From the Worldwide Faith News archives www.wfn.org


Assembly delegates will fast to feed Pittsburgh's hungry


From "NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>
Date Wed, 14 Apr 2004 15:08:57 -0500

April 14, 2004	 News media contact: Linda Green 7 (615)742-5470 7 Nashville,
Tenn. 7 E-mail: newsdesk@umcom.org 7 ALL-RM-FM-I {173}

NOTE: This report is a sidebar to UMNS story #172.

By United Methodist News Service

The nearly 1,000 delegates to the United Methodist legislative conference in
Pittsburgh are being asked to give up one meal and donate the cost to help
feed the city's poor.

The United Methodist Commission on United Methodist Men and the Society of
St. Andrew are calling on delegates to General Conference, April 27-May 7, to
forgo one meal during the first week of the conference and contribute the
estimated cost - $10 - for relief of the hungry in the city and the
surrounding area.

"It is critical that while in session that delegates are constantly thinking
and praying about the poor in the city and around the world," said the Rev.
Joseph Harris, top executive of the United Methodist Men's commission. "It is
important for us to not just caught up in our issues, but to keep our focus
on who God calls us to empower, which is the poor and hungry. This fast is
intended to remind us of that."

The donations will be collected on April 27 and April 28 at the United
Methodist Men's display area, outside the plenary hall of the David L.
Lawrence Convention Center. The donations will be delivered to the society,
which will deliver a truckload or more of potatoes for distribution through
the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Delegates and United Methodist
Men will assist in the distribution.  

Each nickel donation is the equivalent of one pound of potatoes, according to
the society. When the potatoes are delivered, the world will see that "when
United Methodists gather ministry and mission are the inevitable result," the
organization said.

Non-delegates and others interested in participating in the fast or donating
to the fight against hunger across the United States can send contributions
to General Conference Fast, Society of St. Andrew, 3383 Sweet Hollow Road,
Big Island, Va. 24526.

The Society of St. Andrew is a national Christian ministry that salvages
fresh produce that remains after fields have been harvested and gives it to
food banks, soup kitchens and related organizations. It is an Advance Special
of the United Methodist Church, No. #801600. The society's "Meals for
Millions Program" is supported by United Methodist Men and is also an Advance
Special, No. 982225.

For more information about the society, call (800) 333-4597, write to 
sosausa@endhunger.org or visit www.endhunger.org online.

 
 

*************************************
United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org


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