Hunger Relief Day: October 10, 2010

Off the Shelf, Into the Soul

2010-10-20T16:46:00.025-06:00

A quick note from Brenda: As I was dropping off the last of the 10.10.10 food donations yesterday, I was able to spend a few moments with the patrons of Metro CareRing. Mothers, grandfathers, siblings lined the chairs of the front room, waiting their turn to receive the care they were clearly searching for. Volunteers attended to their needs, staff responded to their concerns.

As your donated items were placed on the scale, there were families literally taking food off of the shelves behind me. Their need was immediate, their hunger obvious. The visual of food going out as quickly as it was coming in will remain in my heart. 10.10.10 was a moment in time for us to rally, yet the need is far from over.

It seems right that today happens to be the 20th day of the month, because results of both goals for Hunger Relief Day soared into the twenties. Thanks to your generous spirit, we were able to provide 20,046 pounds of food to Metro CareRing and cut a check for $22,389.05. We cannot say thank you enough for these blessings - twice what we had hoped and prayed for! The first and final verses of Psalm 46 come to mind:

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way  
and the mountains fall
into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam  
and the mountains quake
with their surging.

Twenty-thousand, forty-six pounds of food.
Thank you for helping when the earth seemed to give way,
and the hunger pains could not be ignored.

Twenty-two thousand, three hundred
eighty nine dollars and five cents.
Thank you for giving when the circumstances of life
loomed like mountains, about to fall into the sea.

"Be still, and know that I am God;  
I will be exalted among the nations,
 I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD Almighty is with us;  
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Twenty-thousand, forty-six pounds of food.
We give thank to God for letting us be still and
asking Him to walk beside us on this journey.

Twenty-two thousand, three hundred
eighty nine dollars and five cents.
Thank you for fortifying the shelves with food,
and our souls with hope.

Connections

2010-10-16T10:10:00.004-06:00

The tenth day. The tenth month. The tenth year.

A wall of food at Bethany Lutheran Church!

As one member observed, "It was neat to watch the food being dropped off. Each bag of food was carefully placed in its own, particular spot, and had to physically touch another bag, as if it didn't want to be alone. There was an energy in those bags - a connection between each giver."

The offering of the jars

Oodles of Noodles

The wall of food, on its way to the Metro CareRing BBQ!
(Who needs to see out the rear-view mirror?!)

There's room for just ONE more bag, right?

Metro CareRing hosted a BBQ on 10.10.10 to celebrate the efforts of the community. We were able to tour the facility, enjoy live music, and meet the many caring volunteers of Metro CareRing.

Lynne Butler, Executive Director of Metro CareRing,
and the head, heart, and soul behind Hunger Relief Day.

Pastor Ron and his wife, Sue Ann, enjoy a
bit of time on the 'dance floor' while local blues
singer Erica Brown and friends entertained.

Bethany members and fervent 10.10.10 supporters Vicky and Larry Daub were featured in the Denver Post on October 11th, and helped serve food the day of the BBQ. (Photo by Judy DeHaas)

Bestselling author and Colorado resident Philip Yancey, his wife, Janet, visit with Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry and Brenda Greenwald at the Metro CareRing BBQ.

We were able to sneak a peek at Yancey's latest book, "What Good is God: In Search of a Faith That Matters", which is being released this week! (Click here for more information about the book and here to visit Philip Yancey's website.)

CHECK it out: $17,800 for Metro CareRing!
Larry, Vicky, Scott, Cathy, Brenda, Pastor Ruth Ann, Sarah, Pastor Ron

Since Sunday, we were able to
thankfully collect and carefully count
the many over-flowing Dollar a Day jars.

We found one-of-a-kind jars...

...jars from Poker Games...

...and hand-made coin slots to get that change inside!

Buried within the many thousands of coins, we found lots of
other treasures, too! Foreign currency, buttons, souvenirs, etc.

In the middle of it all, we discovered a shiny stone
proclaiming the central message of it all: LOVE.

Saturday, 10/16/2010: just 6 days past Hunger Relief Day,
our current totals of overwhelming generosity are:

$20,783 and 19,592 lbs of food!

Our sincerest thanks for all of your prayers,
words of encouragement, donations, and kindness.

Join us this Sunday evening, October 17th, for a Friends of Metro CareRing Concert - all food donations will still be collected and given in honor of 10.10.10!

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Friends of Metro CareRing Concert
Sunday, October 17, 2010

A Concert in Support of the
Hungry in our Community

Organist Kathy Singh and other musicians from Bethany and from around the community present a fun-filled concert to reach out and support Metro CareRing and those in need right here in Denver.

5:30 pm - dinner provided by Olive Garden

Reservation required
Contact Forrest Guittar at 303-504-2665 or forrest@bethany-denver.org

7:00 pm - concert (admission: non-perishable food item)

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Day 100: Daily Bread

2010-10-10T03:45:00.000-06:00

...give us this day, our daily bread...
Matthew 6:11

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A message from Pastor Ron Glusenkamp: I'm so very grateful that our partners have made a promise to give money, to live in new ways and most important of all be joined together in a Metro CareRing of Hope, Action, Love and Grace. This is truly God's Work, Our Hands. So, from the bottom of my heart, I say thank you, God bless you and I love you!

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A message from Brenda Greenwald: Back in July of 2010, as we began this 100-day journey together, we asked to you join us in song, facts, images, prayer, food, service, and scripture.

Our goal was that the past 100 days would be informational, that we would learn together the impact of hunger around the world and be more conscientious about what we put in our bodies.

Our hope was that the past 100 days would be intentional, that our actions would be purposeful and that we would seek new ways to renew our commitment to ending hunger and realizing our role was not out of guilt, rather, out of grace.

Our prayer was that the past 100 days would be inspirational, that through mutual encouragement, we could see God's work was indeed alive through our hands!

Hunger Relief Community, while striving to provide these things for you, you have in turn gifted these things upon me! I have been blessed beyond measure by this journey and will sincerely miss the daily devotion of reaching out to you through images and text. I know our connection does not end here, however, as we've all been touched by the Holy Spirit's amazing ability to bless and inspire us to go out and serve the Lord! Thanks be to God!

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Day 100. Dollar 100. Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow human beings throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them through our hands this daily bread, and by our understanding love, give peace and joy. Amen. (ELW, additional prayers, Mother Teresa)

Day 99: Baptismal Reflections

2010-10-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

Reflecting back upon the last 100 days brings to mind the parallel journey our Confirmation students will celebrate this coming Sunday morning. Each experience has been washed in the waters of the Holy Spirit and has helped build upon the foundation of a life lived in faith.

At it's core, Hunger Relief Day has been a baptismal journey to remember the mark of Christ, set upon our heads. This has been a chance to physically recall the marking of that cross as we helped our neighbors bear theirs.

In it's mind, Hunger Relief Day has been a baptismal journey to remind us that we have been claimed and gathered and sent for the sake of the world. As we have nourished the children in their community of faith, we have nourished one another and those struggling with hunger by gathering and providing the food they need to survive and thrive.

In it's heart, Hunger Relief Day has been a baptismal journey to let our light shine on those who perhaps thought their light was dimming or had gone out. Providing that light for others in the form of beans, grains, rice, monetary gifts, time, love, and prayer has brought about a rekindling in the light of our own hearts.

In it's soul, Hunger Relief Day has been a baptismal journey of awareness and appreciation for the gifts of the Holy Spirit:

the spirit of wisdom and understanding (contemplating our relationship to the created world and moving that faith forward),
the spirit of counsel and might (standing up in action, and finding the strength to follow through),
the spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord (using the lens of God to act in the world while always recalling His grace), and
the spirit of joy in God's presence (God's joy is reflected and shared through us).

Day 99. Dollar 99. Our reflections will continue well past Day 100. The message we will celebrate and affirm upon our Confirmation students tomorrow is the same message we extend to those in the hunger community: We pray to God that He might enlighten you with the gifts of His Spirit, nourish you in the community of faith, uphold you in the gifts and promises of baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth. We ask this in the name of Christ, Amen.

Delightful Details

2010-10-09T10:16:00.013-06:00

The day has finally arrived!
Here are the details of the exciting
events involving 10.10.10!

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Sunday, October 10, 2010
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FOOD: Please place any food donations along the glass wall facing the courtyard. There is already a large pile of food there, so you won't have trouble finding it.

JARS: Thank you again for your commitment to a Dollar a Day! Please place your full jars up on the floor, in front of the altar.

