How can each of us do something to help those in our communities who are hungry and homeless? Many of our parishes are already participating in supporting feeding programs and food pantries in our own churches, neighboring churches or in the community at large. Please continue these important activities. There is much more to be done, however, to affect those who are responsible for the public policies that directly address these problems. Ideally, every parish should have a contact person responsible for keeping information and awareness flowing in your congregation. That person should be on mailing lists to receive the latest updates on issues that need to be addressed and information on letters or e-mail messages that can be sent to legislator(s) to take the appropriate action on these issues.
The day begins with a meeting at Trinity
Episcopal Church across the street from the statehouse in Columbus.
Leaders provide an orientation sharing information about hunger-related
issues at 11 a.m. (Bring a bag lunch.) Following brief worship, plans
are made for afternoon meetings with senators, representatives, and
administration officials to develop a working
relationship with both state and congressional representatives and
their staffs in their local community offices. It is important to treat
them with respect, but be persistent. The more familiar you become to
them, the more likely they are to listen to your concerns.
Personal prayer
Personal prayer is preliminary
to any action. Through prayerful appeal for our own clarity of thought
and caring, we are strengthened for any encounter. Bible study,
devotional exercises, and small group reflections can help us to
cleanse our motivations and concentrate our approach.
2-cents-a-meal program
If you do not
already participate in the 2 Cents a Meal Program in your parish,
contact the Stewardship and Development Office at the Diocese of Ohio, 216-774-0466. for information
needed to begin your participation in this important work. Of every
2-cents received, one penny stays in your parish to help support your
local feeding activities, and the second penny is sent to the Diocese
of Ohio to help support the systemic change and long-term solutions
through our overall efforts with other churches in Ohio through the
Hunger Network.
HungerNetOhio
Anyone interested can receive policy alerts monthly by
signing up at
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. These alerts provide timely
information on how hunger is being dealt with by our
state and federal government and gives helpful information on how you
may influence the vote on these issues. Please visit the
HungerNet website at www.HungerNetOhio.org to access e-mail alerts,
newsletters, booklets and public official information. Your time, attention, and
ideas are always welcome in whatever form your giving takes.
The Hunger and Homelessness Task Force plans to offer experiential
learning activities to members of the Diocese of Ohio. These events
will invite participants into the service of established hunger and
homelessness ministries and programs at locations throughout the
Diocese of Ohio.
Fall 2008 Events
OPEN M's Mountain of Food Giveaway
Thank you to all who braved the weather to join A Day of Service and Reflection at OPEN M, 941 Princeton Street, Akron, on Friday, November 21, 2008 to assist in their Mountain of Food giveaway. Participants were invited to experience and reflect on their participation as well as to hear what others are doing, share commonalities, and discuss how to better serve the hungry in our communities.
2100 Lakeside Men's Shelter
Thank you to all who participated and provided for A Day of Service and Reflection: Encouraging personal interaction, listening, and reflection at Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry's 2100 Lakeside Men's Shelter on October 11, 2008. The shelter at 2100 Lakeside is the largest in Ohio, serving an average of 515 men each day. A variety of programs at the shelter target specific needs, from providing a safe place to sleep to assisting men who move into employment, treatment and/or alternative housing.
The Open Door By Jack Ream. Please send questions or comments to:
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Serving those in need.
Please send us your personal story of encouragement and inspiring witness to service ministry. Please contact Debra Sudy,
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LMM seeds of change, Spring/Summer 2008 A Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) publication. LMM serves youth at-risk, persons involved in the criminal justice system, people with disabilities, people with long tern care needs and people who are homeless.
A Simple Rule of Prayer
An Invitation: “In God’s Name be the course and the mooring: let us embark.”
Mission Inventory
Mission Inventory Matrix only. Comprehensive directory by congregation of service projects/service work throughout the Diocese of Ohio. Please contact your local parish for information.
Hunger and Housing Programs by Deanery
HHTF Ministries by Deanery. Congregational directory by deanery of Hunger and Housing service ministries and programs throughout the Diocese of Ohio.
The Hunger and Homelessness Task Force
The Hunger and Homelessness Task Force was initiated with the R5: Resolution in Support of Work to Abolish Hunger and Homelessness at the 190th Convention of the Diocese of Ohio in response to the request of the 75th General Convention to engage in work that supports the Millennium Development Goal #1: the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger.
The Episcopal Diocese of Ohio
