Larry and Susan Jarvis serve as Chaplains at the Medina County Jail and the Juvenile Detention Center. They offer counseling, Bible study, worship services, transportation, job counseling and services to help inmates return to society as productive citizens.

The Jarvis’s have spoken at MUMC during worship services and Susan has visited several of our United Methodist Women’s Circles with her message.

Susan Jarvis said one of the saddest part of the Jail Ministry was telling inmates, especially women, that there was no place in the county for them to go upon release.  The Jarvis’s formed Medina Light Ministries, a non-profit organization, so that they could address the situation,. 

In December, 2003 they opened Margaret House which is a Christian faith-based initiative to help women coming out of jail.  Margaret House is centrally located in Medina and can house up to four women at a time.  In order for a woman to stay at the house, she has to fill out an application and agree to the home’s rules which include no smoking, no drinking, and no drug use.  Women who do stay in the home must attend church every Sunday and participate in Bible study at the home.  Once  a woman is accepted at the home, she can stay up to 18 months. Thanks to a generous benefactor named Margaret half the mortgage on the house was paid.   In addition, fund raisers and church contributions have made Margaret House a reality. 

Volunteers for upkeep of the building and donations of everyday supplies are always welcome.

Historically, MUMC has supported the Jarvis’s program since about 1998 with $500 per year.

Contact persons: Ed and Lora Temple