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HungerNetOhio # 7.2:
“I was Hungry…”
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Lenten Biblical Calendar and Food for Thought |
Micah reminds us that our central obligations to God, other people, and ourselves boil down to a few basic commitments. Answering his rhetorical inquiry into life's essential requirements, he answers for himself and the rest of us with what might be a familiar refrain, “to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly…” (Micah 6:8)
The season that we enter today emphasizes the third expectation as reinforcement to the other two. Lent is that extended moment during the year that we are particularly both invited and charged to engage our spiritual selves, to enter our inner being, to “walk humbly.”
As a resource for reflection and inspiration for the next six weeks, the Hunger Network in Ohio offers “I was hungry…,” a “Lenten Biblical Calendar and 'Food for thoughts.'”
It is printed on a can wrapper and intended to keep us focused on, not only ourselves, but to highlight the needs of others. It is an aide to “walk humbly” amid more aggressive campaigns for our attention. It is an alternative to the barrage of external demand for how to spend ourselves during this bridge between the iciness of winter and warming of spring. It provides crisp tidbits of reflection on the Scripture for toting with us from our awakenings through our nightfalls. It challenges us to develop devotional routines and patterns of modest giving that we might continue throughout the year.
SHORT
CUT:
For
those who insist, "JUST TELL ME
WHAT TO
DO!"
Simply download the attached PDF and follow its instructions.
Actually, rather than more, these is an explanation contained on the calendar-wrapper just in case you are unable to retrieve the “food for thoughts” file:
What?
“I was hungry” is a calendar-can wrapper of scriptures and “food for thoughts” during Lent for daily reflection, family devotions, congregational gatherings, etc., on the theme of overcoming hunger.
Why?
Most of us rarely spend a day with nothing to eat. Yet hunger is an everyday fact of life for millions of people everywhere. Lack of food and malnutrition is increasingly a problem for many of our neighbors-nearby and far away.
How?
Lenten devotions remind us of those in need and encourage us to become involved in changing public policies tolerating hunger. They call for spiritual discipline including collecting at least 2 pennies each day for hunger-related ministries in our local churches and beyond (*).
Where & When?
Placed on our dining table during mealtimes, these readings and quotes supplement prayers of thanksgiving, stimulate discussion of opportunities for reducing poverty, and encourage action. Scriptures (Revised Common Lectionary, Year C) may be read together along with “food for thought,” as more succinct summaries, to carry with us and apply to our lives throughout each day of Lent.
2010 Lenten Biblical Calendar and Food for Thought
Ash Wednesday: February 17 (Dave Bourquin)
Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17 or Is 58: 1-12; Ps 51: 1-17;
2 Cor 5:20b-6:10; Mt 6:1-6,16-21
W. Sackcloth is for lamenting, not a gift to the poor
T. Knowing God’s way means doing righteousness
F. Receiving/giving forgiveness: inconceivable blessing
S. Secret giving and the joy of it: God’s reward
Week of Feb 21st (Beryl Poulton)
Deut 26:1-11; Ps 91:1-2, 9-16; Rom 10:8b-13; Lk 4:1-1
S. Encourage the life of one other person today
M. Smile and have a grateful attitude
T. Learn how to live rather than making a living
W. Work to release the gifts of others
T. Be a blessing to someone who cannot repay
F. Do more listening than talking
S. Write congress—makes a difference for others
Week of Feb. 28th (Roberta Boucher)
Ge 15:1-12, 17-18; Ps 27; Phil 3:17-4:1; Lk 13:31-35
S. Learn to trust without fear; find God’s safe haven
M. We need to work together to make a covenant with God
T. Don’t give up reaching goals; others will follow our lead
W. Be careful of self-indulgence
T. Learn from another: walk in some else’s shoes
F. Take a minute to be grateful for what you have received
S. Make a feast—welcome someone into your home
Week of March 7th (Joe Buckmaster)
Is 55:1-9; Ps 63:1-8; 1 Cor 10:1-13; Lk 13:1-9
S. Whoever is thirsty and hungry, come unto...us
M. Your soul satisfied, your hands upheld by God
T. Allow God to feed your spirit
W. Yield good fruit through good works
T. Channel your anger into advocacy for the poor
F. Love your neighbor: share meal with difficult person
S. Give humbly without anyone noticing
Week of Mar. 14th (Charlie Vachris)
Josh 5:9 12; Ps 32; 2 Cor 5:16-21; Lk 15:1-3, IIb-32
S. Gather up clothing for the poor
M. Bring life to someone who is ill
T. How are you living “water” to another?
W. Prepare favorite dish; share with a lonely person
T. Substitute gratitude for compassion
F. Console someone who is grieving
S. See Christ in an unlikely place or person
Week of Mar. 21st (Jazmin McNeal)
Is 43:16-21; Ps 126; Phil 3:4b-14; Jn 12:1-8
S. Remember who you are, where you came from
M. There is always hope
T. Keep your eye on your dreams
W. Be grateful for the love of your family
T. Hear the cry of the poor and respond
F. Bless God by honoring another
S. Be faithful to your promises as God is to you
Week of Mar. 28th (Ernie Bringas)
Is 50:4-9; Ps 31:9-16; Phil 2:5-11; Lk 22:14-23:56
S. Without God, the spirit cannot rise to excellence
M. The ultimate journey with God is one of trust
T. Salvation is a gift, but don’t overlook the string
W. Google “The Rose” - lyrics by Bette Midler
Holy (Maundy) Thursday (Judy Long)
Jn 13:1-17: Live as if you will die tomorrow
Good Friday (Judy Long)
Jn 18:1-19:42: Turn fear into courage
Saturday Easter Vigil (Judy Long)
Lk 24:1-12: Rouse the weary with words of love
Easter Begins: April 4th (Judy Long)
Acts 10:34-43: Dream of justice for all people
“I was hungry…is produced by the Hunger Network in Ohio, a faith-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to end hunger in Ohio through changing conditions causing poverty.
Biblical suggestions are from the Revised Common Lectionary, Year C.
Led by Judy Long, eight writers (names beside each reference) represent affiliations with United Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, and Roman Catholic Churches.
* 2 Cents-a-Meal (AKA “Prayers, Pennies, and Persuasion,”) is a spiritual discipline recommended by the Hunger Network in Ohio within partner congregations. Church members collect pennies during family and congregate meals. Once accumulated (every month or so), collections are divided in half between direct services, such as congregational food pantries, and preventive hunger ministries, such as the Hunger Network in Ohio.
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