The Souper Bowl of Caring Challenge: Inspiring acts of love and service

By Todd Hammond

“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

The Northern Indiana District Churches of the Brethren recently wrapped up their second Annual Souper Bowl of Caring Challenge. This initiative encouraged congregations throughout the district to gather cans of soup to aid the hungry, over a period of time spanning six and a half weeks from Christmas to Super Bowl Sunday.

Soup collections were measured by the ounce, and participating congregations reported their totals weekly. Each congregation donated their collected soup to their local feeding program. The competition sparked enthusiastic participation and friendly rivalry, with some lighthearted banter shared among the congregations.

Last year, 11 congregations joined the Souper Bowl of Caring Challenge. District board chair Lauren Phipps designed the Souper Douper Trophy that was awarded to the Columbia City congregation for collecting an impressive 16,036 ounces of soup. Altogether, Northern Indiana District congregations amassed a remarkable 65,740 ounces—or 513 gallons—of soup to support those in need across Northern Indiana.

This year, 13 congregations—about 40 percent of the district—participated in the challenge. Weekly submissions kept the competition intense, with close results, unexpected turnarounds, and new contenders emerging throughout the event. The Agape congregation in Fort Wayne distinguished themselves as this year’s champions, collecting 26,160 ounces (204 gallons) of soup. Columbia City, last year’s winner, followed closely with 23,318 ounces. The Souper Douper Trophy will be presented to Agape by district executive Torin Eikler during a morning worship service in March.

Last year, the Agape congregation was inspired by the need, leading them to establish the Agape Little Food Pantry to serve the hungry in Fort Wayne. Andrew Lane, a member of Agape’s Witness Commission and leader of their collection efforts, reflected, “I never expected that God could use us to meet such a large need,” echoing Jesus’ words, “With God all things are possible!” (Matthew 19:16).

In addition, Agape has held an annual Soup Off competition for the last 15 years. People make their favorite soup recipe for a soup-themed potluck where church members “vote” for their favorite soup by tucking dollar bills into corresponding envelopes. The proceeds have always gone for witness/outreach. This year, the congregation decided to buy soup for the Souper Bowl of Caring Challenge and took in $647—more than any other year!

In total, the district collected an astounding 114,769.90 ounces of soup—896.64 gallons—surpassing last year’s total by 383.4 gallons and nearly doubling the previous year’s efforts. The district celebrates the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as congregations inspired one another to acts of generosity and service.

This year’s totals:
Agape, 26,159.70 ounces, benefiting the Fort Wayne Free Food Pantries
Columbia City, 23,317.65 ounces, benefiting Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry
Creekside, 11,139.40 ounces, benefiting Church Community Services (Elkhart)
Rock Run, 10,130.15 ounces, benefiting the Window
Goshen City, 10,019.00 ounces, benefiting the Goshen City Blessings Box
Union Center, 8,396.65 ounces, benefiting Open Door and the Center
Middlebury, 6,813.60 ounces, benefiting the Middlebury Food Bank
Prince of Peace, 5,036.95 ounces, benefiting Broadway Christian Parish
Nappanee, 4,377.00 ounces, benefiting FCDC and Open Door
Cedar Lake, 4,039.00 ounces, benefiting St. Martin’s Soup Kitchen
Plymouth, 2,268.20 ounces, benefiting the Neighborhood Center
Crest Manor, 1,595.90 ounces, benefiting the Northern Indiana Food Bank
New Salem, 1,476.70 ounces, benefiting the Milford Food Bank
Total: 114,769.90 ounces of soup

— Todd Hammond is pastor of Agape Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind.