We know the story: “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty…and not help you?” Last year our congregation collected food for residents of Algonquin Township during eleven months of the year. Our total cash offering was $384.97 in cash and 1283.5 pounds of food. The cash value of the food was estimated at $1251.50. (Our April collection went to the McHenry County Veteran’s Food Pantry.)
Who though are the food pantry users? How extensive is poverty in this community? How is poverty hidden? How is the food pantry funded? Does it receive any support from the federal government? Come to the program this coming Sunday night, March 12th. A speaker from the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry will be present and you’ll be able to have your questions answered.
So, mark your calendar for the supper which begins at 5:00pm. If you can’t come until 5:45 or 6:00, you’re welcome to just come for the speaker. You don’t need to sign-up in advance, unless you’re planning to bring part of the meal. The doors open at 4:30 for those who need to heat food in the microwave or arrange food.
Methodists are known for enjoying eating together. The entree for each of the evenings is posted on the church bulletin board. We encourage you to contribute an entree or side dish if you’re able. We would like you to sign-up for food contributions, but don’t feel that you need to sign-up for each week. Last week we had 26 people at our shared meal and 31 present for the presentation.
Make the parables relevant to your own life. Attend as many of these as you possibly can. You will also learn how you can volunteer services for these agencies. Sometimes poverty is hidden. We sometimes can only see those who are hungry and thirsty when we know how to look. Do you always see the signs of poverty?