The yearly Prison Service was held in St Patrick’s Church Jurby on the sunny summer solstice, Sunday 21st June. The service provides a dedicated time of prayer for the needs of men and women who are prisoners, for prison staff, victims and survivors of crime, and families.
Attended by the Prison Governor, several prison staff and inmates, and some families of inmates, the three Chaplains led parts of the service – Anglican Chaplain Rev Brian Evans-Smith, RC Chaplain Fr John Hindley, and Bethel Church pastor, Kevin Vondy. A testimony was given by Fr John Hindley.
The reflection was given by the Bishop of Sodor and Man, Rt Rev Tricia Hillas in which she reflected on the value of each person. Whether or not we have gone astray, we are still the precious children of God who cares for each one – a loving God who rejoices when any who has gone astray is restored.
Fr John Hindley, RC Chaplain
Bishop Tricia, Bishop of Sodor and Man
Pastor Kevin Vondy, Ramsey Bethel Church Chaplain
Sandra Kerrison, Warden of St Patrick’s Jurby and Secretary of The Friends of Jurby Church
Leroy Bonnick, Prison Governor and Head of Probation Service
Rev Brian Evans-Smith, Anglican Chaplain
Ann Corlett, President of Mothers’ Union Isle of Man
Members of the Mothers’ Union and people from across the island came to the service in Jurby Church which is within sight of Isle of Man Prison. As the service finished there was time for social gathering and enjoyment of generous refreshments provided by Churchwarden Mrs Sandra Kerrison and The Friends of Jurby Church.