Day 42: Just a Few Words

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

"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:

• Hunger page
• Frequently asked questions about hunger
• Charts and graphics

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 34: Food Stamps

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

"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

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

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...

...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

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

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!