WORSHIP GUIDE

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Sunday Worship, January 25, 2026

Message: Nick at Night - with Pastor Jeff Klein
Bible Passage
: John 3:1-21,
Nicodemus, a respected rabbi and expert in the law, represents the religious elite who turned God’s law into an impossible burden rather than a source of life. When he encounters Jesus, he is invited beyond knowledge, status, and religious effort into something deeper. Jesus reveals that true connection with God comes not through mastering religion, but through being “born from above”—a genuine transformation made possible only by the Spirit. This message calls us to let go of our reliance on religion and to fully surrender to the new life Jesus offers through the power of the Holy Spirit.

"Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." John 3:3

Children's Worship- PK-4th grade

Worship at 10 AM - In-Person & Online

Announcements

THRIVE: DEEP ROOTS, NEW GROWTH | JANUARY 22
Coming in January! Thrive is Elmhurst CRC’s new ministry for adults ages 55+. focusing on faith, fellowship, learning, and community.Thrive Kickoff Event – Cybersecurity Presentation: Thrive kicks off 2026 on Thursday, January 22, with a cybersecurity presentation by FBI Agent Mark Fodrey. Drawing on his experience with identity theft, hacking, and scams, Mark will share practical advice to help us stay safe in today’s tech-driven world. This presentation is open to all ages. Presentation begins at 7:30 pm. Those who wish are also invited to a potluck dinner at 6:30 pm in the Garden Room—sign up and bring a hot dish, salad, or dessert to share. Details and potluck sign up here.

Welcome, Renee DeJager!
We are delighted to welcome Renee DeJager as our ECRC Interim Choir Director for the winter and spring seasons. Renee brings a wealth of experience in both education and church music. She currently teaches General Music for Kindergarten–4th Grade and Choral Music for 5th–8th Grade at Timothy Christian Schools, and most recently served as Director of Music Ministries at Western Springs CRC. Renee’s passion for worship, choral excellence, and nurturing musicians of all ages makes her a wonderful fit for this role. We are grateful for her willingness to share her gifts with our congregation and look forward to the leadership and musical depth she will bring to our choir and worship services.
The choir sings on many Sundays and typically rehearses on Wednesday evenings. Our next rehearsal is Wednesday, February 4, from 7:00–8:00 pm.

LIFE GROUPS/ SMALL GROUPS OPEN HOUSE | JAN 25 | 11:15 AM
Small groups are back — in a big way! You’re invited to learn more about our current small groups, meet participants and leaders, discover new opportunities to join a small group, and/or share your interest. We’ll have some delicious nibbles as well!

ALPHA YOUTH & FAMILY KICK-OFF | JAN 25

Save the date and time - Sunday, January 25, 6 pm - 7:30 pm
For students and parents, too! Full details here.

CHILI COOK-OFF | COMMUNITY DINNER | GLOW IN THE DARK WORSHIP | JANUARY 28

We'll have a community dinner, chili cook-off, and glow-in-the-dark worship night! Details here and register for dinner!

ISRAEL TRIP WITH ECRC | INFO MEET | FEB 1
ECRC is exploring a two-week Pastor/Parishioner study trip to Israel in 2027. Dr. Oliver Hersey, President of Jerusalem University, would serve as our guide and teacher for the trip. On Sunday, February 1, following the worship gathering, Pastors Gregg and Jeff will host an informational meeting in the Garden Room. During this meeting, we will share details about the trip, discuss possible dates and associated costs, and gauge the level of interest within the ECRC community. If you think you might be interested, please join us!

GEMS SEWING HELP | JANUARY 28
Our GEMS Girls’ Group is looking for volunteers to help the girls earn their sewing badge on January 28. This is a one-time volunteer opportunity. We are seeking several women to guide the girls as they sew. The ability to help troubleshoot sewing machines is greatly appreciated. The girls meet from 6:30–8:00 PM that evening, and we are looking for volunteers to be with the girls and their counselors during that time. No planning is required. If you would be willing to help the girls earn their sewing badge, please contact Kristin Reitsma.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING | SUNDAY, FEB 8 | 11:15 AM
Plan on attending the annual Elmhurst Congregational Meeting. Details here.

