Day 30: Volunteer Voices

Today's devotional is from Amy Russ, an Urban Servant Corps Program Assistant at Metro CareRing. She writes: "Each week, during our morning gathering with all volunteers, we ask that each person would share their name and answer the Question of the Week."

Last week’s question:

“Why do you think people in Denver are hungry?”

“When people live in poverty they simply have fewer options.”

“The cost of living in Denver has risen, but people’s income has not.”

“Healthy food is expensive.”

These are some of the answers given by Metro CareRing volunteers when asked, during our regular morning meetings, why they think there are hungry people in Denver. The same question was asked every day, and every day people came up with new answers…

• “Many people who come to Metro CareRing are caring for a lot of children and even grandchildren as well.”
• “When people don’t have enough money, they often have to choose between paying their medical bills, paying for their utilities, pay for their children, or paying for food. Sometimes, even though this seems strange, food is the easiest thing to cut out.”
• “As much as it is that people can’t afford food, I think people are also hungry because they need support. Many people don’t have the support of friends, family, or their community.”

Whether people had been volunteering for a decade or for only a day, everyone’s answers reflected the incredible complexity of hunger…

• “Our social structures are not set up in a way that includes the diversity of all people.”
• “Poverty is challenging and sometimes, I think, it is a challenge even to have hope.”
• “While people are incredibly beautiful, they are also flawed and limited… and regardless of our choices, we all still need to eat.”

One elementary-aged boy answered…

• “I think people are hungry because the middle and upper class control all the resources and they are greedy.”
  

A young woman who was visiting for the first day with her youth group answered…

• “There isn’t enough food.”

Fortunately, this particular answer is not necessarily correct. That young woman learned, throughout her day of service, that there is enough food.

Day 30. Dollar 30. Pound 30. The generous donations that arrive at our doorstep everyday allow Metro CareRing to continue to feed those in our community who—for one reason or another—are not able to afford food. Thank you for the many ways you continue to support this work and paving the Avenues of Hope for others!

Day 29: Be Thou My Vision

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that thou art:

Thou my best thought, both by day and by night.

Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
(Text: Irish, Eleanor H. Hull)

Day 29. Dollar 29. Pound 29.
May our eyes be opened to the plight of the hungry.

Day 28: Yes, We Can!

Our friends at DIRECTV are partnering with the LDS Cannery this Wednesday,
June 29^th to can fruits and vegetables for our friends at Metro CareRing.

Food canned during this event will be delivered to
MCR and distributed to hungry families.

Participants have a first-hand view of the entire canning process!

(Designer gloves and hairnets are just two of the many perks!)

More than 30 volunteers are usually needed at each event, so bring a friend!

It's never too early

to sign-up to can!

If you're interested in participating in a future canning opportunity, please contact Ellie: ellie@metrocarering.org

or call 303.350.3699. This helps us plan in advance and compile a network of Can-ready volunteers!

Day 28. Dollar 28. Pound 28. Fruits and vegetables are in high demand during the summer season - if you CAN, grab an extra can when at the grocery store, bring it to church, and toss it in one of the many grocery carts around Bethany. Together, we CAN make a difference in providing these nutrients to those in need!

Day 27: Amadou & Mariam

Malian pop-duo and world music stars Amadou & Mariam are the latest celebrity voices to join the fight against global hunger as the new WFP Ambassadors Against Hunger for the European Union. To raise hunger awareness, Amadou & Mariam have dedicated this song to the global hunger challenge. The song and full video were released Monday, June 27th, 2011 in Rome.

A Little about the Singers: Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia both grew up in Mali, then under colonial rule and known as the French Sudan, prior to its independence in 1959. While Mariam grew up in the capital Bamako, Amadou was raised 500 miles away, in the region of Mopti.

By the age of six Mariam had gone blind, a disadvantage that did not prevent her from becoming famous in her community as a singer at weddings and other traditional ceremonies. Amadou also lost his eyesight in childhood but was fascinated by music, first playing percussion and then taking up the guitar. (More info at http://www.amadou-mariam.com/)

As WFP Ambassadors Against Hunger for the European Union, Amadou & Mariam want to spread the word to Europeans about how hunger affects millions across the world and about WFP and EU efforts to help eradicate it. (Full article: http://www.wfp.org/content/amadou-mariam-singers )

Day 27. Dollar 27. Pound 27. Since their music appeals to fans in both rich and poor nations, it provides a powerful vehicle to raise awareness, making Amadou & Mariam powerful allies and global partners along these Avenues of Hope!

