HungerProgram News |
An Open Letter to Shenandoah Presbytery from Hunger Action Enabler, Doug Sensabaugh
The churches in our presbytery support the needs of the poor and the hungry in so many ways. We know this because we hear about the good work of presbyterian churches from many places.
Church newsletters are one place where stories appear about helping feed a commmunity. Headings like "4-Cents-a-Meal Offering NEXT SUNDAY," or "Take a Hike for Hunger" or "Area CROP WALK Next Sunday," or "Church Food Pantry Sets Schedule for Next Month," or "Souper Bowl Collection Nets Food and Money for the Pantry" tell of active ministries to the hungry of our communities. Some churches use their Sunday Morning Fellowship time to educate their congregation on the benefits of Fair Trade by serving and selling Fair Trade Coffees and Teas.
A group of in-town churches combine their resources to host a "moving" soup kitchen on weekdays, each church hosting one day a week. Other churches join ecumenical programs for feeding people, offering clothing and other household items to those in need.
But this is what we are called to do. "In as much as you have done it to the least of there, you have done it to me," Jesus says.
Hands-on "mission for hunger" gets people involved up close with a need in their communities. So it is no surprise that youth and adults alike will combine their forces together to"DO" mission.
But many more people "DO" mission on monthly hunger Sundays when they get out of their seats to bring forward their hunger monies for their church's Cents-A -Meal programs. In 2007, 84 churches from the presbytery's 110 churches donated close to $95,000 through the presbytery alone to help the hungry. Many churches will keep a portion of what they collect - maybe 25% - to support a local pantry or program and send the rest to the presbytery.
As the presbytery sends support to Heifer, or Ethiopia Famine Relief , or Church World Service or Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, a congregation can "Stretch their Reach" to people all over the world in need with their support.
In 2003, we set a goal of $100,000 in contributions
for the 2/4 Cents-a-Meal program. In 2007 we are finally appraoching
that goal.
As pictures of empty shelves in food pantries and food banks flash before you, remember to be brave and be strong in your support of those less fortunate who need a little extra help to make it to tomorrow. Support your church hunger program.
As pictures of empty shelves in food pantries and food banks flash before you, remember to be brave and be strong in your support of those less fortunate who need a little extra help to make it to tomorrow. Support your church hunger program.
Sharing Resources, Changing Lives
Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God’s love with
people experiencing need. Our gifts support ministries of disaster response,
refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help
people find safe refuge, start new lives, and work together to strengthen
their families and communities. Recognizing that the hope we have in Christ is lived out in our hope for one another, we respond with gifts that help our sisters and brothers around the world find the hope for a brighter future.
Where does the money go?
The Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36 percent of undesignated One Great Hour of Sharing gifts, while the Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receives 32 percent.