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1650 W. Foster Ave., Chicago IL
(773) 561-8496
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Our readings during November speak of the end times. Zephaniah proclaims that the coming day of the Lord will be filled with wrath and distress. Paul says it will come like a thief in the night and urges us to be awake and sober. Jesus tells the parable of the talents, calling us to use our gifts, while we still have time, for the greater and common good. In a world filled with violence and despair, we gather around signs of hope—word, water, bread and wine—eager to welcome the good news of Christ’s coming among us.
See you Sunday!
+ Pastor Michael
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This visual prayer is:
Parable of the Talents
by Annette Gandy Fortt. From the Vanderbilt digital library.
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Reading the Scriptures:
24th Sunday after Pentecost
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 90:1-8, 12
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30
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Morning Prayer:
God of the covenant, even when we fall into sin, your Spirit invites us to remember that you chose us to be your servant people. Awaken us to the power and gifts you pour into us for the good of creation, and grant that we may be trustworthy in all things, producing abundantly as we work to build your realm.
Amen.
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Evening Prayer:
You, O God, are our dwelling-place from generation to generation, our shield from anguish and distress. You arm us as children of light with the hope of salvation, and you protect us by your love. Give us grace to build up and encourage one another, as we seek wisdom and abundant life in the strength of your Word and the assurance of your Spirit.
Amen.
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Prayer with Children:
Dear God, sometimes, we just can't make things work the way we want them to. Help us to know that when we are frustrated, you are there, loving and encouraging. Thank you Jesus! Amen.
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In our prayers:
Shanthi, Michael, Debbie, Dan, Lili, John and Sharon, Mary, Pastor Geoffrey, Joshua, Steve, Ione, Tom, Donna, Theo, Velda, Paul, Charlie, Ina, John, Ashley, Bob, Ashley, Brian, Eric, Nikki, Howard, Anna, Monroe, Don, Ahmed, Denny, Theresa, Richard, Jody, Beth, Kyle's Family and Friends.
We also pray for our bishops, Elizabeth and Wayne.
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Community Hour Schedule
Community Hour is usually from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sundays in the Education Center, following coffee fellowship. Childcare is available!
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November 19: Stewardship Team
While reflecting on our recently observed anniversaries - Ebenezer's 125th and the Reformation's 500th - the Stewardship Team was drawn to Hebrews 13:8 where Paul reminds us of the eternal nature of God in Christ by declaring that
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
This verse has been established as the point of departure for this year's stewardship focus and discussion because its truth gives us the freedom and confidence to ask challenging questions of ourselves as individuals and as a community. We will use the evaluative prompt "Cut - Keep - Start" as a tool through which to imagine our individual and collective stewardship.
November 26:
The Great O Antiphons of Advent.
Join Pastor Michael for a discussion of these ancient Advent images as we prepare for this sacred season.
December 3 and 10: Getting to Know Our Eritrean Neighbors.
The Eritrean Orthodox community has shared space with Ebenezer for the past 15 years. On December 3 and 10 Faith Formation will offer an opportunity to learn about Eritrea, their culture , history, challenges and hear from some of their young people. On Dec. 3 Norm Dynneson will describe the history of this area of Africa and the events that have created the country of Eritrea today. Eritrea is described as the most insular country in the world with less freedom than North Korea. Learning about conditions today helps us understand the stressors our Eritrean friends face.
On Dec. 10 three Eritreans who were born there, immigrated to America, attended Ebenezer’s tutoring program and are now working will give you a glimpse in to their culture, religion and life as a child in Eritrea.
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Thanksgiving Dinner at Ebenezer:
Thursday, Nov. 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the Dining Room.
Last year, we enjoyed a rich and bountiful dinner with a large crowd of friends! Everyone is welcome. Those who are able are asked to contribute a side dish or dessert. Please see the sign up sheets in the narthex. Everyone is welcome, and please, bring friends!
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November Senior Ministry Events
At Ebenezer we have two monthly programs for the senior members and attenders of our congregation. All seniors are welcome. All you need to do is call the church office at 773-561-8496 and let us know you are coming.
Monthly Poetry Reading and Discussion
: Monday, November 27, 12:00 p.m.Bring a sandwich and join us in the Cafe (below the sanctuary) as we discuss two poems this time: November 1938 (excerpt) by Paula Tatarunis and God is a Pure Nothing by Angelus Silesius.
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Lutheran Disaster Response: How you can help
Please stand by our neighbors as they begin the long road to recovering from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, as well as earthquake victims in Mexico, and fire recovery efforts in California.
