Lutherans Raise Their Voices For God’s work. Our hands.
ELCA congregations across Pennsylvania shared their voices for "God’s work. Our hands" Sunday by addressing letters to legislators, federal and state, advocating on behalf of those whose voices may not always be heard. As a result of their thoughtful advocacy, several hundred letters were shared with state and federal lawmakers.
Consequences of an Undercount in the 2020 Census
The 2020 Census will be critically important to the future of Pennsylvania, and even a minor undercount would have dire implications that would last for at least a decade. The Commonwealth receives $26 billion each year in funds that are determined by the Census, including funding for healthcare, infrastructure, housing,
Gov. Wolf Announces Governor’s Census 2020 Complete Count Commission
Governor Tom Wolf announced that Pennsylvania has selected organizations to be on the Governor’s Census 2020 Complete Count Commission. The Commission will support the commonwealth’s efforts to achieve a complete and accurate census count. “Having an accurate count of Pennsylvania’s population is essential for fair representation at the federal level,”
2019 ELCA Advocacy Policy Priorities
God is calling us into the world to serve together. Shaped by the ELCA’s social teaching documents and experiences of its congregations, ministries and partners, the ELCA advocates to end world hunger and stands up for policies that create opportunities to overcome poverty, promote peace and dignity, and preserve God’s
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Stops Special Hours as Federal Shutdown Ends
Harrisburg, PA – The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank announced today that it has stopped the special Hub service hours that it had begun two weeks ago to serve federal workers and contractor employees impacted by the Federal Shutdown. However, the Food Bank’s leadership is concerned that some impacted families may
Resources for Walking Together During the Government Shutdown
During this government shutdown, those affected are at the front of our minds – and we know you share in this care and concern, too. The current shutdown impacts many of us and our neighbors – from furloughed federal workers waiting for paychecks to hungry families worrying that the help
Federal Shutdown, Waiver Proposals Threaten SNAP, Put Residents at Risk
By Sheila Christopher, Executive Director Hunger-Free Pennsylvania Two recent developments in the federal government could spell disaster for thousands of Pennsylvanians who receive monthly food benefits. If President Trump keeps the government shut down through February, as he recently suggested, monthly food benefits could stop. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or
LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2019 Priorities & Elects New Officers
The Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) Policy Council met on December 6, 2018, to set their agenda priorities for the upcoming term of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Following a thoughtful, engaging and lengthy conversation among those present the following priorities were identified: Hunger; Creation Care; Poverty; and the 2020
Farm Bill Update
Despite efforts by leadership in the House and Senate Agriculture committees, Congress failed to reauthorize the farm bill by the Sept. 30 deadline. With the prior law now expiring, dozens of programs will stop and many others placed on hold. Long-standing authorized programs such as crop insurance and SNAP will
ELCA presiding bishop issues statement on Dreamers
2/9/2018 10:00:00 AM Immigration is an ever-present topic at our dinner tables and in our congregations as Congress continues to discuss long-overdue protection for thousands of our community members who lack permanent legal status. Scripture calls us to welcome the sojourner. God commanded of the Israelites: "The stranger who resides
