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This visual prayer is Healing the Sick, a sculpture by Henn Ullric. From the Vanderbilt Digital Library.
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Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. I was blind, but now I see, declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God’s beloved sons and daughters. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives.
See you Sunday,
+ Pastor Michael
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Reading the Scriptures:
The Fourth Sunday in Lent
First Samuel 16:1-13 Psalm 23
Ephesians 5:8-14 John 9:1-41
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Morning Prayer: Discerner of hearts, you look beneath our outward appearance and see your image in each of us. Banish in us the blindness that prevents us from recognizing truth, so we may see the world through your eyes and with the compassion of Jesus Christ who redeems us. Amen.
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Evening Prayer:
God of the living, through baptism we pass from the shadow of death to the light of the resurrection. Remain with us and give us hope that, rejoicing in the gift of the Spirit who gives life to our mortal flesh, we may be clothed with the garment of immortality, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Prayer with Children:
Dear God, sometimes, we think that if you really know everything about us, you might not love us. But Jesus taught us that the opposite is true! We thank you for loving us completely, knowing everything about us. Thank you Jesus! Amen.
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In our prayers:
Paul, Charlie, Tina, Ina, Don, Ashley, Brian, Eric, Nikki, Ahmed, Denny, Theresa, Ken, Richard, Dan, Marlin, Lili, Gabby, John and Sharon, Mary Laura, Liz, Vereen, Alex and Andy, Steve, Ione, Gene, Tom, Joe, Linda, Sue, Bill, Michael, and Velda. We also pray for our bishops, Elizabeth and Wayne.
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Wednesdays in Lent Explore Reformation Themes
As we continue to observe the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, our
Wednesday Evening Prayer services at 6:30 p.m. will help us connect again with this rich heritage. Each week, a different section of Luther's Small Catechism informs the selection of the scripture and the reflection. Combined with the beautiful melodies of Holden Evening Prayer, these brief liturgies will keep our focus on Christ, and the future into which this rich history calls us.
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Community Hour at Ebenezer
Gather following morning worship for coffee fellowship, followed by Community Hour from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
Childcare is provided!
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March 26: “Rituals: How they shape and help us on our journeys through life”
Looking Ahead:
THE MENTAL HEALTH SUBCOMMITTEE PRESENTS’ NAMI – IN OUR OWN VOICE
Join the Mental Health Subcommittee in welcoming NAMI (the National Alliance for Mental Illness). NAMI will present one of their programs, In Our Own Voice, during the Community Hour, on May 7th, 2017 from 11:30am until 12:30pm. At our request. NAMI has put together a minority panel made up of a Gay Male, an African American Male, and a Hispanic Female. Each will tell the story of their journey through their mental health condition. There will be a brief question/answer session at the end.
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Parish Nurse, Health Counselor and Teacher
From Advocate Faith Community Nurse, Marcia Smith
The first responsibility of the parish nurse, as we mentioned in previous e-news, is to help people integrate their faith and health. The next duties as listed in the Advocate Health Care Faith Community Nurse job description are to council and to educate people about health issues both when problems arise and for the promotion of good health.
We think of health as encompassing the whole person, the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. Health issues may range from catastrophic illness to dental hygiene, from aging difficulties to having a baby, from mental illness to grief or loss.
In counseling people about whatever health concerns arise, the parish nurse uses her or his own knowledge and experience to help the individual make good health choices, address difficult decisions or to provide support during a challenging time. The parish nurse draws on other resources when she or he is unable personally to address someone’s concerns. Likewise for health education the parish nurse will consult other resources or bring in experts as needed. Health education can be in a group setting or with individuals, often in informal conversations. The more we know about health and all its dimensions the better equipped we are to achieve and maintain good health.
The pastor sometimes alerts the parish nurse to a health problem someone is experiencing. Or the nurse might notice that someone is distressed. The nurse might discern the need for education regarding certain health topics. Nonetheless, individuals are encouraged to share health concerns or questions openly with your nurse. She is here to serve you and the community. Don’t hesitate to contact your nurse, Marcia Smith. You can email marcia.smith@advocatehealth.com, call 773-743-1831, or complete the questionnaire here.
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Upcoming Youth Group Events
Regular Youth Group: Wednesday, March 22 at Immanuel Lutheran Church
. Dinner is at 6:15pm. Program is from 7-9pm.
Mission, Service, and Learning Trip to Dubuque, IA: Sat., Aug. 5-Thur., Aug. 10
Intergenerational Holy Week Stations of the Cross: Wednesday, April 12, 7:00pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church (1500 W. Elmdale Ave.) Potluck Community Dinner is at 6:15pm. Contact Pastor Emily at pastoremilyh@gmail.com to sign up for dinner.
