The observance of Veterans Day, Nov. 11, began almost a century ago.
In the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Allied nations and Germany declared an armistice – a temporary cessation of hostilities – in World War I. Commemorated as Armistice Day the next year, Nov. 11 became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to U.S. veterans of all wars.
Now is the perfect time for congregations to engage in ministry with active troops and the families left behind.
I spoke to people getting food at a food bank and here are some things I learned from those in need:
1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac and Cheese in the box. They can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks.
2. Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of.
3. Everyone donates pasta sauce and spaghetti noodles.
4. They cannot eat all the awesome canned veggies and soup unless you put a can opener in too or buy pop tops.
5. Oil is a luxury but needed for Rice a-Roni which they also get a lot of.
6. Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift.
7. Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care.
8. Sugar and flour are treats.
9. They fawn over fresh produce donated by farmers and grocery stores.
10. Seeds are cool in Spring and Summer because growing can be easy for some.
11. They rarely get fresh meat.
12. Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.
13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.
14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but usually not sandwich bread.
15. Butter or margarine is nice too.
16. Eggs are a real commodity.
17. Cake mix and frosting makes it possible to make a child’s birthday cake.
18. Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.
19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that.
20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.
In all the years I have donated food at the Holidays, I bought what I thought they wanted, but have never asked. I am glad I did.
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music and powerful ministry! The dynamic Gospel group Glory Way is bringing their uplifting harmonies and heartfelt message to Pender United Methodist Church!
With their rich blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel, Glory Way promises a concert experience that will move your spirit and lift your heart. This is more than a performance—it’s a time of worship, inspiration, and joy!
🗓 Date & Time: November 9 at 6 pm
📍 Location: Pender UMC Sanctuary
🎟 Admission: Free! A love offering will be received to support their ministry.
Invite your friends, family, and neighbors. Let’s fill the sanctuary and be BLESSED together by this incredible Gospel ministry! ✨
Global Ministries launches emergency food grants to support U.S. churches and food pantries combating hunger.
To address a growing U.S. hunger crisis, the General Board of Global Ministries is making Feeding Our Neighbors food ministry grants available, offering up to $2,000 in emergency food funding for United Methodist congregations with food ministries, pantries and ministry partners across the United States. United Methodist churches seeking to participate in the program can learn more and apply here. Applications are open and will be accepted through Dec. 15, 2025. Learn more about the program here.
These grants are intended to inspire acts of compassion at this time, in answer to Jesus’ call in Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.”
As the U.S. government shutdown continues, more than 40 million people are expected to lose food assistance benefits beginning Nov. 1.
“Already, community-based organizations and food ministries are reporting surges in requests for assistance, as individuals and families face critical decisions about daily living expenses,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR. “The further loss of food assistance benefits will have devastating consequences for millions of families. We pray that these grants will help local churches respond quickly and compassionately in their congregations and communities.”
Dr. Dana Lyles, who serves as director and team lead for Global Ministries’ Multiethnic Ministries, added, “Families are already struggling with inflation, job losses and cuts to safety-net programs that provide medical, food and financial support. These grants will allow United Methodists to stand together to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Feeding Our Neighbors grants have been made available through the United Methodist Voluntary Service Program. Designed to operate at a community level, the grants directly support local church food ministries and pantries. Global Ministries is also working on a large grant with an established partner, Feeding America, to address broader U.S. needs. This grant will come to the board of directors for approval in the coming weeks.
Approved grants will be dispersed within three weeks of approval to provide immediate support for local food ministries during this critical time.
To provide financial support for hunger relief efforts, give to the World Hunger Poverty.
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