Epworth United Methodist Church
6450 Allisonville Road
Indianapolis, IN 46220
Contact: Pastor Rodney Frieden 317-670-5166 cell
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2017
Indianapolis, Indiana – On Laity Sunday, the congregation of Epworth United Methodist Church was challenged by the words of Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. The mayor is a long time member of Roberts Park United Methodist Church and his Uncle William Hogsett was the founding pastor of Epworth United Methodist some sixty years ago. Mayor Hogsett shared stories of the founding of the church and challenged the congregation with the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:36-39 (CEB).
He replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your
mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself.
The Mayor encouraged the faithful in their love for God but challenged them to put their faith in action by choosing to love all of their neighbors. The challenge became reality as the church left worship and put their faith into action by packing over 50,000 meals for those in need.
“People enjoy giving back in different ways,” said Pastor Rodney Frieden of Epworth United Methodist Church. “This day of service was unique because it not only allowed volunteers to provide something tangible in the form of meals, but these specific meals will feed neighbors and others around the country in need.”
Every day more than 14,400 children die of starvation. This frightening statistic is due to many factors and it is a problem that can be corrected. One package of NutriPlenty Meal from Pack Away Hunger provides six highly nutritious meals. The meals are designed to combat starvation and are widely accepted at Food Pantries in the USA. Ingredients include Fortified Soy, 21 Vitamins & Minerals, Dried Veggies, and Rice. The cases of packed meals will benefit local food pantries in Central Indiana and will help provide emergency relief in areas affected by the recent hurricanes.
The entire event was funded with proceeds from the church’s Annual Fish Fry this past June.
Rick Schaefer, the church lay leader, was heard saying, “Our Church never ceases to amaze me by their generosity and willingness to make a difference both in their own community and beyond.”
Satisfied smiles were seen all around as the day of packing came to a close. Everyone that participated agreed
that they could hardly wait to do again next year.