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Women's Book Group
The Women's Book Group invites participation in their upcoming discussions:
March 20, April 17, and May 15 at 7:15 p.m. Happy reading!
March 20 –
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman
April 17–
Defending Jacob by William Landay
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New Offering Envelopes Available
Ebenezer has discontinued, after March, the mailed offering envelope program. But if you prefer to make your gifts using envelopes, you still can! Send a message to Nathan at
ebenezerbookkeeper@gmail.com, or give him a call at the office, and Ebenezer will provide you with a packet of envelopes for use every week of the year.
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March Senior Ministry Events
Are you 60 years of age or older? At Ebenezer we have a number of programs which are specifically designed for members of our older community. In the month of March you are invited to participate in the events listed below. All you need to do is call the church office at 773-561-8496 and let us know you are coming.
Poetry Reading and Discussion: Mon., March 27, Noon. Bring a sandwich and join us in the Cafe (the room below the sanctuary) as we discuss two poems, this time: The Inferno (excerpt)by Dante Alighieri. Desert will be provided.
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Celebrate the Ebenezer Quasquicentennial!
What’s a
Quasquicentennial? It’s Ebenezer’s 125th Anniversary! A task force is forming now to plan a celebration that has been 125 years in the making. You’ve felt the joy at Sunday service and many other programs housed at 1650 Foster. Help share that joy in a celebration weekend, September 30-October 1. We need your time, talent and special touch. If interested in helping plan the party weekend, contact Pastor Michael, check the box on the Connection Card, send an email to
ebenezerarchives@gmail.com.
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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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It's Time to Update the Directory!
Periodically, Ebenezer publishes a directory to help members and friends stay connected. Distributed only to members and friends of the congregation (and never posted online), it helps us stay connected to one another. There are two ways to submit the information you’d like included:
By email: Send a message with your preferred name(s) (including kids if applicable), address, phone number(s), and email to:
ebenezerbookkeeper@gmail.com. Include “directory” in the subject, and
only include information you’d like published.
Using the Communication Sheet. Follow the above instructions but on the “purple sheet” and place it in the offering, writing “directory” on top. Even if you information hasn’t changed, participating will help us confirm our records, and know exactly what you’d like published. Thanks!
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Looking Ahead: Lent, Holy Week & Easter
Save the dates for this Sacred Season.
Lent Evening Prayer: Wednesdays March 29 and April 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Palm Sunday: April 9 at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Intergenerational Stations of the Cross: Wednesday, April 12, 7:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church (1500 W. Elmdale Ave.) Potluck Community Dinner is at 6:15pm. Contact Pastor Emily at pastoremilyh@gmail.com to sign up for dinner.
Maundy Thursday: April 13 at 12:15 p.m. (brief service in the Sanctuary) and 7:00 p.m. (which includes a simple dinner in the Dining Room).
Good Friday: April 14 at 12:15 and 7:00 p.m.
Children's Triduum: Saturday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. An experience of the three days especially for children.
Easter Vigil: Saturday, April 15, 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday: 6:00 and 10:00 a.m., with an Easter Breakfast Potluck at 9:00 a.m. No 5:00 p.m. service on Easter.
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Community and Announcments
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Benefit Concert for Augusta Victoria Hospital
On my second visit to the Holy Land, not only did we see where Jesus lived and walked, we also saw where His work is still going on today. One of those places is Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives. This hospital is owned by the Lutheran World Federation and gives life saving care for adults and children with cancer and kidney disease.
On Sunday, April 30, 3:00 pm, at Luther Memorial Church, 2500 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, we are honored to have Ali Paris perform for a Benefit Concert for Augusta Victoria Hospital and their life-saving work with children in the West Bank and Gaza. Quincy Jones describes Ali as an “unrivaled unique artist.” There are only a handful of people who have mastered the Qanun, a 76-string zither dating back to the 14th century. NO TICKETS - FREE WILL OFFERING AT THE DOOR.
We are thankful to our sponsors, Luther Memorial Church, Ethnic Specific & Multicultural Ministries of the ELCA and Metro Chicago Synod’s Working Group on the Middle East, for supporting Ali’s appearance so that
ALL your Door Offerings will go directly to help children at Augusta Victoria Hospital.
Checks may be made payable to:
ELCA.
In the memo portion:
Gmg 0739 Augusta Victoria Hospital.
You may also mail to:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, ELCA Gift Processing Center,
P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116-8009
AVH serves very poor, mostly Palestinian, people. It is supposed to be paid for this care by the Palestinian Authority after the Israeli government gives back the taxes it has collected. Unfortunately that is not a steady stream of income and insurance is not available to most. Your supporting this concert by coming, making a donation or sending in a check, will allow the hospital to remain open and keep
saving lives.
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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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