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8:00 am - Worship
9:00 am - Worship
10:30 am - Worship: the Affirmation of Baptism of our Confirmation Students (special music: Jonathan Rundman)

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12:00 - 2:00 pm - Metro CareRing Hunger Blues BBQ

Admission: 10 lbs of food and/or $10
Location: MetroCareRing: 1100 E. 18th Ave., Denver, CO 80218, 303-860-7200
Parking options: street parking on adjacent streets (17th Ave., Marion St., Downing St., Ogden St.); St. Joseph Hospital Lot F South (on the west side of Lafayette St. between 18th and 19th)
Current Pantry Needs: Hearty Soup, Canned Meat, Canned Fruit, Canned Tomatoes, Pasta Sauce, Peanut Butter, Cash (for every $1 donated, MCR can turn it into $4)

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7:00 pm - Folk/Blues Concert by Marty Johnson in support of Metro CareRing. Visiting from China, Marty will hold a Folk/Blues concert in the Bethany choir room/lecture hall. Admission: non-perishable food item.

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u p c o m i n g - e v e n t s

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Sunday, October 17th, 2010

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Friends of Metro CareRing Concert
A Concert in Support of the Needy in our Community

Organist Kathy Singh and other musicians from Bethany and from around the community present a fun-filled concert to reach out and support Metro CareRing and those in need right here in Denver.

5:30 pm - dinner provided by Olive Garden

Reservation required
Contact Forrest Guittar at 303-504-2665 or forrest@bethany-denver.org

7:00 pm - concert (admission: non-perishable food item)

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Day 98: Sweet

2010-10-08T00:00:00.009-06:00

How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 119:103

Honey is a 100% pure and natural sweetener made and stored in honeycombs by the honey bees. Nearly one million tons of honey is produced worldwide every year.

Eat honey, my son, for it is good;
honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
Proverbs 24:13

The 3 key health benefits of honey: (1) honey is nature’s energy booster, (2) honey is a great immunity system builder, (3) honey is a natural remedy for many ailments.

Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24

Honey is a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Full of antioxidants, honey is fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free. (Source: Honey Facts)

For an extra-sweet treat, click here to watch and listen
to "Sweet Hour of Prayer" (instrumental version).

Day 98. Dollar 98. Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, thy wings shall my petition bear. To Him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless. And since He bids me seek His face, believe His Word and trust His grace. I’ll cast on Him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Day 97: Ring of Care

2010-10-07T06:28:00.002-06:00

Just as the Holy Spirit has been working through each member of the Hunger Relief Community over these last 100 days, the Holy Spirit has been busy feeding and guiding the members of Metro CareRing for nearly 40 years.

Today, we give thanks for these dedicated employees, volunteers, and caregivers who strive to meet basic human needs, promote self-sufficiency, and advocate for social change right here in our own community. The tireless efforts and genuine care of Metro CareRing has given us new understandings into what it looks and feels like to truly be hungry, and their tangible example of feeding one's neighbors will live within us, well beyond the 100th day.

Formed with Care: Metro CareRing is a non-profit organization, offering food and personal items, utility payments, transportation assistance, and identification documentation. Utilizing over 150 regular volunteers and eight staff members, Metro CareRing serves over 119,000 individuals each year. Metro CareRing strives to create a "ring of care" around the people in the community most needing emergency assistance.

Rooted in Care: Metro CareRing was initiated in 1974 by five downtown Denver churches to offer a comprehensive response to people in need. Thirty-six years later, partnerships and funding sources include foundations, businesses, faith communities, agencies, schools and individuals.

Serving with Care: About one third of the households receiving services at Metro CareRing are considered “working poor”: they are working, but do not earn enough to meet their basic needs. Over one third is on fixed incomes, and while their incomes never change, the cost of living in Denver continues to rise.

Other clients have experienced a financial setback, such as unemployment, loss of a family member, or medical emergency. Many have physical or mental disabilities and cannot work. Most have little or no money for food, clothing, child or health care, or transportation.

Providing Care: Metro CareRing provides bags of food, toiletries and work-related resources to meet immediate needs. They also provide a listening ear and short-term solutions to current situations. Educating and mobilizing the community to affect long-term solutions to hunger, poverty and homelessness is also a goal.

Day 97. Dollar 97. God of unity and peace, you give each of us grace through the gift of Christ. We give you thanks for associates in ministry, especially Metro CareRing, through whom your people are equipped for the work of ministry and for building up the body of Christ. With your Holy Spirit empower your servants in their calling, so that together we come to the unity of the faith and to the measure of the full stature of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (Additional prayers, ELW)

Day 96: Feed My Lambs

2010-10-06T01:11:00.001-06:00

Day 96. Dollar 96.
Hunger.

The Angel of Gratitude

2010-10-05T08:26:00.000-06:00

~ g r a t i t u d e ~

the quality of being thankful;

readiness to show appreciation for

and to return kindness

A true attitude of gratitude: Bethany member Delia Stewart recently crafted this beautiful metal angel, appropriately titled "Gratitude". This angel is currently being auctioned off on eBay, with all proceeds being donated to Metro CareRing's Hunger Relief Day: 10.10.10. WOW!

Bids for this 22-inch angel made out of welded metal begin at just $50, and will continue until 10:10 am EST on 10.10.10. For every $1 that is donated, Metro CareRing can turn it into $4 worth of assistance! Imagine the kindness that could be returned!

Click here to place your bid today!

"The ship of my life may or may not be sailing on calm and amiable seas. The challenging days of my existence may or may not be bright and promising. Stormy or sunny days, glorious or lonely nights, I maintain an attitude of gratitude. If I insist on being pessimistic, there is always tomorrow. Today I am blessed."

Maya Angelou

Grace and Peace

2010-10-05T00:00:00.006-06:00

Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 in 8 Americans are still struggling with hunger.

Every 6 seconds a child dies from hunger.

Metro CareRing alleviates hunger
by providing food to the hungry.

Last year, MCR gave away 1.7 million pounds of food
to more than 68,000 hungry adults and children.

Providing a meal and hope.

We called you to serve,
we called you to act,
we called you to give.

YOU are helping us end hunger.

YOU are helping us meet our goal of
$100,000 and 100,000 lbs of food.

YOU have committed to ending hunger.

YOU have joined us in the fight.

Hunger Relief Day: October 10, 2010

Day 95: Tuning our Hearts

2010-10-04T00:00:00.017-06:00

Over the last 95 days, we have tuned our hearts toward the spirit of giving each Monday. By using our "hunger lens", we have shed light on just a few of the many songs, hymns, and tunes that can inspire us to help our neighbors in need. Notes became nudging, phrases became pleas, and words became worship.

Can you match these hunger-related texts to their title?

(answers can be found beneath the title choices)

(1) COME! Open your heart!
Show your mercy to all those in fear!
We are called to be hope for the hopeless,
So hatred and blindness will be no more.

(2) Neighbors are wealthy and poor,
Varied in color and race,
Neighbors are nearby and far away.

(3) This is my prayer, O Lord of all earth's kingdoms:
Thy kingdom come, on earth thy will be done,
Let Christ be lifted up till all shall serve him,
And hearts united learn to live as one.
O hear my song, thou God of all the nations,
Myself I give thee: let thy will be done.

(4) Cure your children’s warring madness,
Bend our pride to your control.
Shame our wanton selfish gladness,
Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
Lest we miss your kingdom’s goal,
Lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.

(5) I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them, my hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide, Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them, Whom shall I send?

(6) All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above,
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
For all his love.

(7) Recall the outcast woman with whom our Lord conversed,
Christ gave her living water to quench her deepest thirst.
Like her, our hearts are yearning, Christ offers us his word,
Then may our lips be burning to witness to our Lord.

(8) As birds in the morning sing their praise,
God's fatherly love we cherish,
For giving to us this day of grace,
For life that shall not perish.
The church God has kept two thousand years,
and hungering souls did nourish.

(9) Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others, Shared until all are fed.

(10) Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; 
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss. 
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead, 
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.

(11) Praise God for love, Praise God for life
In age or youth, in husband's wife.
Lift up your hearts, let love be fed
Through death and life, in broken bread.

(12) With joyful lips we sing to You,
our praise and gratitude,
That You should count us worthy Lord,
to share this heavenly food.

(13) We come to the hungry feast, hungry that the hunger cease,
And knowing, though we eat our fill, the hunger will stay with us still
We come, we come to the hungry feast.

