The 2019 ELCA World Hunger Leaders’ Gathering was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 18-21. The ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering takes place every 18 months and gathers the national network of ELCA World Hunger leaders, congregations and ministry partners for a time of networking, idea sharing and planning for our shared work. Those assembled focused on how “Creative Congregations, Courageous Leaders”contribute to a just world where all are fed.  More than ten Pennsylvania Hunger Leaders, representing rural, suburban and metropolitan ELCA congregations,  were in attendance.

The Rev. Matthew Dennison, representing the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod (NWPA) shared his reflections: “Fighting hunger in the world can, indeed, be “Marvelous!” If you heard our many voices singing this wonderful anthem in Minneapolis, in soprano, alto, tenor and bass, you might have thought (incorrectly) that we had practiced numerous times beforehand. We harmonized beautifully, with each section doing our own thing–yet creating one, single joyous hymn of praise. Yes, we were four distinctly different parts, all reaching toward the same goal (with a few self-proclaimed independent voices helping out here and there, as well!)

This was certainly a metaphor for ELCA World Hunger and the MEANS Data Base, Central Lutheran Church and St. Andrew’s Community Resource Center, and all of the rest… each one fulfilling a different role, yet blending together to seek the very same goal: “Till all are fed.” And it was, truly, marvelous!”