This Week

Sunday Worship, May 10
It’s Missions Sunday, and throughout the morning, we’ll highlight missionary partners and the work God is doing through their ministries.

We’ll also hear a message on Philippians 1:1–18a from our partner in prison ministry, Rev. Reggie Watts, prison chaplain, author, and program coordinator at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman.

Rev. Watts has a remarkable story of redemption—from a life sentence at Angola Prison to a life devoted to Christ and ministry. Learn more about his story in this moving episode of Joni Table Talk, “From Crack to the Cross.

Children's Worship: Pk-4th grade
Worship at 10 AM - In-Person & Online

Missions Sunday | May 10
Missions: Hope Mobility
Elmhurst CRC members recently traveled to Kenya to serve alongside our mission partner, Hope Mobility, an organization that equips people with disabilities across Africa with mobility resources and training—sharing the hope of Jesus through the gift of mobility. We’ll hear more about their experience on Mission Sunday.You can get involved today with Hope Mobility. Elmhurst CRC serves as a collection site for gently used mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches). To donate, bring items to church or contact the Hope Mobility office for pickup. Learn more at hopemobility.org and consider joining the Race for Mobility on September 20, with options for all ability levels—from a 5K walk to a full marathon. elmhurstcrc.org/missions

Missions: Prison Ministry | May 10
See the Sunday Message block above for all details about our Prison Ministry Partners, and don't forget to stop by the Garden Room after the service for a conversation about mission work, opportunities, and ways to support.

Church-Wide Survey & Strategic Planning -- FINAL DAYS!
As part of our strategic planning for 2027 and beyond, we’re inviting everyone in the church to share their input through a brief survey. It takes about 20 minutes, and your perspective will help shape where we go next as a community. We truly value your participation and hope you’ll take a few minutes to share your voice. Take survey here.

Mother’s Day Photos, May 10 & 17
Bring your smiles! Stop by the lobby the next two Sundays for a photo—whether for our online and print directory or just for a keepsake. It’s a great way to connect and recognize one another. You'll have the opportunity to check your address, phone, email and family contacts, as well as learn how to sign into the oniline directory. Details at elmhurstcrc.org/events.

5th Grade Bible Presentation, Monday, May 11
Our annual 5th Grade Bible presentation will be held Monday, May 11, from 5:30–7:00 pm. 5th graders, we’d love for you to stop by during that time to receive your Bible and share a bit about your favorite verse. If you have any questions, please email Director of Children & Family Ministries, Kara Hackert.

Serve Weekend, May 30 & 31
Details at elmhurstcr.org/events.

Petty Zoo Party! Tuesday, May 19, 10am-12pm
Complete with games, crafts, bouncy house, popcorn, popsicles, and more! Bring your siblings and friends for a morning out with the farm animals. We'll have games, crafts, and the opportunity to tour the Little Lambs preschooler facility (optional), as well as much more fun. Bring the little ones and their friends! Rain or shine event.

DO YOU HAVE A GRADUATE? Let us know so we can honor them in a future Worship Guide. Email [email protected]. If college grad, include school and degree.

Vacation Bible School - YeeHaw is June 22-25 afternoons
Registration is full -- but the waitlist is open for the YeeHaw Vacation BIble School for kids. Check out the details and sign up today!

Little Lambs Preschool Experience fall 2026 registration is open!
Register today for our early bird registration rate. Check it out HERE.

Fall Registrations for Mid-Week Ministries - Now Open
Fall registrations for midweek ministries are now open! If you're a planner, this one's for you! GEMS Girls Club, Cadets Boys Club, Pathfinders Boy Club, Coffee Break Bible Study, and more. Check it out.

Caring Network’s Baby Bottle Drive 2026 Begins! | May 10-June 14.
Pick up a baby bottle from the lobby area and fill it with coins, cash, and/or checks to support Caring Network’s life-affirming ministry. Donations help provide services for women and men facing pregnancy-related needs, including pregnancy tests, counseling, ultrasounds, material support such as diapers, and opportunities for emotional and spiritual healing after a previous abortion. Please return bottles by June 14. Online giving information HERE.

SML - Sunday Morning Live spring session is complete and will resume in the fall.

Always wanted to march in a parade? This is your opportunity! 20 Volunteers needed to march in Elmhurst's Memorial Day parade on May 25, passing out cards and candy. Volunteer Here.

4 Volunteers to hang up EFM posters around town (Downtown Elmhurst, Spring Road business area, York/Vallette business area, Elmhurst hospital (we have a list of businesses to start).

