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1650 W. Foster Ave., Chicago IL
(773) 561-8496
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This visual prayer is
The Wedding Banquet
by an unknown Dutch artist, 1525. From the Vanderbilt Digital Library.
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In Isaiah this week, we are given a vision of a feast that draws all people into God's embrace of love and peace. In Matthew, we are given a parable that ends with a poorly dressed guest weeping with gnashing teeth. What IS the vision of God's reign? And how can we make sense of these... and so many other... competing visions?
See you Sunday!
+ Pastor Michael
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Reading the Scriptures:
The 19th Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 25:1-9 Psalm 23
Philippians 4:1-9 Matthew 22:1-14
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Morning Prayer:
Redeeming Sustainer, visit your people and pour out your strength and courage upon us, that we may hurry to make you welcome not only in our concern for others, but by serving them generously and faithfully in your name. Amen.
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Evening Prayer:
Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out life with such abundance that death cannot claim the triumph over your universe. Call us again to your banquet where we may receive your holy food, and strengthened by what is honorable, just, and pure, be transformed into a people of righteousness and peace.
Amen.
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Prayer with Children:
Dear God, you love a feast! Help us to enjoy the food you provide, and company of friends and family, and to give thanks to you. Thank you Jesus! Amen.
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In our prayers:
Beth, Michael, Debbie, Dan, Lili, John and Sharon, Mary, Pastor Geoffrey, Joshua, Steve, Ione, Tom, Donna, Theo, Velda, Paul, Charlie, Ina, John, Ashley, Ann, Don, Kyle, Bob, Ashley, Brian, Eric, Nikki, Howard, Ahmed, Denny, Theresa, Richard, and Jody; Those in the fire areas in California; Those suffering in Puerto Rico.
We also pray for our bishops, Elizabeth and Wayne.
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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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Children's Sunday School Sunday at 9:45 a.m.
This year, we are changing the location of Sunday school from the 2nd floor Auditorium to the Education Center (lower level below the sanctuary, or main church building). We will still begin with music at 9:45, and kids will return to the worship service during the Hymn of the Day (approximately 10:35) to join their families for the Children's Talk and Holy Communion. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity (teaching, assisting, music, art, drama, other special skills, too!), please contact Kris May at
kristinehmay@gmail.com
.
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Consider Joining the Ebenezer Choir!
Everyone
is welcome to participate in singing and fellowship Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the choir room. Can't always make it to rehearsal? Don't let it be a barrier to your participation. Speak to John Elmquist with any questions.
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October 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!
October 15 and 22: Luther's Small Catechism.
We'll continue and conclude a contemporary look at Luther's seminal work of faith instruction.
October 29 - The Ebenezer Ministry Fair!
Ebenezer's many teams, committees, groups, and ministries will be on display and talking about their important work. Learn more and consider where God might be calling YOU to get connected!
November 5 - All-Saints Sunday Potluck.
Gather in the Dining Room after
worship to share food and
fellowship. Bring a dish that reminds
you of a departed friend or family
member... you'll even have the option to
fill out a serving card that tells that story to others.
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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!
Please come join us OCTOBER 12!! 7:00 pm—8:30 pm
For more information , please call Ashley at 773-428-1521
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Senior Programs in October
All Seniors are welcome to participate in the programs listed below. Call the church office at
773-561-8496
and let us know you are coming.
Monthly Luncheon: Thursday, October 19, 12:00 p.m.
Join us in the Cafe (the room below the sanctuary) for lunch and the next epidode of our 2017-18 program series:
The Gift of Years: Future and Agelessness.
Lunch will be provided and you can give a free will donation if you wish. Our Parish Nurse will check blood pressures and Ralph will anoint and offer prayers.
Monthly Poetry Reading and Discussion: Monday, October 24, 12:00 p.m.
Bring a sandwich and join us in the Cafe as we discuss a poem that Vereen Nordstrom will share with us. Desert will be provided.
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Parking and Trumbull Redevelopment Update.
Trumbull School’s sale to a development company has closed. The plan for residential apartments and a professional theatre in the existing building is moving forward. This is a reminder that as of now, Ebenezer does not have an agreement with the new owners for use of the parking lot. We’ll keep you updated should an arrangement become possible.
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Wednesday Morning Devotions and Evening Prayer
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!
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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!
October 16:
Euphoria
by Lily King
November 20:
Commonwealth
by Ann Patchett
December 18 –
Atonement
by Ian McEwan
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Spirituality Small Groups at Ebenezer – That’s It!
Who hasn’t search for something but simply don’t know what it is? Sometimes stepping into a small circle allows us to get off that perimeter.
If you’re nodding in agreement, Ebenezer Spirituality Small Groups may be a find for you. Groups of 6 - 9 people meet twice a month for 5 months to talk, share, listen, study, and pray. Our purpose is to know another and support one another through listening, sharing, praying, and being present. The schedule starts up again this month and if you are ready now or want to at least get on the interest list, please let us know (Bev Albert, Darlene Erickson, Janet Lundblad, Don McCrary, or Pastor Michael).
"We need places to pray as if someone were listening, to study as if we might learn something worth writing on our hearts....."
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Stained Glass Restoration and Preservation: UPDATE!
The first work run for the sanctuary stained glass restoration began on July 31 and ended on August 12th. This first run included the restoration and repair of the Gothic windows (tall skinny ones). The second run
will begin October 20 and conclude two weeks later with a finished project!
This project will ensure many more years of beauty and light in a sacred space that serves our neighbors. You can still support this exciting project! Make a gift to the 125th Anniversary
Capital Campaign
today!
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Mental Health First Aid Course to be Offered
Many, many people experience mental health problems. These range from mild to severe and vary greatly in their symptoms. Most of us have friends, family or neighbors who live with these challenges. Many of us would like to help them, but don’t know how. In the Mental Health First Aid class you will learn about the different kinds of mental illness. You will learn to recognize their signs and learn how best to respond.
Saturday, November 4
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Ebenezer Lutheran Church
1650 W. Foster Avenue
The fee is $20 or pay what you can. Textbook and lunch are included.
To register contact Parish Nurse Marcia Smith RN at 773-743-1831 or
Marcia.smith@advocatehealth.com or our instructor Stephanie Frank LCSW at 773-807-9515. Space is limited so register soon!
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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.
Edgewater Youth Coalition Pumpkin Craze Event
@Abbey Farms in Aurora, IL
,
Sat., Oct. 21
.
We will meet at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 5 p.m. to leave by 5:15 p.m. We will return by 11:15 p.m. (Eat before you come or bring extra money to pay for food at the farm.)
Cost: $7 per person. Let Pastor Emily know if you need scholarship for this event.
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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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John Elmquist Composition to be featured on WFMT.
On Monday, October 16 at 8 p.m.,
Live from WFMT
will present the Kontras String Quartet performing a piece by John Elmquist inspired by shape-note singing. (The piece will also be played during worship in January.)
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Joint Lutheran/Catholic Covenant Renewal Service: Oct.31, 7 p.m., at Holy Name Cathedral.
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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.
The office is closed on Monday, October 9, to honor Indigenous Peoples' Day.
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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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