A Note from Your Pastors
We know there is much concern about the overwhelming need to relieve food insecurity, despite the reopening of the national government. The SNAP crisis has made it clear that having a "food secure" status is very tenuous and easily disrupted (see graphic above).
We, as disciples of Jesus in the community of St. James UMC, are responding to the crisis of food insecurity in our community and country in the ways described below.
Task Force Formation
We have gathered a team of leaders for the existing food insecurity ministries within our church as well as leaders from Spring Fling to develop a task force that can respond quickly to the needs we encounter. In addition, we have asked the Spring Fling leaders to bring $25,000 from the investment fund to have on-hand as we see the need develop.
The Task Force will work to see if and how we might expand our current offerings to address growing need. The Task Force will also consider other means to address food insecurity. We are increasing the number of persons we are prepared to serve from our Food Pantry by 100. In addition, our Backpack Pals ministry will begin serving 74 rather than the 60 we have served.
Pastors' Discretionary Fund Responses
Beyond that, the Pastors' Discretionary Fund has been inundated with requests. The previous two Wednesdays, the volunteer phone people have hardly had time to hang up before a new call came in. While we do not want to discourage anyone, we need to develop a response that is compassionate while not overwhelming. When persons call for assistance they will be informed of the following:
We are only able to assist for rent and utilities
Please send an email to pdf@stjconnect.org detailing your situation and need and we will respond as quickly as possible.
Dennis Adams will be in the office on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m., however, Dennis is able to respond more effectively to emails.
Increased Funding
Because of the increased demand, we will need to increase funding. If you would like to make a special donation to one or all of these efforts, we encourage you to use the online giving or to note on your check. To give online, click HERE, then select the "Fund" pulldown menu and choose the group you would like to help (Backpack, Food Pantry, etc.)
New Responses
We will also add three new efforts to those we already are engaged with:
First, we would like to develop a resource for persons who may not be familiar with ways to stretch a food budget. For instance, creating a video of how to make vegetable soup, or other budget friendly meals. If you would like to participate in that, please email Pastor Tom (tom@stjconnect.org).
Also, we would like to collect and pack some emergency food bags. Jarvis Memorial gives out about 50-75 each day and have requested help to meet the need. The necessary items are listed below. We will pack the bags on Wednesday, December 3, at 5 p.m. There will be no TGIW that evening, and this will take the place of that.
Yet another option is to donate a bag or bags of items that are distributed by the Food Pantry. See below for the list of those items. The bag(s) can be left in the bins outside of Marianne's office.
Thank you!
Pastor Tom & Pastor Dan
Items for Manna Bags
Single-serve Protein (one of the following):
Vienna Sausage
Beenie Weenies
Tuna packets
Chef Boyardee bowls
Crackers (one of the following):
Nabs
Single packets of cheese crackers
Fruit Cups:
Usually apple sauce (get more for the money)
Something Sweet (one of the following):
Granola bars
Cereal bars
Rice Krispie Treats
Spoon/fork/napkin
One bottle water
Bring the items you are donating to the Fellowship Hall stage before December 3. Please help pack the Manna Bags that evening, beginning at 5 p.m.
Items for Food Pantry
1 package of spaghetti noodles
1 plastic jar with plastic lid of spaghetti sauce
2 cans of vegetables
1 family-sized container of cereal oats
1 package of Ramen Noodles
1 can of Pork-n-Beans
1 family-sized can of soup
If you are able to donate the entire list of items, please bring them in a bag to the bins outside of Marianne’s office. If you donate one or some of the items, please place them in a bin.
