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1650 W. Foster Ave., Chicago IL
(773) 561-8496
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From Pastor Michael...
Blessings to you all in the name of Christ!
As I am sure you are aware, Chicago Public Schools have opted to utilize online instruction for the beginning of the Fall term, as marker to us that gathering in larger numbers indoors remains a risk in this continuing pandemic environment. At our August council meeting this morning, your Council made and affirmed the following plan for Ebenezer moving forward. I believe this to be a faithful and solid response to the current, and of course, changing situation:
- Our primary liturgy will remain online until at least mid-September, at which time we will reassess based on the latest public health assessments.
- Communion-to-go will continue to be offered from 3-4 pm in the playground. Masks, properly worn, are required at all times.
- From 3-4 pm the Sanctuary will be open, beginning August 23, for silent prayer and an opportunity to walk the Stations of the Cross. Those who wish to converse with one another are asked to do so in the Courtyard, where masks are still required.
- Starting August 23, this will be supplemented with a brief, spoken liturgy also outdoors (weather permitting) from 3:00 to 3:15 on Sundays.
- Should Chicago's infection rate go above 8%, these two new gatherings will be suspended.
- In early September, a Zoom coffee fellowship will be added in the late morning, as a way to see one another and build community.
- Children's Sunday School will return on Zoom in September as well.
- In addition to our Wednesday Bible Study, additional online Faith Formation classes will be announced to supplement this schedule.
Your health and safety, and that of our neighbors, remains our collective mission and responsibility in Christ.
Thanks you to all our Ebenezer Staff and Volunteers for continuing to make this a vibrant and Christ-centered community. We could never serve all we do with out your support. Financially, our situation remains stable thanks to your faithfulness. In response to that blessing, your council has also voted to double our annual support to Care for Real, to extend that blessing to some of our most vulnerable neighbors.
A reminder, that Communion pick-up this Sunday is from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
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.
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Disciples See Christ Walking on the Water
Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1907
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Tenth Sunday After Pentecost |
"Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others."
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Morning Prayer: Eternal God, you are present with us throughout our lives, even when others plot to do us harm. May we learn to live together in unity, that in all we do, we may sing your praises now and forever. Amen.
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Evening Prayer: Through the storms of life, O God, you are with your people in the person of Jesus your Son. Calm our fears and strengthen our faith that we may never doubt his presence among us but proclaim that he is your Son, risen from the dead, living for ever and ever. Amen.
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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.
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In our prayers: Eileen, Jody, Jane, All affected by Covid, Scott and Laurie, Dick, Nancy, Debbie, Velda, Cierra, Gail, Michele, Jill, Jim, Judy, Lisa, Joyce, Johanna, Paul, Bruce and Margo, David, Ben, Don, Kyle, Ruth, John, Remy, Dem, Katherine. We also pray for our Bishops, Elizabeth and Yehiel.
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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.
For Jody Kretzmann, who has suffered a stroke.
For John Minor in physical and occupational therapy.
For Jim, Barbara Ketter's son, who awaits a heart transplant.
For the safety of protesters. For justice and for the safety of people of color, particularly black people.
For all areas experiencing in increase in COVID-19 infections and deaths.
For Dion Walton's family as they mourn the death of his relative, Deborah McClellan.
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This Week's Commemorations
Lawrence, deacon, martyr, died 258
Monday, August 10, 2020
As one of the seven deacons of the church at Rome, Lawrence was responsible for the church's financial matters and for the care of the poor. Asked by the emperor to gather the church's treasure, he presented a collection of orphans, lepers, and the like. The enraged emperor had him put to death.
Clare, Abbess of San Damiano, died 1253
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
A contemporary of Francis of Assisi, Clare and a growing number of companions established a women's Franciscan community, called the Order of Poor Ladies, or Poor Clares. She inspired other women to pursue spiritual goals.
Florence Nightingale, died 1910; Clara Maass, died 1901; renewers of society
Thursday, August 13, 2020
Nightingale was born in England, and horrified her wealthy family by deciding to become a nurse. She led a group of nurses in ministering in the midst of the Crimean War, and worked for hospital reform. Maass, a native of New Jersey, was also a war nurse, and volunteered as a subject for research on yellow fever. She died of the disease.