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(Click on the title to re-visit that day)

(a) O Day Full of Grace
(b) We Come to the Hungry Feast
(c) Christ, Be Our Light
(d) Here I Am, Lord
(e) Gift of Finest Wheat
(f) Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
(g) For All the Faithful Women
(h) When Love is Found
(i) God of Grace and God of Glory
(j) We are Called
(k) Jesu, Jesu
(l) We Plow the Fields and Scatter
(m) This is My Song

(Answers: 1J, 2K, 3M, 4I, 5D, 6L, 7G, 8A, 9C, 10F, 11H, 12E, 13B)

Day 95. Dollar 95. God of grace and glory, we are indeed called to help those in need. Love is found when we stand up for the cause Jesus himself believed in, helping those who hunger not only for their daily bread, but also for the feast that is to come. We give thanks for those faithful men and women who plow the fields so that others may eat, and for gifting us with the finest grains of wheat from the field. This is truly our song to you, God of grace. As Christ was our light, let us continue to shine that light for others, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Day 94: Visionary Faith

2010-10-03T14:02:00.004-06:00

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 1:1 The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw. 2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? 3 Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. 4 So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous— therefore judgment comes forth perverted.   

2:1 I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. 2 Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. 3 For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. 4 Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.

Sermon: Visionary Faith
Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry
October 3, 2010

"Many of us, and many people right outside our doors, are wondering what we’ll put in the offering plate and what we’ll put on our lunch plate.

An uneasy tightness grows in our chest. We wait - pacing and anxious. Our loved ones suffer with no easy answers. Whether it is a monthly crisis from paycheck to paycheck, or the tragedy that strikes in the middle of the night, our faith wavers. We begin to fear what we do not know. The future is dark. Why does this hurt so much? When will a job offer come? Our mothers used to say it would look better in the morning. Mornings come and go, and it doesn’t look much better. We, like Habakkuk, long for answers. We wait for God.

Waiting is an act of faith - Habakkuk waited for God. “I will stand at my watch post, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint.” (2:1)" (Click here to view/listen to entire sermon.)

Day 94. Dollar 94. Hunger Relief Community, our fear God turns to delight. Our prayers God turns to praise. Our unknown future God delivers in visions as we simply walk. People of God - have visionary faith. Live by faith! Amen.

Day 93: The Hokey Pokey

2010-10-02T00:00:00.003-06:00

You put your right hand in,

(and tear open the large bag of rice or beans)

You put your right hand out,
(and grab the measuring cup)

You put your right hand in,
(into the large bag of rice to scoop)

And you shake it all about.
(and pour the cup of rice into the baggie)

You do the Hokey Pokey
(label the baggie with a marker)

And you turn yourself around,
(toss the 1 lb bag into your growing pile)

That's what it's all about!
(repeat until hunger is eradicated!)

Day 93. Dollar 93. Put your right hand, right foot, left hand, left foot...and all of your heart and soul into our next Breakdown event this Sunday, October 3rd. God's work. Our hands.

Day 92: V is for Veggie

2010-10-01T00:00:00.007-06:00

"V is for Veggie, that's good enough for me..."

World Vegetarian Day, traditionally held on October 1st of each year, was established as an annual celebration to promote the joy, compassion, and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism.

Metro CareRing has a complete list of pantry needs,

including non-meat, healthy vegetable needs.

Click here to view the list!

Some other Vegetarian resources:

We would be remiss in presenting our Food Facts Fridays if we left out the tidbit that October is indeed National Cookie Month! While perhaps not as nutritionally sound as the vegetables mentioned above, cookies are included as a snack item on the pantry needs, and can bring a welcome smile to a visiting child (or child at heart) at Metro CareRing!

Day 92. Dollar 92. "T is for thankful, for food that will sustain. W: we're grateful you've joined in this campaign. R to remember to thank God when we pray, Oh, thank you on this ninety-second day!"

Day 91: Your Rising Light

2010-09-30T00:12:00.006-06:00

If you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
Isaiah 58:10

Day 91. Dollar 91. Hunger Relief Community, we express our sincerest thanks to each and every one of you for letting your light rise in the darkness by helping those in need!

Day 90: Catch of the Day

2010-09-29T06:55:00.005-06:00

Day 90. Dollar 90.
A family of five will eat for three days with this food.

Day 89: Compromised Progress

2010-09-28T00:00:00.003-06:00

As the UN looks at progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in New York this past week, it is clear that with just five years to go the hunger goal is the one most under threat. And yet addressing hunger is fundamental if the world is going to reach the other MDGs.

World Food Programme, naturally, is focused on MDG 1, the goal that aims to tackle poverty and hunger. The target as regards to hunger is to go from 20% of the world population hungry in 1990 to 10% by 2015.

According to the latest figures, we are now at 16%. There was fairly good progress up to the middle of the last decade but then the global food price crisis happened, followed by the financial crisis and then the global economic slowdown. These events have severely compromised progress. Read more here.

Day 89. Dollar 89. We pray, Lord, that progress continues toward reaching the goal of lowering the percentage of hungry people in our world.

O Day Full of Grace

2010-09-27T08:00:00.003-06:00

As we enter the final days of our 10.10.10 countdown,

there will be two days of grace.

Days to count our blessings, and not the days themselves.

O Day Full of Grace
Arranged: F. Melius Christiansen
Sung by the UW Eau Claire Concert Choir

O day full of grace, which we behold,
to us from the sea ascending;
you over the earth thy reign unfold,
good cheer to all mortals lending,
that children of light in every clime
may prove that the night is ending!

How blest was the gracious midnight hour,
when God in our flesh was given;
Then brightened the dawn with light and power
That spread o'er the darkened heaven;
The rose o'er the world that Sun divine,
Which gloom from our hearts has driven.

As birds in the morning sing their praise,
God's fatherly love we cherish,
For giving to us this day of grace,
For life that shall not perish.
The church God has kept two thousand years,
and hungering souls did nourish.

Yea, were every tree endowed with speech,
And were every leaflet singing,
They never with praise God's worth could reach,
Though earth with their praise were ringing.
Who fully could praise the Light of life
who light to our souls is bringing?

With joy we approach our Father’s land, 
where day is forever dwelling,
 where ready for us His mansions stand, 
where heaven with praise is swelling; 
and there we shall walk in endless light,
 with blest ones His praise forth telling.

God of Grace, grant us comfort in knowing you walk beside us each day. We thank you for our daily nourishment, both by bread and in spirit. Keep watch over those who yearn to be comforted by you. We ask these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Metro CareRing Breakdown: October 3

2010-09-26T15:33:00.000-06:00

Day 88: Remember the Poor

2010-09-26T11:00:00.000-06:00

Psalms of the Day

He upholds the cause of the oppressed

and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free.
Psalm 146:7

I will say of the LORD,
"He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
Psalm 91:2

He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
Psalm 91:15

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Today's Gospel Text was Luke 16: 19 - 31. Click here to view.
Our guest preacher today was Bishop Allan Bjornberg.
To hear Bishop Bjornberg's sermon, please click here.
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Day 88. Dollar 88. O God, rich in mercy, you look with great compassion on this troubled world. Feed us with your grace, and grant us the treasure that comes only from you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Day 87: Dinner Makes a Difference

2010-09-25T09:00:00.004-06:00

Monday, September 27, 2010
Dinner Makes a Difference

Family Day's Mission: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children is a national movement to inform parents that the parental engagement fostered during frequent family dinners is an effective tool to help keep America’s kids substance free. Family Day reminds parents that Dinner Makes A Difference!

Become a Family Day STAR!
S - Spend time with your kids by having dinner together  
T - Talk to them about their friends, interests, the dangers of drugs/alcohol  
A- Answer their questions and listen to what they say  
R- Recognize that you have the power to help keep your kids substance-free!

Find more resources about this day HERE!

Day 87. Dollar 87. Your donations, whether they are money or food items, allows the families that visit Metro CareRing to eat with one another. You are making a difference!

Day 86: Fruitful Passions

2010-09-24T01:00:00.003-06:00

The passion fruit, native to South America has many amazing health benefits to all who eat this sweet and aromatic fruit. Passion fruit was a staple of Aztec society and once Spanish missionaries laid eyes on the blossoms of the passion fruit, they named it thus as they said that the blossoms resembled the crown of thorns on Christ's head during the crucifixion. (Source: Associated Content)

Passion fruit has a very aromatic smell and can either be yellow or purple on the outside. The skin of the passion fruit is wrinkly and its pulp is a yellow, jelly-like substance with black seeds.

Some of the many health benefits of passion fruit

its seeds (one cup) contains almost 25 grams of fiber.
contains high doses of Vitamin A and C
the antioxidants found in passion fruit is believed to block histamine, reduce allergy and inflammation, reducing the symptoms of asthma

Day 86. Dollar 86. Almighty and eternal God, who appointed his only-begotten Son the Savior of the world, who wore the blood-stained crown of thorns for our salvation, grant us the passion to recognize and respect the amazing gift of our grace, and shape our lives that they may be fruitful unto thee. Amen.

