2020 Christmas Joy Virtual Advent Calendar Intentional Practice

Many of us find that an intentional practice is important as part of our Advent reflections and you may want to consider this one. The Hunger Action Team suggests you set aside one food item or a small amount of money each day to stock the Food Pantry at North Raleigh Ministries. Typically, after the holidays the Pantry is depleted, and the winter months combined with the effects of COVID-19 are expected to generate more need for food than ever.  If you would like to use this practice, following COVID-19 precautions simply obtain these items in the ways you are currently shopping whether that is in person, ordering online, delivery etc.  Each day you will select an item and place it on a table where you have your meals and as you offer a blessing for your food include one for those who will receive the food.  Adapt the practice in a way that is simple and brings you joy:

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• Choose a different item from the twenty-six on the list, one for each day in Advent

• Purchase multiples of the same item to use each day

• Make a financial donation directly to the NRM Food Pantry setting aside small amount each day

• After Christmas Day anytime in the twelve days of Christmastide, ending on January 6,  you will deliver the food directly to North Raleigh Ministries  (check their website for current hours)  9650 Strickland Road, Suite 175, Raleigh, NC 27615  behind the Harvest Plaza shopping center; the front doors are locked – food donations are dropped off around to the side door to the left. Financial donations should be made directly to NRM and can be by check or online.

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Please do not bring your donations to the church; if you need assistance delivering food to NRM contact Carolyn Scott  or Debbie Kirk  and the Hunger Action Team will make arrangements.   Choose from this list provided by North Raleigh Ministries and note that everything should be new, shelf stable, in date and unopened. 

• Jelly

• Peanut Butter

• Pasta

• Pasta Sauce

• Canned Pasta

• Canned Tomatoes

• Rice

• Boxed Potatoes

• Boxed Mac & Cheese

• Boxed Stuffing

• Ramen Noodles

• Flour

• Sugar

• Cooking Oil

• Crackers

• Cereal

• Biscuit/Pancake Mix

• Canned Fruit

• Hearty Canned Soups

• Boxes/Packs Mashed Potatoes

• Canned Meat: Ham, Chicken, Tuna

• Canned or Dried Beans

• Canned Vegetables

• Applesauce

• Canned Protein Meals: Hearty Beef Stew, Ravioli

• Individual Fruit Cups/Pudding Cups