You can now download the February 2009 ICPJ newsletter online. Meet ICPJ’s interns, see a photo collection from our candlelight vigil for a ceasefire in Gaza, and much more.

Join ICPJ for a viewing and discussion of "Why We Fight," Tuesday, March 31 at 7:00

Join ICPJ for a screening of acclaimed documentary Why We Fight, which examines America’s policies regarding making war, most recently the Iraq war and what is termed “the Bush doctrine” that includes pre-emptive strikes. It also explores today’s U.S. military/industrial complex via interviews with individuals involved with it.

The film showing will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, followed by dessert and discussion. Location: Memorial Christian Church, 730 Tappan (corner of Hill and Tappan), Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Free and open to the public.

Download the poster and help spread the word. Continue Reading »

Join us on March 8 for a discussion of how to promote an economic justice agenda in the midst of the fiscal crisis.

The current economic crisis has profound effects for hunger, anti-poverty, and racial justice work. Demand for services is up, donations are down, and state funding is drying up.

How can people of faith and conscience support people who are suffering in this economy, and how can we make sure there is a strong social safety net so no one falls through the cracks?

Sharon Parks is the Executive Director of the Michigan League for Human Services, a Michigan policy and advocacy organization that works to ensure that “Michigan’s low-income residents achieve economic security.”

Sunday, March 8
6:30 p.m. Dessert and Appetizer Reception
7:00 p.m. Program featuring Sharon Parks of the Michigan League for Human Services

7:45 p.m. Business Meeting

Church of the Good Shepherd, 2145 Independence Blvd , Ann Arbor, MI Continue Reading »

Building Local Collaborations to Address Increased Local Food Needs

With the current economic crisis, local needs for basic services have increased, and our Hunger Task Force is responding through the “Faith & Food” initiative. This unique collaboration effort unites two well-known hunger relief and food access agencies, Food Gatherers (www.foodgatherers.org) and Growing Hope (www.growinghope.net), with local congregations to develop congregational gardens specifically planted to feed the hungry.

Faith & Food Press Release – May 2009
Faith & Food most wanted donated produce (Food Gatherers)

View our PHOTOS and see the Faith & Food Gardens for yourself…

The Big Community Harvest Garden Tour highlights Faith & Food Gardens

View photos from this exciting event:

Join us for this self-guided tour of 5 garden sites that create smart, fast and sustainable ways to increase low-income people’s access to locally grown, healthy food. Visit Faith & Food congregational gardens to see for yourself how this collaboration among ICPJ, Food Gatherers, and Growing Hope is supporting congregations to grow healthy food for the hungry.
Two chances to participate: July 22, 6 – 9 p.m. or August 1, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Locations TBA, including: Faith & Food Congregational gardens, Gathering Farm at Food Gatherers Warehouse, and Edible Avalon community gardens.
Check back soon for updates on sites and topics to be presented at each site…

Thank you to all who attended the Faith & Food Hunger Collaboration Meeting on March 18th!

Over 70 community members from dozens of different congregations and organizations participated in the first Faith & Food meeting! The overwhelming interest and energy around this community initiative comes at an important time as the economic crisis continues to increase local need for food. Healthy food such as fresh produce is especially difficult to come by. Through Faith & Food, local congregations and community members are making a real difference by developing congregational gardens and donating their fresh produce to local families and individuals in need.

Download the materials from the Faith & Food meeting here:

• Faith & Food Flier
• Faith-Based-Garden-Survey-Inventory
  
• Food-Gatherers-Summary-of-Key-Findings (Full powerpoint now available at www.foodgatherers.org!)
  
• Next Steps: How can I get involved?
• Plant a Row for the Hungry – community
• Plant a Row for the Hungry – schools

Not able to make the meeting? You can still get involved! Learn how your congregation can develop its own community garden (or prepare your exisiting garden) to meet local hunger needs by reviewing the above materials (and be sure to fill out and submit the garden survey!). Please contact Grace Helms Kotre at (734) 663-1870 or gracek@icpj.net with any questions.