Church
On November 22nd at 4:00pm at St Pauls UCC in Lincoln Park, our Pastor, Gregory Sabetta, was ordained into full ministry by the United Church of Christ. Friends, colleagues, and parishioners old and new gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion.
Dr. Scott Haldeman delivers the sermon
Kurt Hansen leading a choir from St Pauls, Edgebrook Community Church UCC, Immanuel UCC and Emanuel Congregation
The Laying on of Hands
The Reverend Gregory B. Sabetta delivers the Benediction
ECC 85th Anniversary Celebration
On Sunday, Nov. 1 at 10:00 a.m., we gathered for a festival service of worship with Communion, which included a memorial service for those who have gone before and a food donation for Lakeview Pantry. After the service, we moved to the Heritage Room for a Champagne Brunch. Many old friends joined us for this lovely morning of celebration.
ECC calls new Pastor
On the weekend of May 30-31, ECC held a candidating weekend for the candidate recommended by the Pastoral Search committee after months of action and deliberation, Gregory Sabetta. Saturday night, we held an all-church catered dinner for the congregation to become acquainted with Greg in a casual, fun atmosphere, in the Heritage Room. Then on Sunday, May 31st, after a worship service conducted by Greg with Karen Bump as Liturgist, a Congregational Meeting was held to discuss calling Greg as our Pastor. After lots of great discussion (our congregation does enjoy sharing its thoughts and feelings!), a vote was held and Pastor Sabetta was called to Edgebrook Community Church, United Church of Christ, by a unanimous affirmative vote. BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION Greg was raised in the church in Cleveland, Ohio. Early on he became familiar with the rhythms of parish life, learning through hymns, scripture and sacred texts, the lessons of faith and God's love. He learned early “that to love God is to be God's presence in the world”. Greg's education began with the Sisters of the Incarnate Word, then on to a Catholic high school. Greg holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from DePaul University. He began his ministry as a musician and lay leader and held a position at the Night Ministry at a hospitable and welcoming American Baptist church. After this, Greg chose to enroll at the Chicago Theological Seminary to explore ordained ministry. While serving as a pastoral intern at St. Paul's UCC here in Chicago, Greg felt the unconditional welcome of the UCC. Greg embraced the freedom and responsibility every member has to discover and deepen his or her own faith and wrestle with life’s questions in an open forum. Previously, Greg has served both St. Mark's UCC, in Chicago Heights, and Immanuel UCC in Evergreen Park in the capacity of Interim Pastor, as well as a position as Chaplain at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare. Greg's many interests and secular service include previous experience with GIA Publications as Assistant Director of Marketing, the Skokie Park District in the capacity of Arts Administrator, Culture Arts Administrator for the Schaumburg Park District and Director of Music/Consultant for the Archdiocese of Chicago. GIFTS AND TALENTS We learned much about Greg throughout the interview process as well as from his references. Greg will bring many gifts to our church. He is wise and mature, a strong preacher and a creative and dynamic worship leader. He possesses a compassionate spirit and a good sense of humor and love of music. The following comments were made by some of his references: “Greg is a talented preacher, pastor, musician, theologian, administrator, teacher and friend.....” “....... strong pastoral skills, trusted, strong in his spiritual beliefs, caring.....” “.......very articulate, genuine, energetic, wonderful musical gift.....” “…...fun, deep knowledge of the Bible, quite artistic.......” “........is a gifted and talented man of God who is truly dedicated to the service of God.” Here are some comments the Pastor Search Committee wrote immediately following our first interview with Greg: "........ good sense of humor, collaborative style, genuine. Mature, energetic, lots of teaching experience........." "........good sermons and believes sermons are key, articulate, musical........" "........willingness to be involved in the community, interested in church growth, good business background....." We believe that God has led us to this exciting moment in our ministry, and so does Greg. We look forward to growing together as a faith community, serving others and proclaiming the good news of God's love.
Pastor Gregory Sabetta
Pastor Sabetta will start as our minister on July 15, 2009. Pastor Mark Buck, our Intentional Interim Minister who has served this congregation so very well, will end his service with us on June 30, 2009 --but due to his attendance at UCC General Synod and a previously scheduled vacation Sunday, Mark's last Sunday with us will be June 21, 2009. Devyn Chambers, our former Student Minister, will join with us again to lead the service on June 28, and the Rev. Dr. Rita Root of CMA, who was of great help during our pastoral search process, will be our service leader on July 5.
We rejoice at the many wondrous new beginnings at Edgebrook Community Church! Following is the biographical information about Pastor Gregory Sabetta that was sent out to our members and friends.
