Faith Action Network Update....partnering with LPPO

An Update for the Synod Hunger Team from the Faith Action Network Your ELCA State Public Policy Office At the September 2011 Synod Hunger Team meeting, team members asked the Faith Action Network for an e-news article to provide recipients with a brief update about the FAN merger, and to highlight two or three hunger-related legislative priorities for the year. We send this update with gratitude for the opportunity to re-connect, and to join our energies with yours to create the legislative victories that will reduce hunger in our state and nation. The Faith Action Network absolutely remains your ELCA Washington State Public Policy Office, enjoying robust local, synodical and churchwide connections. LPPO's merger with the Washington Association of Churches continues the powerful work of both organizations by broadening our network and increasing our resources. The ELCA has a strong tradition of partnering with ecumenical and interfaith bodies, and we are proud to strengthen that tradition while remaining rooted in our baptismal vocation to "strive for peace and justice in all the earth."  If you have made financial contributions to LPPO in the past, we thank you and ask you to continue your giving. If you have not, we invite you to do so! You may continue to send financial gifts to: Faith Action Network, 766 John St, Suite B, Seattle, WA 98109. There is also a giving button on our website at www.fanwa.org. And now for some hunger-related legislative updates! 1. 2011 Legislative Success Threatened In the 2011 session LPPO and WAC, along with their anti-poverty allies, were successful in sustaining funding for the WIC/FMNP (Women, Infants, and Children/Farmers Market Nutrition Program). Funding for this small but important program was to be "zeroed out" in the second year of the 2011-13 biennium, but we took the lead to restore fall funding for the second year of the biennium. This program will be threatened again this year, and we will need your voices to persuade legislators to keep it going strong! 2. Meals for Kids Coalition FAN is currently a partner, along with the Children's Alliance and the Washington State Nutrition Association, in a Meals for Kids Coalition. We are attempting to increase access to free school meals for children from low-income households. Currently, depending upon household income, families either pay full price, reduced price, or receive lunches free.  Cuts threaten $6.8 million that was used to establish the free tier. Our strategy is to preserve the $6.8 million and the free tier, and remove the reduced price tier so that more families will qualify for free lunches in these difficult economic times. Since Kari wrote this for us in September, be sure and check our the FAN webpage for the latest development.

Kent Lutheran working with Sudan

Follow Kent Lutherans exciting outreach partnership with the 40 Sudanese who worship with them. Sand Water Filters, Shoes, Misson Trips, you name it.  More details on their blog

TURKEY TROT 2011 Ck it out

For going on twelve years, members of Seattle congregations (mostlyLutheran, but not exclusively so) have gathered at Green Lake Park on the day after Thanksgiving to get some fresh air and exercise and to raise money for World Hunger through the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. The theme for this year's  12th Annual Turkey Trot for World Hunger is "Occupy Green Lake!" and a special emphasis will be placed on our church's anti-malaria initiative. We will gather at Green Lake Park's Aqua Theatre for registration on Friday, November 25, between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.  After a brief opening program, you can join all of us turkeys as we make our way around the lake. There are two Sundays before the big day. Won't you please share news of this event in whatever manner you are able? Details and materials such as bulletin inserts, posters, and sponsorship forms can be found on our website: www.turkeytrot4hunger.org.  Thank you so much for taking a few moments to help out! And please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Grace and Peace. Erik Wilson Weiberg

Response Ability Builders

Response Ability Builders......This exciting ministry was started by a Lutheran pastor, Eddy, and involves building and teaching others to build emergency housing.  Watch here for more from Eddy as this ministry develops and as he visits Haiti to see the doors open for temporary housing there.

Taking Root...... learn so you can share...

Take time to learn more about the ELCA Hunger Program's new resource  Taking Root, a complete curriculum for your congregation, with programming for children and youth, easily adapted for adults and multi generational groups.

Information on the ELCA Hunger site. This is powerful material.

If you want some hands on introduction call Bob or Carol Wall or Kristie Neklason.  Kristie's email is on this page and reach the Walls at carolhage@gmail.com or bobcwall@gmail.com We are available to come to your congregation and do a sample class or even to come to tell your congregation about the Hunger Appeal