Every year since 2014, COS Prisoners in Christ Restorative Justice team has participated in the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) week of Locked in Solidarity by offering a training or event.   This year we encourage our members and friends to check out information and opportunities that are available online,  including daily webinars during the week of Feb. 5-9,…

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Did you know that for the past ten years, the COS Prisoners in Christ Team has sponsored a weekly Life Change Book Club at the Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility in Ionia, Michigan? On April 22, 2023, from 9 am – 3 pm you have the opportunity to attend the West Michigan Restorative Justice Conference…

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You are invited to a Restorative Justice conversation on Monday, November 21, from 5:30-7:15 p.m. at Church of the Servant, 3835 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Citizens for Prison Reform representatives will share how ending solitary confinement and reinstating “good time” credits would reduce harm and promote safety inside prison facilities and in our…

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Use this calendar to participate in prayers for Locked In Solidarity 2019: A Week of Awareness and Action on Mass Incarceration is coordinated by Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). Download a pdf of the calendar by using the link below.    2019 LOCKED IN SOLIDARITY* PRAYER CALENDAR With Online Resource Links to Raise Awareness and Inspire…

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* Locked in Solidarity Prayer and Study, including discussions about I Pledge Allegiance by David Crump and Blessed are the Organized by Jeffrey Stout. Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. at COS in October and November. Contact: Carol Rienstra (616-724-6772) * Prison Fellowship Angel Tree programming for children with a parent in prison. Christmas party (early December)…

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The 2nd Annual West Michigan Restorative Justice Conference will be held at Calvin College in Grand Rapids Michigan on Sat, October 13, 2018 from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT Free tickets and more information about the event available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-west-michigan-restorative-justice-conference-tickets-49087350587?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

All are welcome at a public meeting, “Speaking of Restorative Justice, What Shall We Do?” with Kent County Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Becker,  Citizens Alliance on Prisons & Public Spending (CAPPS) Policy Director John Cooper, and State Representative (D-75) David LaGrand on Sunday, April 29, 2 p.m. at Church of the Servant (COS), 3835 Burton St., SE Grand Rapids, MI…

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Danielle Sered is a crime survivor, Rhodes Scholar, author, and criminal justice innovator. She is the creator of Common Justice, a restorative justice diversion program, in collaboration with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. 9:00 – 10:30 AM, Thursday, October 12 Mackinac Room, 5th Floor, Cora Anderson House Office Building, Lansing 124 North Capitol Avenue PARKING IN NEARBY…

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Shane Claiborne, author of the forthcoming book Executing Grace: How the Death Penalty Killed Jesus and Why It’s Killing Us,  will be speaking at Calvin College on Monday evening, March 7, in the Covenant Fine Arts Center Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. This is a free and open to the public event, so come early to be…

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The third annual Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) national “Locked In Solidarity prayer vigil of lament, hope and stories as we seek the Lord regarding a Christian response to Mass Incarceration”  takes place on Thursday, February 11.   In the Grand Rapids area there are three events to which the public is invited. 1. A Prayer Breakfast from…

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