Twenty-eight states represented in initiative
December 7, 2017
In the first six months of a new program to fight hunger, Presbyterians nationwide have responded with commitment and action.
The Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) has announced that more than 70 Presbyterian churches have become Hunger Action Congregations since the initiative was announced last summer.
“Presbyterian congregations are tirelessly feeding people, and many are acting to address the root causes of hunger,” said Rebecca Barnes, PHP coordinator. “In response to the covenant launched on June 1, already 72 churches have become Hunger Action Congregations. Thirty-five of those are certified, which means they do activities in all six designated areas.”
The six designated areas of action are hunger alleviation, development assistance, hunger education, lifestyle integrity, corporate and public policy witness, and worship. The application lists activities that churches can check off. Churches can also list other ways they are addressing hunger and poverty in the six designated areas.
As part of their responses to hunger, Faith Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, a 2017 Hunger Action Congregation, works with the Society of St. Andrew and is helping to prepare and distribute this mountain of beans. (Photo courtesy of First Presbyterian Church)
The designated Hunger Action Congregations are from 28 states. Barnes says surveys have shown that more than 90 percent of PC(USA) churches have their own program or participate in other anti-hunger and/or anti-poverty work. All of those churches, she adds, are eligible to become Hunger Action Congregations.
PHP leaders say hunger is still a growing problem in the world.
“The number of hungry people in the world is on the rise again, affecting 815 million people last year — 11 percent of the global population,” said Andrew Kang Bartlett, PHP’s associate for national hunger concerns. “Conflicts, displaced peoples and climate change have contributed to this increase.”
Kang Bartlett credits the work of churches in addressing the issue.
“The good news is faithful people in the U.S. and around the world see addressing hunger and its causes as central to their discipleship,” he said. “Individuals, churches and organizations are realizing that they must join forces if they are to make progress in these challenging times.”
For a list of the churches designated as Hunger Action Congregations, click here.
The Presbyterian Hunger Program is made possible by gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing.
Rick Jones, Mission Communications Strategist, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Today’s Focus: Presbyterian Hunger Action Congregations
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Gabriela Zoller, OGA
Beth Ann Zornick, BOP
Let us pray:
Gracious God, may your sacrificial love on the cross move us to the genuine offering of ourselves in obedient service, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Daily Readings
Morning Psalms 18:1-20; 147:12-20
First Reading Amos 4:6-13
Second Reading 2 Peter 3:11-18
Gospel Reading Matthew 21:33-46
Evening Psalms 126; 62
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