Dear Belmonters,

I spoke to a soldier last week who, like other federal workers, is working while not being paid because of the ongoing government shutdown. On Saturday, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will run out of funding leaving many people hungry. SNAP “provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.” (USDA. gov)  

Jesus said simply, “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat.” (Matthew 25) Proverbs 25 and Romans 12 command us to even feed hungry enemies. Deuteronomy 24:14 tells us not to withhold the wages of a laborer even one night, much less a month. Right now, our nation is tearing down the White House to build a bigger ballroom, while refusing to pay civil servants and not helping feed hungry children and families.

Isaiah 58 lays God’s case against a nation that thinks it’s righteous but has actually lost its moral compass. “You serve your own interest. You oppress your workers. You quarrel and fight. You do not share your bread with the hungry. You do not care for the homeless poor. You do not assist sick people. You strike with a wicked fist. You point fingers and speak evil.”  

What can we do? “Shout out… raise your voice.” (Isaiah 58) Please contact your representatives and the president urging them to immediately fully fund SNAP, pay workers, and actually serve the people. Contact Governor Lee urging him to use Tennessee reserve funds to pay SNAP benefits to Tennessee families. https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member, https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/,    https://www.tn.gov/governor/contact-us.html

What can you do? “Share your bread with the hungry.” (Isaiah 58) Make a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank, Community Care Fellowship, or other ministries that feed people. Our Outreach Team is asking Belmonters to provide items for Second Harvest Food Bank. You can drop off non-perishable items in the Second Harvest Food Bank donation barrels at your local Kroger or at Second Harvest, 331 Great Circle Road, or here at church. 

The most needed items are high in nutritional value, easily accessible for people with physical disabilities, and have a long shelf-life. Second Harvest does not take refrigerated foods, baked goods, or fresh produce. 

o peanut butter (or other nut butters)

o canned tuna (pull top) or tuna pouches

o canned chicken (pull top)

o canned vegetables (pull top)

o canned fruit (pull top)

o dried pasta

o uncooked rice

o canned or dried beans

o cereal

Additionally, you may want to consider giving to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) to aid the people in Jamaica and the Caribbean following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. You can learn more and donate at https://umcmission.org/disaster-responses/hurricane-melissa or by designating a gift through Belmont. 

What can you do? “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Let us keep doing the good things that we know to do, no matter how bad things may feel some days. If you want to serve in local feeding ministries, we can help connect you to Belmonters already serving a variety of ministries.  

Love, 

Pastor Paul