Assembly delegates will fast to feed Pittsburgh's hungry April 14, 2004 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.
News media can contact Linda Green at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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