Serving Andersonville and Chicago since 1892
The Perfect Church for the Imperfect
Our Mission
Restore. Encourage. Rejoice.
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.
Ebenezer is a Christian Church and a Lutheran Church.
We believe in One God revealed in three sacred persons – the Holy Trinity. We believe Jesus Christ is God With Us.
We are rooted in the Living Word, Jesus Christ revealed in the Holy Scripture; believe one Holy, catholic (meaning universal), and Apostolic Church; and affirm the confessional heritage of the Lutheran Reformation. Because of God’s grace alone, though we are broken, we are free to love God, self, and all creation with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Ebenezer is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Metropolitan Chicago Synod.
Ebenezer is a place of Sacraments.
We celebrate Holy Communion weekly. Baptism generally preceeds communion, but please know you are welcome at the calling of the Spirit. Children are welcome to commune as soon as the parent(s) and pastor agree to begin that practice; this may occur as early as when a child can receive solid food. Instruction about communion is offered at least annually for children of any age.
Ebenezer is Intergenerational.
We pride ourselves on being a community that welcomes people of all ages, elders and babies and everyone in between. We welcome the presence and blessing of children in worship, including the noises they sometimes make! No matter what your age, you will find friends at Ebenezer.
Ebenezer is a place of the Word and Prayer.
Rooted in tradition and open to the world, worship at Ebenezer is grounded and global. We use the Revised Common Lectionary for our scripture readings each week, and prayers and propers found in the liturgies of Evangelical Lutheran Worship. These cycles and rhythms unite our praise with those across the globe. Our musical selections are drawn from a number of sources, both Lutheran and ecumenical.
An Anchor in Andersonville since 1892
Ebenezer Lutheran Church was organized as a congregation of the Augustana Lutheran Synod on January 20, 1892 by the Swedish immigrants of Andersonville (Edgewater). Our name means: “Thus the Lord has helped us.” At the height of the immigration period of the twentieth century, the congregation grew to nearly 3000 weekly attendees among 4 Sunday services. At that time the congregation was a center of religion, culture, and family activity for this new Swedish community. The congregation continued as a member of the Lutheran Church in America in the early 1960’s and subsequently as a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America when it was formed in 1988. During the mid-1950’s, the congregation began to perceive that its mission and ministry extended beyond the Swedish community. This new direction was enhanced as Andersonville became less Swedish and more multi-cultural.
It is because of members and neighbors like you, we are able to serve our community. Thank you for your generous support.
The Team
Rev. Michael D Fick, Pastor
The Rev. Michael Fick (B.A. Valparaiso University, M.Div Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago) has served as pastor at Ebenezer since 2011. Serving neighborhood churches in Denver and Chicago, he lives in Andersonville and loves serving this vibrant part of the city. In addition to his service at Ebenezer, he's written for The Christian Century and other publications. He enjoys music and singing, his dogs Melvin and Isabelle, and spending time with friends and family.
To contact Pastor Michael, please visit our contact page.
Dr. John Elmquist
Director of Music
John Elmquist has been leading Ebenezer's music program since 1994. He endeavors to bring as much variety as possible to the Sunday worship incorporating our excellent volunteer choir and guest musicians from many different styles. A rhythm section consisting of piano, bass and drums accompanies worship every second Sunday.
Having received his early training in the Washington National Cathedral Boys' Choir John earned degrees in composition and piano from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Memphis. He has taught at The Chicago High School for the Arts, The People's Music School and Merit School of Music. Additionally, for 20 years he has led an ad hoc group HardArt groop (hardartgroop.com), in performances of his musical creations.
Adriana (Dri) Rivera, M.Div.
Youth and Household Minister for Edgewater Congregations Together
Dri Rivera was born and raised in Northwest Indiana, where she also taught 7th grade ELA for 5 years in addition to youth ministry and Christian education leadership at her local church. She coached volleyball and led Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddles during her teaching years. Dri is currently working on a PhD in Christian Education and Congregational Studies at Garrett Evangelical-Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL.
Melissa Dailey
Pastoral Intern
Melissa Dailey (they/them) is a final year M.Div student at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Before seminary, Melissa taught middle and high school math for a couple of years. They still love to tutor students. In addition to interning at Ebenezer, Melissa will be working with the Revive Center, a non-profit organization that helps those who are struggling with housing. In their free time, Melissa loves to hang out with friends and family, read novels, watch crime shows, and play video games. Melissa lives in seminary housing with their two dogs, Benji and Asia.
Jennifer Eidson
Parish Administrator
Jenny’s experience includes more than 25 years of working in public relations and running a business. At Ebenezer, she is managing Community House space reservations and relationships with our tenants; providing administrative support for the pastoral team; supporting the Facilities Committee; assisting with Church membership administration; doing bookkeeping; and working with the Communications Committee.
Her office hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can reach her by phone (773-561-8496) or email (building@ebenezerchurch.org), or just drop by the office if you’re in the building.
Parish Staff
Jesus Lopez - Sexton
Michael Neff - Treasurer
Yohannis Weldergras - Custodian
Rosalinda Valencia - Custodian
Fiore Tehkle - Custodian
2024 Congregation Council
Bev Albert, President
Karen Miley, Vice-President
Kathy Cooper, Secretary
Chris Korn, Executive Committee Member at Large
Mike Neff, Treasurer (Ex Officio)
The Rev. Michael Fick
Jim Bedinger
Ashley Frigerio
Tim Johnson
Jordan Parshall
Chris Sweet