Diocesan News Releases
Emmanuel, Coos Bay Thanked by Oregon National Guard for contributions to Afghani Children
By Deirdre Steinberg
Jul 25, 2007, 15:38

The Rev. Steve Tyson (center) receives a plaque of appreciation from General Douglas Pritt (left) of the Oregon National Guard honoring Emmanuel, Coos Bay's contributions of money and knitted wool hats to Afghani children. With them is Anne Larmer, convener of Emmanuel’s knitting group.

General Douglas Pritt, the Oregon Air National Guard’s commander of Task Force Phoenix in Afghanistan, was on hand, Sunday, June 17, at Emmanuel, Coos Bay’s 10:00 a.m. service to present a plaque of appreciation to the congregation and its rector, the Rev. Steve Tyson, for their contributions on behalf of the children of Afghanistan. 

The congregation raised $5,200, which was used to buy children’s coats and shoes. In addition, parish members knitted 210 wool caps which were  distribute to children for use during the sometimes severe winters there .

“General Pritt told us that our gifts were used to buy coats for children who have never had coats and shoes for children who had never had shoes,” said Tyson. “He said our gifts also bought paper and pens so these children could really write instead of spelling out words in the dust, which they normally must do  because of lack of supplies in their schools. General Pritt’s visit was really an honor for us. He is a very real person who helped us help others.  Together we made a difference for some very real people.”

In other news from Emmanuel, the congregation held its first U2charist on Sunday, June 10. “The congregation’s Contemporary Music Group worked hard to learn the music and we invited the public to join us for a Eucharist accompanied by music from the group U2,” said Tyson. “Although the turnout was less than spectacular—only about 35 people attended—the offering was  more than $ 1,200, which  we donated to Church World Service to be used to provide food for the refugees in Darfur, Africa.”