Christian Science Institutional Services of New Jersey, Fall 2025 Rep0rt

The Summit Christian Science Church is an active member of the Christian Science Institutional Services (CSIS) of New Jersey. Our church member (Heather Blacker) is a CSIS coordinating chaplain meets with regularly with prison Inmates in the Jersey State Prison of Newark. Below is her report given at the CSIS Fall 2025 Meeting:

● Heather’s work has been expanded, so every week she conducts two Bible Groups on Sunday, and two Bible Groups on Monday. In addition Heather is one of only two chaplains who has been asked to visit those in solitary each week. It is a place where listening, sharing prayer and sharing spiritual insight is welcome in most every cell.

●  There are times when Bible Groups are delayed for various reasons, and there is waiting time required. Heather finds that prayer for the inmates, the administration, and officers, is the purpose of sitting and waiting.

●  One prison officer has expressed concern with the large numbers of inmates that attend the Bible Groups. Heather reassured him that she has never felt threatened in all the 14 years she has been visiting the prison. This officer has lately been very helpful in gathering the inmates for her Bible Group.

● A Muslim officer asked Heather recently, how he could love God more. Heather suggested that every time we replace anger with love, reject temptations, and turn from sin, we are loving God. We love God by living as God’s image

● Heather has given out approximately 1,000 Science and Healths with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy in this prison. Every week she distributes Science and Healths, Bibles, Christian Sciience (CS) Sentinels, CS Monitors, and CS El Heraldos.

● A number of inmates have been so moved by reading Science and Health that they have requested Heather send the book to family members. Others have asked that family members receive the (Full Text) CS Quaterly Bible Lesson.

● An inmate who studies Christian Science invited Heather to his graduation for his GED. He was one of four graduates. It was a supportive and caring event, and many commented on his contribution in tutoring others in the program.

●  CSIS of New Jersey receives donations from inmate family members in gratitude for the spiritual support they receive in prison.

●  The prison in which Heather serves recently had an“Appreciation Luncheon” for all the chaplains who serve in the prison. It is a small group of about ten various religious groups including Christian Science.

●  CSIS of NJ receives letters and cards of gratitude from inmates who receive Bible lesson letters each week on the current Bible lessons and also subscriptions for the Sentinel, the (Full Text) CS Quarterly Bible Lesson, and CS Monitor.

●  CSIS of NJ responds to requests from inmates across the country because we are supported by all Christian Science churches in NJ, as well as individual donations. But most important is the prayerful support of the Christian Science community in New Jersey.

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