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ELCA World Hunger resources are designed
to help individuals, congregations, and synods learn more about
and participate in ending world hunger.
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A congregation-tested idea from Joanna
Mullins, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, Pa.
Use an empty bowl, such as an attractive
ceramic one, in different ways to symbolize how millions have
little food to eat. Mullins says, "We set [a bowl] in the center
of a table in the parlor with an explanatory sign [see suggested
text below] and a can for ‘spontaneous collections.' Ironically,
although members were asked to contemplate the meaning of the
bowl for themselves and make their contributions in the can or
the envelopes, the first Sunday saw the Empty Bowl filled with
dollar bills! This trend ended as the purpose of the bowl as
symbol sank in."
Variation:
Use the empty bowl as an offering plate or during the Eucharist.
[NOTE: Below is text to accompany "The
Empty Bowl" (select the text
below with your mouse, copy it, and paste it into your word
processing or other application to create a sign):
"The Empty Bowl"
God wills that the empty bowls of
hungry people be filled! It stands as a silent reminder of
millions of people throughout the world whose bowls are empty,
who suffer from chronic malnourishment, poverty and injustice.
This bowl also stands as a symbol of
our church's unified effort to fight hunger through the ELCA
World Hunger Appeal. The appeal links individuals,
congregations, synods and other partners in effective action to
help people in need break the cycle of poverty.
As you consider this bowl, think of
the hands that made it, our hands as we work toward God's new
creation, and the outstretched hands that reach for assistance,
which we can and do provide. May the Holy Spirit rekindle our
hope in God's intended worldwide community, in which all share
in the goodness of creation and no child, woman or man goes
without. |
