Test Driving Theology

‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink?…And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ 
– Matthew 25:37 & 40.

Emergency food assistance is now available at Trinity 24/7, with the addition of the “Little Free Pantry” at Trinity.

One of our Trinity members, who wishes to remain anonymous, read an article in our Southeast Minnesota Synod newsletter about a congregation in Austin, St. Olaf Lutheran Church, that established a “Little Free Pantry.”  The idea is simple, and is based on the concept of the “Little Free Library” boxes that have popped up around communities.

There is a small, enclosed “box” posted outside the church, that will be kept stocked with simple, inexpensive, non-perishable goods.  If, when you are out grocery shopping, you have something that you’d like to pick up and drop off in the Little Free Pantry, you can do so, any time you’d like.

Likewise, if there is someone in the community who is in need…who just can’t come up with food for that day…they are free to stop by and pick up what they need from the pantry.

This Trinity member called me, very excited about the idea, and knows that we’ve been having lots of conversations about how we can best meet the needs within our community, and that issues of hunger and homelessness are significant issues.  So they asked if their family could donate, assemble and install a Little Free Pantry at Trinity.   They also committed to helping maintain it in the first year, to ensure that it was stocked and ready to assist people in need.

We were so moved by their compassionate heart and generosity.

So we had conversations with those who are working on hunger-related issues at Trinity,

and with the property commission, who both enthusiastically green-lighted the project, and this week the Pantry was installed.  Trinity’s Little Free Pantry was installed near the north door of the church, right next to the Husky Pantry entrance.

So we encourage you to help us keep it stocked.  And we encourage you to let others know about this new resource.

Our gratitude goes out to the Trinity family who saw the need, and who took action.  It’s an amazing gift to the community.   And we are thankful to all of our people who work to ensure that all of God’s people have enough food to eat.

Peace,
Pastor Todd

PS – So what idea might you have that would help meet a community need?  Let’s talk!