We encourage people and congregations to “Learn, Pray, Join” about the Cost of Poverty. We’ll explore the topic of poverty from theological and practical perspectives, addressing its intersectional nature and the impact of the pandemic. 

“As stewards of money and possessions, we are to live simply, practice mutual aid within the church, uphold economic justice, and give generously and cheerfully. As persons dependent on God’s providence, we are not to be anxious about the necessities of life, but to seek first the kingdom of God. We cannot be true servants of God and let our lives be ruled by desire for wealth.” (from “Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective,” Article 21: Christian Stewardship) 

And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”  –Mark 10:21

Read our latest stories and blogs on the Cost of Poverty here:

Subscribe to PeaceMail, which will feature stories, blogs and news from people across MC USA about the Cost of Poverty in September and October 2021. 

Congregational Study Resources

“The Gospel of Luke: the relationship between salvation, discipleship and wealth,” a six-session, adult curriculum by Everence. 

“Money and Mission—A Discernment Guide for Congregations” by Peter Graber for Mennonite Mission Network 

“The Rich and the Poor,” a youth Bible lesson by Julie Snyder. Provided by Hesston College, Hesston, Kansas. 

Podcasts 

~ing podcast, Ep. 42 (MennoMedia)  

~ing Podcast producer Ben Wideman is joined by Rev. Kevin Wiebe, pastor at New Life Christian Fellowship in Stevenson, Ontario, and author of the new book, “Faithful in Small Things: How to Serve the Needy When You’re One of them.” Listen on Spotify.  

Stories and other resources

Building a little dignity, by Paul Johnson, member, Colorado Mennonite Disaster Service Executive Board and Rhoda Blough, Everence Stewardship Consultant. An inspiring story about how dozens of people came together to create a tiny house village for homeless people in Denver, Colorado, with a little help from Everence. (Read other stories from Mennonite Disaster Service here).  

Voices Together, #921 by Menno Simons, 1539

Together: True evangelical faith cannot lie dormant but spreads itself out in all kinds of righteousness and fruits of love.  

Part 1: it dies to flesh and blood; 
Part 2: it destroys all forbidden lusts and desires;
it seeks, serves, and fears God in its inmost soul;
it clothes the naked;
it feeds the hungry;
it comforts the sorrowful;
it shelters the destitute;
it aids and consoles the sad;
it does good to those who do it harm; 
it serves those who harm it; 
it prays for those who persecute it; 
it teaches, admonishes, and judges us with the Word of God;
it seeks those who are lost;
it binds up what is wounded;
it heals the sick; 
it saves what is strong;
it becomes all things to all people. 

Together: The persecution, suffering, and anguish that come to it for the sake of the truth of Chris have become a glorious joy and comfort to it.  

Worship Resources

MennoMedia | Voices Together, page 1111  
#290 Blessed are You
#712 Beauty for Brokenness
#715 Longing for Light

See “Housing” section for a list of hymns and other worship resources. 

Engage in mutual aid

Engage in mutual aid to offer food, shelter, clothing, housing, transportation and other resources to people living in poverty and the houseless. 

Give to the Justice Fund

The Justice Fund is a mutual aid fund that supports MC USA congregations that are actively involved in addressing social justice issues, such as combating poverty. 

 Other organizations 

Bridge of Hope, engaging Christian faith communities in ending family homelessness through neighboring relationships that demonstrate Christ’s love. 

• Launch a Bridge of hope in your community – free resource booklet  

• Start a Neighboring Volunteer group at your church if there is already a Bridge of Hope in your community.
  

Circle of Protection, an organization of Christian leaders who share a belief that God expects national leaders to prioritize the needs of poor and hungry people. 

Faith in action, a national network of faith-based community organizations advocating for a society free of economic oppression, racism and discrimination.   

Making Housing & Congregations Happen, a faith-based nonprofit that educates and empowers congregations for housing justice.  

Poor People’s Campaign: A national call for moral revival, an advocacy organization that confronts the interlocking evils of systemic racism, poverty, ecological devastation, militarism and the war economy, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism.