Ministries

Ellis Avenue Church participates in several neighborhood ministries:

• The STRIVE Tutoring Program. Housed in the church building itself, STRIVE has been providing afterschool tutoring and summer day camp services for children grades k-12 for over 20 years.  If you would like more information or would like to volunteer please call the STRIVE program at 773.268.4910.
• Ellis is an active member of the Hyde Park Kenwood Interfaith Council (HPKIFC), the oldest such council in the United States (organized in 1911).   HPKIFC sponsors inter-religious dialogues, meetings on community issues and provides critical social services to the neighborhood.  The social services include the Hyde Park Kenwood Food Pantry (of which Ellis was the original hosting congregation) and the Hyde Park Kenwood Soup Kitchen (located just blocks from the church).
• Ellis also has had long-running participation in the church-based community organizing group SOUL – Southsiders Organizing for Unity and Liberation.  SOUL – composed of 19 member churches and organizations – works on issues of equity and jusitice for the residents of the south side of the city.  SOUL has historically worked on major social issues including education funding reform, green job creation, and transportation upgrades for the south side.
• The Church Youth Choir, The Young Voices of Ellis. The choir, composed of students in middle and high school, performs most weeks during the Ellis Avenue Church worship service.  Rehearsal is held on select Wednesdays from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. and all are invited to participate (no previous choir or musical knowledge required).