Our call to feed the hungry, and God’s concern for people in need, echo throughout Scripture. Jesus says “you give them something to eat” in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Making sure others are fed is a cornerstone of loving our neighbor. As people of faith, we are called to prayer and service on behalf of the most vulnerable in our society. In God’s just kingdom, everyone is treated fairly, and everyone’s needs are met.
In Peoria County, 17.7% of children and 14.3% of adults lack a stable, reliable means of getting the meals they need. Around the world, 821 million people are hungry each day. Yet God is at work, and this situation can be improved. Global hunger and poverty rates have been cut nearly in half during the past 30 years. By the year 2030, hunger and all forms of malnutrition could be eliminated!
This Lenten season, Salem will explore the roots of hunger by studying Scripture, learning about local programs, and examining hunger causes and solutions. Allow God to shape your heart with new awareness, understanding, love and conviction for those who are hungry.
WEEKLY DEVOTIONALS
RESOURCES
Week 1
ELCA WORLD HUNGER PLACEMAT
TABLE PRAYER CUBE
ELCA World Hunger: Kenneth’s Story
Week One Handout: Food
Week 2
Getting to Zero Hunger by 2030:
Race, Poverty, and Hunger
Salem Outreach Ministries: Feeding the Hungry
Week Two Handout:
Recognizing Hunger
Week 3
Watch Wednesday, March 18th's message about UNDERSTANDING, and participate with online resources:
- Take United Way’s Making Tough Choices Challenge: http://www.makingtoughchoices.org/
- Play Spent: It’s Just Stuff Until You Don’t Have It: http://playspent.org/
- An Opportunity to participate in local, in-person Illinois version at Dream Center: https://www.dreamcenterpeoria.org/rethinkpoverty
Ending U.S. Hunger and Poverty by Focusing on Communities Where it’s Most Likely
“Why Do People Still Go Hungry”
(SOURCE: The Guardian)
ELCA World Hunger: Robyn’s Story
WEEK THREE HANDOUT:
HUNGER CAUSES
Week 4-JUSTICE
Watch Wednesday, March 25th's message about JUSTICE, and participate with online resources:
Ending Hunger is Within Reach
ELCA Advocacy
Bread for the World
WEEK FOUR HANDOUT:
SEEK THE TRUTH
Week 5-ACTION
As alternatives for Salem Lutheran Church to be a collection point for Bethel Food Pantry at this time please consider making a donation to Bethel Food Pantry or ELCA World Hunger.
Watch Wednesday, April 1st's message about ACTION, and participate with online resources:
Better Nutrition,
Better Tomorrow
Bread for the World: Overview Handout of Offering Letters
Bread for the World: Offering Letters to Members of Congress
Offering Letter Samples
WEEK FIVE HANDOUT:
GIVING ROOT
Salem Serving Opportunities...
- Sorting large food donations
- Packing tender mercies meals
- All ages may participate
CONTACT: John Grabel
THOMAS JEFFERSON FOOD BASKETS
- Donate food stuffs
- Deliver to TJ families
Annual collection of specific food items that will be packed and delivered by Jr. High Students and volunteers.
CONTACT: Deacon Jill Goldhammer
- Salem and Bethel United Methodist
- Monetary and food donations
Collection of food items at Salem and deliver them to Bethel when needed.
CONTACT: Roberta Kessinger
Planting the community vegetable garden and helping with garden upkeep through the summer and harvesting produce. All ages can participate.
CONTACT: Bill Ligon
WORLD HUNGER DONATIONS
• Monetary donations though envelopes
• Money sent to ELCA World Hunger once/twice a year.
LOAVES & FISH
Community needs ministry of First UMC Peoria providing a free hot meal, food pantry, worship service, educational assistance, clothing room and medical clinic to approx. 300 people each Saturday.
- Salem and First United Methodist
- Serve Saturday lunch to community
- anyone about 12 years and over
CONTACT: Leo Vandervlugt
You must be logged in to post a comment.