Maximilian Kolbe, died 1941; Kaj Munk, died 1944; martyrs
Friday, August 14, 2020
Father Kolbe was a Franciscan priest arrested by the Nazis and confined in Auschwitz. Kolbe gave generously of his meager resources, and finally volunteered to be starved to death in place of another man. A Danish Lutheran pastor and playwright, Munk strongly denounced the Nazis who occupied Denmark in the Second World War. His sermons and articles helped to show the anti-Christian nature of the movement.
Mary, Mother of Our Lord
Saturday, August 15, 2020
The church (including Martin Luther) honored Mary with the title theotokos, meaning "God-bearer," for her role in giving birth to the Son of God. Her song, the Magnificat, speaks eloquently of God's lifting the lowly and feeding the hungry.
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ELCA Celebrates 50 years or Ordained Lutheran Women in North America!
Click here to view a special message from our Presiding Bishop, The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton. |
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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 online. 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.
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Children's Tuesday Time with Pastor Emily
Join Pastor Emily for a candle ritual, Bible story, song, prayer, and hear about an activity your household can do together during the week. Videos will be posted on Ebenezer Youtube Channel and Facebook page on Tuesdays but can be viewed at any time.
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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. |
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Sprinklers Needed!
Ebenezer could use a few second-hand or new sprinklers to keep our grounds attractive for increased outdoor use. If you can help, contact Norm D. |
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Lutheran World Relief School Kits
We again want to support the Lutheran World Relief distribution of school kits this fall! With COVID restrictions, it needs to be in the form of money donations, as we can't assemble the kits. Ebenezer has been so generous in past years, so please consider contributing to Lutheran World Relief. https://lwr.org/ways-to-give. You can earmark it to School Kits, or simply contribute with the knowledge that everything sent overseas involves a shipping cost.
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
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Ebenezer Mental Health Team
Mental health is an issue that affects all our communities. Pandemics can be stressful and public health actions like social distancing can make some feel isolated and lonely and increase stress and anxiety. Self-care is a healthy way to cope with stress. “Sometimes self-care is exercise and eating right. Sometimes it’s spending time with loved ones or taking a nap. And sometimes it’s watching an entire season of TV in one weekend while you lounge around in your pajamas. Whatever soothes your soul.” Nanea Hoffman
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Ebenezer Seniors
Ebenezer Seniors invites YOU to join us for conversation and fellowship August 20.
We will meet twice in July on Zoom for more opportunities
to reconnect, support one another, pray with one another
and have a few laughs together too! Please join us.
Ebenezer Seniors Zoom Meeting
Dates: Thursdays August 20
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting Online by clicking on this link:
Or by phone dialing 1 312 626 6799 then entering the Meeting ID: 981 0047 0154
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Edgewater Congregations Together Youth Group
(Grades 6th-12th)
Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00pm
via zoom
During this time of social distancing and sheltering in place, the E.C.T. Youth Group will continue to gather on Wednesday nights over zoom to catch up, play games, have a short devotion, and “hang out” together.
Contact Pastor Emily if you would like to join the event.
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Edgewater Congregations Together Young Adults
(18-mid-30 year olds)
Thursdays 4:00-5:30pm
via zoom
The E.C.T. Young Adults are gathering over zoom to catch up, check in with each other, and play some games together. Grab a beverage and/or a snack and join them!
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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).
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Justice Team
Did you know that everyone in Illinois -- regardless of income -- pays the same rate of taxes (4.95%)? In November, we'll have an opportunity to change that with the Fair Tax: the wealthiest 3% of people in Illinois will pay a higher rate and 97% will pay less. Consider joining the Fair Tax Phonebank Program. Sign up here: bit.ly/fairtaxphonebank or reach out to Justice Team member Sue Swinger-Ellbogen here with questions.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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. 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.
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Community and Announcements |
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Need some help with groceries?
The Irving Park food pantry at 4256 North Ridgeway has an incredible amount of food every week. They have dairy, eggs, meat, lentils, and more.
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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:
- Local communities use the data to guide public improvements, and non-profits use the information to identify beneficiaries and find donors and volunteers.
- Emergency services are based on maps created using Census data.
- Federal funds are distributed based on Census population data.
- Businesses use the data to reduce financial risk and find new markets for their products and services.
- 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.
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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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Office Hours
Closed until further notice
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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?
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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