2024 Embraced & Empowered Prison and Reentry Ministries Conference Replay Videos

Watch replay videos from our 2024 Embraced & Empowered Prison and Reentry Ministries Conference held at Thanks-Giving Square in Dallas, TX.

Thank you to the generous donors and sponsors who enabled this conference to happen.

2024 Session Replays

Returning Community Members Share Their Stories

About this session:
Hear stories of how inmates found Christian Science while incarcerated, and the impact it had as they were preparing to reenter society.

Speakers:
Woody Woodard, Tina Huston, Darryl Scott, Cedric Carter, Quentin Watters, LaVelle Searcy, Anthony Gonzalez

Length:
42:02

Introduction to The Principle Foundation and metaphysical talk: “Witnessing character transformation and healing”

About this session:
How does The Principle Foundation help students of Christian Science? Our inspiring metaphysical talk explores how we can witness transformation together.

Speakers:
Anna Lisa Kronman, CS

Length:
22:34

Creative Approaches to Volunteer Chaplaincy – Sharing our Experiences, Healings, and Effective Strategies

About this session:
Hear inspiring stories from experienced Christian Science volunteer chaplains as they share the most effective ways to reach people on the inside. We will also hear about some amazing healings experienced by inmates.

Speakers:
Marilyn McDonald, John Borin, Cindy Martin, Ryan Klensendorf, Allan Vivian, Eleanor Bigbee, Anita Jo Baker, Tina Huston, Jeanine Lambert

Length:
58:27

Understanding the Pre-Parole & Pre-Release Experience

About this session:
Learn from founders and leaders of two organizations deeply involved in the pre-parole and pre-release experience: Partnership for Reentry Program (PREP) and The Redemption Project.

Speakers:
David Fowler, Sister Mary Sean Hodges, Tony Kim, Dwight Tostenson

Length:
1:05:29

“Finding my true freedom” Post-Release Success Strategies

About this session:
At the age of 19, Richard Miles was arrested, tried, and convicted of murder and aggravated assault. He was sentenced to 60 years for a crime that he did not commit. He was eventually able to prove his innocence and founded Miles of Freedom. We will learn about post-release work being done by both Miles of Freedom and also the Partnership for Reentry Program.

Speakers:
David Fowler, Richard Miles, Alphonso Hill, Tony Kim

Length:
50:51

Effective Church Support and Mentoring for Returning Community Members

About this session:
Learn how Third Church Dallas prepared itself to welcome returning community members. We will also hear about branch church initiatives to support returning community members. Returning community members and their mentors will also share their experiences.

Speakers:
Woody Woodard, Greg McLane, Brenda Borin, Tina Huston, Darryl Scott, Cedric Carter, Quentin Watters, LaVelle Searcy, Meagan West, Troy Spann, Jr.

Length:
1:22:12

Mother Church support for Institutional work

About this session:
We hear from the Institutional Committee Liaison at The Mother Church with updates on prison tablets, literature availability and pricing, and the role that The Mother Church plays in this work.

Speakers:
Brian Abbott

Length:
8:31

State Committee Reports

About this session:
Christian Science is making a difference in prisons. Hear brief reports from State Institutional Committees from around the nation. Listen and be inspired by some innovative and creative approaches to the prison ministry. We will also touch on challenges and opportunities being faced around the country.

Speakers:
Woody Woodard, Heather Tice (CA), Terri Griffin (OR), Trinka Wasik (WA), Lisa Kristy (AK), Elizabeth Arnett (TX), John Moore (OK), Bonnie Loan (NY), James Early (CT), Lynne Darnell (DC), Robert Van Der Lyke (FL)

Length:
1:18:39

Small Group Discussion and Sharing

About this session:
In small groups, please discuss the following 3 questions. You will have half an hour followed by sharing key points with the whole audience. Select one person to be a spokesperson for your group.

  1. What more can we all do to bless our returning community members, our church communities, and society at large?
  2. What 2 or 3 key ideas are you taking away from this conference? What’s inspired you the most, and why?
  3. What are some challenges you see that need to be faced if we are going to grow these ideas into action? How do you plan to address these issues?

Moderator:
Susan Anderson

Length:
49:18

“O’er Waiting Harpstrings of the Mind” sung by Matthew Hammond & Davya Flaharty in Thanks-Giving Square Chapel

Musicians:
Matthew Hammond & Davya Flaharty • https://LoveOnlyGrows.org

Length:
4:43

THANK YOU to our 2024 Embraced & Empowered Prison and Reentry Ministries Conference Sponsors

– Platinum Sponsors –

Sunnyside Foundation
Third Church of Dallas, Texas
The DFW Zone of the Texas Institutional Committee
Anonymous

– Gold Sponsors –

Amanda Weitman
The Principle Foundation
The Institutional Committee of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area – Sponsored by First Church of Christ, Scientist, Washington DC
Share the Practice – Websites for Christian Scientists
Cox Media Productions

– Bronze Sponsors –

Anonymous

– Individual Ticket Scholarship Sponsors –

Jan True
Deb Wickersham
Lynn Wilson

– Returning Community Member Travel Sponsors –

Deb Wickersham

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Marshall, Byron, and David after Byron’s first church service
Marshall, Byron, and David after Byron’s first church service

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