Our Congregations
The first CSD congregation was begun in the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women (MCIW) and a second congregation was formed shortly thereafter at the Maryland Correctional Institution in Jessup (MCIJ). The congregations provided Word and Sacrament ministry as well as regular Bible studies for inmates in these facilities on a weekly basis. CSD worked with area congregations to bring in visitors to share worship and fellowship and to assist with the Bible studies. At the time, the Division of Corrections (DOC) allowed special recreational activities at MCIJ during which congregations came into the prisons for volleyball. Because CSD was in more than one prison the ministry interfaced with Ms. Nancy Williams who was the Coordinator for Religious Services for the DOC at the time.
In 2004, a congregation was begun at MCTC in Hagerstown. The newest congregation started in 2016 at CMCF in Sykesville. At various times, CSD has had congregations at the Baltimore Pre-Release Unit for Women in Baltimore, the Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown, Patuxent Institution, and the Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI) in Hagerstown. All of these congregations have fluid memberships due to the transfer and release of inmates. At times, a congregation may be discontinued if there is no longer a desire for Lutheran services.
Currently CSD has congregations at MCIJ, MCIW, MCTC and CMCF. Pr. Susan Beck coordinates the ministry, working with nearly sixty registered volunteers at the prisons. MCIJ holds worship service on Friday evenings and Bible studies on Tuesday evenings each week. MCIW holds worship services on Saturday evenings and Bible studies on Sunday evenings each week. MCTC has weekly worship services on Monday evenings with Bible studies on Wednesday evenings every other week. CMCF has weekly worship services on Wednesday evenings.