Click
here
to learn how you can support their efforts.
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Esprit:
A Support Group for People Recovering from Mental Health Issues
We at Ebenezer welcome everyone into our spiritual circle. We know that most everyone has experienced or supported someone with mental health issues. We also recognize that we all need a circle of support in our lives. Ebenezer strives to create a place where all can come, share, listen, learn and be renewed.
We meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each Month! 7:00 pm—8:30 pm
For more information , please call Ashley at 773-428-1521
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Coffee Fellowship: YOU can serve!
Most Sundays, we gather following the 10:00 a.m. liturgy for simple snacks and treats and coffee. We're in need of more hosts! This is an easy and meaningful way to serve your church community and get to know new people, and you can serve often or only occasionally. Contact
Jen to learn more or sign up!
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NO Wednesday Morning Devotions and Evening Prayer this week.
We gather at 9 a.m. for 30 minutes of Bible study, and at 6:30 p.m. for Vespers (Evening Prayer). Everyone's welcome when we return after Thanksgiving.
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Women's Book Group
The Women's Book Group invites participation in their upcoming discussions:
at 7:15 p.m. Happy reading!
November 20:
Commonwealth
by Ann Patchett
December 18 –
Atonement
by Ian McEwan
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Parish Nurse Seeks Helpers!
Our parish nurse ministry is developing and evolving. Inspiration is moving us to try some new things. In order to help meet the needs of parishioners and to help make new programs succeed, it would be great to know who is able and interested in volunteering. There are many ways to help. For example:
Giving people rides, to church, the store, doctor appointments, etc; Bringing meals to people when needed due to surgery, illness, family crisis, etc; Being a banquet bearer, that is, taking communion to people unable to come to church; Assisting in organizing events, programs.
Volunteering can be very occasional or frequent, whatever works for you. The more folks we have to draw from the less often anyone would be called on to do so.
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Youth Group Update
Edgewater Congregations Together Youth Group!
Youth Group consists of youth in grades 6
th
-12
th
from Unity, Immanuel, and Ebenezer Lutheran Churches in the neighborhood of Edgewater. During the school year, they gather on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Immanuel Lutheran Church for a meal, games, faith discussions, and worship. For more information, contact Pastor Emily at pastoremilyh@gmail.com.
“Parent’s Night Out!” –
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Saturdays: Dec 2., March 3, and April 21 from 4:00-8:00pm
@Immanuel Lutheran Church (1500 W. Elmdale Ave.)
Ages: 2 1/2 years-5th grade
Suggested Donation:
$15 for one child, $20 for two children, $25 for more than two children.
Enjoy a night out for a good cause! While parents/guardians have a night out, children will be in a safe environment doing fun activities led by Pastor Emily Heitzman, the church youth group, and several other adult church members.
Children should bring a sack dinner to eat during the evening.
All proceeds will help send several of our youth group high schoolers to travel to Houston, Texas this June for the triennial ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) Youth Gathering. This is a powerful and life-changing event, where our youth will gather with 30,000+ other Lutheran youth for worship, justice, and service work in and around Houston. As we have seen this fall, Hurricane Harvey has devastated Houston and its surrounding areas. Thus, not only will your financial contribution help our youth get to the youth gathering, but it will also help Houston get back on its feet post-Harvey. Imagine how much of an impact 30,000+ people can make in doing service projects, Hurricane relief work, and by putting money into Houston’s economy: hotels, transportation, food, hired workers for the event, etc.?!
To register or inquire with any questions:
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Facilities Feedback
Ebenezer's facilities are busier than ever, which is both a gift and a challenge! To help us understand areas where cleaning and repair could be improved, you are invited to use this
form to provide feedback to Jesse, our sexton. This is a more reliable method than verbal reports to staff or volunteers on Sundays, when our focus in on worship. Please let us know how we can continue to make Ebenezer a place of hospitality for all! The link is also available at any time at the Ebenezer Facilities
webpage.
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Community and Announcments
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Give with Goodshop
Shopping online at
goodshop.org allows you to do the shopping you'd do anyway at your favorite sites, while supporting the ministry at Ebenezer! Simply register and then select Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Chicago, as the beneficiary of the donation Goodshop makes when you shop through their site. Check it out today!
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Office Hours
Monday-Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Closed Friday.
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Our Mission:
God calls Ebenezer to be a Christian home for all who seek the sustaining nature of the Holy Spirit, to demonstrate faith and trust in God through the ministry of its people, and to let Christ's model of service, justice and love give expression to how we share God's gift with the world.
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Do you or someone you know need someone to talk to?
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