Day 85: Success

2010-09-23T07:00:00.007-06:00

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him,
And he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and shun evil.

Proverbs 3:5-7

Day 85. Dollar 85. Heavenly Father, we know that any success we might achieve comes directly from you - your wisdom guides us toward the right paths, your loving example inspires us to change social conditions. Fill us with the hope that even our small steps toward aiding hunger relief will leave your world a better place. Amen.

Day 84: Distress

2010-09-22T00:00:00.003-06:00

Day 84. Dollar 84. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. Psalm 107:5-6

Day 83: St. Matthew

2010-09-21T05:17:00.000-06:00

September 21 is a day we remember Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. A tax collector from Capernaum, Matthew was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus.

Since opening in 1988, St. Matthew's House of Naples, Florida has served over 2 million meals. Their mission: to change lives in a spiritual environment that is both compassionate and disciplined, as well as providing housing for the homeless and food for the needy. Read more here!

Day 83. Dollar 83. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Day 82: We Come

2010-09-20T06:40:00.003-06:00

We Come to the Hungry Feast
ELW#479
Text and Music: Ray Makeever

Click here to listen to hear a portion of the song

Click here to read a lovely vespers blog entry by Jo Quanbeck, a member of Holden Village - a center for renewal, a Lutheran ministry welcoming all people into the wilderness to be called, equipped and sent by God.

We come to the hungry feast, hungry for a word of peace,
To hungry hearts unsatisfied the love of God is not denied.
We come, we come to the hungry feast.

We come to the hungry feast, hungry for a world released,
From hungry folk of ev'ry kind, the poor in body, poor in mind,
We come, we come to the hungry feast.

We come to the hungry feast, hungry that the hunger cease,
And knowing, though we eat our fill, the hunger will stay with us still
We come, we come to the hungry feast.

Day 82. Dollar 82. Holy One, Bless with nourishment those whose bodies ache with physical hunger and thirst. Give comfort to those who suffer, near and far. Move your spirit of peace into every broken place. Amen.

Day 81: The Commending of the Shrewd

2010-09-19T01:00:00.009-06:00

shrewd | sh roōd|
having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute

Luke 13: 8-12 8 The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. 9 I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

10 Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? 12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?

Day 81. Dollar 81. Ruler of all, rule my life. Show me ways to be shrewd in making decisions about following you. Amen.

Day 80: Adopt-A-Grocery Store

2010-09-18T01:00:00.008-06:00

Did you know that grocery stores

throw away 27% of all their food?

Metro CareRing is working to find better, more efficient ways to redistribute this food. We need you to "adopt" your local grocery store and invite them to donate food to Metro CareRing. With your help, we can redistribute this food to those who might go hungry.

For more information or a solicitation packet, please contact Ryan Galanaugh at r.galanaugh@metrocarering.org or 303.350.3616.

Day 80. Dollar 80. Let's see if we can get that 27% redistributed to those who are hungry!

Day 79: The Morning Meal

2010-09-17T00:00:00.002-06:00

September is All-American Breakfast Month, an unofficial holiday period recognized by a number of school districts to promote the importance of breakfast. While we have no verifiable information about the origins of this holiday, it should be noted that breakfast has been scientifically proven to improve the academic performance of students...thus, a month dedicated to the morning meal is particularly well-suited to the back-to-school September time frame. (MrBreakfast.com)

Celebrate Breakfast Month by clicking here to complete
the Crossword Puzzle all about Breakfast!

Day 79. Dollar 79. Thank you for helping others take BREAK from hunger!

Day 78: A Sunbeam

2010-09-16T00:00:00.004-06:00

"Jesus wants me for a sunbeam,
To shine for him each day.
In every way try to please Him,
At home, at school, at play.

A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam.
A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
I'll be a sunbeam for Him!"

Day 78. Dollar 78. Thank you, Hunger Relief Community, for being a sunbeam for Jesus - your efforts in collecting food and funds to help with hunger have truly let your light shine forth!

Day 77: Glean Beans

2010-09-15T01:00:00.002-06:00

Day 77. Dollar 77. God's work. Our hands.

Day 76: Stop Hunger Now

2010-09-14T01:00:00.003-06:00

Stop Hunger Now is an international hunger relief organization that coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid around the world. The organization is driven by a vision to end world hunger in our lifetime and a mission to provide food and life-saving aid to the world’s most destitute and hungry in the most sustainable, efficient and effective manner. Read more today!

Day 76. Dollar 76. God of love, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Day 75: Christ, Be Our Light

2010-09-13T01:00:00.010-06:00

Christ, Be Our Light
ELW #715
Text and Music: Bernadette Farrell
Click here to listen to this hymn

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your Church Gathered today.

Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
Light for the world to see.

Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has power to save us,
Make us your living voice.

Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
Shared until all are fed.

Longing for shelter people are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
Walls made of living stone.

Many the gifts, many the people,
Many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
Making your kingdom come.

Day 75. Dollar 75. Dear Lord, as we remember the many who long for food and water, help make us your bread, broken and shared for others. Amen.

Day 74: 10.10.10 in the Bible

2010-09-12T01:00:00.004-06:00

10 Books. 10 Chapters. 10 Verses.

Numbers 10:10 - Also at your times of rejoicing—your appointed feasts and New Moon festivals—you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the LORD your God.

Job 10:10 - Did you not pour me out like milk and curdle me like cheese

Daniel 10:10 - A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.

Matthew 10:10 - take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

John 10:10b - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Acts 10:10 - He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.

Romans 10:10 - For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

1 Corinthians 10:10 - And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

Hebrews 10:10 - And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Revelation 10:10 - I took the little scroll from the angel's hand and ate it. It tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach turned sour.

Day 74. Dollar 74. O God, overflowing with mercy and compassion, you lead back to yourself all those who go astray. Preserve your people in your loving care, that we may reject whatever is contrary to you and may follow all things that sustain our life in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Day 73: 30 Ways in 30 Days

2010-09-11T03:55:00.003-06:00

September is Hunger Action Month

Click here to view "30 ways in 30 days" that

you can take action in the fight against hunger.

September 11: Prepare. Hunger is an everyday disaster. Build two emergency food boxes – one for your family and another to share with a family in need in the event of a disaster in your area. Here is a suggested list.

Day 73. Dollar 73. Eternal God, amid all the turmoil and changes of the world your love is steadfast and your strength never fails. In this time of danger and trouble, be to us a sure guardian and rock of defense. Guide the leaders of our nation with your wisdom, comfort those in distress, and grant us courage and hope to face the future; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Day 72: Give Peas a Chance

2010-09-10T04:00:00.004-06:00

Give PEAS a chance! Green peas are bursting with nutrients! They provide good to very good amounts of 8 vitamins, 7 minerals, dietary fiber and protein. Green peas' supercharged nutritional profile can supercharge your health. Green peas provide nutrients that are important for maintaining bone health. They are a very good source of vitamin K, and also serve as a very good source of folic acid and vitamin B6. The vitamin K featured in Green peas is instrumental to the body's healthy blood clotting ability. Green peas are one of the important foods to include in your diet if you oftentimes feel fatigued and sluggish. That is because they provide a very good course of vitamin C that help support the energy-producing cells and systems of the body. (Source: The World's Healthiest Foods)

REMINDER: Join Bethany Lutheran's own Glean Team this Saturday, September 11th, from 7:30 am - noon. Everyone needs to bring: water, gloves, hat, sturdy shoes and a snack. We'll meet in the West Parking lot.

Day 72. Dollar 72. Gracious God, grant peace among nations. Cleanse from our our hearts the seeds of strife: greed and envy, harsh misunderstandings and ill will, fear and desire for revenge. Make us quick to welcome ventures in cooperation among the peoples of the world, so that there may be woven the fabric of a common good too strong to be torn by the evil hands of war. In the time of opportunity, make us be diligent; and in the time of peril, let not our courage fail; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (ELW, Additional Prayers)

Day 71: My Prayer

2010-09-09T01:00:00.006-06:00

Loving God,

Sometimes, I forget to be helpful and kind.

Please forgive me for...

Thank you for being there for me, especially when...

Help those who are hungry and...

Guide me toward being a better person...

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Day 71. Dollar 71. O Lord, hear my prayer.

Day 70: Come Quickly

2010-09-08T00:00:00.004-06:00

Day 70. Dollar 70. Psalm 70.
Hasten, O God, to save me; O Lord, come quickly to help me.

Day 69: Survive and Thrive

2010-09-07T01:00:00.005-06:00

Feeding America food bank members help provide low - income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, their network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors.

Feeding America benefits from the unique relationship between our 202 local member food banks at the front lines of hunger relief and the central efforts of our national office. Read more!

