This year for our congregation’s Lenten Challenge, we’ve come up with a way you can help the needy in New Milford.

Throughout the 40 days of Lent, we want you to set aside fifty cents - whether physically in a jar or just mentally. In the end, you’ll have collected $20. And we want you to donate that $20 to our church’s food pantry to help purchase gift cards from ShopRite supermarket that will then be given to those we support in town through our pantry. You can donate cash, make an online donation, or even the coins directly to the pantry (though I think they’d prefer dollar bills or electronic donations). Your Lenten Challenge support will help real people in our borough.

St. Paul reminds us of the importance of giving with joy in mind. We’re enriched by God in our hearts and souls when we give generously to make the lives of others better. And when people are blessed by your help, they give thanks to our Lord above.