. . . Easter Sunday

Matthew 6:1-4 – 1 "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Poverty datebook for today:

"TANF Action Days for Poverty Reduction," a public policy consultation on reauthorization of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), March 13-15, Washington, D.C. Representatives of NCC, state and local ecumenical/interfaith councils, direct service providers and (other) religious social justice advocates meet for briefings, dialogue, strategy development and visits with members of Congress about three key programs for low-income people up for reauthorization in 2002.  Sessions will be held in a congressional meeting room and at the National City Christian Church.  Contact: Mary Anderson Cooper, 202-544-2350

Good works that 'work':

“We Can Do That, Too! Hunger Education Activities That Work” is a Web-based resource from Church World Service for CROP WALK recruiters, TOOLS OF HOPE planner, hunger/mission leaders, Bread for the World organizers, youth leaders and anyone else who seeks to lift up the issue of hunger in their congregation or community.   Included are worship resources, simulations and games, bulletin inserts, dramas and links to additional resources for fighting hunger in the United States and around the world.

One in every 15 children in the United States lives at less than half the poverty level.  (Children's Defense Fund)

Preaching about poverty:

"Moving Beyond the Idols."  Dr. M. Craig Barnes, Senior Pastor, The National Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C.