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Church uses team spirit to help the hungry
March 2001
Strangers walking into worship in Halifax Congregational Church on Super Bowl Sunday might have wondered if they took a wrong turn.
The minister, praise band and congregants were decked out in sports jerseys from their favorite teams. Balloons, streamers and “Go Ravens” signs bedecked the walls. The “Pep Squad” even gathered into a huddle, and broke yelling “Praise God,” before singing the offertory anthem.
The service marked the church’s fourth year participating in the national, grassroots movement called the Souper Bowl of Caring, in which church groups — particularly youth groups _ from various denominations across the country collect money and canned goods for those in need in their own communities.
The Halifax church challenges neighboring congregations to see who can raise the most funds, and holds its special “Souper Bowl Sunday service” as part of the effort.
“We really let the Spirit move us on this day. It is serious worship — we are still worshipping our Creator — but we are having fun,” said Will Sencabaugh, the pastor. “Our worship attendance doubles on this Sunday, and we raise a significant amount of money to donate to the local food pantry.”
This year the church collected $845 in cash and $672 worth of food, making it the winner of the Cranberry Council of Churches trophy for yet another year.
More than 30 Massachusetts Conference churches participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring this year. According to the totals the churches have submitted to the Souper Bowl Web site at www.souperbowl.org, they raised over $12,000, although not all of the totals have been tabulated yet. Nationwide, more than $3.5 million was raised and results are still being reported.
What is unique about the program is that the groups that raise the money give the donations directly to the local food pantry or other charity of their choice. There is no “middle man,” and so there are no administrative costs.
The fundraising effort was started by youth at the Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in South Carolina in 1990. The program grows each year, and now more than 12,000 churches of various denominations across the country participate.