Serve Our Neighbors
40 Items for 40 Days—Lenten Food Collection
Trinity is once again collecting food for the hungry during the season of Lent in a program we call “40 Items for 40 Days.” We encourage our members to take part in a Lenten discipline of generosity and care for the vulnerable ones among us by filling bags with one item of non-perishable food for each of the 40 days of Lent. Those bags are then brought to Trinity, blessed, and sent on to local food pantries to care for those in need. The need for food has only intensified in recent years and aid has been cut. If you’d like to take part in a meaningful Lenten discipline that will make a real difference in the lives of people in need, please take a purple bag from the Narthex and buy nonperishable food as you are able.
Plan to bring the food to church on Palm Sunday, March 29, where it will be blessed. As always, items such as canned meats, pasta and pasta sauces, breakfast cereals, peanut butter, and soup are appreciated. In addition, any items that can be consumed without using anything other than hot water, including ramen cups, tuna pouches, and granola bars, are especially appropriate.
If you want to donate food but can’t be present on Palm Sunday, please bring your donations in advance and place them in the Narthex. This year’s donations will go to the Niles Township Food Pantry.
– The Faith in Action Committee
Shine the Light (Thursdays Evenings)
Inspired by the Beacons of Light movement, the Evanston Interfaith Clergy and Leaders (EICL) invites the community to gather each Thursday from 5:00–5:30 PM for a simple, visible act of hope and solidarity. As part of the growing nationwide interfaith movement known as “Shine the Light,” neighbors stand publicly with handmade signs affirming human dignity, compassionate democracy, and support for those targeted by cruelty and fear.
Gather at any of the Evanston locations (people will be present at all three each week): Dempster & Ridge; Chicago & Main; and Central Street & Lincolnwood Drive (near Hartigan’s Ice Cream). This is a low-barrier, 30-minute public witness. Bring a sign (or we’ll have one for you), and stand with your neighbors. If you’d like to attend with other Trinity members, contact the church office. Please note that the time will change this spring as the days get longer, so check for updates.
Learn more:
February Mission Possible:
ELCA World Hunger
Trinity is joining the fight against hunger through ELCA World Hunger, which partners with congregations across the U.S. and around the world to create sustainable solutions from health clinics and water wells to microloans, farm animals, community meals, and advocacy. Your gifts help address the root causes of hunger and poverty at a time when food insecurity is rising globally and locally, and many aid programs face cuts. You can support this work by donating via check to the church office, using your bank’s bill-pay, or giving online (please note “Mission Possible” on your gift).
You can also participate in this year’s Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner on February 17, which benefits ELCA World Hunger.
Ongoing Service & Outreach Opportunities
SNAPGap: Garbage Bag Collection
Support Interfaith Action of Evanston SNAPGap by donating 13-gallon trash bags, which will be distributed at the Vineyard Food Pantry. Purchase items online through Amazon or drop off donations at Trinity on Sundays or between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM (please ring the bell at the office door).
Little Free Pantry
The Little Free Pantry is a simple way you can make a real impact on food insecurity in our community. Nonperishable food donations can be dropped off anytime outside by the pantry, and monetary gifts are also welcome to help restock essential items.