Worship on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
May 19, 2019
1650 W. Foster Ave., Chicago IL
(773) 561-8496
 Greetings!
Global Refugee Mural
Joel Bergner, 2009
Fifth Sunday of Easter
" Easter initiates a new day. It anticipates a new heaven and a new earth. The risen Lord is making all things new. In the mystery of holy baptism God has made new people of us. Today the Lord Jesus invites us to see everyone in a new light—through the lens of love. "

See you Sunday!
Sharing Faith at Home
Morning Prayer: Creator of the universe, you made the world in beauty, and restore all things in glory through the victory of Jesus Christ. We pray that, wherever your image is still disfigured by poverty, sickness, selfishness, war and greed, the new creation in Jesus Christ may appear in justice, love, and peace, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Evening Prayer: Alpha and Omega, First and Last, glory outshining all the lights of heaven: pour out upon us your Spirit of faithful love and abundant compassion, so that we may rejoice in the splendor of your works while we wait in expectation for the new heaven and the new earth you promise when Christ shall come again. Amen.
Prayer with Children: Dear Jesus , we are your disciples, and you visit us in small and big ways each and every day. Help us to look for signs that you are with us. Amen.
In our prayers: Rendon family, Ina, Susan, Lili, Gloria, Monroe, John and Sharon, Chuck, Howard, Jody, Barbara, Dick, Ashley, Debbie, Linda, Charlie, Barbara, Dan, Belita, Eileen, Andrea, Wesley, Jack, Max, Velda, Paul. We also pray for our bishops, Elizabeth and Wayne.
Acts 11:1-18   •   Psalm 148   •   Revelation 21:1-6   •   John 13:31-35
Celebrations, Concerns, and Condolences...
If you have items you'd like shared in this section, email Pastor Michael . Names may be added or removed from the prayer list by contacting Pam S .

For Jack, who is recovering from a fall.
For the Johnson Family as they mourn the death of Tim's father.
This Week's Commemorations
Helena, mother of Constantine, died around 330
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Influenced by her son to become Christian, Helena (or Helen) lived an exemplary life of faith. She is also remembered for traveling through Palestine building churches on the sites she believed to be associated with Christ's life.

Nicolaus Copernicus, died 1543; Leonhard Euler, died 1783; scientists
Friday, May 24, 2019
These two men were both scientists who helped to explain the wonders of God's universe. Copernicus is best known for promoting the idea that the sun, not the earth, is at the center of our solar system. Euler was one of the founders of pure mathematics, and contributed to many other fields.
Ebenezer in Mission
Baptized Sunday…
Camden Wesley, child of Ellis and Joshua Lester. Sponsors are McClain Goodwin and Talah Goodwin. Welcome!
Community Hour at Ebenezer
Sundays from 11:15 – 12:15 a.m. downstairs in the Education Center.
May 19: End of the Program Year Celebration Picnic
The church will provide hot dogs, veggie dogs, buns, condiments and chips. If you are able please bring a side dish or a dessert to share. We'll gather in the Dining Room / Play Lot on the east side of the building. Rain or Shine!

June 2:The Justice Committee will host a mini workshop called "1000 Paper Cuts, 1000 Feathers", subtitled "Micro Aggressions, Micro Affirmations"
This project is a continuation of our Anti-Racism initiative as we expand the concept of racism to include a wide range of issues and different groups who are marginalized. Microaggressions has been defined as "brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to certain individuals because of their group membership". This project is about showing how these comments create and enforce uncomfortable, violent and unsafe realities onto peoples' workplace, home, school, childhood/adolescence/adulthood and public transportation/space environments.

Join us to have a purposeful discussion and for an opportunity to learn and grow while fulfilling Christ's call to "love one another."
Holiday Weekend Schedule Reminders
There is no 5 p.m. Sunday liturgy on May 26 th . The office is closed for Memorial Day on Monday, May 27 th .
Support Pastor Betty Rendón and her family

ELCA Synodical Minister Pastor Betty Rendón and her family were arrested last week and have been detained. Pastor Betty, her husband, daughter, and 5 year old granddaughter, attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Edgewater and granddaughter was baptized there before Pr. Betty started her position at Emaus Lutheran Church in Racine, WI.
Pr. Betty’s daughter, who is legally protected by DACA, has been released to be reunited with her daughter. Pr. Betty and her husband are still detained. 
This has been incredibly traumatic for the entire family. In addition to legal funds, Pr. Betty’s daughter and granddaughter will need financial support for basic needs (their house was left unlocked by ICE officers after the ICE raid and they were robbed.)

