April 22, 2008
The ELCA's Book of Faith inititiative was started with the 2007 Churchwide Assembly. The website has a multiplicity of resources that can be used for scripture study on your own or in groups. Through the “Book of Faith”, we are invited to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered, and sent by the Word.
We are renewed, enlivened, and empowered by the Word. As we live into our calling as people who are formed by Scripture, we become renewed in our faith, enlivened through the Spirit, and empowered through the cross of Christ to serve God and neighbor. The first year of the Book of Faith initiative centers on inviting everyone to join the conversation, to make a commitment, and to become part of the initiative.
You can see the basic information for “The Book of Faith” initiative at:
http://www.elca.org/bookoffaith/
I'm going to leave this on the e-news resource list for a couple weeks because it's a very important activity that the ELCA is inviting its members into.
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THIS WEDNESDAY - Only one more Metro Chicago Synod hearing on the text of the ELCA Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality will be offered at: Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago ; 1100 E. 55th St. ; Wednesday, April 23, 1:30-3pm.
These hearings are a key part of the development of the social statement. Representatives of both the synod and the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality will be present. A synod representative will be present to record all comments made by participants. This record will be submitted to the task force and considered as they revise the text for 2009.
Still looking for more people to attend this event: If you would like to go and want more information (or a list of talking points from Lutherans Concerned/North America), please contact Pastor Powell.
A copy of the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality may be ordered by calling 800-638-3522, x 2996 or downloaded at www.elca.org/faithfuljourney -----------------------------------------------------------------
THIS SUNDAY - Potluck - APRIL 27, after 10:30 am Worship Service
Do you know what broccoli, lime jello, basil, chili verde, and pistachio ice cream have in common? They are all green in color.
In honor of Earth Day and Ebenezer going green the Outreach Team invites everyone to the Green Potluck on April 27 right after the 10:30 Worship Service. We are asking you to bring a dish that is green or has some green ingredients in it. If that is not possible, serve the item in a green serving dish.
APRIL 27 GREEN POTLUCK after 10:30 am Worship Service
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EBENEZER MEMBER FEATURED ON GRACE MATTERS RADIO PROGRAM
On Sunday, April 27, 2008 - Stacey Jutila will be featured on Grace Matters talking about “The Joy of Play?” Hospital chaplaincy is calm and even in character, though occasionally high adrenaline in crisis moments. But what is a hospital like at nighttime, besides just nurses waking patients up for checking vitals when they don't want to be awakened? And specifically, what does a hospital chaplain see happen at a children's hospital at night? Host Peter W. Marty asks these sorts of questions of Rev. Stacey Jutila , a hospital chaplain in the Chicago area. Jutila brings valuable perspective to the conversation of illness and wellness, and an important reminder about the place of play in children's lives. You can hear Grace Matters in Chicago on AM 1160 at 6:30am Sundays .
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QUEER THEOLOGY AND THE CHURCH – April 28 th , 7-9pm
Current discussions around sexuality in the ELCA have focused on sexuality as a stable identity. But is sexual identity as stable as we think? Or could it be fluid? Queer theory – a branch of critical theory suggests that both sex and gender may be socially constructed. How might this theory impact the development of theology and current church battles?
Don't let the title (“queer theology”) scare you away. This area of study grows out of a liberating view of sexuality and identity that questions assumptions and broadens commonly held definitions. It will help us all to open our minds and learn new ways of thinking, whatever sexual identity we claim.
Pastor Sharon Janot and Pastor John Meulendyk will be with us to share their work in the area of Queer Thrology and its possible implications for ongoing ministry in Lutheran circles. They are both ELCA pastors who have studied Queer Theory through Ph.D. programs. You are invited to their presentation on “Queer Theology and the Lutheran Confessions” on Monday, April 28 from 7-9pm at Ebenezer. Light refreshments will be served.
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BORDER IMMERSION : Join Pastor Powell for a Border Immersion Experience June 21-27, 2008 to visit Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey in El Paso , TX (our mission partner congregation & 115th "Mission" recipient). During the week, we'll learn about the issues that affect the lives of people living on both sides of the border as well as about the many vital ministries of Cristo Rey. Group size is 7-13 people (ages 15+). You will need a passport to cross legally from the US into Mexico and back, so start the process now if you need to renew or apply.
- What will we do? worship and conversation with members of Cristo Rey; travel to Juarez, Mexico ; visit Mexico medical mission doctor; a special border patrol tour (courtesy of one of our Ebenezer members); presentation by immigration lawyer; stories from a women's empowerment center.
- Accomodations? Because we will attend before they can move back into their renovated, newly purchased building, we will sleep on mattresses in their temporary building. There are showers available for us.
- Transportation? Cristo Rey handles all the transportation once we arrive at the El Paso airport.
- Why would I want to attend? 1) To learn more about immigration, the border, and the experience of Mexican-Americans and other Latinos (an important election year issue). 2) To help build bridges between Ebenezer and Cristo Rey in this ministry partnership we have begun.
- Cost? $300 for the BIE, plus airfare (roughly $300-$400 – several of us are flying American on the same flights – ask Pastor Powell for exact details), cost of most meals (only 4 meals are included in the BIE, most meals are prepared by the group at the church), $50 cash gratuity for house cleaning - the $300 will be due by May 21st , payable to Ebenezer.
- How can I learn more? Go to www.rmselca.org/cristo_rey.htm or speak with Pastor Powell
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COMING UP AT EBENEZER:
4/27 after 10:30am service, Green Potluck
4/28 Queer Theology and the Lutheran Confessions, 7-9pm
5/3 Health Assessment at Ebenezer
5/4 12:30pm Nursery Clean-up Day; 12:30pm Mutual Ministry Committee
5/11 Confirmation Day
5/17 10:30am Cradle Roll Gathering
5/18 Adult Forum 9:00--Don McCrary, "Protestants and Mary: Moving Beyond Protest to Reformation"; Last Day of Sunday School; Teacher Recognition during 10:30 Worship
5/19 7:00pm VBS planning meeting at church
5/21 Money Due for Border Immersion Experience in El Paso , TX
5/31 GLOCY training
6/21-6/27 Border Immersion Experience in El Paso , TX |
