The "Neighborhood Pantry" was birthed as an outreach ministry of the Church of Genesis in order to assist individuals and families in their times of need. We believe that God calls His people to compassionately reach out with resources with which He has entrusted to us, so that we might show the love of God to those around us.
Growing up, grandma's pantry was a comfortable place. Whenever we visited, she could always whip up something tasty to satisfy the hungry and even the not so hungry. It was enough that grandma's love flowed out of her pantry.
The Bible tells us to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)
We want that love to flow through us and the "Neighborhood Pantry" to you. We also believe that our sharing God's love in this way ought to be done with dignity. It is our desire that those who benefit from the "Neighborhood Pantry" will have respect and self-esteem as you are able to "shop" for the items that you need.
We also believe that dignity and self-esteem are enhanced when we not only receive, but are able to give also. The Bible says that "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) Therefore, the philosophy of "Neighborhood Pantry" is not to be a "hand-out" indefinitely, but an opportunity for our friends and neighbors in need to be assisted to get beyond their need and even give to others.
The people we serve are those who find themselves in a situation that other help is just not enough. They may have just lost their job, had a medical crisis, or just haven't been able to make ends meet with all of the other help that has been received. These people will benefit from "The Neighborhood Pantry" to help get them "over the hump."
Individuals or families will receive credits to use in "The Neighborhood Pantry" per month according to family size. Because we do not pelieve that people should become dependant on "The Neighborhood Pantry" and want to see their dignity and esteem increase, we operate on the following four-month system:
After the first month, the number of credits will decrease by 25% each month. However, additional credits may be earned by helping out at the pantry, attending classes that will be offered, or regular attendance at the church of their choice. (Specific details are available at the Neighborhood Pantry.)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
When grandma brought out goodies from the pantry, sitting around the table was a comforting experience. We anticipate that visiting the "Neighborhood Pantry" will also be a comforting experience as we have the opportunity to sit down with you and offer you a listening ear.
1-2 Family Members
50 credits first month 35 credits second month 25 credits third month 15 credits forth month 0 credits fifth month
(unless extra credits are earned)
3-4 Family Members
80 credits first month 60 credits second month 40 credits third month 20 credits fourth month 0 credits fifth month
(unless extra credits are earned)
5 or More Family Members
110 credits first month 80 credits second month 55 credits third month 25 credits fourth month 0 credits fifth month
(unless extra credits are earned)
• A month begins on the date of enrollment. • Credits decrease by 25% after each month, beginning with the third month. • After four months, no more credits will be issued unless credits are earned. • Unused credits are forfeited every month. Extra credits earned are good for one month from date earned.
A community of caring...
The Church of Genesis and St Vincent De Paul are working together in making the "Neighborhood Pantry" a place to help within the community. Thank you St. Vincent De Paul. www.stvincentnewcastle.org
