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 to the Food Pantry at the west end of St. Jude parking lot. Collection boxes are also located at:
- Allen area Kroger Stores
- Brookshires on Main Street
Hours of operation:
- Monday and Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm
- Tuesday and Friday from 9am – 11:30am
- Saturdays from 9:30am – 12pm
We thank you again for your ongoing support!
