Westminster Presbyterian Church 3416 Woolworth Avenue | Omaha NE 68105 | 402.345.5423
Crossroads Connection Prison Ministry
"Walking hand in hand through all aspects"
Crossroads Connection is a multi-denominational faith-based prison ministry devoted to helping non-violent offenders adjust back into society after incarceration. Crossroads survives solely on volunteers from area churches and donations from private sources.
The ministry began about five years ago at Miller Park Presbyterian Church. After Miller Park closed, the program moved to Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church, where most meetings and worship services are conducted at the present time. Crossroads partners with 16 local churches of various denominations.
|
Crossroads Worship Project The Crossroads out-mates work with several outreach programs, including "The Big Garden" and serving at the Open Door Mission. They have also created the Crossroads Worship Project band. Members of the band vary as in-mates become out-mates and people move. The core founding members are Tim Locatis, rhythm guitar, John Fuller, guitar & vocals, and Brad Whitman, bass. There are rotating members that play drums, keyboards, flute and trumpet. The band welcomes anyone who plays an instrument or likes to sing. They have weekly practices at here at Westminster Omaha and they write most of their own material, which they enjoy playing loud! The band routinely performs at the Crossroads Connection services at Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church, but have also done several outreach performances, including Angels on Wheels in June, an outdoor concert at Sienna Francis House and most recently, the Open Door Mission on November 29th. |
Crossroads Connection focuses on transitional housing to create a stress-free environment for outmates, so they are able to concentrate on staying on the right track, finding jobs and reconnecting with society and their families.
Crossroads offers many services including counseling, support groups, meals, bus passes, transportation and worship services. Crossroads also offers transitional housing at the Lafayette House and five other apartments. They also supply medical assistance supplied from grants, a food pantry, and a "clothes closet". Volunteers also help by teaching how to apply and interview for a job and give emotional support as the outmates make these difficult transitions.
All participants are required to attend worship services weekly and a Sunday morning support group. A special Sunday evening worship service is followed by a dinner which is devoted to the outmates and their families. All are welcome at both worship and dinner. Several area churches contribute to preparing and serving the Sunday evening dinner. The attendance at this service has grown quickly with an average of 75 people although up to as many as 120 have participated.
The story of Crossroads is one of success in both numbers and bringing people to CHRIST! When ex-offenders become part of the Crossroads family and worship with us Sunday by Sunday, changes take place in their lives. There is no explanation for this other than this is the work of the Holy Spirit. Crossroads has also had a positive impact upon their partner churches as well, bringing a new awareness to all those involved.
To read a testimonial, click here
For learn about Crossroads Connection go to www.CrossroadsConnectionOmaha.org