Click here to view the Feeding America across the Nation - zoom in on a particular state to view the Food Banks and the areas they serve.

Day 69. Dollar 69. Gracious God, we thank you for those who work to provide millions of Americans with the food and nutrients they need to survive and thrive. Keep those still seeking food in your care and help us unite our efforts to help make a better life for those in need. Amen.

Day 68: Here I Am, Lord

2010-09-06T01:15:00.005-06:00

Here I Am, Lord
Hymn: Daniel Schutte
Text: Isaiah 6:8, 1 Samuel 3
ELW #574

Perhaps you might want to....
Listen as a morning devotion
Sing along as an afternoon offering
Watch as an evening prayer
(click on the words above to view)

Here I am Lord, is it I Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin, my hand will save.
I, who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have born my peoples pain.
I have wept for love of them, They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them, Whom shall I send?

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them, my hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide, Till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them, Whom shall I send?

Day 68. Dollar 68. Thank you, Hunger Relief Community, for answering with a resounding, "Here I Am, Lord" when asked to care for the needs of others. May God bless you as you begin another week.

Pray and Work

2010-09-06T01:00:00.001-06:00

"Tomorrow I plan to work, work, from early until late.
In fact I have so much to do that
I shall spend the first three hours in prayer."
Martin Luther

Here's to a labor-free, prayer-filled day!

Day 67: Labor of Love

2010-09-05T01:00:00.013-06:00

God bless the hands which labor.

From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, 
and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
Proverbs 12:14

God bless the heart that serves.
He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength
and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Luke 10:27

God bless the vocation God has called you to.
And whatever you do, in word or deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17

Day 67. Dollar 67. Hunger Relief Community, we give thanks for your labor of love these past 67 days - for your hands which have labored, for your hearts that have served, and for your response to the call you heard to help those in need of food. Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (LBW Morning Prayer)

Day 66: 30 Hour Famine

2010-09-04T09:00:00.003-06:00

~ So what exactly is the 30 Hour Famine? ~

Students around the world loving God and fighting hunger. It's that simple. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students do the Famine. They go without food for 30 hours. They learn what it takes to stop hunger in its tracks. They raise funds to help feed and care for tens of thousands of kids all over the world. And because the 30 Hour Famine is powered by World Vision, you're not just feeding kids for a day. You're helping them overcome poverty for a lifetime.

~ What do students get out of the Famine? ~

Their eyes are opened to a world of hunger and hope. Their minds are filled with the understanding needed to fight poverty and injustice. They experience hunger firsthand to help feed and care for hungry kids. The result? Not only are students helping save lives by doing the Famine they are growing closer to God and each other while they change the world.

Click here to read more about how the 30 Hour Famine saves lives and how you might want to bring this life-changing experience to your community!

Day 66. Dollar 66. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Day 65: Nutritional is the Tree

2010-09-03T07:30:00.003-06:00

Avocado is a fruit and a tree. It often said to be the most nutritious fruit in the world. Avocado provides more than 25 essential nutrients such as protein, potassium, vitamin E, C, B-vitamins, folic acid, iron, copper, phosphorus and magnesium, just to name a few. Avocado also provides calories for energy and beneficial phytochemicals such as beta-sitosterol (reduces blood cholesterol), glutathione (protects cells from toxins) and lutein (helps keep eyes healthy).

Overall, avocado is considered a complete food. With vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, calories and fiber with no cholesterol and is sodium free. Avocado is ideal for growing up children, adults and even for babies, especially when blended with other fruits. For athletes, avocado is a nutritious energy booster to rev up the body's strength. (Source: BellyBytes)

Day 65. Dollar 65. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Day 64: Wholeness

2010-09-02T00:25:00.005-06:00

Day 64. Dollar 64. Healing God, teach us to receive the sick and the hungry with the love of Christ to ensure they are made whole in our community. Help us to serve them in their time of need, especially with food to nourish their bodies and love to comfort their souls. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

Day 63: An Empty Bowl

2010-09-01T00:45:00.004-06:00

Day 63. Dollar 63. "We ask God for many things. we approach God to fill our lives with meaning, with hope, with a sense of presence in a world that so desperately needs a sign of the divine.
What if God has been coming all the time
through that which needs to be filled?
What if God is an empty stomach, a broken heart, an anguished cry, an empty bowl? We have a tendency to want to heal and fill and satisfy. Maybe God has come closer than we think. Everything that is empty has left room for God to arrive, again and again." (J. S. Behrens, Empty Bowl Theology)

Day 62: Food in time of Flood

2010-08-31T07:00:00.005-06:00

After floodwaters washed over her home in the Sindh district of southern Pakistan, Menaz and her family sought refuge in the Sukkur camp for flood victims where WFP is providing them with nutritionally enriched wheat to make bread, oil, and high-energy biscuits tailored to her children’s nutritional needs.

Read more about how Food Aid means fresh bread for Pakistani families by clicking here.

Day 62. Dollar 62. Eternal God, amid all the turmoil and changes of the world, your love is steadfast and your strength never fails. In this time of danger and trouble, be to us a sure guardian and rock of defense. Guide the leaders of all nations with your wisdom, comfort those in distress, and grant us courage and hope to face the future; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (Additional Prayers, National Distress)

Day 61: Gift of Finest Wheat

2010-08-30T01:00:00.003-06:00

You Satisfy the Hungry Heart
Music: Robert E. Kreutz
Click here to listen to the hymn being sung

You satisfy the hungry heart with gift of finest wheat,
Come give to us, O saving Lord, the bread of life to eat.

As when the shepherd calls his sheep, they know and heed his voice;
So when You call Your family Lord, we follow and rejoice.

With joyful lips we sing to You, our praise and gratitude,
That You should count us worthy Lord, to share this heavenly food.

Is not the cup we bless and share the blood of Christ outpoured?
Do not one cup, one loaf, declare our oneness in the Lord?

The mystery of Your presence Lord, no mortal tongue can tell;
Whom all the world cannot contain comes in our hearts to dwell.

You give yourself to us, O Lord, then selfless let us be,
to serve each other in Your name in truth and charity.

Day 61. Dollar 61. Good and Gracious God, in the busyness of our days help us to not turn away from our neighbors in need. Grant us courage to stand with them, lift our voice join with theirs, and let our actions reflect the example we have in your Son, Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Day 60: Please Be Seated

2010-08-29T13:35:00.000-06:00

Luke 14:1, 7-14 1 One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. ... 7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

12 He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. 13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

"If we make presumptions about who is allowed into the banquet, like those who can pay, then we automatically exclude others who might not be able to pay. Humble yourself - invite the poor, the lame, and the crippled. Invite those who are wondering if there is a seat for them. Ask those who don’t expect to be invited. Who isn’t here to hear the Good News of God’s love?

Don’t take the higher seat. Don’t presume you understand. We all are the lame, the crippled and the homeless. Those who humble themselves will be exalted. That’s the law. Here is the Gospel. This altar is not our altar. The table soon to be set with meal is not our table. It is Jesus’ table and Jesus is the host inviting all of us to the meal. We each have a place to sit - a place to eat!

And that is Good News. When we remember all the gifts of God why would we want to keep this treasure to ourselves? None of us, not one of us is worthy to receive God’s grace. And it is God’s grace we receive. We all are part of God’s Kingdom. Please be seated and let’s eat. Amen."

Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry, August 29, 2010
To read/listen to the entire sermon, click here.

Day 60. Dollar 60. O God, you resist those who are proud and give grace to those who are humble. Give us the humility of your Son, that we may embody the generosity of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Day 59: Gleaning, Gleaning

2010-08-28T09:35:00.001-06:00

"What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
GLEANING with the everlasting arms..."

“I put in a lot of heavy hours, so some days I can hardly walk,” says Ann Evans, a retired Associate in Ministry who volunteers at Senior Gleaners of San Diego County. “But I forget about my pain when I see the excitement of the volunteers and the people [we] help.”

"What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
GLEANING with the everlasting arms."

Senior Gleaners of San Diego County (El Cajon, California) taps into the skills of volunteers, age 55 and over, who glean excess food that would otherwise be destroyed. The collected food— from area fields, grocery stores, and packing sheds— is then distributed to 45 food-distribution agencies in San Diego County. In 2006, 65 volunteers worked for 10,000 hours to collect and distribute nearly 500,000 pounds of food.

"Gleaning, Gleaning, safe and secure from all alarms..."

Through the ELCA domestic hunger grants program, your gifts to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal support Senior Gleaners in San Diego County and other hunger-fighting ministries and organizations in the United States. “Gleaners has no paid staff and is supported entirely by donations and grants, such as that provided by ELCA World Hunger,” said the Rev. M. Laurel Gray, president of Senior Gleaners of San Diego County.

