Matthew 25 Ministry

Lord, when did we see you hungry and fed you;
Thirsty and gave you drink; a stranger and invited you in;
Needing clothes and clothed you; sick and looked after you;
In prison and visited? Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.
Matthew 25:34-40 (paraphrased)

 

M25 bread sm.png.jpgThis group gathered together to look for ways to follow Jesus’ command to feed those who are hungry in the community. Some of the group already volunteer and/or make donations in this area, some want to find new ways to feed the hungry and to inspire others to join in this rewarding effort.  

 

Members of Matthew 25:

  • Study opportunities to feed the hungry.
  • Educate the congregation and others about the issues of hunger and opportunities to feed those in need.
  • Encourage individuals to volunteer in areas of greatest need.
  • Challenge the congregation to increase participation in one or more areas.

Various opportunities for you to volunteers your service include:

  •  Hunger Hike in October 
  • Souper Bowl Sunday in February
  • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
  • St. Timothy Episcopal Church Faith and Grace Garden
  • Meals from the Heartland www.mealsfromtheheartland.org/
  • Food Pantry Donations (The Red Barrel was started by a member of our church and is unique to Faith Lutheran Church. We are the only church with a red barrel for donations to the The food is donated to DMARC and friends.)
  • DMARC Volunteers and Donations
  • Food Pantry Volunteers
             Urbandale 
                 West Des Moines
  • Salvation Army Food Donations and Canteen Volunteers
  • Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) 

 Matthew 25 set up a grant application process and funded the following:

  • Crestview Elementary School Spring Break Food Sacks: Mary Ellison and Anne KookerM25 bread sm.png.jpg
  • Monthly Salvation Army Egg Casseroles (8): Faith Stitchers
  • Community Supported Agriculture which provides produce grown by a local farmer to the Catholic Worker House: Sevrin Johnson
  • Vacation Bible School Decorated Hard Boiled Eggs for Salvation Army: Melinda Littler

The Matthew 25 Group continues to search for ways to alleviate hunger. The group is considering the following ideas:

  • Provide reusable grocery bags as reminders to pick up items for the Red Barrel.
  • Study Angel Food Ministries – perhaps volunteer at a location that offers this program.
  • Study additional opportunities in the West Des Moines Community School District.

Please let Bob Shaw, 223-1773, or Ruth Cooperrider, 987-3943, know if you volunteer in a similiar program. If you have suggestions or would like to get involved, please contact Bob or Ruth. 

Homebuilders

Homebuilders is a marriage enrichment group for couples of all ages. Meetings are held on Sundays at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at couples' homes. An hour-and-a-half marriage-oriented Bible study is followed by a snack and social time. Contact Melinda Littler for more information.

Adoption and Orphan Support Ministry

Do you have a heart for adoption and orphan care? Faith’s Adoption and Orphan Support Group provides fellowship and support for adoptive families, foster families, and those considering adoption or fostering. We also provide opportunities to share God’s love with the children of the world and in our community who are in need of loving families. We welcome your involvement. For more information, please contact Pam Mohr at themohrs@mchsi.com or Heidi LaBounty at labounty@juno.com or 327-0591.