New Signs Supply Directions to Edgebrook Community Church New signs that direct passers-by on Lehigh and Caldwell thoroughfares to Edgebrook Community Church have been placed at the following intersections: Hiawatha & Lehigh, Loleta & Lehigh, and Loleta & Caldwell.
Our Red Bud Tree and Gardens
Tulips in Bloom
Edgebrook Community Church -- Easter Sunday, 2009
April 12, 2009
[L] On Easter Sunday Edgebrook's Hiawatha & Loleta Garden area was festooned with gold & white ribbons.
The Chancel area of Edgebrook Community Church decorated for Easter Sunday, 2009.
Edgebrook's Children participated in a Sunny Easter Morning Egg Hunt conducted for them by Elise, Christy, and Alessandra -- our Confirmands.
Long-time member, Anne Benson
The funeral schedule was held at Cumberland Chapels Funeral Home; 8300 W. Lawrence, Norridge, Illinois. Anne's obituary appeared in the Chicago Tribune.
In Memoriam -
Leona A. Heineman
In May, we said farewell to a dear friend and a fellow member of ECC for 38 years. Leona Heineman, 95, transferred from the Church Temporal to the Church Eternal on Friday, May 1st. A visitation and service was held on Monday the 4th at Smith-Corcoran Funeral home with Pastor Mark Buck officiating, and a number of members of ECC attended to say goodbye to this wonderful, strong-minded, faithful woman. This picture was taken at Eleanor Wick's farewell party. God bless you, Leona. We are grateful for your time with us.Confirmation Class -2009
On April 27, Claire, Elise, Christy, and
Alessandra were accorded the Rite of Confirmation, and were received into the membership of Edgebrook Community Church -- United Church of Christ.
Jayne & Leigh's Daughters Baptized
Elise and Christy were baptized by Pastor Mark on April 19. They will both affirm their baptism with the Confirmation Class of 2009 on April 26. The top photo shows Pastor Mark about to perform the rite for Elise and Christy, with Jayne and Leigh, grandparents Marian and Marty, and fellow Confirmands Clarice and Alessandra around them. The second photo shows the family with Pastor Mark, gathered around the Baptismal Font.
Claire B.'s Daughters
Baptized on March 15
Clarice, Amanda, and Natasha were baptized by Pastor Mark on March 15. Clarice will affirm her baptism with the Class of 2009 at the end of April. In the first photo, Rev. Buck performs the rite for Clarice while Amanda, Natasha and their Mother, Claire look on. The family photo includes grandparents Charles and Sue McCormack.
Women's Week Service
On Sunday Feb. 1, many of the women of our congregation led a Women's Week Service, based in part upon the suggested service in Common Lot, a quarterly publication of the United Church of Christ Local Church Ministries. Participants included: Karen Bump, Ginny Gatesman, Sue Swaringen, Yvonne Iversen, Laura Bittman, Jayne DeVol, Judy Sachs, Claire Bernett, Jeanann Power, Linda Garro, Brenda Zaczek, Margaret Iversen, and Kerry Hamill. Assisting as ushers and communion Servers were Edgebrook's Confirmands: Clarice, Elyse, Christy, and Alessandra. Acolytes were Alana and Katie.
Alana and Katie, Acolytes Yvonne Iversen leads our "Sharing Time
for Young People".
Jenny Laura Judy Sachs
Gatesman Bittman
Sushi Night
John Bump conducted another Sushi Night on January 18. A variety of ages made (and devoured) a variety of Japanese-inspired treats.
Devyn Chambers' Bridal Shower
The Ladies of the Night hosted a Bridal Shower for Edgebrook CC's former student pastor, Devyn Chambers, on Sunday, December 7.
Refreshments, conversation, and gifts (based on the time of day the gift would be used) were given and appreciated with much love and laughter.
The group of Bridal Shower goers!
Devyn ponders a gift. Devyn opened the 7:00 p.m. package featuring one new and one old favorite game.
Katie and Alessandra perform a skit for the group.
Greening of the Church – November 23
When you entered Edgebrook Community Church – UCC on the Sundays of Advent and Christmas, you enjoyed the work of the Membership who prepared the Sanctuary, Narthex, and Heritage Room for our celebration of the Season. On November 23rd, the church was “greened” for the season. The following photos tell part of the story:
Edgebrook CC Confirmation Class Worships at Trinity UCC.The four members of ECC-UCC's ConfirmationClass worshiped with family members and guests in the 8,000 member congregation's evening service on Sunday November 2nd.
