I was planning on writing a short article about ways in which we as a congregation can reach out to others in need. Many people are now having to figure out how to do without with nowhere to turn. As this thought was germinating for me, I read Pastor’s Tiding’s article a few minutes ago. He was moved to write an article inviting us to live generously and faithfully in the face of injustice on a global level. I am bringing your attention to another two options to live generously.
During our last Council meeting, we discussed accessing one of our line items in the budget so members can opt to give to Ascentria Care Alliance (formerly Lutheran Social Services) directly through our weekly giving. This is now possible. Simply label what monies you would like directed to Ascentria Care Alliance and we will direct these monies to them.
In a recent weekly newsletter, the New England Synod shared an article from the ELCA, focusing on the proposed cuts within the SNAPS Food Assistance program. Please see below.
Thank you for being who you are as a congregation and thank you for knowing whose you are.
Erlinde
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ELCA WORLD HUNGER: OPPOSE CUTS to HUNGER PROGRAMS
Action Alert! Lenten Focus
If implemented, proposed cuts through the U.S. budget reconciliation process could slash SNAP food assistance that currently serve over 40 million people.
In FY25 budget resolution processes, cuts of $230 billion to agriculture programs – the vast majority of which is expected to come from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – have been proposed. These cuts would slash SNAP by more than 20% and could cut some low-income children off from receiving vital school meals. The proposed cuts would either reduce benefits for all participants, expand work or bureaucratic requirements, remove approximately nine million people from the program entirely, or force states to shoulder benefit costs. Local food pantries and meal programs—many operated by Lutheran congregations—cannot fill the enormous gap that would be created by these cuts.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Contact your elected officials to urge rejection of such cuts. Email your Senators & Representatives, call them or go to ELCA Advocacy and sign on to their message.
Thank you from the New England Synod World Hunger Team and Children & Adults who don’t want to be hungry!