Fellow Galileans;
This is a call for Galileans to fulfill our goal of raising $6,000 this year for the
ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) World Hunger Appeal.
As of Thanksgiving, we are only about $870 short of our goal. Here's what you
can do:
*
Consider making a year-end, tax deductible gift designated to the ELCAWorld Hunger Appeal and drop it in the offering plate along with your
regular giving
*
We still have African painted pins for a minimum donation of $3.00. AskIIse or any of the Just Desserts members for help obtaining them. They
would make great stocking stuffers or Christmas card inserts!
*
We still have some gift cards for those who wish to make a donation inhonor of a friend or relative and send them an acknowledgement card. Talk
to IIse or Marilyn to get your package today
*
Gather up those pennies, get them to your bank's counting machine, putthe money in an envelope designated for ELCA World Hunger Appeal
The Just Desserts Bible study group is thrilled with Galilean's commitment and
generosity so far this year; thank you all!
We have enjoyed an interesting and rewarding year. A year ago this fall we
decided to launch our study based on the book "Ending World Hunger Now"
collaboratively written by Senators Robert Dole and George McGovern along with
Donald Messer. After getting over the initial perception that it would be politically
centered and motivated, we were quickly shocked and captivated by the statistics
and the negative correlations about hunger in the world, HIV/Aids, political will of
nations, poverty within this country, and the relative ignorance and/or apathy of
those who have enough to eat, drink; I know that applies to me if not most of us
at Galilean.
A great and amazing thing happened early in our study process
- we wereinspired to do at least some of what the authors say must happen to end world
hunger, what the Northeast Iowa Synod and the national ELCA assembly have
embraced. Galileans have become active participants in this new ministry of our
congregation. We've purchased pins, saved pennies, contributed to youth events
that shared their funds with the hunger drive. Survivors have even designated
memorial funds to help raise money that Galilean contributes to the ELCA World
Hunger Appeal. We've exceeded our original goal by nearly
350% and I dare saywe've raised awareness of the needs of many, locally and worldwide, realizing
that it is in deed God's design for his people everywhere to help the needy.
As of this reading, Galileans' efforts have raised about $5,130 for the ELCA World
Hunger Appeal and our Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank contributions have seen a
generous increase this year. We completed our ambitious 40-Day Hunger
Calendar campaign through which all Galileans were urged to learn more about
the plight of the world's hungry and respond by example and giving. Culminating
in our special Hunger Service on November 4th,we brought the fruits of this labor
to worship for prayer and dedication in hopes that we are all transformed by the
experience to reach out to the needy, and to help reach our higher $6,000 ELCA
World Hunger Appeal goal.
But what shall we do with our new-found awareness and momentum to help
others? Just Desserts set out two goals for our group in 2007. Through your
involvement and generosity, we have exceeded our expectations of the first goal,
to raise money and awareness in relief of world hunger. The second goal
remains a challenge:
"Inspire Galilean Lutheran Church
to give money and material goods, bothindividually and corporately, in ongoing efforts
to help end domestic and world hunger."Just Desserts has completed its study based on the book about world hunger,
and will be going a new direction with our studies. We have been blessed to be
the champions of the effort this year and believe that ending world hunger should
continue to be a priority mission for our congregation. But questions about how
it will happen remain unanswered: Who will be the next champion of this cause?
Should this outreach be made an official organizational unit at Galilean? If so,
what commission or commissions should take responsibility for it and what
would be its voice within the congregation? Should we recognize our efforts by
congregational vote? Is our effort to end world hunger as important as educating
our youth and adults, bible studies, worship, prayer and fasting?
Galileans have a history of weaving valuable efforts into the fabric of the
congregation. Along with the revival of Just Desserts, great efforts and events
such as giving bibles to 3rdgraders, our annual rummage sale, Meals-On-Wheels,
Community Kitchen, and various bible studies are all as second nature to us. Yet
these are not "required" functions of the congregation; rather they are the result
of efforts by inspired Galileans working through committees and commissions to
fulfill a need and respond to God's Grace and Calling.
Ending domestic and world hunger should continue to be priority for our
congregation. It must be a living, breathing, effort led by God-inspired
individuals and/or groups. It may be that some of the Just Desserts team will
continue to work on this effort. But even so, they cannot do it alone. It is not
reasonable to think that the effort will continue without these champions. Nor
can efforts continue without recognized and accepted organization.
How will you respond to this message? What shall we do to ensure our
continued efforts? All of this Just Desserts may yet be tackling this year as we
transition to another area of study. Remember, we didn't plan to do all of this, we
were led and inspired! Look into your own hearts and what you see as the heart
and soul of our Galilean congregation. Voice your opinions; make your
suggestions. Help us answer our questions and formulate Galilean's ongoing
role in ending world hunger.