UM churches around the nation, including in Eastern PA, are trying to stand in the gap for furloughed government workers. UM News Services reports on what’s happening among many churches on the front lines.
About 850,000 government employees are waiting for the shutdown to end, working without pay or moonlighting to earn some cash. Congress and President Trump are stalled over the president’s demand for more than $5 billion to partially fund the construction of a border wall to separate the U.S. and Mexico.
Faith leaders gathered at the United Methodist Building near the U.S. Capitol Hill Jan. 17 to call for the end of the shutdown. United Methodist representatives included Washington Area Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling. But while the Washington area is hardest hit, churches around the country are helping federal workers with bills, food, counseling and prayers.
First UMC in Media is responding to the government shut-down by extending its food bank hours and seeking more donations. Meanwhile, UM churches in Shamokin are upping their support for Manna for the Many, run by St. John’s United Church of Christ.
Please tell us at NEWSpirit Communications if your church is doing anything to respond to this urgent need among not only government workers but also the families, neighbors and businesses that depend on their labor and income. Contact us at communications@epaumc.org. Please also send us photos of your ministries if you can.