Poised for growth, Emanuel has an unparalled opportunity to become debt-free for the first time in almost 15 years

Update: With generous assistance from its mission partner congregations, Emanuel met the Freedom Challenge by its deadline and is now debt-free

(August 2001)--Ever since 1987, when an impoverished Emanuel had to borrow more than $100,000 to repair its roof and steeple, the church has struggled with a crushing burden of debt. With its surrounding neighborhood in chaos, the church was sometimes unable even to pay the interest on the loan.

Now, the ELCA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, and the Mission Fund have offered to match Emanuel's contributions almost two to one, with a deadline of the end of October, 2001. If Emanuel can raise $32,000 by this time, it will be debt-free for the first time in almost 15 years.

This opportunity comes at a critical time in Emanuel's history. After more than two decades of steady decline, the Southwark Plaza housing development has been revitalized as The Courtyard Apartments at Riverview. Emanuel has seen slow but steady growth in membership over the past three years, with a corresponding increase in congregational giving. Designated a focus congregation by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod in its jubilee year, it is preparing to call its first full-time pastor in a decade.