"Gleaning, Gleaning, Gleaning with the everlasting arms."

Learn more about ELCA domestic hunger grants here.
View a short PowerPoint about Senior Gleaners here.

Join Bethany Lutheran's own Glean Team on Saturday, September 11th, from 7:30 am - noon. Everyone needs to bring: water, gloves, hat, sturdy shoes and a snack. We'll meet in the West Parking lot. Sign up at the Hospitality Desk today!

Day 59. Dollar 59. "Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way - Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day..." Hunger Relief Day Community: thank you for gathering your grain and your hearts around a project that will assist our hungering friends here in Denver!

Day 58: Just Peachy

2010-08-27T00:00:00.007-06:00

Peaches provide a good source of carotenes and flavonoids (antioxidants), potassium (electrolytes), and natural sugars. They also provide a healthy source of lycopene and lutein. Lutein gives the red, orange, and yellow colors to fruits and vegetables. These phytochemicals are especially beneficial in the prevention of heart disease, macular degeneration, and cancer. (Source: EveryNutrient)

Day 58. Dollar 58.
We give thanks for these nutrient-filled circles of orange-colored joy!

Day 57: All For One

2010-08-26T01:41:00.011-06:00

Famine, grain, and fullness: food plays a major role in the book of Ruth. It begins ironically with famine in Bethlehem, which in Hebrew means "house of food." Each subsequent scene transition is marked by a mention of grain or food: Naomi hears the Lord has ended the famine; the harvests begin and continue; Ruth gleans; Boaz shares a meal with Ruth and sends grain home to Naomi; Ruth shares food and grain with Naomi.

This imagery helps us consider the movement of the entire book from famine to birth and fullness. Consider how and why life moves from emptiness to fullness, including the role of God and the loving behavior of ordinary people. (Source: Enter the Bible)

Day 57. Dollar 57. Just as the book of Ruth reflects the love of God for the whole world, we give thanks for the loving behavior of ordinary people willing to share food and grain with those in greatest need. Thank you all for being the ones who follow in the footsteps of the One who gave His all!

Day 56: To Whom it Belongs

2010-08-25T00:15:00.003-06:00

Day 56. Dollar 56. "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." -- Jesus (Matthew 10:14)

Day 55: Prescription Produce

2010-08-24T06:45:00.000-06:00

The farm stand is becoming the new apothecary, dispensing apples — not to mention artichokes, asparagus and arugula — to fill a novel kind of prescription. Doctors at three health centers in Massachusetts have begun advising patients to eat “prescription produce” from local farmers’ markets, in an effort to fight obesity in children of low-income families. Now they will give coupons amounting to $1 a day for each member of a patient’s family to promote healthy meals. Click here to read the entire New York Times article.

Day 55. Dollar 55.

Directions: take one fruit/vegetable by mouth as needed
Caution: may cause need to repeat daily until all are fed
Common side effects: fullness in bellies, warmth in soul
Refills: unlimited

Day 54: Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

2010-08-23T00:15:00.001-06:00

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

Text: George Duffield, Jr.
Click here to sing along with this hymn!

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross; 
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss. 
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead, 
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey; 
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day.  
Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes;  
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long; 
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.
 To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be; 
They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.

Day 54. Dollar 54. "...Till every foe is vanquished..." may we stand up to hunger! Like the woman from yesterday's Gospel lesson, we need to stand up strong and sing that victor's song together!

Day 53: Stand Up Straight

2010-08-22T06:22:00.004-06:00

Jesus heals on the sabbath   
Luke 13:10-17 (NRSV)

Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment." When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.

But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?"

When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.

He laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
she stood up straight and began praising God.
stood up straight and began praising God.
up straight and began praising God.
straight and began praising God.
and began praising God.
began praising God.
praising God.
God.

Day 53. Dollar 53. The point of today’s story is to be aware of the daily miracles of healing, grace and love that happen each and every day right in front of our very eyes. We want to take the time to stand up straight and say “thank you” for all you've done for those crippled by hunger.

Day 52: Maybe

2010-08-21T01:00:00.000-06:00

A unique look into how we might solve the

world's hunger and obesity problem together.

An article by Ellen Gustafson, CNN.

"Maybe we need to change the way we
value the food we eat,so that a "value meal"
is something we are proud to feed our children."

"Maybe we need to re-engage our smart, energetic youth

around the world to be farmers and find fresh, green

technologies that will feed the world more fresh greens."

Read more here!

Day 52. Dollar 52. Maybe these steps will help us break the cycle of hunger and poverty!

Day 51: A Rainbow Diet

2010-08-20T00:15:00.002-06:00

A recent article by Kim Mueller in Competitor magazine caught our eye: A Rainbow Diet: The Importance of Phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are part of the chemical makeup of fruits and vegetables and can be found naturally in plants. The article provided a visual array of healthy food facts and choices. To read more about phytonutrients, click here.

Here are just some of the benefits mentioned in the article:

GREEN FOODS

promotes eye health
enhances arterial function
Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Green Beans, Soy Beans, Green Tea, Green Peppers

RED FOODS

provides immune system support
protects DNA integrity
Cherries, Cranberries, Red Apples, Tomatoes, Pomegranates, Radishes, Raspberries

WHITE FOODS

maintains healthy bones
reduces inflammation
Pears, Cauliflower, Garlic, White kidney beans, Horseradish, Mushrooms, Onions

PURPLE/BLUE FOODS

boost cognitive health
offers antioxidant protection
Black currants, Eggplant, Plums, Beets, Blackberries, Blueberries, Grapes

YELLOW/ORANGE FOODS

promotes eye health
hydrates skin
Corn, Pineapple, Lemons, Oranges, Pumpkin, Carrots, Cantaloupe, Sweet Potato, Papaya

Day 51. Dollar 51. We thank you, God, for the spectrum of blessings you have bestowed upon us. May we use these gifts to shower those around us in a rainbow of love and care.

More than Ten Thousand Pounds of Food

2010-08-20T00:12:00.000-06:00

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE!

Between additional food donations and the
food breakdown event, we delivered another
2,625 lbs to Metro CareRing this past week!

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE!

This means we have officially passed the 10,000 lb mark!

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE!

Our collection total as of Friday, August 20th is
10,304 pounds and counting!

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE!

Imagine the number of pounds we will be able to
collect between now and October 10, 2010! AMEN!

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say REJOICE!

Day 50: Grant us Grace

2010-08-19T01:00:00.006-06:00

Day 50. Dollar 50.
Marking the halfway point
on a journey toward wholeness.

Living with Christ and in the communion of saints,
we grow in faith, love and obedience to the will of God.

Let your light so shine before others that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

You took on the Hunger Relief Day challenge, letting people
know that fighting hunger was not a pipe dream after all.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your
welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope."

"In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body give for you, Do this for the remembrance of me."

You are playing a key role in helping end hunger right here in Denver!

We are called to act with justice, We are called to love tenderly,
We are called to serve one another, To walk humbly with God.

Day 50. Dollar 50. Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God. (Hebrews 12: 14-15)

God of Grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and truth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Day 49: Soil of our Soul

2010-08-18T05:00:00.001-06:00

Day 49. Dollar 49. Thank you, Lord, for stirring up the soil of our soul, so that our hearts may be loosened and prepared for new growth by extending a helping hand to our neighbors in need. Amen.

Day 48: End Poverty by 2015

2010-08-17T06:00:00.003-06:00

End poverty by 2015. This is the historic promise 189 world leaders made at the United Nations Millennium Summit in 2000 when they signed onto the Millennium Declaration and agreed to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs are an eight-point road map with measurable targets and clear deadlines for improving the lives of the world's poorest people. World leaders have agreed to achieve the MDGs by 2015. (Source: End Poverty 2015: About the Campaign)

Absorb the 8 goals.

Read the latest news.

Listen to the featured voices.

Find out how to be part of the solution.

Visit EndPoverty2015 today!

Day 48. Dollar 48. You may not have an entire country under your command, but Hunger Community, you are absolutely recognized as world leaders by those struggling right here in Denver. Thank you for working so diligently toward Goal #1: Ending Hunger and Extreme Poverty. God bless!

Day 47: For All the Faithful Women

2010-08-16T01:00:00.009-06:00

"For All the Faithful Women"

(ELW #419)

Text: Herman Stuempfle Jr.

Click here to listen to the hymn

We praise your name for Miriam, who sang triumphantly

While Pharaoh's vaunted army lay drowned beneath the sea.

As Israel marched to freedom, her chains of bondage gone,

So we may reach the kingdom your mighty arm has won.

