No In-Person Worship Services Until Further Notice
New liturgy posted each Sunday morning.
May 17, 2020
1650 W. Foster Ave., Chicago IL
(773) 561-8496
From Pastor Michael...

Greetings friends! As you are well aware, Chicago and Illinois are in extended shelter-in-place through May, which means Ebenezer's building remains closed, just as our hearts remain open.

Wednesday Bible Study is a wonderful opportunity to stay connected! Look for an email every Wednesday morning with a one-click link to the Google Hangout. We discuss the upcoming scriptures for about 40 minutes beginning at noon. I'd love to see you there!

Also, please remember that myself, Pastor Emily, and our Parish Nurse, Marcia, remain in these times available for remote pastoral care. I receive messages left on my church voicemail in my email inbox at home, so you messages will be received. If you could use some support, please so get in touch!

Two other opportunities of note: First, Ebenezer will receive new members on Pentecost Sunday, May 31. Look below in the body of this email for more information. Second, I am putting together an opportunity on Zoom for those who are eager to discuss when and how we might share Holy Communion, especially as it is likely that it will be some months before we can gather again in our customary way. Details about that gathering will be included in the next enews.

Take good care and remember to pray, breathe deeply, reach out, and be generous with your time, care, and resources.

Missing you all,
Pastor Michael

We will continue to follow the guidance of the ELCA, the CDC, and the City as we make decisions affirming the well being of our neighbors. Remember: If you can help someone out, we need to hear from you at caring@ebenezerchurch.org . This is where we are matching needs with those who can help.

Daily devotions are being posted on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ebenezerchicago/

Ebenezer continues to provide pay to all our employees, including our part-time, hourly employees, many of whom count on that income. Thanks to your generous response, that continues to be the case! We have also been able to meet the needs of those who could use a hand in these days. Thank you!
 Greetings!
The River of Life
Corrine Peterson, 1999
Sixth Sunday of Easter
"Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in the world. "
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: Living and gracious God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ you have brought us out to a spacious place where we are called to live as those redeemed. Empower us by your spirit to keep your commandments, that we may show forth your love with gentle word and reverent deed to all your people. Amen.
Prayer with Children: Dear Jesus , you teach us to give thanks for the good things we have in life. Help us to remember that your love and the people we love are the most important of all. Amen.
In our prayers: Michele, Jim, Judy, Johanna, Paul, Barbara, Bruce and Margo, David, Ben, Wes, Kyle, Ruth, John, Dem, Katherine, Jody, Linda, Carol, Ben, Scott and Laurie, Dick, Nancy, Debbie, Velda, Dorothy, Cierra, Bob, Gail. We also pray for our Bishops, Elizabeth and Yehiel.
Acts 17:22-31   •   Psalm 66:8-20   •   1 Peter 3:13-22   •   John 14:15-21
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 the friends and family of Curt Stensrud, who died last week.

For John Minor in physical and occupational therapy.

For Jim, Barbara Ketter's son, who awaits a heart transplant.

For Kyle, who is dealing with health concerns.
This Week's Commemorations
Erik, King of Sweden, martyr, died 1160
Monday, May 18, 2020
Erik is considered the patron saint of Sweden. As king of that nation, he tried to bring peace in the region, and to spread Christianity in Scandinavia. He was also known for his attempts to make fair laws and to protect those who were poor or sick.

Helena, mother of Constantine, died around 330
Thursday, May 21, 2020
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.
Ebenezer in Mission
Wednesday Bible Study to Begin and At-Home Children's Sunday School Resources
Wednesday Bible Study, meeting online weekly at noon.
Pastor Michael will lead a weekly, 40 minute scripture study of the week's texts via Google Hangout. Look for an email Wednesday morning with a link to the study hangout. Hope to see you there!

Spark Sunday School at home. Click here for weekly, free Sunday School videos and downloadble materials. In addition, children's bulletins are now being posted along with the Sunday bulletin each week at ebenezerchurch.org.
Flower Orders for Online Liturgy
Interested in ordering flowers for online liturgy? Contact Pastor Michael via email at least 10 days before your desired date. The flowers will appear in the liturgy video along with any dedication you may like. You have two options: A live plant suitable for replanting in the flower boxes at church, or, a cut flower arrangement you may arrange pick up from the parsonage front porch after the liturgy has been filmed.
Sharing the Peace
You and/or your family can appear in upcoming liturgies offer the peace to the Ebenezer community and beyond! Here's how:

  1. Film yourself/yourselves saying the words "peace be with you!" using your phone. Film horizontally (sideways), leave a three-count of silence at the beginning and end of the clip, and make sure not to have photos of others in the background who have not consented to appear online.
  2. Email the video as an attachment to Rick S. Include in the body of your email consent to use your image online only for the puropses on Ebenezer worship on YouTube.
Ebenezer welcomes new members on May 31.
Ebenezer will include new members in our online service on May 31. If you're interested in joining the church, email Pastor Michael to schedule a time to meet online! New members will be pre-recorded, so there is no need to by available on Sunday morning.
Ebenezer Mental Health Team
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The past few months have been tough, but we’re in this together, and we will come out stronger.   We’re reminded while caring for our mental well being is always important, it’s particularly important now.  Let’s make our mental health a priority!
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Chicago has now made available confidential ongoing support groups online by zoom. Included groups are “Health care and front line workers” .. “People having mental health symptoms (“peer support”) .. “Families and friends supporting those they love”. For more information and to register contact 833-626-4244.

