PURPOSE AND MINISTRIES
Isaiah 58:6–8 says “Is
not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the
thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed
go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover
them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?”
Or consider the conversation Jesus had with Simon, “Do you love me more
than these?” Simon responded, “Yes Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus
replied, “Then feed my sheep.”
The above Biblical quotes not only tell us of our responsibilities to our brothers
and sisters in Christ, but also point out that there is a universal obligation
to our call. The Northern Illinois Synod World Hunger Committee works under the
auspices of the synod’s Social Ministry Committee, and consists of 17 members
(8 rostered leaders and 9 lay leaders).
LWR/FRB Plans
We are requesting each conference located
in an agriculture belt to do the following:
-
Have a meeting with all farmers
explaining the program
-
Ascertain if there is an interest for a
growing project in your conference.
-
Select a growing leader to serve as
program coordinator.
-
Have the grower or growers determine
cost-per-acre, which includes rent and inputs. Livestock producers,
purchase price and feed costs should be considered.
-
Once a grower or growers have made a
commitment, it will be up to the congregations in that conference to
support that growing project. For the first years, small programs
will allow us to adapt and learn best practices.
-
Each conference can have its own special
harvest service and harvest day so that congregations that support
the program can come together, worship and watch the harvesting take
place.
-
When the grain or livestock is sold, the
profit will be given to LWR through the ELCA to the conference's
chosen project. The matching funds from FRB will double the
contribution.
Any questions, contact your synod representatives or
Rev. Wayne Derber or
Deb Martin,
committee co-chairpersons.
The Northern Illinois Synod (NIS) has been extremely responsive
to hunger needs and has placed itself in the forefront of
the ELCA regarding total contributions. Of the 65 synods, NIS has
been one of the top six contributors to our ELCA Hunger Program.
We have been richly blessed and we say, “Thanks be to
God for the outstanding response of our churches within the
synod.” When much is given, much is expected and our synod
has responded accordingly. We continue our efforts on behalf
of hungry people everywhere to increase our giving.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Synod Office—Rock Island
309/794-4004
