‘Remember those who are in prison…’ (Hebrews 13:3)

Can you imagine being separated from your family and friends at Christmas?  Those who are incarcerated suffer this isolation and other deprivations on a daily basis, but at Christmas, those losses can be particularly difficult.  Through the EPA Conference’s Christmas Cards for People in Prison program, you can help those who are imprisoned know of God’s love for them. 

Simply write an encouraging note on a card, sign your first name only, and return the completed cards to the Eastern PA Conference Prison Ministry Team so that they are received by no later than Monday, November 6.  Our team will need some weeks to examine, organize and deliver the cards to accepting institutions.

Over the last several years, congregants and community members in Eastern PA have delivered thousands of these cards each year to a number of correctional facilities, touching the hearts of those who are imprisoned.  With your help, we can continue to reach out in love through this ministry again this year.  And it’s easy to do—just follow these three simple steps.

First, obtain the cards with vetted and approved card images (click here for card images). You can easily print them on your computer.  Or you can pick up and return bundles of cards (five per bag) at cooperating pick up/drop off locations in each district.

Or you can fill out a form to let us mail up to 100 cards to you. Request to Receive Christmas Cards Via Mail.

Then complete the cards by writing a brief encouraging note and signing only your first name.

And finally, return the completed cards by mail only to the Conference Office at P.O. Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0820; or bring them to the pick up/drop off locations in each district.

In 2022 we delivered nearly 7,000 signed cards to 12 correctional facilities in our region, providing Christmas greetings for chaplains to distribute to incarcerated people. We also delivered nearly 3,200 unsigned cards to one facility so that incarcerated persons there could sign and send them to their loved ones.

Visit our website to find instructions for making the Christmas cards, including a selection of approved Christmas images and suggestions for Christmas greetings to write. Also find the list of pick up/drop off locations and the form to request cards by mail. And finally, use our flyer to help you promote this ministry in your church and community.

If you have questions or suggestions, contact the Rev. Marilyn Schneider, Chair of the Prison Ministry and Restorative Justice Team, at prisonministries@epaumc.church.