Edgewater - United in Hope (Interfaith Memorial on Sept. 11, 2011)

Edgewater residents gathered on Sept. 11th at the Clark Street Fire Station near Ridge to remember not only the nation’s tragedy but also Chicago police and firemen who were killed in the line of duty this past year. A bell was rung after each name was read by their commanding officer. Cdr. Lucy Moy-Barstok, 20th Police District had the sad duty of reading the most names. Thankfully there were no losses in the 24th Police District. Each of Edgewater's religious leaders, Christian, Jew and Muslim, read a pledge to peace in our community. They were organized by the Edgewater Community Religious Association (ECRA). The shofar was blown by Rabbi Michael Zedek of Emanuel Congregation and the Emanuel Junior Choir sang under the direction of Ruthie Seidner. Colors were presented by the students of Rickover Naval Academy. The Chicago Fire Department bagpipers opened and closed the ceremony with renditions of God Bless America and America the Beautiful. Alderman Patrick J. O’Conner (40) gave the keynote address, stressing the need to live together but also maintaining our alertness. The outdoor ceremony was organized by Alderman Harry Osterman (48) and Alderman Patrick J. O’Conner (40) in cooperation with ECRA. Fire Department Grounds were decorated with US flags and other historical banners which are still on display. Read more and see more photos at Edgeville Buzz. This story adapted with corrections. Photo credit: Edgewater – United in Hope. Tracy Poyser, PhotoART

Praying for the Heart of Edgewater

Sunday, May 15, 2011. 2-3pm.

Join Edgewater neighbors of all backgrounds and ages in this rally for peace. We will bear witness to the tragedies of the violence in which we live, and to the power of community in seeking real solutions together. We will lift up our visions of a safer, healthier, and more just and unified neighborhood. We will meet near the Thorndale El stop, join together in lifting our concerns and hopes, and then march throughout the neighborhood together to bless sites of particular vulnerability.

Volunteers from local faith communities are especially urged to consider becoming a team leader to assist with publicity, signage and the neighborhood walk which will follow the 2pm launch event.

Contact a member of the Planning Committee for more information:
Rev. Jacki Belile at 773.655.4357 (or jacki@livingwellministries.net)
Mr. Tom Robb at 773.274.2380 (or director@careforreal.org)
Rev. Dr. Barb Cathey at 773.577.7363 (or macphie@sbcglobal.net)

Sacred Seeds: Children of Abraham Reading Text Together

Since 2008, ECRA has sponsored ongoing interreligious gatherings called "Sacred Seeds" in Edgewater. At each event, local leaders of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities discuss a chosen shared sacred texts and their tradition's understandings of the images, metaphors and purpose of these stories. So far, several hundred people from the neighborhood have been richly blessed by these encounters. Watch videos here.

Serving through Delegate Responsibility on Ward Zoning Committee

ECRA is a delegate organization to the 48th Ward Zoning & Planning Committee.

Care for Real!

Check out the devoted and diligent outreach of our neighborhood's food and clothing pantry, Care for Real, which ECRA founded.

Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

ECRA Thanksgiving Service

This great annual event provides an opportunity to learn more about religious traditions represented in Edgewater (Jewish, Muslim, sometimes Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant, and more) and to gather with our neighbors of faith. The service features music and readings and stories from different religious traditions. Offerings and donations are accepted for Care For Real.

Commitment to our Neighborhood Seniors

Read more here.

Bearing Witness Against Hate

Our "counter-protest" of love and tolerance when Westboro Baptist picketeers arrived in Edgewater.

Sharing Our Story of Interreligious Work

We shared some of our rich experience of interreligious encounter at the National Workshop on Christian Unity in 2008.