Wow. I profoundly disagree that it is not the churches responsibility.
We are commanded to take care of widows, orphans, feed the hungry and clothe the naked.
Let the government make interstate highways and defend the shores.
Let us as a church take care of the needy both physically and spiritually.
Anyone can take care of widows, orphans, feed the hungry and clothe the naked. There is nothing unique to being a Christian in that. Should Christians do these things? Sure, especially for those whom God has sovereignly placed in their path -- family, co-worthers, neighbors, friends. Ah, but there is usually little glory in helping that needy family member. Who is going to hear about it? No, people much prefer to blow a trumpet in the streets (so to speak) and announce their charity to orphans in Africa, victims of Katrina, or something else that might garner attention and praise. The thing about temporal needs is that they never end. Those hungry orphans are going to be nervy enough to want to keep being fed their entire lives. Let's at least recognize a first principle here. God designed every child to have a mother and a father whose responsiblity it is to care for the child. Then there is extended family. When cultures live according to that basic design, neither the government nor the church has much to do. When extended families take care of their own needy, isn't that even better than having strangers do it?
There are layers upon layers of principles to consider and prioritize. Charity, be it government or church sponsored, has become way too much about glorifying the givers and way too little about offering real solutions.
Truth is, death, poverty, disaster....are all here to stay in this sin sick world. The best solution for everyone suffering is to receive forgiveness for their sins through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and to submit their lives to the God who governs all. That is the unique Christian answer. That is what the church is responsible for. You, as an individual Christian, have God given responsibilities first to your own family and neighbors. Who is needy among them? Can you help them without praise?