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1650 W. Foster Ave., Chicago IL
(773) 561-8496
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John the Baptist preaching in the desert
JESUS MAFA
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"
Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s prophecy could as easily herald the coming Lord Jesus as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of the Lord and assist all flesh in capturing a vision of the 'salvation of God.'
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See you Sunday!
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Morning Prayer:
God of timeless grace, you fill us with joyful expectation. Make us ready for the message that prepares the way, that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
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Evening Prayer:
Out of the embrace of mercy and righteousness, you have brought forth joy and dignity for your people, O Holy One of Israel. Remember now your ancient promise: make straight the paths that lead to you, and smooth the rough ways, that in our day we might bring forth your compassion for all humanity. Amen.
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Prayer with Children:
Dear Jesus, thank you for John the Baptist, who God sent ahead of you to show everyone the way to you. Help us to make a way for others who you love.
Amen.
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In our prayers:
Barbara, Pam, Dan, Ron, Major, Belita, Aimee, Velda, Paul, Ina, Lili, Gloria, Monroe, John and Sharon, Bob, Lauren, Gordon, Justice, Ashley, Carolyn, Jennifer, Charlie, Howard, Jody, Barbara, Dick, Ashley, Debbie, Eric, Charlie. We also pray for our bishops, Elizabeth and Wayne.
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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
.
Carolyn Bertagnoli and Vereen Nordstrom, recovering from falls.
Vikki Ward-Martin, recovering from an infection.
Pastor Gordon Straw, undergoing cancer treatment.
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This Week's Commemorations
Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, died 397
Friday, December 7, 2018
While a governor of northern Italy, Ambrose was elected bishop of Milan on the same day he was baptized. He was a famous preacher, a writer of hymns we still sing today, and helped lead St. Augustine to faith.
Lucy, martyr, died 304
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Lucy was a young Christian of Sicily who was martyred during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Her celebration became particularly important in Sweden and Norway, perhaps because the feast of Lucia (whose name means "light") originally fell on the shortest day of the year.
John of the Cross, renewer of the church, died 1591
Friday, December 14, 2018
John was a member of the Carmelite monastic order, and worked to reform it. His writings reflect a deep interest in mystical thought and meditation.
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Advent at Ebenezer
Glögg and Carols
, a favorite neighborhood event hosted by Ebenezer, is at 7 p.m., Dec. 11, at Simon's Tavern. Mark your calendars!
Christmas caroling
to the homes of members of the Ebenezer community will be on Sunday, Dec. 16, following the morning liturgy.
Sankta Lucia Community Program and Reception, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.
Gather for this beloved Andersonville tradition. Contact Pastor Michael to help with the reception or if you can help bake Lussekatter on Sat., Dec. 8.
Advent Evening Prayer:
Wednesdays Dec. 5 and 12, at 7 p.m. Join us!
Longest Night
A service that acknowledges that this time of year isn't always comfort and joy, will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19. Gather for prayer, peace, and healing.
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Christmas at Ebenezer
Christmas at Ebenezer will be celebrated on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) at 4 p.m. (with children in mind), 10 p.m. (Candlelight with choir), and Christmas Day (Dec. 25) at 10 a.m. All are welcome!
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Ebenezer Senior Event
Our next Ebenezer Senior Event will be Thursday, December 20th at noon in the Cafe (below the sanctuary). It will be a potluck lunch and we are asking those who can to bring a dish to share. After lunch we will be sharing Christmas memories and traditions and end with singing Christmas carols. All Seniors at Ebenezer are welcome.
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Community Hour at Ebenezer
Sundays from 11:15 – 12:15 a.m. downstairs in the Education Center.
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December 9 and 16 – Stewardship in Focus
Join Ebenezer's Stewardship Team as they lead two sessions that focus our attention on the stewardship of our resources individually and collectively.
Fixing the whole where the reign gets in...
It's the time of year when our thoughts turn to giving and at Ebenezer, to the broader idea of stewardship. Looking up into our beautiful sanctuary reminds us that we have the responsibility to care for our building (fixing the holes where the rain gets in) and for our larger selves (the whole of our lives, our community and out congregation).
During Advent, we emphasize the wait for the coming reign of God, and so the Stewardship is thinking of all of these things together. We invite you to do the same. Packets will be available in church on December 9th and then mailed to those who don't pick them up. The Stewardship team will host the community hour on the 9th and 16th with more energizing and engaging conversation about the nature of Stewardship at Ebenezer and our individual and congregational response. See you there!
December 23
Stay after church to help decorate the sanctuary for Christmas.
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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:
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Edgewater Congregations Together Youth Group
at Immanuel Lutheran Church (1500 W. Elmdale Ave.)
The E.C.T. (Edgewater Congregations Together) Youth Group has resumed their regular youth group schedule.
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month
Dinner - 6:15 pm; Program - 7:00-8:30 pm; Free Time - 8:30-9:00 pm
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Edgewater Congregations Together 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.
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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.
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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
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Women's Book Group
meets at the church at 7:15 p.m. on December 17 to discuss
The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ
by Phillip Pullman.
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Community and Announcements
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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!
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Regular Office Hours
Monday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Limited office hours/by appointment only Dec. 24-31
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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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