The Global Hunger and Justice Ministry Team here at Holy Communion Lutheran Church  realizes that our congregation is SO BLESSED to be part of an abundant society filled with material and human resources.  As such, our discipleship leads us to be “Reaching Out To Share Christ’s Love” to many in need.  So it is with that realization of blessings blended with mission that this ministry team is embarking on several different journeys that we want to make you aware of.

Outreach is OUR FAITH ACTIVE IN LOVE.  It is the extending of services or assistance beyond current or usual limits.  Communities we serve- poor in Harford county, prison, etc (Matt 25:44).

Advocacy is the raising of awareness to our legislatures about people, things, and conditions that do not or cannot make their own voice heard.  Like the little mustard seed, our voices can join together to really make a big difference!

Here are some great links from the ELCA and our DE-MD Synod to whet your appetite!

Advocacy - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Strategy For Outreach With Latino Persons In The Delaware-Maryland Synod (pdf)

In addition to the many things we have accomplished so far in our Outreach, we are endeavoring to become involved in several others:

- Lenten World Hunger Emphasis- “Fish Farm Fund”
A “fish farm” is a hand dug pond that is then stocked with “St. Peter’s fish” or “Tilapia” as it is marketed in the US.  The fish feed on algae and other grains and grow fat.  Periodically, the pound is drained and the “big” fish are eaten, sold, dried or smoked to provide protein and income for the village or group of farmers.  It cost $250 to supply the pond and it has a lasting impact on the life and health of third world peoples.

We are asking the kids in Sunday School to raise enough for one pond in Tanzania, our companion Synod, and we are challenging ourselves as a congregation to fund several more.

This is part of our on-going involvement with the ELCA’s   “God’s Global Barnyard Project”

-White Elephants for World Hunger
What, you might ask do White Elephants have to do with World Hunger?  During our Lenten Soup Suppers, we will be conducting a White Elephant sale of items that members of the congregation have donated.  All proceeds will go to the ELCA World Hunger appeal.

-Mason-Dixon Community Services

-Missionary Support in Africa and Central America (thank-you letter from Pr. Lowdon)

ADVOCACY

Here are some of the projects we are working on regarding advocacy:

-Fair Trade
We are participating in “Fair Trade”, a ministry of Lutheran World Relief and the ELCA.  To date, we have had an opportunity to purchase Fair Trade coffee, but we will be expanding from coffee to several other types of coffee, chocolate and perhaps more! By providing a FAIR price for these products (as opposed to what might have been negotiated by larger grocery chains and coffee houses which typically is less), people that plant, grow and harvest these products are able to realize more money than they normally would.  “When we purchase Fair Trade products, we honor our human connection with workers around the world and respect their right to receive fair prices for their hard work.  Fair Trade can help build schools, homes, and health clinics.  It ensures quality products for us, and the chances for a better life for them.

-Lutheran Office on Public Policy- Maryland
   Director, the Rev. Lee Hudson
   41 State Circle, Suite 5
   Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
   messiahodsq@netzero.net
   phone: 410-268-4122

- Lutheran world relief

- Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

 - Contemporary Christian Ethics
    ELCA’s link to the Death Penalty

- washingtonoffice@elca.org  (office for public policy)