Providing food to hungry people is one of the oldest social ministries within Christianity. The Bible is filled with stories of those who were hungry being fed: from the Hebrews wandering in the desert to the 5,000 people fed by the miracle of the loaves and fish. One of the earliest challenges faced by the early church, in fact, was how to fairly manage the “daily distribution” of food (Acts 6:1-6). [From the ELCA Feeding Ministries Guide]
One way we support this ministry at Ascension is through our Little Free Pantry and Library. Built in 2017, both the pantry and library are off to the side of our parking lot, allowing people to safely walk or drive up and have access to them. There are no stats on who is using it because we don’t need to know. Community members take food and books and give food and books. There is always something in both boxes. We’ve also partnered with Food City and Thrivent to create, maintain, and fill the pantry with nutritious food.
Of course, it does not address larger needs or replace traditional food pantries or food programs.
On Sunday, October 16th at 12:00, we’ll take a few hours and maintain the space as part of World Food Day. Plant a few plants, mulch, clean, and maybe even stain the bench that sits between the library and pantry. Feel free to join in – and of course, you will be fed.
