Bismarck, N.D.
The story behind the ad
Nourishment for the Body and Soul
Beyond Bismarck
How the ELCA helps eradicate hunger:
- Last year alone, the ELCA collected more than $20 million through the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, a multi-strategy program designed to provide immediate relief, sustainable development, and to break the cycle of hunger through advocacy and education.
- Lutherans are creative in their giving; during Super Bowl weekend 2008, the ELCA, in partnership with other faith groups, raised over $10 million for hunger-fighting organizations across the United States via the "Souper Bowl of Caring." ELCA groups alone raised nearly $1 million.
- For every dollar given to the ELCA's World Hunger Appeal in 2008, over 71 cents supports relief of chronic hunger and poverty and development of communities around the world. Ten cents from every dollar given is spent on relief for chronic hunger at home. Education and advocacy for hunger issues receives 12 cents, and less than 7 cents goes to expenses.
- Worldwide, over 850 million people — one out of every six of our neighbors — are chronically hungry. But the good news is that eradicating hunger is possible. Thanks in part to the efforts of the ELCA and other faith-based groups, there are fewer hungry people in the world today than there were 10 years ago.
At around 5 p.m. every Thursday, rain or shine, the guests start arriving outside of Trinity Lutheran Church, Bismarck, N.D., for a banquet. Volunteers -- the true cornerstone of the Trinity community -- begin to greet the guests, visiting with them outside the doors that open promptly at 5:30.
Regulars fill each other in on their weeks. Smiles are contagious. When the doors open, more volunteers will be waiting to escort guests to a table for a hot and delicious meal, free of charge.
Unlike most of the meals they've had this year, this one will be enjoyed on a beautiful table setting, complete with fresh flowers, colorful decorations, menus, and real china and silverware.
Hosted by Pastors Steve A. Sathre and Nathan C. Keith, and with dozens of volunteers organized each week by Banquet Coordinator Tudy Fennern, Trinity's banquet welcomes any and all homeless and hungry members of the community with open arms each and every week. Founded on the belief that "the needy should never be served poorly," the banquet's goal is simple: to nourish the body with food and the spirit with dignity and respect.
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The tables, which seat eight, fill quickly with seven guests, escorted by yet another volunteer. The final seat remains open for one of the volunteers who has cooked and served the meal to join them in the family-style meal. The food is delicious -- prepared with fine, fresh ingredients, and perfectly spiced with compassion. As freshly baked and donated bread is broken, stories are exchanged. Laughter is shared. And hope is restored.
The volunteers of Trinity's banquet return, week after week. They come from churches and groups within the community, often hearing about it from a member of the Trinity congregation. They come from all walks of life. They get every bit as much -- if not more -- out of each Thursday's meal. Camaraderie. Conversation. The joy of knowing that they've not only helped nourish their neighbors' bodies with food -- they've nourished their souls with dignity, respect, and love.
The solution to hunger goes way beyond getting a person to their next meal. Every day, in ELCA ministries and companion congregations spanning the globe, people help their brothers, sisters, and neighbors, providing the food, shelter, education and resources to help eradicate world hunger. Find an ELCA congregation near you and join in.
Every day, in ELCA ministries and companion congregations spanning the globe, people help their brothers, sisters, and neighbors, providing the food, shelter, education and resources to help eradicate world hunger.