On Saturday, March 14, Ebenezer hosted approximately 500 people at the Winter Farmer’s Market. The event, with overflow crowds, was inspiring as the dining room and auditorium were filled with church members, community residents, farmers, bakers, wool spinners, felters, musicians, artists and local culinary experts who offered their produce and products for all to enjoy.

Renowned chef and former Ebenezer member, Mary Ellen Diaz of First Slice Pie Café at Lill Street Gallery, created a special brunch. Mary Ellen and her team served a menu based on Ebenezer’s Swedish heritage using all local and organic ingredients from participating farmers. The lines were long and the food delicious.

Music was performed by Lindsay Weinberg, of the Old Town School of Folk Music, who led Wiggleworms for all the children on the stage. Classical guitarist and local shop owner, Jennifer Trowbridge, also serenaded the crowd. Face painting put color on bright cheeks and Jenna Halvorson graciously hosted a supervised play area in the nursery for over 30 children at certain times during the day.

After a time of shopping or eating, massages were available from Lucien Caillouet, Fran Swaine and Eva Steinberg of A Healing Path.

The outreach for the event strengthened Ebenezer’s reputation as a leader in economic justice for local organic farmers and environmental issues. The Winter Market was recognized in Crain’s Chicago Business as a “top 10 things to do” for the weekend, along with mentions in other publications. Flyers were posted everywhere by members and volunteers from Andersonville to Springfield!

The event was hosted by Ebenezer and sponsored through Markets and Meals for Hope as part of the Churches’ Center for Land and People (www.cclpmidwest.org). The organization works to address vital issues of the Earth and its people. Together, we worked through the Winter Farmers Market to integrate earth stewardship, economic justice, community and spirituality around issues related to agriculture and food.

All activities were free but proceeds from the brunch were split with Markets and Meals for Hope, Care for Real and Ebenezer’s Building Fund. We want to thank Thrivent for matching some of our expenses so more could go to these organizations.

The Winter Farmers Market was an exciting outreach ministry that had great synergy with the Green Team and many other Ebenezer leadership groups. A special thanks to all of those who came to scrub the floors and clean before the market. And, great thanks to all who attended, supported and volunteered to make the event such a wonderful success! It was truly a community effort.