Matthew 25 Spotlight

Eradicating systemic poverty is a huge undertaking. As one of the three foci of the Matthew 25 initiative, it is not something we can easily add to our “to do” list and check off. Thankfully, at St. Andrews, we have a partner in the neighborhood we can join in the task—NETWorks Cooperative Ministry. Their mission is “to respond with the hospitality of Christ to the food and financial needs of residents and to partner with them to find long-term solutions to poverty.” St. Andrews is one of the founding partner congregations of this important community resource. In addition to the food pantry, NETWorks offers a grocery alliance (formerly known as the co-op), financial assistance, and educational opportunities. Each year we look forward to supporting the Back-to-School and Good Neighbor Christmas shops.Giving hungry people food is an important part of extending Christ’s ministry that we see in Matthew 25, but that is only part of the mission. A challenging part of supporting our neighbors in need is changing the system that keeps so many people in need or living right on the edge of poverty and security. NETWorks’ Faith and Finances Program is one way to do that through education, mentorship, and matching grants. When you give your financial support to St. Andrews you are also giving your support to NETWorks Cooperative Ministry. You can also participate by serving as a mentor for the Faith and Finances program, volunteering in the food pantry, and contributing groceries for immediate needs. To find out more about NETWorks visit www.networkscoop.org/covid.If you visit Tucker Day this Saturday from 9-5 on Main Street, you can drop off items at NETWorks’ booth in front of Ford’s BBQ.