I am writing to invite you to a very important meeting of the Calvert County clergy. The meeting is being held on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m. at the End Hunger Warehouse, 141 Schooner Lane, Prince Frederick.
The purpose of the meeting is to reunite as the clergy of Calvert County around the issue of hunger in our county. If you were with us back in 2009, you know what a powerful moment that was for our community — when the clergy of Calvert County stood together to devote ourselves to the cause of eliminating hunger in our county.
I know that we are all active on many issues of great social concern, but certainly, experience has shown us two things: We all agree that no one ought to go hungry; and we all have people right in our own congregations who are struggling to pay the bills and keep food on the table.
October is End Hunger in Calvert County Month. A highlight of the month is the countywide food drive. Every year, the entire public school system, local business, churches and community groups rally together to restock the shelves of our local food pantries.
This year, our goal is to set a countywide record and have the largest food drive to date. We will strive to collect 1 million pounds in one month. Together, we hope to not only collect food, but also increase the awareness of hunger in our community.
The real moment of power will be when Calvert County clergy — African-American, white, Hispanic, men and women alike — unite on Oct. 1, as a showing of our continued support and dedication to the cause of hunger — a cause that transcends color, gender, race and ethnicity.
We need you on the team this October. That’s what the meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1, is about. I truly urge you to attend or send a representative from your church. We not only want to share our vision; we want your input as well.
It is time for us to again gather together and put away that which might divide us and stand together, firm in our individual callings, yet united in our passion for the needy of Calvert County.
If there is to be unity, it must start and continue with us — the clergy.
Please join us on Oct. 1. We’ll be serving lunch, and the meeting shouldn’t take more than an hour. I realize that this is a busy time of the year and that this letter comes with short notice. I hope you will be there.
Please RSVP by Monday, Sept. 29, at 410-257-5672, or email info@old.endhungercalvert.org.
The Rev. Robert P. Hahn, Huntingtown
The writer is senior pastor of Chesapeake Church and CEO of End Hunger in Calvert County.