Jail/Prison Ministry

You can provide spiritual support to inmates by writing to them, providing greeting cards, Science of Mind books, or transporting a released inmate to the Center. Other behind-the-scenes support is also possible. Contact Rev. Carol Chase at 707-542-6188.

Mission Statement: The intention of the Jail/Prison Ministry is to provide layered support to prisoners and their families in the process of growth and healing through prayer, spiritual and empathetic counseling, education and communication tools to bring awareness of choice. The freedom of choice enables us to live in harmony and integrity with ourselves and each other to realize the unique contribution we each make to the community which awaits our gifts.

Among the greatest difficulties facing people who are being released from imprisonment is their re-emergence into the community and life they occupied before their confinement. Upon release most inmates have minimal resources (often less than two hundred dollars), the immediate weight of court costs and restitution payments, lack of employment support, little or no family support, frequently no place to stay until they gain employment and limited skills in communication, impulse control and anger management. Combined with a community stigma that limits their ability to gain employment and succeed in creating a crime-free life, the rate of return to prison is greater than 70%. This suggests that our punishing approach to gaining safety in our communities is not working. Recently, we have established a team of spiritual practitioners for inmate counseling and we are presenting communication classes in the North County Detention Center.

In addition our current projects consist of:

• Supporting Friends Outside in Sonoma County with volunteer services. No prerequisites. For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• A Science of Mind class.*

• Individual spiritual counsel*

• Minimal personal support for released inmates.

* Skill level for Science of Mind class instruction and providing spiritual counsel is SOM Practitioner or equivalent.

If you are interested in this ministry's emerging vision to support prisoners incarcerated in our institutions with spiritual education, communication and spiritual tools, and a way to re-enter our communities, please join us in one or more of the above projects.

Contact: Rev. Carol Chase, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Core Team Members: Rev. Carol Chase, Dan Parun, Al Sawyer, Carol Seymour, Nancy Hyder, and Whitefire Felkner.

Upcoming Events

To find out what is happening at the Center, select the Calendar tab and from the drop down menu, select "Upcoming Events."

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Regards,

Edward Viljoen

ManSpirit Monthly Brunch

On the first Saturday of each month from 9 am to Noon, join in community with like-hearted, like-minded men from the Center. Bring a favorite dish to please the palate and bless the body. Gather and munch and chat at 9 am then we'll circle up for sharing, bonding, learning more about each other and ourselves a little later in the morning. Location and information is here.

For more information about other events at the Center, click here.

Consider Becoming a Member

To assist you in making your decision, the Center offers free Membership Orientation Classes (Spring and Fall) to introduce you to the structure and vision of the Center and the expectations and benefits of membership. Whether or not you become a member, you are welcome to attend these orientation classes. The next series of three classes begins in Spring 2013

My Personal Check List: Am I Ready?

1. I have completed the Religious Science Foundational Course or I have attended Services regularly (missing very few weeks) for six months or more.

2. I have served as a volunteer at the Center for Spiritual Living in the past 6 months.

(Although the above is not required for membership, it is strongly recommended that prospective new members take adequate time to learn about the Science of Mind and about the volunteer opportunities at the Center as a way of becoming familiar with the culture before committing to membership.

Grief and Loss Spiritual Support

Every Sunday in Room 8, starting promptly at 12:45 pm, a facilitated support group is available to anyone experiencing grief or loss. In this safe and supportive environment, you can feel at home and free to explore your own unique journey through the grief process. You will be listened to and held in the loving, accepting awareness that Spirit is present and with us in every moment of our eternal lives.

If you are experiencing the complex feelings and emotions of the grief process due to the loss of a loved one or other major life transition, know that there is support for you here at the Center with your spiritual family.

For more information, contact Rev. Joyce Duffala, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For more information about other events at the Center, click here.