Scripture Verse:  But Jesus said to them, “There’s no need to send them away.  You give them something to eat.”    Matthew 14: 16 (CEB)

 Library food distribution.  UFO (You Feed Others).  FACETS Hot Meals. Grace Ministries. WFCM. Holiday Food Baskets. TOP (Teens Opposing Poverty). New Hope Fellowship.  Potato Drop. HHA. Rise Against Hunger. 

These are several CUMC mission ministries actively supported by our congregation to feed those who are hungry.  CUMC has many wonderful ministries as we Worship, Grow, and Serve together.  But among those, we are very generous as a church toward our mission ministries.  And we take seriously this charge from Jesus to ‘give them something to eat’.  It fills me with pride and immense satisfaction.

 Last week, I had to fast for 8 hours before having routine blood tests in advance of an annual physical.  I was asleep for most of those 8 hours.  I was up at 0500… and got home from the clinic before 0800.  On the way home, I thought how ‘hungry’ I was.  And I was looking forward to getting home and having a good breakfast.

Then I thought about all those families…children…here in our community, across America, and around the world who are genuinely hungry.  Every day.  For far more than 8 hours in a day.  And who don’t know where their next meal is coming from or when. No one should go hungry like that. I was ashamed at even noticing my minor twinges of hunger….and was so thankful for the mission ministries of our wonderful church and grateful for the generosity of this congregation.

“…You give them something to eat.”  

 Amen.