Our September 8th fundraising event netted $16,174.

In November, 2006 Bishop Daniel Deng Bul, of the Sudan, was in Chicago to attend our Diocesan Convention. We learned that the one thing most needed in Southern Sudan was health care. Emmanuel's Global Outreach Committee embraced the idea of building a medical clinic. Thus, with Vestry approval and support Emmanuel held "An Evening for Sudan" on September 8, 2007 under a tent on the front lawn of Emmanuel Church.

It was very well attended by our congregation and friends totaling over 100 people. God blessed us with beautiful weather, great food and wonderful fellowship. We held both a live and a silent auction with many homemade and beautiful items to sell. The highlight of the evening were our very special guests. We were priviledged to have some of the "lost boys" with us. They entertained us with music and charmed us with their stories and their smiles.

Fr. Joseph Grang Atem, principle of the Renk Theological College in the Sudan had just flown to Chicago that afternoon for a series of visits in the USA. He came directly to Emmanuel to share his thoughts and to bring a special message to us. He thanked us for our efforts for what it will mean to the future of Sudan. He challenged us to realize the goal of raising $5,000 to build the clinic, and that if we succeeded, he would see that the clinic was named "Emmanuel." Well, indeed we did! With the help of our church family and friends we raised $16,000. As our name indicates...God was with us.

In mid-October Jean Owen, a parishioner of Emmanuel, met with Fr. Joseph, prior to his return home. Jean presented him with a banner like the one Emmanuel's has of Sally Weaver's artwork depicting what this endeavor means to all of us. He will see that it reaches our sister parish St. John in Melut. Jean is now able to be in e-mail contact with Fr. Joseph and we are determining how much USD it will take to drill for a well, as of course water is needed for a clinic. The site of the clinic is to be determined by Bishop Daniel. Once the amount for the well is determined, we will send that along with the $5,000 to build the clinic as well as the salary of $2,400 for the priest of St. John. The Global Outreach Committee will monitor this closely and continue to make sure plans for the next phase of this endeavor.

Jean Owen thanks each and every one of you and all our friends who joined us, for your contribution. Whatever anyone was able to give contributed to a magical evening. Many thanks to some wonderful teenagers who spent a part of their summer making the most beautiful jewelry. They raised about $2,000 themselves. Also to our own "Fun Squad" and Ellen Busch for their help as well.

This experience of Global Outreach has enriched our lives and broadened our understanding of what it means to give of ourselves. Jean's grateful and heartfelt thanks go to Emmanuel's Global Outreach Committee: Louise and Chris Meyer, Susan and Carl Galletti, Janet Doyle, Jim Beyer, Carole Polacek and Ann Hileman. What extraordinary people able to bring about extraordinary results! The very heart of Christianity is ever present in this congregation and Jean would like to close with this prayer.

Dear Lord, thank you for the Time, Talent and Treasure you have given us. Guide us in sharing in all realms of our lives so that we can know the joy of being faithful stewards of your gifts. Amen.