Volunteer at the EFM! Opportunities on Wednesdays, June through October. Positions include: Market Information Booth, Market Ambassador, Lobby Security, East Side Counters, Sign Set Up, and Set up & Clean Up. Times vary. It’s great to be at the market! Check out opportunities here!

Email Rachel at the church office for more information.

Upcoming Elmhurst Youth Events:

• Sunday 5/17
  • Our final Middle School Night and High School Night: celebrating our seniors!
• Sunday 5/24
  • A fun event for those in town! TBD
• Saturday 5/30 and Sunday 5/31
  • Serve Weekend (sign up here)! We encourage students to do a service project with their families!
• Sunday 5/31
  • Profession of Faith Service at 10 am!
  • End of Year Celebration/Color Wars during the evening!

Youth Announcements:

• VBS Volunteers 6/22-25!
  • We’re looking for more volunteers for VBS this summer, so register here to join us! Middle school and high school students are welcome to join!
• Children’s Worship Volunteers
  • Preschool and kindergarten Children’s Worship is inviting teens to try out volunteering this summer! During service, the kids love when teens do crafts, read, and color with them! They need teens in June, August, and September, and please let Kristin Reitsma know if you’re interested at [email protected]!
• Spring 2026 Calendar

Check out elmhurstcrc.org/youth

TRY IT OUT!
This summer, Children’s Worship for preschoolers and kindergarteners invites you to “try out” volunteering as a small group leader! If you’ve been interested in serving with children but aren’t ready to make a long-term commitment, this is a great opportunity to give it a try. Children’s Worship takes place during the Sunday service, beginning after the worship portion. Children head downstairs to the large group area to hear a Bible story and engage together. Then, they break into small groups for about 20 minutes. As a leader, you would read the Bible story, guide a craft, and lead two simple games. We are especially in need of leaders in June, August, and September. If you’re available for two Sundays this summer and would like to “try out” Children’s Worship, please reach out to Kristin Reitsma!

Nursery – Summer Season
Try out the nursery for a time or two this summer! It’s a meaningful, heartfelt way to support young parents. We invite you to participate on a trial basis this summer. Contact Valerie ToddNursery Coordinator, for details.

VBS Volunteer Round-Up
Yee-Haw! VBS is just around the corner, and we’re rounding up volunteers. Consider opportunities as drivers, counselors, food prep and more! Details Here.

Volunteer in the Children's Library
Children's Library - We are looking for four volunteers, 12 and older, to work in the children's library from 11:00-11:20 once a month on Sunday mornings. You would shelve returned books and check out books for little kids. If you are interested please email [email protected].

Jubilee Resale Bins – West Entrance
Donate new or gently-worn clothing anytime during church hours. Look for the bins marked “Jubilee.” Proceeds support York Outreach and Timothy Christian Schools.

New to You Resale – Monthly Pickup
Clothing donations are collected on the first Thursday of each month from 7:45–9:15 a.m. in the ECRC south parking lot. Proceeds benefit the Bright Promise Fund, providing Chicagoland children with access to a quality Christ-centered school.

YOUTH MINISTRIES COORDINATOR JOB OPENING
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church (ECRC) is looking for a passionate and energetic leader to walk alongside our high school and middle school youth, especially the boys, and provide visionary leadership to a team of volunteers. For more details and to apply, click here.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
Explore your calling with a summer internship at Elmhurst CRC! Elmhurst CRC is now accepting applications for paid summer internships in Youth Ministries This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, mentorship from our professionals, and grow your skills while making an impact. For more details and to apply, click here.

LITTLE LAMBS SESSION COORDINATOR JOB OPENING
Join our team! Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church (ECRC) is looking for a Session Coordinator for the Little Lambs Preschool Ministry INFO HERE

On-the-Go Devos Experience
Subscribe to Sunday's Coming! Devotional Experience and receive bite-sized, 4-minute weekday daily devotionals. These inspiring devotionals will be dropped to your phone each morning (Monday through Friday) around 7 a.m. — ideal preparation for Sunday’s worship service. Text "DEVOS" to 630.748.8172

Prayer Chain
We invite you to join our church community’s email prayer chain. Through this twice-weekly email, we share prayer requests for the health and well-being of our members and their families. It’s a meaningful way to stay connected and support one another in prayer. To subscribe, simply sign up and receive prayer requests directly to your inbox.

Weekly Enews
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter of events, activities and connections: elmhurstcrc.org/subscribe

Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30am-3:30pm
Fridays: 8:30am-12:30pm

We're available online 24/7.