And Thus Begins Lent
 
   

Burying the Alleluia and Abstaining from Communion during Lent

Lent begins this coming Wednesday with our traditional Ash Wednesday Service.  This Sunday we begin our preparations for Lent by "Burying the Alleluia".

 

The omission of alleluia during Lent dates back to the fifth century. The association of alleluia with Easter led to the custom of intentionally omitting it from the liturgy during the season of Lent, a kind of "verbal fast" which has the effect of creating a sense of anticipation and even greater joy when the familiar word of praise returns. We let it "rest" during Lent, so that when it reappears on Easter, we may hear it anew.

 

The custom of actually bidding it farewell developed in the middle Ages in Babylon. Many churches embrace the practice of physically "burying" the alleluia on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. This is the last Sunday that alleluia will be spoken until Easter Sunday. Hearty congregational singing of alleluias then proclaims the resurrection, unleashing pure Easter joy!

 

"Lord Jesus,
It is our joy to sing and say "Alleluia" as a response to your conquering sin and death. Now, during the days of Lent we say farewell to "Alleluia" so that we may take it up anew on Easter.
 Amen"

 

"Do This in remembrance of me." With these words ringing in our ears, we are invited to regularly celebrate communion. As we drink the cup and eat the bread, we reflect that communion is more than a memorial; it is receiving God's grace.

 

Our continued participation in this powerful sacrament molds our lives of faith and brings to life deeply spiritual truths of Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. By grace through faith in Jesus Christ, communion shapes our identity as a people of God. The "message" of communion is important and deserves our full attention.

 

During the season of Lent we, as a congregation will abstain from the sacrament of Holy Communion so that we may reflect on this sacrament...a kind of "Spiritual Fast." On Easter when we partake in communion once again, may we know its power and new life in God's sacrament anew.

  

Peace, 

PJ

 


 


 

Faith Formation

Bread and wine Communion for Shut Ins


 

The Eucharistic Ministry Team is available to bring communion to anyone who can't get to church.  Please contact Jean Reichenbach, 773-350-8096, If you or someone you know would like to participate.

 

 

 

Senior News

"A Night in the Orient With Oasis"


We will be cooking and dining on Asian cuisine on Friday, Feb 20th, celebrating the Chinese New Year. It is the year of the Sheep. Pastor Joe will speak on the importance of sheep from the bible and what they represent.
 
Chef Dan DeSalvo, Master Sous Chef of Mastro's Steakhouse in Chicago (Dearborn and Grand Avenue) will do the preparations.  Dan has been working in the hospitality industry since he was 14 years old.  He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. 
 
If you wish to participate in the prep work and learning about Asian cooking, join us at 5:30. If you wish to come just for dinner, come around 6:15 ish to 6:30.
 The cost will be $10 a person. Please let Jeannie Greenberg or the church office know if you plan on attending so that we can have an accurate head count.

THE SENIOR MINISTRIES WISHES TO THANK THE SCOUTS FOR ADJUSTING THEIR SET UP TIME TO ACCOMMODATE OUR DINNER CELEBRATION.

Worship and Music News

Lent Will Be Upon Us Very Shortly

 

Our Ash Wednesday Service will be held on February 18 at 7 p.m.

Following that, we will have our (now) traditional Wednesday services of music, prayer and meditation on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.  Coffee will be served at 6:30 p.m.   We urge you to join us for these services.  They will be a respite in your busy week.

Children & Youth News

Valentines Day

Back by Popular Demand!  Valentines Day Babysitting!! 

 

 

Have plans for Valentines Day that require needing something for the kids? Bring them to the church and the youth from the mission trip will be happy to take care of them. We will be offering babysitting on Saturday, February 14th from 6-9 pm for all children (potty trained and older). 

  

Please RSVP by emailing [email protected]. All proceeds will go to help our youth with the 2015 Mission Trips. 

 

 

News for 20's & 30's

Want to Hear More from our Celebration Service Musicians?

 

The ELC 20's and 30's Group will be making a special trip to hear Celebration Service musicians, Ben DeBiasio and Sean Kimzey, and their band "All Your Favorite Colors" perform at the North Bar on February 21.  The address is 1637 W. North Avenue in Wicker Park.  The performance begins at 9 p.m..  There is a $5 cover charge.


 

Contact Jason Schultz or the Church Office for more information.

 

Out and About at ELC

 

ChessPresident's Day Chess Ed Camp

 

Sponsored by Chess-Ed, the Presidents Day Kumbaya Chess Workshop will be held on Monday, February 16, 2015.

The Presidents Day workshop will provide children at all levels with a tangible means to improve their chess skills through instruction, practice and one-on-one coaching. Led by Super Trainer Shiva Maharaj and staff from Chess-Ed, the workshop will feature opening theory, middle game planning and combinations, and winning endgame technique.  In addition, puzzling, analysis of famous games and tournament-like game playing will be included. Students will be grouped according to skill level. As always, beginners are welcome!
MORNING, AFTERNOON AND FULL DAY OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE.
Click Here For More Information

 

 

Chris Buresh to Share His Experiences in the Holy Land

 

Join Chris at 7 pm on Tuesday, February 17th to hear about his trip to Israel/Palestine. Here you'll see pictures and hear about the historical and contemporary context of the church in that region. 


 

His presentation will be followed by a time open to questions where he'll do his best to answer.
 

 

Boy Scout Annual Swedish Pancake Breakfast on February 21

 

Get your tickets for our pancake breakfast now. Your ticket entitles you to be a part of a great annual tradition and enjoy the Swedish pancakes that our troop is famous for. So enjoy a great meal, good fellowship, and support a great cause. 

 

Breakfast tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for youth under 12 years of age. The breakfast will be held at Edgebrook Lutheran Church, 5252 West Devon Avenue. For more information or to get tickets, you can email the troop at [email protected]. Troop 957 thanks you for your continued support! 

Meetings & Activities at ELC Next Week
Friday 10:00 a.m.                  Prayer Shawl
Saturday 3:45 p.m.                Discussion Group
Saturday  5:00p.m.                Spoken Word Service
Sunday 8:45 a.m.                   Traditional Worship Service
Sunday 9:45 a.m.                   Coffee Hour-Sunday School-Confirmation
Sunday 10:45 a.m.                 Contemporary Worship Service
Monday 9:00 a.m.                  Chess Ed             
Monday 7:00 p.m.                  A.A. Meeting
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.                 Chris Buresh talk on Israel
Wednesday 10:00 a.m.           Quilting
Wednesday 7:00 p.m.            Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday 1:15 p.m.             Small Group Bible Study
Thursday 1:00 p.m.                YOGA
Thursday 7:00 p.m.                Men's Ministry






CONTACT INFORMATION

Church Office Phone:         773-763-2121
                                            [email protected] 
                                             
  
Pastor Joe Schultz              773-647-1739     
                                            [email protected]   

Chris Buresh                        [email protected] 
Youth Ministry Director
      
Church Office                      [email protected] 

Carol Beu                             [email protected] 
Communications Team       
  
Mark Flatley                         [email protected]
Council President
Sincerely,

 

 

The Staff at
Edgebrook Lutheran Church

 


Exterior of Church