One of my very favorite features of my church is our efforts to help those in need. Every month, members are encouraged to go without food for two consecutive meals (to fast) and the money they would have spent on eating is then donated to help feed the poor, clothe the naked, etc. As the president of our congregations women's organization, I get to go into home of people in our neighborhood (members of our church or not) and write what's called a "food order." It's a grocery list on an official church form. The family then takes the list to the distribution center, which is a free grocery store. Some of the items found in the store are purchased from various places, but much of the products, especially the packaged food, are grown/made then and packaged by our church, which has a volunteer army to keep costs down. This is a well oiled service machine and our congregation gets assignments every few months to help with the packaging. With the help of my older children baby-sitting my younger children, I was able to volunteer this time around. It was a great way to spend 4 hours, and I know the food will go to those who need it.
Why Religion? some ask: One answer is found in the Bible:
James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this,
To visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction...
On the packaging menu today?
Pancake mix!
These are members of my congregation that came to help. We were joined by several others from other congregations within our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.) I know that many people in other religions, and those who aren't in any organized church also look for ways to help others and much good is accomplished... but do you get to wear these snazzy blue hats?!
***This post is for Tuesday, August 16, 2016***
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