Feeding Neighbors: Lord of Life, Fairfax, VA

Recently, the synod offered Feeding Our Neighbors Together mini-grants for congregations to feed neighbors in need. We asked congregations to get creative and to share their story with us so that we could disseminate it to the wider synod. When we work together, the ministry possibilities are endless.

As food insecurity increases in our community, Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Fairfax, VA recognizes the need to assist ministry partners in the year-round distribution of food. A shopping cart, named the Community Care Cart, is located in the church narthex to receive food items from congregation members. A different ministry partner is featured every month with information about the ministry and specific food item requests listed on the Cart. Getting specific information from our ministry partners as to what food items are most needed ensures that we are working together in meeting our neighbors’ needs.

The Synod’s Feeding Our Neighbors Together grant will be divided among Lord of Life’s ministry partners to purchase additional items for these ministries. During the month of February, non-perishable items were collected for FACETS in the Community Care Cart. FACETS provides many services to people in the community, including year-round food distribution through its Hot Meals Program, Education and Community Development Centers, shelters, a monthly grocery distribution site, and an emergency pantry.