“Loaves and Fishes, it’s really fun to do” – Jan Pankratz

The only miracle found in all four of the Gospels (Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:33–44; Luke 9:12–17; John 6:1–14) is the Loaves and Fishes, feeding 5,000 men, (which means there were even more adding in the women and children. Matthew and Mark record a second feeding 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-10). What is true in all of them is that Jesus had compassion for the people, taking care of one of the most basic needs – food. As Christians we continue to meet that need is a variety of waves. This week we lift up Loaves and Fishes.

After retirement I didn’t want to do anything. Eventually, I felt the need to serve. My husband Andy and I have delivered Meals on Wheels for a number of years. When St. Luke’s needed a coordinator for the monthly meal service I said, “Okay I’ll do it.” The congregation had a need and I was available. I get to work with a really fun group of people from St. Luke’s who are dedicated.

I’m impressed with Loaves and Fishes.

• 34%of the people we serve are under 25 years of age.
• 35 Loaves and Fishes communities in Minnesota, with sites increasing including a new center in St. Cloud.
• 9 out of 10 dollars given goes directly to food.
• 4.2 million meals served in 2022, a 30% increase from 2019.

Loaves and Fishes serves schools during the summer. Many teenagers not only come to get a meal, but also to help cook and serve.

Like all nonprofits, funding is always difficult. Grateful to St. Luke’s members who make additional donations to Loaves and Fishes. You can identify Loaves and Fishes when giving online to missions, or simply put Loaves and Fishes in your check memo or if cash note it on the offering envelope.
Currently there is a matching fund offered by Otto Bremer Trust, up to $30,000 for all donations given by the end of August.

Another fun way to support them is to attend their Fall Jubilee on Saturday, September 23. An evening of fun, philanthropy, and community with food, drinks, live and silent auctions, raffles and more.
Thank you to the 15 St. Luke’s Members who sign up every third Wednesday of the month at Hope Presbyterian Church 7132 Portland Ave. Prep begins about 2 PM, meal is served 5:00 to 6:00 PM, with clean up following. Members tend to sign up for a shift of prep, serve, or clean up. To join the team contact Jan Pankratz Andy Pankratz andypank@hotmail.comABOUT LOAVES & FISHES

MISSION
To provide healthy meals to Minnesotans in areas where need is greatest.

VISION
We are guided by our vision that all people – regardless of socioeconomic, cultural, religious, or ethnic background – deserve to meet their basic needs for food, dignity, and respect.
 
OUR GROWING IMPACT
We have steadily increased the number of free, healthy meals served to Minnesotans in need. In 2022, we served over 4.6 million meals and are on pace to serve over another 4 million in 2023.
OUR MEALS:

• Alleviate food insecurity and hunger.
• Relieve the stress of poverty, financial insecurity and homelessness.
• Bring fresh produce to food deserts.
• Lessen the effects of hunger on student achievement.
• Offer social service resources to an aging population.
• Ease loneliness and isolation.
• Instill healthy eating habits.
• Fight food-related physical and mental health conditions.

Learn more at: https://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/

https://www.loavesandfishesmn.org/

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