Day 26: Entertaining Angels

St. Paul wrote in his Letter to the Hebrews,

“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Hebrews 13:1-2

Day 26. Dollar 26. Pound 26. O God, you direct our lives by your grace, and your words of justice and mercy reshape the world. Mold us into a people who welcome your word and serve one another, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Day 25: Moving Fourth

Day 25. We are now a quarter (thus, a fourth) of the way toward our goal of 9.10.11! In 75 days, on September 10, 2011, Metro CareRing is challenging the community to help alleviate hunger and participate in the "Avenues of Hope: Hunger Stops Here" food and contribution drives and celebratory events.

Dollar 25. We currently have commitments from individuals and organizations that have pledged to provide over $27,000 and /or over 11,000 pounds of food to help Metro CareRing, who will feed tens of thousands of people this year.


Pound 25. We will be breaking down 25 pound bags of rice and beans on Sunday, July 3rd in the Great Hall at Bethany. The fun begins at 9:00 am, complete with red, white, and blue bowls and patriotic music to celebrate the 4th of July weekend and to inspire us while we work to give people freedom from hunger pains. God's work. Our hands. Join us for this hour of service!

Day 24: Incredible Edibles

Eggs are all-natural and packed with a number of nutrients.

One egg has 13 essential vitamins and minerals in varying amounts, high-quality protein, unsaturated fats and antioxidants, all for 70 calories.

Eggs' nutrients can help you with weight management, muscle strength, eye health, brain function and having a healthy pregnancy.

The protein in eggs provides steady and sustained energy that starts your day off right. (Source: The Incredible Egg)

Day 24. Dollar 24. Pound 24. No YOKE - your pledges of prayer, pounds, and payment are EGG-sactly what we need to CRACK down on hunger!

Day 23: Blessed

Blessed are the poor… Not the penniless, but those whose heart is free.

Blessed are those who mourn… Not those who whimper, but those who raise their voices.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice… Not those who whine, but those who struggle.

Blessed are the merciful… Not those who forget, but those who forgive.

Blessed are the pure in heart… Not those who act like angels, but those whose lives are transparent.

Blessed are the peacemakers…
Not those who shun conflict, but those who face it squarely.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for justice… Not because they suffer, but because they love.

Taken from the Women’s World Day of Prayer 2011 Resource

Day 23. Dollar 23. Pound 23.

Day 22: Nourish our Souls

Children of Ecuador - Chronic malnutrition rates hover around 26 percent of children under five.

Day 22. Dollar 22. Pound 22. As we trek closer to ending hunger in our area, we are reminded that children around the world are malnourished and seeking hope. Lord, we pray today for nourishment - of body, mind and spirit.

Day 21: Summer Hunger

Sunshine. Water. Play.

Words usually associated with the season of Summer.

Worry. Hunger. Vulnerable.

Sadly, somewhere between 16-18 million children will become familiar with these words, too, as they face an entire summer of wondering where their next meal will come from.

“Record Number of US Kids Facing Summer of Hunger”, a recent article that explains what happens to children during the months of June, July and August: http://www.aolnews.com/2010/06/16/record-number-of-us-kids-facing-summer-of-hunger/

Colorado’s Summer Food Service Program - http://www.summerfoodcolorado.org/

Summer Food Service Program is a federal nutrition program designed to replace school meals during the summer. Their website is chock-full of community resources and searchable option.

Day 21. Dollar 21. Pound 21. Hunger doesn’t take a vacation – children need to know they have some kind of avenue toward hope even when class isn’t in session. Thank you for being part of a daily commitment to making sure children have the nutrition they need during the summer months!

Day 20: Dance in Love, Dance in Hope

Come, Join the Dance of Trinity

ELW #412 - verse 1 below
Text: Richard Leach, Music: English folk tune

Come, join the dance of Trinity, before all worlds begun,
The interweaving of the Three, the Father, Spirit, Son.
The universe of space and time did not arise by chance,
But as the Three, in love and hope, made room within their dance.

The Vision of Saint Augustine - 1520, Garofalo
(click image to view more information)
On display at The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London

Day 20. Dollar 20. Pound 20. We will not solve hunger by chance. Rather, in love and hope, there will be answers, there will be avenues.

Day 19: Grace. Love. Communion.

