A strategy for raising awareness — and funds — for the fight against hunger
Cents-Ability is a small first step in the battle against hunger and poverty. Congregations invite every member — of all ages — to contribute a few cents at every meal. This simple act is an expression of thanks for what we have received. It is also a commitment to share with others in response to Jesus’ command “You give them something to eat.” When members bring their offerings to church on the appointed Sunday, all of those coins “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” as they are received and dedicated.
These small acts of faithfulness can add up: One hundred persons in a congregation will contribute $180 a month at two cents a meal. That’s $2,160 dollars a year. A 30,000-member presbytery has the potential of raising over $1.6 million annually at a nickle a meal.
Cents-Ability originated in 1976 as “Two-Cents-A-Meal,” a project begun by Presbyterian Women to involve individuals and families in a corporate response to world hunger. Over the years, presbyteries have developed similar programs entitled Pennies for Hunger, Nickle-A-Meal, etc. Many of these programs benefit local hunger ministries as well as the national and international projects of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. (PHP).
PHP has developed a series of Cents-Ability resources to help presbyteries and congregations begin and expand hunger education and fund-raising programs. These include posters, banks, placemats, prayer table tents and a notebook full of suggestions and program models. Order resources online (below), or contact the Presbyterian Distribution Center by phone at (800) 524-2612.
Your Cents-Ability gifts will make a difference!
Whether raised through Centsability, given during One Great Hour of Sharing, or sent directly to the Hunger Program, your gifts are helping alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes for people around the world. Learn where your gifts have been and will be at work!
- Some plant. Some water. God makes things grow. Bulletin insert report on Amrita Bhoomi’s seeds and training project in India
- Reports from the Field 2018. Updates and photos from PHP partners in Palestine, Niger, Guatemala, Denver, and Haiti
- Your Gifts at Work in Cameroon – through CISEGD’s 2018 integrated yam project
- See some of the exciting projects PHP gifts supported in 2018
- Video: PHP’s Valery Nodem shares an example of a project in Kenya supported by PHP using Centsability gifts (1 minute)
Download the Cents-Ability packet
Use these Cents-Ability materials to help presbyteries and congregations begin and expand hunger education and fund-raising programs. The packet includes information on how to initiate and implement a Cents-Ability program, including introductory, worship, educational, and promotional resources. Download the packet (107 pages)
In addition to the downloadable version, the following can be ordered or downloaded individually:
- Brochure
Includes a brief history and explanation of Cents-Ability. Fits in #10 envelope. Order from the Church Store or download and print. - Logos
Reproducible sheet of various logos to help customize your hunger materials. Order from the Church Store.
Other materials
Offering Bank Labels
As we care for creation through encouraging the use of recyclable materials, PHP now offers labels instead of plastic offering cups. Use the labels to design your own collection cups made from frosting containers, coffee cans, or other jars of your choice.
2×4 inch labels (similar to Avery #5263)
Smaller labels (similar to Avery #5160 – perhaps for the back of your containers)
Poster
To help promote Cents-Ability and/or specific church or presbytery events. Blank space for your program name or message. Free, order from the Church Store, PDS#7436001326
Table Tents
Hunger-related prayers on table tents to use at church or presbytery meals.
Download (prints 2 per page on letter-sized card stock)
Order from the Church Store, PDS# 74360-01-325, 10 for $5