Since 1990 this simple prayer has been spoken: "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl Football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat" is inspiring a youth-led movement to help hungry and hurting people around the world.
This prayer, delivered by Brad Smith, then a seminary intern serving at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC, gave birth to an idea. Why not use Super Bowl weekend, a time when people come together for football and fun, to also unify the nation for a higher good: Collecting dollars and canned food for the needy?
This year, we're asking for your help to feed the hungry and the ones that are hurting. The contribution will go the Centennial Homeless Program in Frederick, MD. A group goes from our Church about 4 times a year preparing and serving a meal to about 100 homeless folks. A percentage of this offering will cover the expense of that meal.
Remaining funds will go to the Nigerian Crisis Fund to support our Nigerian Sisters and Brothers whose lives have been turned upside down through loss of homes and churches. Many have lost their lives.
This will be the first of a series of fund raisers to contribute to the Nigeria Crisis Fund at the direction of the Church Board and the design of the Outreach Commission.
Please remember to bring your dollars and coins on February 1, 2015 and add it to the soup pots in the narthex on your way out.
Thanks for Giving not just with your dollars, but with your prayers and talents.