Out of Our Abundance
2 Corinthians 8:12-15
12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have. 13 I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between 14 your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. 15 As it is written,
‘The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.’
Emmanuel has a long history of coming together to love our neighbors, helping people with food shortage and other needs in and around the Northside community.
– Members have volunteered with the Greater Pittsbugh Food Bank for many years.
– A group of Ladies of Emmanuel known as Friends of the Family visited residents in a local high rise to deliver food, toiletries and cheer – the personal kind!
– Several years after 911 the Ladies of Emmanuel took up the charge and organized food drives in appreciation of our local First Responders.
– Our first Harvest Giving was during COVID-19. We collected food which was then taken to the Greater Pgh Food Bank.
Although these programs ran their course, other food collections have taken their place.
With so many people suffering food shortages on the Northside, and lacking ready access to food, several of our members have stepped up again to call on the congregation to help get food to people who need it, and let people know they are not forgotten.
What started out as a mere FOOD BOX in the back of the church, has since evolved into several tables with food for needy parishioners and passersby. One member began bringing her food allotment from the Food Bank on Sundays to share. This small gesture with great love became the start of a still small but meaningful food pantry in the back of the church. Soon more people began adding to the pantry each week. Now neighbors stop by and help themselves. Canned and boxed foods, and fresh vegetables from the Pittsbugh Food Bank were joined with staples from home pantries and produce from local backyard gardens. Food is for the taking by parishioners or others who may pop in when the church is open to fill a bag – and hopefully a few tummies.
In addition, for several years now from September to November, our Emmanuel family has been collecting money to bless our neighbors with gift cards to local fast food restaurants and grocers during Thanksgiving week.
Thanks to the creativity, ingenuity and diligence of our Senior Warden, Patti Cislon, who has been spearheading the effort, we have collected more and more each year and handed out some generous gift cards for the Holidays.
Our Food Collection Campaigns:
2023: Harvest Blessings
2024: The Giving Tree $1,484
2025: Trotting Turkeys $1,705
2026: Still in Progress! We are hoping for even more this year.
Other Food Distribution Centers in the Northside Area
Food Pantry
1601 Brighton Rd · (412) 323-1170
Northside Common Ministries
1601 Brighton Rd · (412) 323-1163
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
412-460-3663 x655! Using just your zip code, our digital locator tool helps you find a pantry near you.
Food Northside
50 Montgomery Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Walk-In. Faison K-5 7430 Tioga St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208