| The
Bible speaks about poverty: II Corinthians 8:8-9
– 8 I do
not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the
earnestness of others. 9 For you know the generous act of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his
poverty you might become rich.
Poverty datebook for today:
NCC Ministries in Christian Education's Committee on
Disabilities meets March 17-21 in Atlanta. The agenda includes meetings
with local groups to discuss poverty issues. Contact Joe Leonard; 212-870-2673.
Good works that 'work':
A new "Combined
Catalog of Health Ministries Resources of Denominations" offers invaluable
contacts, resources and program ideas for congregations seeking to be promote the
well-being of the whole person. Contact Connie Gates -- conniegates@hotmail.com -- for a copy. |
Poverty
by the numbers: The
number of people who received food stamps in 2001 decreased by over 10 million since 1994,
a drop of over one-third in program participation. (USDA) The Center for
Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that only 40 percent of the drop was due to a
stronger economy. Other sources report that about 50 percent of the decline was due
to problems implementing the 1996 welfare law, and as much as 8 percent to limits on
eligibility established in the welfare law. (Bread for the World)
Preaching about poverty:
"Choose
Your Words Carefully: The Poverty of This World." Harold J. Hoekstra, Pastor,
Bethany Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake, Ill., in northwest Chicago. This sermon
appeared in Pulpit Digest. |