SUNDAY MORNING LIVE | SUNDAYS IN FEB | 8:45 am
SML returns this February, Sundays before church with the Truth Rising.
Truth Rising is a four-week series featuring videos from Focus on the Family and The Colson Center. The series encourages thoughtful reflection and discussion and will be led by Doug Groters.

DIVORCECARE | FEB 11-MAY 6 | 7-8:30 PM
DivorceCare is a safe, supportive space where caring people come alongside you as you seek healing from the pain of separation or divorce. This 13-week, video-based support group offers practical tools for decision-making and guidance for navigating emotional challenges.
The spring session begins February 11, 2026. Childcare will be available. Registration is required. Click for details

COFFEE BREAK BIBLE STUDY | WEDS & THURS STARTS MID-JANUARY It's a great time to jump in!Our winter study is on Ruth - A beautiful story of faithfulness and hope, Ruth offers a powerful foreshadowing of our redemption through Christ. Details and registration HERE.

LITTLE LAMBS SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS | STARTS MID-JANUARY
Our spring semester begins mid-January, and now is the time to register and secure your child’s spot! Little Lambs offers a joyful preschool learning experience filled with music, crafts, Bible stories, creative learning, and free play. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are available to fit your family’s schedule. Details & registration here.

JANUARY SERIES – NOW AT PARK PLACE
Enjoy the January Series? It’s moved just a little north! Our neighbors at Park Place will be hosting the January Series this year in their second floor community room. Check out the full January Series schedule (weekdays January 19-30) and join us as we walk over to Park Place for noontime learning. January Series info here.

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YOUTH NEWS
Sunday, January 25 - Alpha Youth & Family
Alpha Youth and Family Kickoff: 5 PM - 6:30 PM. Register.

Saturday, January 31 - One Night Worship - High School
Worship with other high school church youth groups at Cityview Church, Elmhurst - 7-8:30 pm

Sunday, February 1-Mar 1 - Alpha Youth & Family
Alpha Youth and Family 5 PM - 6:30 PM. Register.
(excludes Super Bowl Sunday!)

Sundays, February 8, 15, 22 & March 1 - Know & Tell
8:45-9:45am - For those who are curious about what it means to make a profession of faith, or be baptized. Register Here

Friday-Saturday, February 27-28 - Lock-in!
Middle school lock-in Feb 27th-28th 7pm-10am Register Here

HONDURAS MISSION TRIP | JULY 12-18
We're going on a mission trip to All God's Children. Check out the application details HERE

Check out elmhurstcrc.org/youth

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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.

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of events and activities: elmhurstcrc.org/subscribe

JOIN OUR TEAM! STAFF OPENINGS

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

SERVE

My Brother's Kitchen (MBK) is a collaborative ministry bringing suburban and urban people together to serve a meal to the community and eat together. We serve together on the 4th Saturday morning of the month. Sign up here!

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Take our Serve Survey
! God has gifted you in a special way to serve. Let us know where you’re serving now, and identify your talents, gifts, and interests in serving here and locally. Go to elmhurstcrc.org/survey.

Serve Survey

DEVOTIONALS & PODCASTS

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

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS:

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

We're available online 24/7.

COMMUNITY

Celebration Service for Western Springs CRC – You are invited to join Western Springs CRC on Sunday, January 18 for their final service with an extended time of fellowship after the service. Please consider joining us for this meaningful service. Services start at 9:30 AM. Western Springs CRC,5140 Wolf Rd, Western Springs, IL 60558

SAMARATAN'S PURSE IS HIRING
Check out careers and temp jobs here.

Roseland Christian Ministries silent auction & fundraiser--- Join us for an afternoon supporting RCM’s women & children’s shelter, meal programs, food pantry and other vital services. “Rise Up Roseland” is Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Firehouse Art Studio in Chicago (1123 Roosevelt) from 3pm-6pm. Purchase tickets at https://roselandchristianministries.yapsody.com/. Your presence and support truly matter! Call 773.264.5665 for more details.

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
AI – STEM Program Coordinator for 2026-27 School Year
Detailed position overview: Build What's Next

OUTREACH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES We partner with Outreach York in the Jubilee Resale in Lombard, and in the York Outreach Center with God Time and VBS. They’re seeking a Director of Community Housing and Programs at two different locations, as well as a part-time teaching position. Check out opportunities at: weareoutreach.org/about-us/careers-internships