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“Ebenezer, thus far has God helped us!”-Samuel 7:12
Established as the First Christian Reformed Church in January 1867, Ebenezer outgrew various locations as Dutch immigrants arrived. In 1923 the congregation purchased a spacious, old-world style church on at the corner of Ashland Ave. and Hastings St. The moves included a shift in the language used, changing from Dutch to English. This shift brought about the organizations of several ‘daughter’ congregations. As social conditions changed on Chicago’s West Side, the church followed as members moved west to Cicero, Berwyn, and Oak Park. The move was made with the construction of the present sanctuary in 1947. It was at that point that the church adopted the name Ebenezer, making a statement of faith in the Lord who had helped. 1 Samuel 7:12 reads …Ebenezer, to this point has the Lord helped us.
During the 1950s and 60s, Ebenezer grew significantly with members of primarily Dutch ancestry. That was to change. In a particularly turbulent time within neighborhoods members moved further west, following also the move of the Christian schools that had likewise been relocated. In 1987 Ebenezer was at a crossroad. Would it close its doors or would the ministries continue within a rapidly changing community? Though smaller in number the church decided in a convincing vote to remain. It was the right decision. Ebenezer has been able to reach out to this area, becoming a diverse, community focused and again cross-generational church. From that point on, Ebenezer developed youth ministries. Leadership was assumed by a newly appointed Director of Youth Ministries, Kay Rops, a daughter of the congregation. MissionIn obedience to God, our service introduces searching people to Christ, nurtures growth in Christ, and gives glory to God. Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, called by the Lord to obedient and thankful service, is and will be a dynamic community of faith committed to: COMMUNICATING the love of Jesus Christ to our community and to our members through clear, consistent witness to God’s sovereign and saving grace and lucid biblical preaching, CELEBRATING the love of Jesus Christ in meaningful worship, CULIVATING service for Jesus Christ by all members through discipleship within the context of small groups, and CARING for the needs of others, inside and outside the congregation, in the name of Jesus Christ. StaffPastorPastor Merle Den Bleyker has a passion for sharing the marvelous good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with neighbors and members alike. Combined with that passion is a deep desire to enfold those longing for a lasting hope and to encourage all to grow to be more like Christ. Pastor Merle has served at Ebenezer Church since 2001. He received his Bachelor of Divinity degree and his Master of Theology (Th.M.) in New Testament Studies from Calvin Theological Seminary. Pastor Merle and wife Donna have four married children and 7 grandchildren. They have served as missionaries in Puerto Rico (1972-1982), a pastorate in LeMars, IA (1982-1987), and as Director of Programs and then Executive Director with Christian Reformed World Missions (1987-2000) prior to accepting the call to serve in Ebenezer Church. With the experience in Latin America the Den Bleykers long for the unity between people of different backgrounds, languages and race.
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