The Southeastern Iowa Synod Hunger Working Group of the Commission for Church in Society recently reviewed the surveys received at the 2012 Synod Assembly regarding congregational participation in hunger ministries. As a result of that review and recognizing that the ELCA Hunger Appeal fights hunger and its root causes through relief, education, advocacy, and development (acronym READ); the working group is encouraging congregations in the synod to organize groups of about ten people each to read Exodus from Hunger by World Food Prize Laureate and Bread for the World president The Rev. David Beckmann.
The hunger working group is providing ten copies of the book along with a study guide provided by Bread for the World to participating congregations for their use in these reading groups. When they are done with the study, congregations are asked to keep one copy of the book for their library and return the other nine to the synod center for ministry so that they may be used by another congregation. They will also be asked to reflect on possible actions which may arise from their reading and to complete a brief response/evaluation form. Ten congregations have agreed to start this project and are at this time forming their groups. It is our goal that reading this book will provide additional education about various aspects of hunger and inspiration to engage in the work of advocacy.
If your congregation is interested in participating in this reading group process, contact Pastor Paul Ostrem, Assistant to the Bishop, [email protected]. As the initial ten congregations complete their study, books will be made available to other congregations who desire to engage in this effort.
*[Download not found] (PDF download)
Written by Pr. Paul Ostrem, Assistant to the Bishop and synod liaison for Commission for Church in Society
