ELCA 40 Days of Hunger Appeal

ELCA World Hunger is our church’s ministry to end hunger and poverty. We journey alongside our partners and companions in the United States and 60 other countries. Your gifts to ELCA World Hunger address hunger and poverty around the world with creative and courageous action. Over the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed more people into hunger and poverty. Our work together is more important than ever, even as we feel separated from each other.

As the world has reeled from the effects of a deadly pandemic, we have seen the number of hungry people around the world rise, watched as food pantries and soup kitchens expanded to serve an ever-growing number of guests, and longed together for the time when we “will hunger no more, and thirst no more … and God will wipe away every tear from [our] eyes” (Revelation 7:16-17).

This very yearning is at the heart of who we are as church together. Yet our longing has never led to inertia or despair, despite the discouraging forecasts. We are an Easter people, ever journeying toward the cross but trusting in faith that God’s story does not end on that hill.

This Lent, you’re invited to join with fellow supporters to pledge to work to end hunger together during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving. Your support is critically needed for people around the world facing hunger and poverty. Bring ELCA World Hunger into the life of your congregation and family with resources that are available to use at home, online or in person:

• A devotional calendar with daily ideas for reflection, giving and action.

• A weekly study inviting deep discernment and critical thinking, with inspirational stories about how your gifts to ELCA World Hunger are at work in the world.

• Additional resources, including an inspirational weekly email series. You’re invited to study, pray, reflect and give during ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving — for our families, our neighbors and communities around the world.

Visit ELCA.org/40days to get started today.

ELCA Disaster Relief & Hunger Appeal

GOD'S WORK, OUR HANDS HELP THOSE WHO HUNGER

A recent editorial headlined "Too Many Children Are Hungry Amid the Pandemic." Upwards of 14 million US children, nearly one in five, suffer hunger each day. School food programs struggle to alleviate this but the challenge is great. Christians respond using the many gifts God gives us- our hands, our resources, our voices. 

We have just observed Labor Day, recognizing the importance of these spiritual gifts used for the good of our whole community.  In this coming week, on September 17, many will observe "Citizenship Day," the day our Constitution was finally adopted, reminding us of the gift of our voice advocating for those in need. Our national leaders want to know what we think should be done to help our neighbors near and far. We can volunteer when possible to extend our hands to do God's work for the good of our community and nation. God has blessed us with the abundance of our lives to reach out to help hungry people.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit poor people, low-wage workers, and those with the least resources, hardest. Victims of hurricanes and forest fires need help to recover. Children and the elderly are always the most vulnerable. Jesus makes clear it is God's work to reach out with love, using "our hands," the gifts of the Spirit, to help.

You can help by donating to the ELCA Hunger Appeal and the ELCA Disaster Relief Fund. Put an additional check in your offering envelope, mail a contribution to the church, or bring an offering to worship. Our special appeal will continue through October 4, but you can give your gifts anytime during the year. 

God bless your hearts and hands in God's works of service.

ELCA Disaster Relief & Hunger Appeal

HELP HUNGRY PEOPLE AND DISASTER VICTIMS

The needs of hungry people and disaster victims continue in these days of the COVID-19 health crisis, and now the hurricanes hitting the Gulf coast. 

Luther says, when we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread," we are praying that all people, not just ourselves, have what we and they need for a healthy, abundant life. And when we hear Jesus say "People do not live by bread alone," we are reminded of the next petition, "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us." Both bread and forgiveness are spiritual needs, and physical needs. Without forgiveness, our life with others will bring difficult relationships.  And though we don't live by bread alone, people do need bread, and all it represents, to live.

Our Lenten "Hunger Appeal" was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, but now is a good time to re-energize our efforts to reach out to those in need. The recent devastation of Hurricane Laura has left many victims that can use the assistance of our ELCA Disaster Relief Fund. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit those with the least resources the hardest, and food pantries and other helping services are already stretched, not only in the USA but around the world. Our ELCA Hunger Appeal reaches out to help hungry people near and far. 

You can help by donating to either or both appeals. Put an additional check in the envelope along with your weekly offering, or send it to All Shepherds. Special offering baskets may also be available each week. We will use each Sunday until Oct. 4 to make this special effort, but anytime throughout the year the Spirit moves our hearts to reach out to help others is a good time to give. 

God bless you in your giving. As one Christian has said, "Bread for myself is a physical concern; bread for my neighbor in need is a spiritual concern."