by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service
Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
raised $725,000 to support hunger-fighting organizations across
the United States and Caribbean as part of "Souper Bowl of
Caring" -- an effort among faith groups aimed at raising millions
of dollars to fight hunger. The effort is primarily led by youth
who encourage their congregation's participation in the Souper
Bowl of Caring by collecting one-dollar bills in soup kettles
from parishioners as they leave church on the National Football
League's (NFL) "Super Bowl Sunday." Youth also collect food
products to support local food centers or shelters and take part
in volunteer opportunities. Youth groups decide where to donate
their collections. Some congregations of the ELCA contributed
their donations to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal and local
Lutheran social ministry organizations.
Congregations begin reporting their results on the day of the
Super Bowl. As of Sept. 13 faith groups across the country
raised more than $4.66 million in 2006. Totals are posted on the
Souper Bowl of Caring's Web site. More than $33 million has been
raised since the effort began in 1990.
The next Souper Bowl of Caring will take place on Feb. 4, 2007 --
the date of the NFL Super Bowl. More than "2,000 Lutheran groups
have already registered to participate in Souper Bowl of Caring
2007 under the theme, 'Stir it Up,'" said Kathryn Sime, director,
ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal. Information about Souper
Bowl of Caring is available in the Winter 2006-2007 ELCA World
Hunger Resource Packet.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
