Themed ECS Sundays a Fun Way to Engage Congregation

Thousands of pounds of food collected over the past year

Spring 2008
Gretchen Jordan and Delilah Neuman at Emergency Assistance “Wall of Cereal” read the caption of a photo once sent by Gretchen Jordan. “Giant Easter Basket of Food” labeled another. The captions don’t lie: the wall of cereal was in fact, a wall covered floor to ceiling with cereal boxes of different varieties. The giant basket was actually fashioned out of garden trellis to look like an oversized Easter treat.

Gretchen Jordan is the driving force behind the creatively themed Sundays at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chula Vista. Mostly, the congregation collects boxed and canned goods to support Emergency Assistance. Focusing on essentials such as rice, beans, pasta and tuna fish, parishioners have collected thousands of pounds of food since Summer 2008.

“Everyone really gets into the collection,” said Gretchen, who sits on the church’s vestry. “Whether we’re collecting peanut butter or tuna, everyone pitches in. Everyone understands hunger; no one wants to experience it. I think this is why our collections have been so successful.”

St. John's giant Easter basket Emergency Assistance has seen 70% more clients this year than last. Thanks to donors and churches such as St. John’s, Emergency Assistance’s shelves remain stocked to continue providing for those in need.

St. John’s first became one of ECS’ Partners in Ministry by challenging Christ Church in Coronado to a ‘food drive challenge.’ The two churches sent one another can counts and photos of food displayed on the altar. After the challenge concluded, St. John’s continued their support of ECS. “We know the need continues. We’re happy to help as best as we can. And, even have a little fun with it!”

For more information about how your church can participate in an outreach opportunity, contact Alyssa Osian at (619) 228-2828 or email aosian@ecscalifornia.org.