Please consider supporting the family in the following ways:

1. Funds to help the family with legal and other expenses can be sent directly to:
Emaus ELCA Good Samaritan Fund 
1925 Summit Ave
Racine WI 53404.
Checks should be designated to Rendon Family Fund.
More information will later be provided for online contributions.

2. Cards and notes of encouragement can be sent to:
Betty Rendon
Kenosha County Detention Center
4777 88th Ave
Kenosha WI 53144

You can find out more details about what happened here
Ebenezer Parents Group
Join us for our next gathering of parents of infants and toddlers on May 19th. We will share parenting joys, frustrations and ideas, as well as offer support to one another. For more information contact Marcia Smith, parish nurse at  parishnursemarcia@gmail.com  or 773-743-1831.

The gathering Sunday will be at the picnic. Parent's who wish may gather with Marcia during the picnic meal
Women's Book Group
Women's Book Group meets at 7:00 p.m. in the Education Center Cafe. Come join the conversation!

May 20: Ordinary Grace by William Krueger
Vacation Bible School 
 
"Who is My Neighbor?" (ELCA World Hunger)
 
Where : Immanuel Lutheran Church: 1500 W. Elmdale Chicago, IL

When : Monday, June 24th-Thursday, June 27th (1pm-4pm)
Registration and Free lunch begin at 12:30 Ages 5 years to 6th Grade

Who : Children from Ebenezer, Immanuel, and Unity Lutheran Churches, as well as children from the neighborhood.  Ages 5 years to 6th Grade; 3-4-year-olds may come with an adult.

What : Bible Stories! Songs! Crafts! Games! Service Projects! Snacks and Stories from our neighbors around the world! Bring a friend!

Registration forms can be found on the welcome table in the narthex or here
VBS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!  
Contact Pastor Emily Heitzman at  pastoremilyh@gmail.com  if you are interested in learning about volunteer opportunities. 
 
Contact Pastor Emily Heitzman for further information or to sign up at  pastoremilyh@gmail.com .
Edgewater Congregations Together Youth Group
Edgewater Congregations Together Youth Group meets at Immanuel Lutheran Church (1500 W. Elmdale Ave.)
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month
Dinner - 6:15 pm; Program - 7:00-8:30 pm; Free Time - 8:30-9:00 pm

Edgewater Congregations Together Youth Group consists of youth in grades 6th-12th 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 .
Annual Edgewater Congregations Together Youth-Led Ascension Service
Thursday, May 30, 7:00pm
Light reception will follow worship
Unity Lutheran Church (1212 W. Balmoral Ave.)
 
A special offering will be collected to support the youth going to Iowa for the youth mission/service and learning trip.  
Edgewater Congregations Together Young Adults Group
Young adults (18 years old through early 30s) from Unity, Ebenezer, and Immanuel Lutheran churches, as well as others from the community, will be gathering once a month for social events, service projects, and faith and life discussions. 

Our Next Two Young Adults Events Will Be:
 
Andersonville Midsommer Fest: Sunday, June 9, 12pm – 3pm
Meet at Ebenezer (1650 W. Paulina) in the Education Center (below the sanctuary). We will gather for lunch (provided) from 12-12;30pm. At 12:30pm, we will walk over to the Andersonville Midsommer Fest on Clark St. and hang out at the festival until 3pm. Bring $10 for admission fee for the Midsommer Fest and any additional money you wish to spend on snacks, vendors, beverages, etc. (Let Pastor Emily know if you need scholarship assistance for the admission fee.)  
 
