A powerful image of Jesus is offered for our prayerful
consideration in Matthew Chapter 25 vs 35-41.
The Allen Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry has been housed
at St. Jude since 1985 to provide emergency food assistance
to those in need. Ministers from the local Lutheran, Methodist,
Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ and Baptist Churches met
to discuss ways we might, as a body, address the problems
of hunger in our area. The poor in our community are not
always visible. We don't want to see poverty or hunger even
though it's all around us. Single parents, low income working
families, senior citizens on fixed incomes, and many families
affected by the current layoffs in our area. It's not easy
to ask for help, for food.
With the recent downturn in the economy, we can no longer
pretend that hunger isn't an issue in America. Collin County
unemployment is now 7% (well above the National average)
with more lay-offs being announced each week. With 31 million
Americans going to bed hungry at night, many in our own
community not knowing where their next meal will come from,
hunger is not a third world problem. It’s a legislative
failure. Clearly we can not expect an indifferent government
to solve the problem of hunger. Jesus says we are the solution.
The Ministerial Alliance developed guidelines for the food
pantry based on Matthew 25: 35-41. Each of the churches
involved take turns sending their volunteers to work the
pantry. Clients are screened by Allen Community Outreach
prior to their coming to the Church for food to determine
what other services might be of value to the family.
We are each called to be Jesus to our brothers and sisters.
We are fed at His table. Our loving Lord calls us to reach
out and feed other. This is the mission of St. Jude's association
with the ecumenical food pantry.
Please bring your donations for the Food Pantry to the
boxes in the back of the Activity Center. Collection boxes
are also located at:
St. Jude's serves the Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry
on
We thank you again for your ongoing support!
See: Sept/Oct
05 Article in the Allen Image Magazine
