Eastern Pennsylvania Conference 2011 Draft Budget included with this report.  At the midyear point of 2010 we pause to thank God for His many blessings.  As Christians, we believe that God has called on us to “make a difference” in our world.  Even though economic challenges continue in many places, we are aware of God’s grace and resources to help others in need. This is most evident by the tremendous outpouring of giving to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund: churches in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference have donated more than $400,000 to date.  We are truly helping to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.    Thank you to all the members of local churches in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference for their generous giving and continued support.

As of June 30, 2010 we have received $9 million, or 43% of the $21 million budget for all funds.

United Methodist Men of Jarrettown UMC held a “Potato Drop” at Jarrettown UMC last March, and  distributed 45,000 pounds of Maine potatoes to food banks in this region to include Philabundance, the large food bank in Philadelphia.  This is part of the UMM/St. Andrew’s Society’s End Hunger nation wide campaign. 

September is National Hunger Action Month

Hunger is a year-in-year-out problem.  But during September hunger advocates, agencies and alliances across the country work together to focus attention on the issue of hunger in America. 

Make no mistake – there is hunger in this, the wealthiest nation on the planet!  Some 49 million Americans now live with food insecurity – the situation in which one never knows from day to day if they will have enough food for their children and themselves.  And this plight is exacerbated by the nationwide depression affecting just about everyone.