March in Pride Parade  (with the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches) : Sunday, June 30, following worship until end of Pride Parade (around 3 or 4pm.)  Pastor Emily will be heading to the train from Immanuel Lutheran following worship. You can do any of the following:
  • Meet Pastor Emily at Immanuel (1500 W. Elmdale) at 11:30am and walk to the train with her
  • Meet others who are marching in the parade at Ebenezer or Unity following their worship services and head to the train from there. You will meet Pastor Emily at the Coalition of Welcoming Churches starting point. 
  • Meet Pastor Emily at the Coalition of Welcoming Churches starting point.
PLEASE LET PASTOR EMILY KNOW WHAT YOU PLAN TO DO. 
TIPS:  Bring lunch, snacks and water bottle with you.

If you are a young adult and would like to connect with other young adults in the area, please contact Pastor Emily Heitzman at  pastoremilyh@gmail.com   to learn how you can get involved and/or to sign up.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Ebenezer Lutheran young adult Kjell Johnson, who participated in the Special Olympics Illinois Region D Spring Games last week! He placed 6th in the softball throw and 2nd in the 100m run.
Wellness Screening
The annual Wellness Screening is now beginning. This is a great opportunity to have low cost screening blood tests done thanks to Health Maintenance Institute (HMI) and, if interested, a chance to discuss your results in detail with doctors from Advocate Health Care. The testing will be done at your convenience at any of several Quest Labs from May 1 st until June 1 st. The follow-up event to learn more about what your results mean will be Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m. at Immanuel. Here is what you need to do:

  • To sign-up for the screening call HMI at 847-635-6580 or email psc@hmi.health.
  • You will receive the necessary form to fill out and return to HMI.
  • Payment is due before you visit the lab. Once HMI receives your form and payment they will send you a confirmation order and further instructions to visit the lab for your screening.
  • You will receive results in the mail within 2 weeks after testing.
  • Bring results with you when you come for the follow-up on Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m.at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1500 W. Elmdale, Chicago. A physician will be present to answer questions you may have about your test results. Snacks will be provided!

Questions? Contact Marcia Smith at 773-743-1831 or parishnursemarcia@gmail.com .
Click here for more information
Ebenezer Refugee Support
Ebenezer’s support group works with newly arrived refugees in the Rogers Park and Edgewater area. Sponsoring agencies offer a minimum of initial help when families first arrive. Ebenezer’s group works to fill the gap until families are self-supporting. To see a list of items needed and sign up to donate them, click here. Check back periodically. The list is updated as families’ needs change. Cash donations can be made out to Ebenezer Lutheran Church with the notation of Refugee Fund on the memo line. Questions can be directed to  Jackie Wood or text at 773-484-3923. or call Norm Dynneson at 773-218-8729

To learn more, visit the Facebook Page for the group here. Or, contact Norm D.
Small Groups at Ebenezer
Are you interested in learning more about the Small Group ministry at Ebenezer? Current members of the small groups gather…
  • To get to know one another and become a caring community.
  • To support one another through listening, sharing, praying, and being present to one another.
  • To discover meaning in God’s word and apply it to our lives.
  • To enjoy one another’s uniqueness and take responsibility for our own adventure in Christian growth.

We are happy to announce a fourth small group that will meet on a week day morning determined by the group. If you are interested in making a commitment or learning more please contact Bev, Darlene, Janet, or Pastor Michael:
Bev Albert:            bkalbert925@yahoo.com , 773-392-1619
Darlene Erickson: dre5531@att.net , 773-315-8738
Janet Lundblad:      janetlundblad@sbcglobal.net , 773-203-8368
Michael Fick:         michaelfick@gmail.com , 773-561-8496
Esprit:  A Support Group for People Recovering or Supporting Others with Mental Health Issues

Esprit welcomes anyone affected by mental illness and makes available a spiritual circle to share, listen, learn, be heard and renewed.

MONTHLY gatherings are 2nd and 4th Thursdays 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
October 11, 2018-May 23rd, 2019

For more information, please contact Ashley at 773/428-1521 or ashley.frigerio@gmail.com
Community and Announcements
Give with Goodshop and Amazon Smile
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!

Also, Ebenezer is designated as a recipient for Smile dollars on Amazon. Any shopping you do on Amazon can benefit Ebenezer! Simply register at smile.amazon.com and designate us... same great shopping, but we receive .5% of your purchase amount!
Regular Spring Office Hours
Monday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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.
Do you or someone you know need someone to talk to?  
Confidential live chat or phone support available:  http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 
Additional resources are available here:  http://www.lutheransuicideprevention.org