ECRA 2024 RECAP

ECRA Anti-Racism Solidarity and Prayer Circle – Held 40+  one-hour on-line gatherings (Wednesday’s 9 to 10 AM) –covering various anti-racist topics.  This gathering has been going on since 2021 and continues to go forward in 2025.  There typically is about 4 or 5 participants per session, which is open to ECRA members only.

Monthly ECRA meetings – Held 10 monthly meetings, with no meetings held in the summer months of June and July – with representatives typically from about 10 congregations – of the approximately 25 religious congregations in Edgewater.  New participants in 2024 included St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church and Loyola University Campus Ministry.   Two of the fall gatherings featured “Deep Dive” conversations – so that members know each other better.   Some of the special presentations in 2024 included Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (mental health), ONE People’s Campaign (elections), Care for Friends (meals and clothing for those in need), and Edgewater Village (senior outreach).

Care for Real, originally founded by ECRA 50 years ago, continues to grow in service in both Edgewater and Rogers Park.   They had a successful fundraising campaign – and raised about $4.5 million of the needed $5 million and have purchased a building at 5840 North Broadway, and will be moving into their new facilities in the first half of 2025.  

ECRA Thanksgiving – hosted by Ebenezer Lutheran church.  This 20+ year annual celebration is almost always held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.   Features readings and music from various member congregations – and serves as a benefit for Care for Real.

The ECRA website www.ECRAchicago.org was developed and implemented.

Finalized the Sacred Seeds Curriculum “Nourishing the Soil” – encouraging better outreach in the community.   This retreat/planning has been used at Immanuel Lutheran in early 2025 and is currently available for reuse in other ECRA communities of faith.

The ECRA Juneteenth Celebration was not held in 2024 – after successful gathering for the previous 2 years, but is being held once again this year at 7:00 pm, June 19th, 2025 @ Edgewater Presbyterian Church, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Free parking is available around the corner at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Rd.

Interfaith Park Dedication – by Emanuel Congregation – in October 2024.   Honoring Rabbi Herman and Lottie Schaalman – located at the southwest corner of Rosemont and Sheridan.

Other Special Events:

1.      NewStory Church housed and hosted a Venezuelan immigrant family for the whole year.

2.      St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church invited ECRA members to attend their annual “Greek Fest” in August

3.      Church of the Atonement hosted their second “One Long Table” in August, and ECRA once again had a display table at the event.

4.      Sacred Heart Schools featured an Interfaith Day in November

5.      Northside Catholic Academy (NCA) housed at St. Gertrude featured their first Interfaith Day in November for about 200 students.

6.      The Ismaili Jamatkhana offered  two community wide contribution drives for Care for Real.

7.      Emanuel Congregation offered almost monthly “Share Shabat” gatherings – open to members of the community.

8.      Three Ismaili youth employed for 2 months through the Edgewater Environmental Collation at the Vedgewater Community Garden. 

ECRA / ECRA 2024 Recap