11 “Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. 13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you." 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

An excerpt from Pastor Ron’s sermon: “For it is in grace, love and communion that we experience God. It is as we celebrate on this day honoring fathers and those who give fatherly care, the gift of parenthood. As I think about my late father and as I think about how I’ve been a father I want to give special encouragement to fathers here today - biological fathers and spiritual fathers.

I pray that you, that we, might reflect the Father’s love that was so grand and wondrous that he sent Jesus the Son to die on the cross. I hope and pray that we might be AAA adults. As I think about children this day I pray that you know God loves you and is so glad when you laugh, sing and dance. You are grace! As I think about the women gathered here, I am in awe and full of gratitude for the communion that you make and take into the various roles which you serve. It is all about grace, love and communion.” Click here to view and/or listen to the entire sermon.

Day 19. Dollar 19. Pound 19. Let us soak in the love and grace of the Father as we strive to put things in order for those who are hungry, agree with one another that hunger must end, and live in peace with one another as we find ways to feed others. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Day 18: A Force for Change

Next week Friday, June 24,

is "Bill and Warren Day".


You may not see it in Hallmark stores just yet,
but it's a movement that's sweeping the nation!

One day a year set aside to celebrate the power of business as a force for change, by recognizing the commitment made by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to create a better world with our commitment to do the same. http://www.billandwarrenday.com/

"It's the anniversary of the day in 2006 when billionaire Warren Buffett announced that he would give his vast fortune to charity, with the bulk of the proceeds going to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Bill and Warren Day honors this spirit of giving back, and invites companies and individuals to pledge to celebrate the day at their place of business on June 24." (click here to view original article from the Huffington Post)

Has your company embraced the spirit of giving back? We would love to hear about it! Drop us a note at hope91011@gmail.com or leave us a comment below.

Day 18. Dollar 18. Pound 18. Challenge your place of business to take the Avenues of Hope call to action by setting aside $1 a day and/or a pound of food! Hunger STOPS here!

Day 17: A Trinitarian Twist

A Message from Pastor Ron: What I love about making pretzels is the whole notion and motion of getting one’s hands into the dough. At one point in the process of stirring things up you just have to put down your “spoon” and get your hands moving. I have found that many people don’t have the opportunity to bake these days. (Father Dominic Garramone is a priest and monk of Saint Bede Abbey in Peru, Illinois, and the author of "Bake and Be Blessed" - a text that uses bread baking as a metaphor for spiritual growth. Father Dom has graciously shared his recipe for soft pretzels with us - click here to download.)

There is a great sense of accomplishment when one takes some flour, water, salt, yeast, milk and after some rigorous stirring and kneading there is a handful of dough. This dough then needs (no pun intended) to be in such a way as to make a “snake” about 18 inches long. Once this is down you just “twist” it in such a way as to make the shape of the pretzel. The pretzel has three “holes” in it and each one represents a member of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I believe that God is often found in the “holes” of life. It is often precisely in the very moment when we don’t see what or who we are looking for there is the realization that the Holy is present and accounted for.

Day 17. Dollar 17. Pound 17. Blessings on your baking today.

Day 16: Attitude of Gratitude

A Message from Pastor Ron: The wings of “Gratitude” by Delia have a positive effect on me. I see them as a smile across the sky. Volunteers are the heart of Metro CareRing, providing necessary food and smiles to those in need. They are the ones who do most of the work of serving the clients, and our Attitude of Gratitude extends to them this day. (For more information on how to become a part of this program, click here.)

St. Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth:

“2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Corinthians: 1-4

Here’s the wild, holy, wonderful thing. The word for “giving thanks” that St. Paul used is “eucharist” from the Greek "eukharistos", meaning GRATEFUL. It is that “good gifting” that happens when the people of God, the sheep of God’s pasture gather around the table of the Lord and celebrate the perfect Passover Lamb of God.

Day 16. Dollar 16. We all have attitudes! Blessings to you this day so that you might have an Attitude of Gratitude!

Day 15: A Noteworthy Request

You can tune a piano...

...but you CANNED TUNA FISH!

Day 15. Dollar 15. Metro CareRing would happily welcome seeing cans of tuna swim their way to the pantry shelves! Stay TUNA-ed for other ways to help offer HOPE to those who hunger here in Denver!