*National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7, confidential and free: 1-800-799-7233 and through chat at  www.thehotline.org  

*Chat with someone by texting LOVEIS to 22522– but only if you know your phone or computer is not monitored. 
*National Parent Helpline Monday -Friday 12pm-9am CT emotional support and advocacy for parents:1-855-427-2736
*National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 1-800-273-8255 or through chat at  https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
Small Group
During a Bible Study of Psalm 23, our small group gave Ashley the task of writing a poem using the words each of us provided.

The Shepherd 
In the shadows of glory,
The shepherd comforts
The lamb with cool water.
~ Ashley Frigerio
Ebenezer Seniors Meetings Resume on Zoom
Despite the stay-at-home orders in Illinois, the Ebenezer seniors have resumed monthly meetings. We have faced the technical challenges and won! We now will meet virtually on Zoom, the third Thursday of the month at noon. The next two meetings are scheduled for May 21 and June 18 at 12:00 pm.

Anyone who’d like to reconnect with others from Ebenezer are welcome to join us. It’s easy to do, even if you don’t have a computer. There are basically two ways to join the meeting:

On your computer simply click on this link :

Or by phone dial:  1 312 626 6799
When you hear the prompt enter the meeting ID #: 883 7699 3886

We hope you will zoom with us. We really miss seeing you!

If you have questions contact Marcia Smith 773-743-1831.
Face Masks
We want to say a huge thank you to Sue Swinger-Ellbogen, Jackie Wood, and Bev Albert for making face masks for several of our community members who need them!  This week Ebenezer Tutoring Director Norm Dynneson was able to deliver 38 of these face masks to Ebenezer's refugee families and in the next few days, Pastor Emily will be able to deliver over 25 masks to youth group members and their families.  

NEED A FACE MASK?
The CDC guidance states that cloth masks are recommended when going out on necessary trips like to the grocery store, pharmacy, or to work.
 

If you need a mask, contact Pastor Emily  with the number of masks and the sizes needed (adult or child).
Lutheran World Relief Needs Your Fabric!
If you're cleaning out your closets while you're social distancing, consider donating any cotton fabric in clean condition to Ebenezer's Lutheran World Relief (LWR) ministry for mission quilts! The cotton fabric currently needed includes used sheets, table cloths, washable drapes and cotton shower curtains. Any fabric donations can be set aside until they can be safely picked up at a later time. If you'd like to further partner in the work of LWR beyond our annual school kits and quilts, consider a monetary donation: visit  lwr.org/lifesaver , lwr.org/coronavirus , or  ebenezerlutherchurch.org .
Refugee and Tutoring Support Needed
Many of our refugee and tutoring families have extra needs during the covid-19 pandemic. If you are in a position to assist, please consider helping in one of the following ways:
 
  • Financial support for groceries or other needed items during this time. Visit www.ebenezerchurch.org and click “Give Online.” 100% of funds entered in the “Other” line and labeled “Refugee Support” will assist our refugee families.

  • Helping adults fill out Medicaid, unemployment, and job applications over the phone.

  • Tutor youth and children virtually.

We celebrate that a generous donation has now been made to support a struggling family with rent for the next several months!
 
If you are able to offer support in any of these ways, contact Norm Dynesson.
Edgewater Congregations Together Young Adults Zoom Gathering
Thursday, May 21, 4:00-5:30pm
via zoom

These past two weeks, the E.C.T. Young Adults have had two fantastic virtual events, where they have gathered over zoom to catch up, check in with each other, and play some games together. During this time of social distancing and sheltering in place, they will continue to gather over zoom. Grab a beverage and/or a snack and join them!   
  
To join our next zoom meeting, contact Pastor Emily
 
E.C.T. (Edgewater Congregations Together) Young Adults Group consists of young adults (18 years old through mid-30s) from Unity, Ebenezer, and Immanuel Lutheran churches, as well as others from the community. They gather periodically for social events, service projects, and faith and life discussions.
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. Follow the Ebenezer Refugee Support Group on Facebook to see updates on families and the what the current needs are. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Norm Dynneson or Jackie Wood, as well. 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 Norm Dynneson.
Community and Announcements
Care for Real continues to offer food, clothing, and support to our community. Ebenezer is a sponsoring organization for Care for Real. Visit careforreal.org to learn more, whether you need or wish to offer support.
Remember to participate in the 2020 Census!
A reminder that filling out your Census form is vitally important. Here are 5 reasons why, from  census.gov :
  1. Local communities use the data to guide public improvements, and non-profits use the information to identify beneficiaries and find donors and volunteers.
  2.  Emergency services are based on maps created using Census data.
  3. Federal funds are distributed based on Census population data.
  4. Businesses use the data to reduce financial risk and find new markets for their products and services.
  5. Your own family can ask for confidential records that can be used as proof to establish your age, residence or relationship, information that could help you qualify for a pension, establish citizenship or obtain an inheritance.
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!
Office Hours
Closed until further notice
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?  
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Additional resources are available  suicidepreventionministry.org