed, but the future is filled with hope of Christ for social change. If you would like to provide matching funds to this effort, contact our Office Manager, Robert Mauck, at 410-223-7897. 2007 Annual Meeting The annual Congregational Meeting will be held on January 14th at Second English Lutheran Church, 5010 Briarclift Rd., Baltimore. As this is the annual meeting, we will have an agenda that includes the normal items of the CSD Annual Budget, and the election of new Council Members. Additional items of importance known at this time include a new constitution for CSD that meets the requirements of the ELCA, and a mission statement for CSD. Other items may be included in the official notice of the meeting. Goals for 2007 The 2007 Ministry goals for the CSD include: Adopt a mission statement at the Annual Meeting in January. The proposed statement is based on Luke 24:47: "So that repentance and forgiveness is proclaimed in Christ’s name.": Adopt a new constitution at the Annual Meeting in January. Increase our weekly presence inside the prisons by: Calling/training volunteers and mentors. Conducting baptisms during Easter. Weekly counseling at each prison. Assisting chaplains with their activities. Providing Christian Music Libraries. Providing more fellowship time. Starting Senior Groups to deal with the issues of aging in prison. Beginning a letter writing program. Creating an inside visitor program. Increase our outside ministry by: Providing mentors to the released. Assisting the released with shelter costs. Adding prayer lists to the CSD Web page for those seeking intercession. Starting a tape ministry for the witness of those struggling with addictions and starting a new life. Starting a national prayer vigil for restoration of both the incarcerated and the victims of crime. Seeking welcoming congregations for the released. Asking Sunday Schools to share God’s plan for forgiveness and repentance. Creating partnerships with the re-entry ministry community. Elevating the annual CSD Walkathon to a public action for social change, calling youth and adults and faith-based organizations to join in the message, "You Will Not Walk Alone." "Come Lord Jesus and be our guest, and may your food of life bless us. Bring us the peace of knowing that we walk by faith. Give us the strength of trust. Give us the hope that your coming has changed everything. Come Lord Jesus, come."

The Community of St. Dysmas
5010 Briarclift Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21229-1393

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