To Hannah, praying childless, before the throne of grace,

You gave a son and called him to serve before your face.

Grant us her perseverance; Lord, teach us how to pray

And trust in your deliverance when darkness hides our way.

For Ruth, who left her homeland and ventured forth in faith,

Who pledged to serve and worship Naomi's God till death.

We praise you, God of Israel, and pray for hearts set free

To bind ourselves to others in love and loyalty.

We honor faithful Mary, fair maiden, full of grace.

She bore the Christ, our brother, who saved our human race.

May we, with her, surrender ourselves to your command

And lay upon your altar our gifts of heart and hand.

We sing of busy Martha, who toiled with pot and pan

While Mary sat in silence to hear the word again.

Christ, keep our hearts attentive to truth that you declare,

And strengthen us for service when work becomes our prayer.

Recall the outcast woman with whom our Lord conversed,

Christ gave her living water to quench her deepest thirst.

Like her, our hearts are yearning, Christ offers us his word,

Then may our lips be burning to witness to our Lord.

We praise the other Mary, who came at Easter dawn,

And near the tomb did tarry, but found her Lord was gone.

As joyfully she saw him in resurrection light,

May we by faith behold him, the day who ends all night.

Lord, hear our praise of Dorcas, who served the sick and poor.

Her hands were cups of kindness, her heart an open door.

Send us, O Christ, your body, where people cry in pain,

And touch them with compassion to make them whole again.

For Eunice and for Lois, we sing our thanks and praise.

Young Timothy they nurtured and led him in your ways.

Raise up in ev'ry household true teachers of your word

Whose lives will bear clear witness to Christ, our risen Lord.

Day 47. Dollar 47. We give thanks and praise for each faithful woman in our Hunger Relief Community - "For all the faithful women who served in days of old, to you shall thanks be given, to all their story told. They served with strength and gladness in tasks your wisdom gave. To you their lives bore witness, proclaimed your power to save."

Day 46: Mary's Song

2010-08-15T01:00:00.006-06:00

Mary's Song

Luke 1: 46-55

And Mary said:

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed,

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;

he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful

to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

Day 46. Dollar 46.

Blessed be the soul that helps fill the hungry with good things. Amen.

Day 45: Free Rice

2010-08-14T04:22:00.002-06:00

FreeRice.com is a website where users play various educational, multiple-choice games in order to fight world hunger. For every answer the user answers correctly, 10 grains of rice are donated. The donations are distributed by the United Nations's World Food Programme.

To play the game, click on the answer that you think is correct. If you get it right, FreeRice donates 10 grains of rice to help end hunger. You then move on to the next question.

You can play as long as you want and donate as much rice as you like. When you are finished, you do not have to do anything. Your donation has already been registered.

Day 45. Dollar 45. Bookmark this website today and fight world hunger with the click of your mouse!

Day 44: Eat. Pray. Love.

2010-08-13T01:00:00.004-06:00

EAT. Tuna is an excellent source of protein, and while some vitamin and mineral losses occur during canned tuna processing, the protein nutritive values are not dramatically changed. Tuna is an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, protein, potassium, selenium, and vitamin B12. It's a very good source of niacin and phosphorus. The health benefits of tuna include blood pressure lowering, coronary heart disease prevention, and Alzheimer's disease prevention. (Source: Elements4Care)

PRAY. Almighty and most merciful God, we call to mind before you all whom it is easy to forget: those who are homeless, destitute, sick, isolated, and all who have no one to care for them. May we bring help and healing to those who are broken in body or spirit, that they may have comfort in sorrow, company in loneliness, and a place of safety and warmth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (ELW, Additional Prayers, the neglected)

LOVE. Day 44. Dollar 44. We thank you for your support and dedication over these 100 days - your actions are the living demonstration of your love.

Day 43: Our Souls Exalt

2010-08-12T00:00:00.005-06:00

Lord, we greatly rejoice: our souls exalt in you. You cause the earth to bring forth food: we eat and are glad. And we beg you to cause righteousness to grow forth from the world that all peoples may live in strength and safety, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (Share Your Bread, ELCA, page 13)

Day 43. Dollar 43.
We rejoice, Lord, for those committed to the strength and safety of others.

Day 42: Just a Few Words

2010-08-11T01:00:00.006-06:00

Usually, our Wordless Wednesday postings are just that - wordless.

However, we simply had to share some words with you today...

...words of humility at your generosity this past Sunday!

In addition to the many bags of rice, we also collected
869 lbs of non-perishable food items, too!

...words of amazement that even the
littlest hands were ready to assist!

We collected 3,655 lbs of rice in honor of Marriage Sunday!

...words of gratitude for the Metro CareRing volunteers
who loaded up the THOUSANDS of pounds of non-perishable
food items for immediate use in Denver this past week!

Our total Sunday was 4,524 lbs!

That puts our grand total so far at 7,679 lbs!

...words of encouragement to attend the Breakdown event this coming Sunday. We will take 2,000 pounds of food and break it down into manageable sizes for families. Join us!

Day 42. Dollar 42. Words cannot express the inspiration this entire cause has stirred! Your gifts are a true blessing to so many! God is good!

Day 41: A World without Hunger

2010-08-10T05:45:00.003-06:00

"The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO acts as a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. FAO is also a source of knowledge and information. We help developing countries and countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all. Since our founding in 1945, we have focused special attention on developing rural areas, home to 70 percent of the world's poor and hungry people." (source: About FAO page)

Particular highlights:

Day 41. Dollar 41. We encourage you to take a moment to visit the website of the FOA and begin to absorb the global impact of hunger issues.

Day 40: When Love is Found

2010-08-09T01:12:00.011-06:00

"When Love Is Found"

With One Voice (WOV) #749

Text by Brian Wren

Click here to listen to the hymn

(found at the bottom of the link)

When love is found and hope comes home
Sing and be glad that two are one.
When love explodes and fills the sky
Praise God and share our maker's joy.

When love had flow'red in trust and care
Build both each day that love may dare
To reach beyond home's warmth and light
To serve and strive for truth and right.

When love is tried as loved ones change
Hold still to hope though all seems strange
'Til ease returns and love grows wise
Through listening ears and opened eyes.

When love is torn and trust betrayed
Pray strength to love 'til torments fade
'Til lovers keep no score of wrong
But hear through pain love's Easter song.

Praise God for love, Praise God for life
In age or youth, in husband's wife.
Lift up your hearts, let love be fed
Through death and life, in broken bread.

Day 40. Dollar 40. "Lift up our hearts, let love be fed. Through death and life, in broken bread. Praise God for love, Praise God for life." Praise God for the over 3,000 lbs of rice collected Sunday morning!

Day 39: Love and Joy

2010-08-08T01:00:00.002-06:00

9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15: 9-12

Day 39. Dollar 39. Gracious God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ into the world to reveal your love to all people. Enrich married couples we celebrate and remember today with every good gift, that their life together may show forth your love; and grant that at the last we may all celebrate with Christ the marriage feast that has no end; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day 38: Northwest Harvest

2010-08-07T01:00:00.005-06:00

The Bethany Youth and their chaperones recently returned from their Mission Trip to the state of Washington. While there, they had the opportunity to help package food and prepare sandwiches at Northwest Harvest, a food bank in Seattle. (Stop by the Great Hall at 9am this Sunday, August 8th, and hear the Youth share about their experiences!)

In 1967, Seattle community members created Northwest Harvest to feed the hungry. Today, they continue to fight hunger across Washington State through their network of partner food banks, meal programs and elementary schools, providing millions of nutritious meals each year to those in need.

They are Washington’s own statewide hunger relief agency. Their mission is to provide nutritious food to hungry people statewide in a manner that respects their dignity, while fighting to eliminate hunger. Their vision is ample nutritious food is available to everyone in Washington State. Visit their website to learn more.

Day 38. Dollar 38. Volunteers play a vital role in the work right here at Metro CareRing in Denver. Consider volunteering today - click here for more info!

Day 37: Great Gift, Small Package

2010-08-06T07:17:00.006-06:00

Health benefits of rice can be found in more than forty thousand varieties of this cereal available in the world. The two main categories include whole grain rice and white rice. Whole grain rice is not processed much, therefore it is high in nutritional value, whereas white rice is processed so that the bran or outer covering is removed and it has less nutritional value. Rice can also be defined by the length of each grain.

