“If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?” - James 2: 15-16

Friends, a cornerstone of my own faith is that everyone—literally everyone—is deserving of food, shelter, healthcare and community. I do not believe there are any circumstances under which it is just or moral to deny these basic human needs. And I believe that when we are able, it is our calling, as people of faith and members of the interdependent web of life, to help provide these necessities. Sure, I love book clubs that help educate us about social issues and I think it’s important that we work towards broader changes to eradicate system injustice. But I think there is something deeply holy about providing for one another’s immediate, tangible, bodily needs. I believe Jesus meant for us to take his assertion in Matthew chapter 5, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat” literally.

Starting on November 1, SNAP benefits will be abruptly cut off, leaving many in our community without access to affordable food to feed their families. Over 83,000 households in Essex County rely on SNAP. This is not an inevitably, but rather a policy choice and an exceptionally cruel one. As Unitarian Universalists, who believe in the inherent dignity of each person, we are called to respond in this moment. So many of you are already giving, organizing, and sharing resources with your friends and family. Many of you have also asked how our congregation can care for our community during this time of need. I have been in touch with area organizations, including staff at the Salem Pantry, to let them know our church stands at the ready to serve our community in the coming days and weeks. Here are some of the most immediate ways we can help:

Contribute money at church: Cash donations are the most effective ways to support food pantries. With cash donations, food pantries can save time and money by buying in bulk and focusing on the items people need the most. To support these efforts, over the next two months we will be sharing 50% of our Sunday morning plate collection with area organizations. For the month of November, we will give half of our plate collection to the Salem Pantry. In December, we will contribute to LifeBridge.

Donate non-perishable food items: While money is most effective, food donations are always welcome. This is a great option for children and youth, as the exercise of shopping for, pricing, and donating physical items helps kids learn about food insecurity and feel more tangibly connected to their giving. Our Religious Education staff and volunteers are organizing a food drive for the month of November. You are invited to donate non-perishable food items at church on Sunday mornings or at our Nov. 16th Potluck.

Volunteer: As food pantries anticipate an increase in donations to process and guests to serve, they also anticipate needing more volunteers. The Salem Pantry is eager to welcome volunteers from First Church and plans to open up new volunteer spots at their market and warehouse in the coming days. You can sign up to volunteer here.

Education and Advocacy: The most immediate action from food security advocates is a call for the USDA to release contingency funds that could help keep SNAP benefits going as the government shutdown continues. The Massachusetts based Project Bread has a letter you can fill out here. And the national Food Research and Action Council (FRAC) has a social media kit on their homepage if you’d like to use your channels to share information with family, friends and followers.
Spiritual Grounding: While the crisis is immediate, the work to build a more equitable economic system where no one goes hungry is long-term work. We are more likely to stay committed for the long-haul if we have practices that renew us and spiritual grounding that reminds us why we are working for a more just and loving world. Maybe you’d like to spend some quiet time each morning meditating on our Unitarian Universalist values and discerning how you are called to live into them. Maybe you make time to engage with sacred scripture through a justice lense. Or perhaps you join us in reading and discussing our UU Common Read, Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer (see Theo’s message for more details!). Whatever you choose, don’t neglect the spiritual and theological dimensions of this important work.

I welcome your additional ideas for how First Church can show up to meet this moment and care for our community. And if you find yourself struggling financially, emotionally, or spiritually during these difficult days, please do not hesitate to reach out and set up an appointment with me.

Thank you for your care and courage.

In faith,

Rev. Danielle