Day 14: Avenue Advocates

Bread for the World Gathering 2011

* Changing the Politics of Hunger *
June 11-14 / Washington, DC

More than 350 high-level government officials, leaders of civil society organizations, and activists from around the world convened in Washington, DC, on June 13 to build political momentum for nutrition efforts that will help save the lives of at least 1 million children annually. Today, June 14, 2011 is Lobby Day, a unique opportunity for advocates to use their voice by meeting personally with their members of Congress and their staff.

• Bread for the World: http://www.bread.org/
  
• Media release: Global Leaders Issue Declaration to End Child Hunger
• View Gathering Details: Worship. Learn. Network. Act.
  

Day 14. Dollar 14. We offer our prayers of support to others who are concretely paving the avenues of hope for the poor and hungry people, both at home and abroad.

Day 13: Holy Spirit, Truth Divine

~ Holy Spirit, Truth Divine ~

(Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymn #398)

Music: Orlando Gibbons (organist of Westminster Abbey in 1623)

Text: Samuel Longfellow (the brother of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

To listen to today's hymn, click HERE.

Holy Spirit, Truth divine, dawn upon this soul of mine;

Breath of God and inward light, wake my spirit, clear my sight.

Holy Spirit, Love divine, glow within this heart of mine;

Kindle every high desire; purge me with your holy fire.

Holy Spirit, Power divine, fortify this will of mine;

By your will I strongly live, bravely bear, and nobly strive.

Holy Spirit, Peace divine, still this restless heart of mine;

Speak to calm this tossing sea, stayed in your tranquility.

Holy Spirit, Right divine, King within my conscience reign;

Be my guide, and I shall be firmly bound, forever free.

Day 13. Dollar 13.
May the Spirit of truth and love, power and peace guide us along these Avenues of Hope. Amen.

Day 12: Pentecost Power

Today, as we celebrate this day of Pentecost, we acknowledge and embrace the power, purpose and potential of the Holy Spirit's guidance along these Avenues of Hope.

“One part of this Pentecost Power we’re blessed with is Purpose. The Holy Spirit calls us to God, gathers us together and enlightens us to know our purpose as disciples. We learn about Jesus and His life. We serve in Jesus’ name. We go out with fire in our spirits to live a life way more meaningful than anything we could create on our own. God has a purpose for each of us and calls us to it through the Holy Spirit.” - Sermon: Pr. Ruth Ann Loughry, "Pentecost Power" on 6/12/11.

Excerpts from Pastor Ruth Ann's sermon are included below (marked RAL).

To read and/or listen to the entire sermon, please click here.

When the day of Pentecost had come,
they were all together in one place. (Acts 2:1)

~ May we come together to provide Hope to others. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

Health and Wellness Director Janet Mortinsen was commissioned as our new Parish Nurse. Mission Statement: the Health and Wellness Cabinet works to share God's grace and love in Jesus Christ with all people by promoting health, wholeness and healing of body, mind and spirit.

~ May 9.10.11 be an Avenue toward the
health and wellness of those in need. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in other languages,
as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:4)

~ May the Holy Spirit guide us to use
our abilities to give a voice to the hungry. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

Four families brought their baby boys forward today, called by the Holy Spirit and trusting that everything they need as they grow is given in the gifts of the Spirit through Holy Baptism.

~ May we trust in the life-giving gift of the Spirit. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

Mission Trippers to Ecuador and Wyoming: the Holy Spirit will bless you and guide you as you work and play. God will give you new dreams as you meet members of God’s family from diverse cultures. Have no fear; the Spirit unites you in Christ. (RAL)

Vacation Bible School leaders and students: you too will be touched by the Holy Spirit as you learn about Jesus’ young life. Come with an open Spirit to learn and grow. (RAL)

~ May we walk boldly together on this path filled with Hope. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

Youth from the Nebraska Synod: be SOLID as you serve, yet flexible to feel the Spirit’s moving in new experiences. You will bring the Spirit as you sew, sort, repair, paint and pray. (RAL)

~ May we listen to the Spirit as we serve those who are hungry. ~

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!

To date, there over 300 families (as represented by the plates seen above) who have been moved by the Holy Spirit and have pledged to be a part of Avenues of Hope: 9.10.11, helping put an end to hunger here in Denver! As Pr. Ruth Ann reminded us, "We go out with fire in our spirits to live a life way more meaningful than anything we could create on our own."

Day 12. Dollar 12.

God has blessed us through the Holy Spirit, with Pentecost power!