Hunger: A Matter of the Heart

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

“RACE – THE POWER OF AN ILLUSION:
How the Racial Wealth Gap Was Created”
 

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:

Wednesday’s program opportunities to participate virtually:

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...