According to Rice-Trade, rice is extremely nutritious. Some of the health benefits specified by them are as follows:

• Great Energy Source: As rice is rich in carbohydrates, it acts as fuel for the body and aids in normal functioning of the brain.
• Cholesterol Free: Eating rice is extremely beneficial for health, just for the fact that it does not contain harmful fats, cholesterol or sodium. It forms an integral part of balanced diet.
• Rich in vitamins: Rice is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin D, calcium, fibre, iron, thiamine and riboflavin.
• Resistant Starch: Rice abounds in resistant starch, which reaches the bowel in undigested form. It aids the growth of useful bacteria for normal bowel movements.
• High Blood Pressure: As rice is low in sodium, it is considered best food for those suffering from high blood pressure and hypertension. (Source: Organic Facts)

Click here for Metro CareRing's complete list of pantry item needs

Bethany Lutheran Church has set aside this Sunday, August 8th, as a day to celebrate the institution of Marriage. It was said that rice was thrown at the departing bride and groom as an offering of good luck and happy days. We invite you to bring a pound of rice for each year you've been married to help us reach our goal of 10,000 lbs of food.

Day 37. Dollar 37.
We give thanks for a such a great gift in such a small package!

Day 36: O Lord, Hear My Prayer

2010-08-05T07:10:00.002-06:00

God is great and God is Good,
And we thank God for our food;
By God's hand we must be fed,
Give us Lord, our daily bread. Amen.

We thank Thee Lord, for happy hearts,
For rain and sunny weather.
We thank Thee, Lord, for this our food,
And that we are together. Amen.

Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you God for everything. Amen.

God in heaven hear my prayer,
keep me in thy loving care.
Be my guide in all I do,
Bless all those who love me too. Amen.

Day 36. Dollar 36. We thank the Lord for helping hearts, responding to the call. We thank you, Lord, for daily bread, providing food for all. Amen.

Day 35: Building Awareness

2010-08-04T00:00:00.002-06:00

Day 35. Dollar 35. "My kind of town..." My kind of date.

Day 34: Food Stamps

2010-08-03T01:00:00.006-06:00

A program once scorned as a

failed welfare scheme now helps feed

one in eight Americans
and
one in four children.

Click here to read the article from the New York Times.

Be sure to check out the

interactive map

along the side of the article.

Day 34. Dollar 34.
We thank you for helping us stamp out hunger across the US.

Day 33: Rich in Things, Poor in Soul

2010-08-02T00:15:00.004-06:00

"God of Grace and God of Glory"

ELW #705

Click here to listen to the hymn

God of grace and God of glory,
On your people pour your power.
Crown your ancient church’s story,
Bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the facing of this hour,
For the facing of this hour.

Lo! the hosts of evil ’round us,
Scorn the Christ, assail His ways.
From the fears that long have bound us,
Free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
For the living of these days,
For the living of these days.

Cure your children’s warring madness,

Bend our pride to your control.

Shame our wanton selfish gladness,

Rich in things and poor in soul.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

Lest we miss your kingdom’s goal,

Lest we miss your kingdom’s goal.

Save us from weak resignation,

To the evils we deplore.

Let the gift of your salvation,

Be our glory evermore.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

Serving you whom we adore,

Serving you whom we adore.

Day 33. Dollar 33. Let us strive to be poor in things and rich in soul as we serve the God of grace and glory!

Day 32: Filling our Barns

2010-08-01T13:00:00.006-06:00

And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?
So it is with those who store up treasures for
themselves but are not rich toward God.
Luke 12: 20-21, New Revised Standard Version

Hunger Community, we thank you for the non-perishable food items you brought for Metro CareRing last Sunday. To watch bag after bag being humbly placed at the altar was amazing! A visible presence of being rich toward God and neighbor.

Then who will get everything you worked for?
Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth
but not have a rich relationship with God.
Luke 12: 20-21, New Living Translation

Hunger Community, we celebrate the letting go of earthly wealth, and the bringing together of collective resources. Together, we have now gathered 3,155 lbs toward our goal of 10,000 lbs!

And your barnful of goods - who gets it?
That's what happened when you fill
your barn with Self and not with God.
Luke 12: 20-21, The Message

Hunger Community, we rejoice that the barn you have chosen to fill is one which will yield the fruit of the Spirit, and one that will create a rich relationship with God.

To read more about dismissing greed and embracing generosity, visit Pastor Ron's H2O blog. There, you can read today's sermon (August 2010) as well as an additional sermon about greed and grace (August 2007).

Day 32. Dollar 32. Benevolent God, you are the source, the guide, and the goal of our lives. Teach us to love what is worth loving, to reject what is offensive to you, and to treasure what is precious in your sight, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen (Prayer of the Day)

Day 31: Kids Count

2010-07-31T06:00:00.003-06:00

The rate of Colorado children living in poverty increased 50 percent between 2000 and 2008, compared with a 6 percent increase nationwide, according to 2010 Kids Count Data Book, an annual report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that tracks how states have progressed — or regressed — over time in protecting the well-being of children.

The Kids Count survey for 2010 was based on the most recent information from 2007 and 2008, prior to the severe economic turndown. The recession could further impact these troubling statistics. These are factors that effect every aspect of the social fabric. Problems with education, health, employment and public safety can find roots in poverty, which takes its worst toll on children.

Click here to read the entire article as published in the Denver Post on July 26, 2010.

Day 31. Dollar 31. God of compassion, whose Son became poor for our sake: Help us to see the face of Christ in those who are poor, and in serving them to serve you. Give us generous hearts so that those living in poverty may have adequate food, clothing, and shelter. By your Spirit, move us to affirm the dignity of all people and to work for just laws that protect the most vulnerable in society; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (ELW, additional prayers)

Day 30: Who Needs Jelly...

2010-07-30T00:00:00.002-06:00

...when you can have PEANUT BUTTER! Peanut butter may protect against a high risk of cardiovascular disease due to high levels of monounsaturated fats and resveratrol; butter prepared with the skin of the peanuts has a greater level of resveratrol and other health-aiding agents. Peanut butter (and peanuts) provide protein, vitamins B3 and E, magnesium, folate (helps your DNA cells), dietary fiber, arginine (helps your heart) and high levels of the antioxidant p-coumaric acid. (Source: Wikipedia)

Peanut Butter alternative: Sun-Butter! This is a yummy alternative to peanut butter. Made from specially roasted sunflower seeds, Sun-Butter is completely peanut-free, tree-nut free, and gluten-free. An excellent choice for people with peanut allergies or gluten intolerance. (Source: Sun-Butter)

Day 30. Dollar 30. Peanut Butter is one of the items listed on Metro CareRing's immediate pantry needs. Visit their site to see the latest items that will help feed those in the Denver area.

Day 29: Renewed Hope

2010-07-29T01:00:00.004-06:00

Pray for the ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants Program (click for more info), that it may continue to provide renewed hope in hundreds of communities for people like Greg Washington in Milwaukee, who works in the food industry, serves food to others, but does not earn a living wage himself.

Day 29. Dollar 29. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures here below. Praise God above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Day 28: Birthday Boys

2010-07-28T01:00:00.003-06:00

Day 28. Dollar 28. In order to HANDEL the hunger issues in our community, you can be SHÜTZ that giving BACH is the way to go!

Day 27: Feeding Hungry Children

2010-07-27T01:00:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON (ELCA) -- Nearly one in four American children are hungry, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Bishops and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are working together to fight hunger among children.

"Our job as the domestic caucus of the Conference of Bishops is to do our best to advocate for the hungry in America," said the Rev. James F. Mauney, bishop, ELCA Virginia Synod, Salem, and chair of the domestic caucus. In cooperation with the ELCA Washington Office, more than 34 of the ELCA's 65 synod bishops are participating in a nationwide movement to provide reliable and nutritious meals for hungry children, he said.

Mauney reported that his colleagues also urged other clergy and professional church workers and lay leaders to act.

Click here to read the entire press release from the ELCA.

Day 27. Dollar 27. How exciting to be part of a larger movement that helps feed our children!

Day 26: We Are Called

2010-07-26T01:00:00.007-06:00

"We Are Called"
Evangelical Lutheran Worship #720
Click here to listen to hymn

Today's photo: James, one of the 12 disciples
who lived out his baptismal call by
following and teaching about Jesus

We are called to act with justice,
We are called to love tenderly;
We are called to serve one another,
To walk humbly with God.

COME! Live in the light!
Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord!
We are called to be light for the kingdom,
To live in the freedom of the city of God!

COME! Open your heart!
Show your mercy to all those in fear!
We are called to be hope for the hopeless,
So hatred and blindness will be no more

SING! Sing a new song!
Sing of that great day when all will be one!
God will reign, and we'll walk with each other
As sisters and brothers united in love!

Day 26. Dollar 26. We are called to act with justice! We are called to open our hearts to those who lose hope! We are called to serve one another! Thank you, Hunger Community, for responding to the call!