Hunger Update, February 2022
by Hunger Advocate Rev. Ryan Althaus, www.sweatysheep.com
A few updates from your Happy Hunger advocate here:
First, the Lenten Season is hovering on the horizon and this is the time of year where we traditionally gather around the One Great hour of sharing offering… This is the main source of funding for the denomenation’s hunger program as well as the Self Development of People grant program. I encourage you to visit the PCUSA Special Offerings page for resources to share with your congregation that range from print/social media inserts to sermon and study ideas. You can find this all at: https://specialofferings.
Next, I am excited to announce that the Hunger Program has teamed up with the PCUSA Mental Health and Network for Disability Concerns Committees (of which I serve as a board representative. Visit their page at: http://www.phewacommunity.org/
That said, I would love to grant you a Sunday off and come preach a sermon for your flock about disabilities, mental health, and/or Hunger… so just let me know!
Next… The Hunger Program has been working hard to help our congregations take a look at their Eco-Stewardship and Sustainability practices, and recently opened up the 2022 EARTH CARE CONGREGATION application program. The application takes about 20 minutes and can be found at:
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/environment/earth-care-congregations/
It is only open until the 15th, so hop on this week and fill it out!!!! It would be great to have at least 10 of our congregations enrolled in 2022!
Need a little Fun??? Contact me to schedule a sailing adventure for up to 20 of your crew. I can match several of our disabled or homeless sailors with your group to add an element of empowerment to the adventure.
Finally, We have some opportunities forthcoming at Common Roots Farm!!! There are upcoming volunteer trainings being offered for individuals (if anyone from your congregation would be interested) and we can set up mission days for your groups as well! Check Below for information on volunteering…. And if you have young adults interested in a very powerful internship, the farm is accepting applications for their 2022 internship program. This is a great chance to interact with disabled friends and learn the basics of sustainable organic agriculture. Again, information can be found below.
And if you want to add a little color to your congregation’s worship services, consider ordering your flowers from Common Roots Farm and they will be grown and delivered by some very Special participants!! Let me know and I will help set things up!
Volunteer at Common Roots Farm in Santa Cruz!
Volunteering at Common Roots Farm is a great way to get your hands in the soil and make a meaningful impact in creating a farm for people with and without disabilities.
Volunteers are able to get involved in a variety of ways including bed prep, weeding, planting, harvesting, watering, animal care and much more. Volunteerism is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, gain insight, grow personally, and help build a better society.
To get started, visit the Volunteer page on our website and follow the instructions. Once your application is complete, we’ll ask you to sign up for an orientation before your first day of volunteering.
Upcoming orientations will be held at the farm on:
- Wednesday, February 9th, from noon to 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 12th, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, February 16th, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, February 18th, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
I’m the Engagement Coordinator for Common Roots Farm, and I’ll be your point of contact for your volunteer experience here with us. If you have any questions, please email me at geoff@commonrootsfarm.org.
Thank you, and see you out at the farm!
