The evening was a culmination of an exciting summer workshop for our youth groups. This experience has encouraged personal growth, spiritual enrichment and learning new abilities. These young people have participated in Bible studies, social activities, and learning new skills to enhance their spiritual, educational, and social journeys. They have worked side by side with mentors, staff, and parents

On the evening of August 15, 2007; we were able to utilize these new skills and Bible study materials to present; Nancy Minsky's "Comrades of the Christ ~ Biblical Monologues" Dinner Theater. This stage production is based on those who lived and walked with Jesus. These young people have been involved in all aspects of the production from the ground-up and are were anxious to display their progress to all.

This Summer Youth Project has been a unique experience for all who participated, and Immanuel Lutheran's purpose is to help further the Mission of Immanuel Lutheran Church, "to introduce all people to Jesus Christ and the exhilarating power and undefeatable joy He brings to life. Through exciting worship, dynamic groups, inspiring teaching, and affirming fellowship, we experience God's love and grow in love for one another. The Love of Jesus is found in our love for one another." A project such as this is not accomplished by just raising money, but it does take money and support from the entire community to accomplish this goal. It takes generous contributors like Carrabba's to provide a child with an opportunity such as this. It also this type of generosity to serve the 1,200 + members of our Congregation, the students of our pre-school, to support our partnerships with the Boys & Girls club, and the hundreds of others that use our facility each week to host meeting ranging from Boy Scouts to Weight Watchers. All of whom we are responsible to let know that we are here to help.

As a trained volunteer; I talk to others regularly who have concerns about the future of our children and youth. I have been honored to attend the weekly meetings where we give the students and parents support for all of the skills that they have learned, that truly make an impact on their lives. The self confidence, presentation, and technical skills from stage design to sound and lighting.

The "Comrades of Christ ~ Biblical Monologues" Program benefited our Junior and Senior High Youth on all levels, with your prayers and support providing for this one-time production.

Production Staff

Debbie Hutta ~ Mark Jones ~ Jackie Gyurco ~ John Gyurco ~ Joy Dorman ~ Kathleen Ruby ~ Julie McDaniel ~ John Candrilli ~ Jeannie Ferrara ~ David Carrieire ~ Denny Scruggs

Kitchen Staff

Kelly Shrum, Nick Bianco, Laura Bianco, Danny Bianco, Heather Hoffman, Paige Shrum, Kelly Shrum, Andrew Shrum, Jeff Shrum, Ashley Lindstrom, Jenny Pope, Lauren Moss, Sarah Wacker, Crista Marks, Adriana D'Amiano, Michael D'Amiano, Alessandra D'Amiano, Karin Skoog, Sandy McNiffand many other Senior High Students......

Cast

Katie Riden ~ Mike Ferrara ~ Carley Moss ~ Savannah Ruby ~ Deacon Ron Hughes ~John Higgins ~ Allie Melendez ~ Marty Moss ~ Jim Ager ~ Alison Ruby Nicole Ferrara ~ Destinee Kiser ~ Kaitlyn Dorman ~ Mark Jones ~ Francesca D'Amiano ~ Karen Hutta

On Behalf of Immanuel Lutheran Church - ELCA,

Thank you for your support, and please join us for the next presentation:

Immanuel Lutheran Presents The Hungry Tummy Follies

Collecting food for those in need is not a new idea by any means. You are often asked to donate cans of food or participate in feeding a needy family for the holidays. But the folks at Immanuel Lutheran Church really get into the spirit of giving with their annual Hungry Tummy Follies. The brainchild of Immanuel members, John and Jackie Gyurco the Follies was born in 2003. The couple distributed large paper grocery bags that had on them animals drawn by children in the Sunday School. When these bags were flat, they represented Hungry Tummies. Recipients of these bags generously filled them to the brim with non-perishable food to be donated to Jesus House of Hope for distribution to those in need in Martin County.

Along with the food donations, many caring and talented members of the Church gave their time and talent to perform in the Follies. Many others work behind the scenes to present this production. This event takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving. You deliver your filled bag to the church between 5:45 and 6:45 pm and stay for this unique variety show that we call the Hungry Tummy Follies. The highlight of the program is the presentation of food to Jesus House of Hope. In the past, the church has donated approximately two tons of food each time the even was held.

The inspiration for the Hungry Tummy Follies dates back to a simpler time where people didn't eat unless they planted seeds, worked the land, and harvested the crops. And when the work was done, they gathered together, gave thanks and celebrated the harvest. So it is with the Hungry Tummy Follies. We plant the seeds by distributing the bags and the people of the church and the community fill the bags and then we all gather at the church to celebrate the fruits of our labor with a variety show like none you've seen before.

This is a project that has everything said Jackie Gyurco, spokesperson of the event. We have an opportunity to make an impact in the community by supporting Jesus House of Hope. We all work together from the children on up, to serve our church and community. We celebrate fellowship, service and spiritual growth all at the same time. Gyurco is quick to point out that this is not a unique incident at Immanuel and that many caring members of the Congregation are involved in a variety of on-going ministries. "Come and join us and you'll have a very special Thanksgiving indeed. You will be part of making a difference."

What: Hungry Tummy Follies

When: November 17, 2007

Return bags between 5:45 and 6:45 pm

Pre-show starts at 6:45 pm

Where: Faith Development Center

Immanuel Lutheran Church

2655 SW Immanuel Drive

Palm City

Admission: Large paper grocery bag of non-perishable food

For more information how your business or group can support the bag distribution, or you and/or your child may participate, please call 287-8188.