May 23, 2003

World Hunger Grant Supports
California Food Pantry

Members and friends of Community of Christ are called by God to pursue the church’s mission: “We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.” The Monterey congregation of Marina, California, is actively answering that call.

The city of Marina, where the Monterey congregation is located, has a population of more than 21,000 people. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, it is the seventh most culturally diverse city in the nation. Even with a relatively small number of active members (approximately 12 to 15), the Monterey Community of Christ knew it could impact the community.

In April 2002, the congregation learned about a plan to develop a food pantry that would serve the needs of hungry people in the local area. Four church members attended an organizational meeting about the project. Together, the congregation decided this was something in which it wanted to be involved--a way to support the church’s mission. The Monterey Community of Christ became part of a coalition of Marina area churches and community groups that opened the Thomas Carman Food Pantry.

Since that time, members and friends of the Monterey congregation have supported the pantry in many ways. Early in the process, the congregation implemented “Share the Harvest” on Communion Sundays. Part of the offertory on those days includes donating food to be given to the pantry. When the first shipment of food from the Monterey County Food Bank was more than the Thomas Carman Food Pantry could accommodate, the basement of the Monterey Community of Christ was offered as additional storage. Several members have been active in pantry fund-raising projects, such as a rummage sale. Others have helped stock the shelves at the pantry, and some members volunteer as staff during the pantry’s open hours.

The congregation soon became aware that funding was urgently needed for the food pantry. Barbara Carter, San Francisco Bay Stake president, suggested that the congregation apply for a Community of Christ World Hunger Fund grant. The idea was presented to Ellen Correa, member of the Monterey County Community Action Agency and co-chair of the pantry’s Budget and Finance Committee. Correa assisted members of the congregation in writing the grant proposal, which was submitted to the Community of Christ World Hunger Committee. The committee approved the application.

Left to right: Elder Nancy Cole, Rev. Dr. Kimberly Willis, Vicar Jon Perez (co-chair of pantry), and pantry treasurer Wally Mattern

A World Hunger grant for $10,000 was sent to support the efforts of the Thomas Carman Food Pantry. The pantry distributes nutritious and culturally appropriate food to low-income residents of Marina, California, with an emphasis on serving the working poor. The pantry also provides a one-stop center for information on and assistance with other available services and resources.

The Monterey Community of Christ has been blessed in many ways because of its participation in this project. On January 21 during the Marina City Council meeting, the congregation was honored by the council and the mayor. Pastor April Parent asked Nancy Cole to present a symbolic check for $10,000 to Thomas Carman Food Pantry organizers Wally Mattern, treasurer, and the Reverend Dr. Kimberly Willis. On the same date, Jon Perez, bishop’s vicar to Epiphany Lutheran and Episcopal Church, presented the congregation with a plaque inscribed with these words:

On Tuesday, January 21, 2003, in the week of prayer for Christian unity, Epiphany Lutheran and Episcopal Church recognize the ministry of Community of Christ for their work in the faith community of Marina. We further express our thanksgiving to walk the pilgrimage of our faith with them.

Since the Thomas Carman Food Pantry opened in September 2002, nearly 6,000 clients have benefited from its services. Monterey Community of Christ is grateful for the opportunity to work with Marina area churches and community agencies to feed the hungry. The congregation feels this is a meaningful way to “proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace.” We encourage all people to answer the call to mission in their communities, continue generously supporting the World Hunger Fund, and be challenged by “the need apparent everywhere.”

-Nancy Cole reporting
Marina, California, USA

For more information about World Hunger Ministries, visit  www.CofChrist.org/hunger.