Care of Creation

Lenten Series:

Focus on Food Loss and Waste

Week 7 - Easter 1

Blessed are those who share their abundance, for no neighbor shall go hungry. 

This week, we invite you to reflect on what we’ve learned during this season and to read the final meditation below as we reflect on the relationship between food loss and waste and food insecurity.

To find out more about what our NJ Synod Justice Groups are working on in the area of food insecurity, click here. And watch your Jersey Jottings for additional information on a panel discussion around food waste and food insecurity, being scheduled soon.

More Program Information from the 24-25 Bishop’s Challenge:

Back to Main Bishop's Challenge Page
Back to Main Lenten Series Page

Blessed are those who share their abundance, for no neighbor shall go hungry. 

They open their cupboards and hearts, understanding that generosity multiplies joy and that food tastes sweeter when shared.

Remember the old saying, “Open hearts, open hands”? Well, that extends to our cupboards as well. We have been blessed so we can be a blessing, and no blessing is more important to share than food.

And here we probably must pause and say, “Wow, New Jersey Synod! You have really been good at sharing your abundance for a long time”. Many of us who are now old and retired remember that working to eliminate world hunger has been a priority for this small group of people on the cold edge of our continent for all our lives.

And this has never been a burden. Food actually does taste sweeter when it is shared, not only with friends and neighbors, but with strangers and with people we will never meet. This week, take a moment to think back over the years to remember how your joy has been multiplied by your generosity. Give yourself permission to feel good about a job well done. Let it inspire within you a desire to do even more. Yes, of course, we are blessed so that we can be a blessing, but we are also blessed by being a blessing. Celebrate the good you have been able to do, and just as much all of the lovely relationships that have grown out of this lifelong adventure. What? You say you haven’t had that feeling yet? Well then, jump right in! It is never too late to start.

— Pastor Jeff Elliott for the Care of Creation Justice Group

Questions to think about this week:

Do you have duplicate non-perishable items that you bought and then realized you won’t use? Donate them BEFORE they expire! Food pantries can’t accept expired food - so don’t let something languish in the back of your pantry until it is too late.

Practices to try:

This week, add a section to your shopping list under “food pantry” and a a few canned goods, boxes of pasta or cereal, or other non-perishable pantry staples to your cart.

In your table blessings this week, include a prayer petition for those who do not have enough to eat, and for the staff and volunteers who work at food ministries and pantries.

This week’s recipe and prayer:

An Easter Treat: Berry Quinoa Bake

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 bananas, ripe is best

1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed

1 tablespoon chia seeds (whole or ground)

1 tablespoon ground flax seed

1 or 2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 ½ cup fresh/frozen berries

¼ cup walnuts,

2 1/3 chopped cups soy milk cup

6 deglet dates (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the bananas to a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher until smooth.

2. Add all of the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine. If using dates, just blend the dates with the soy milk until smooth before adding to the bowl.

3. Add the contents to a small glass baking dish and bake uncovered at 350°F for 70 minutes.

4. Top with fresh berries or just enjoy as-is!

Eternal God: Bless this food for our use. Bless us for your service. Keep us ever mindful of the needs of others. Help us to realize that the foods we choose to eat drastically affect how many of our neighbors will remain hungry. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Recipe and prayer from Pastor Jeff Elliott

Reduce Air Pollution

Anti-Idling Information/Enforcement

Support the NJ DEP's Anti-Idling campaign by posting signs and sharing leaflets to discourage idling on church property and elsewhere.

Recycling

Begin or Expand a Recycling and Waste Reduction Program

Participation in municipal/county recycling, recycling communion cups via TerraCycle, recycling plastic bags/film via Trex; Provide a collection point for programs that recycle fabric, batteries, bras, toilet paper rolls, frying oil, and/or take-out containers.

Participate in Institutional Recycling

Recycle furnishings and equipment through platforms and organizations (such as Buy Nothing) that match them to those who need them.

Participate in Hazardous Waste Recycling (tech recycling)

Take part in muncipal and county programs to recycle toner cartridges and electronics or contribute to in-store programs.

Implement a Materials Reuse Program

Hold an upcycling art event, "repair cafe," rummage sale, or other event encouraging creative reuse rather than disposal of old items. Encourage members to take advantage of community re-use programs.

Governance, Policies, and Communication

Adopt a Green Purchasing Policy

Adopt a green purchasing policy that promotes buying recycled paper, compostables, green cleaning products, etc.

Adopt a Creation Care Resolution

Work with the church council to develop a congregational creation care resolution for adoption by the congregation.

Distribute monthly e-blasts with eco-friendly tips and products

Incorporate green tips into e-newsletters.

Other

Encourage Prescription Drug Safety and Disposal

Hold an education event or post signs encouraging safe disposal of prescription drugs.

Congregations already working in these areas:

Our Savior (Stone Harbor)
Pastor Eloise Shanley

St Paul (Ridgefield)
Sharla DeLawter

St. Matthew (Secaucus)
Pastor Danielle McCleary

Abiding Presence (Ewing)
Heidi Furman

Sustainable Hospitality at Abiding Presence in Ewing

Replaced all disposable cutlery, plates, mugs, and cups with re-usable options:

Stainless cutlery Stainless juice cups      Re-usable table covers

Ceramic plates Ceramic mugs     Re-usable “to go” containers

Created “clean up” stations to sort re-usables to be washed, paper and food waste to be composted, and items for recycling/Terracycling.

Worked with the church Fellowship Team to ensure all coffee hours and fellowship events are ~zero-waste, hosted low-waste events for the NJ synod, and incorporated re-usables into all new building use contracts.

In one year we estimate that we kept over 14,000 items out of landfills by replacing disposables with their re-usable counterparts!

Contact Karen Le Morvan at Abiding Presence at aplcoffice@gmail.com with questions!