Bearing One Another’s Burdens Amid the Government Shutdown

written by Susan Brown Snook | October 28, 2025

As the federal shutdown continues, we know that many of our neighbors, and some of our members, are facing real hardship. At this time, we understand that members of the military will be paid this week, but families dependent on federal paychecks or benefits may suffer. They may struggle to make ends meet, to keep food on the table, or to stay current on rent and bills. Some are deeply concerned about the health and well-being of their children. Yet they may be reluctant to let others know about the burdens they are carrying. 

We invite every congregation in our diocese to be attentive and compassionate in this time. Please discreetly seek out those within your own church communities who may be suffering in silence, offering care, prayer, and tangible assistance. 

Over the coming weeks, we ask every congregation to take up a collection of food and monetary gifts for their local food bank or for your congregation’s feeding ministry. If members cannot donate monetarily, please encourage them to volunteer their time at their congregation’s food ministry or the local food bank. Many of our churches already offer ongoing support for such ministries — we are deeply grateful for this faithful work. Yet, given the urgency of this moment, we encourage you to increase your generosity so that none among us goes hungry.  

If you or someone you know is looking for food assistance, please call 211 or visit the 211 website in San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, or Yuma counties, where you can search by city or zip code to find food and support for individuals and families. If you would like to find an Episcopal congregation to donate to or volunteer at in our diocese, please click here to search for a ministry nearest you. You may also search the San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, and Yuma food bank websites by city or zip code to find food distribution locations.  

It is in times like these that I am especially grateful for the faithful work of Episcopal Community Services (ECS). ECS continues to provide essential support to those most affected by economic uncertainty, offering dignity and hope where it is needed most. As the government shutdown’s effects ripple through our communities, please watch for ECS’s ongoing efforts and opportunities to partner with them in caring for our neighbors.

As people of faith, we are called to bear one another’s burdens. In this challenging time, may our shared compassion, generosity, and prayer reflect Christ’s love for the world. 

A Prayer for those who are Hungry: 

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all who may suffer from the effects of the government shutdown. In a land of plenty, we ask you to ensure that no one goes hungry and that everyone has the resources they need for everyday life. We ask you to empower us as your Church to care for our members and our neighbors, that all may flourish with the abundant life you promise. Grant us grace that we may honor you with our substance and be faithful stewards of your bounty. We pray that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, and especially the hearts of the leaders of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.