This Week

Sunday Worship, December 7, 2025
The season of Advent - Week 2

Message: Breath of Heaven (Ezekiel 37:1–14)
In the Valley of Dry Bones, God shows Ezekiel that even what seems dead and hopeless can live again. Because of sin, humanity is spiritually lifeless—but God’s plan is to breathe new life into us through His Spirit. This week we’re invited to trust the Holy Spirit to renew what feels broken, dark, or worn out. Key Verse:“I will put breath in you, and you will come to life.” —Ezekiel 37:6

We welcome new members:
Roberto Barr, Steve and Diana DeBoer, Ali and Ryan Krohne, Tyler and Cassie Krzeszweski, Dave and Dawn Mueller, Josiah and Emily Simonis, Tiffany Washington-Ramos

Children's Worship for December
Dec 7: Pk-4^th
Dec 14, 21 & 28: Pk-Kindergarten only

Worship at 10 AM - In-Person & Online

ADVENT 2025
The Christmas season is a meaningful time at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. Join us on Sundays in Advent or at one of our family-friendly opportunities to worship and prepare for Christmas.

LITTLE LAMBS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM | DEC 10 & 11
Come for a delightful evening of music and pageantry as the preschoolers of Little Lambs present songs, stories, and Good News at their Christmas program — Jesus, King of Kings — on December 10 & 11 @ 7pm. Refreshments will be served after the program.

JOURNEYMEN | DECEMBER 11, 6:30 AM
Save the date for our final Journeymen of 2025!! Jason Turner, Director of Congregational Engagement at Elmhurst CRC will be our featured speaker.

SHE CHRISTMAS PARTY | SUNDAY DECEMBER 14
Register now for the SHE: Single Mother Support Group Christmas Party on Dec 14^th at 12:15 pm. We'll have food, fun, and a Christmas giveaway. Attendto receive your gift at the end of the Christmas Party!Get details & register here.

BLUE CHRISTMAS | DECEMBER 15 | 7 PM
Join us for a time of prayer and song as we acknowledge life’s sorrows and disappointments while we turn to Jesus, who brings light to darkness.

LIVE NATIVITY | DECEMBER 24 | 4,5,6 PM
Experience the Christmas story with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men—plus real animals and a joyful sing-along. Outdoors under the west overhang —dress warm!

NATIVITY STORY - KID & PARENT VOLUNTEERS
We’re preparing for our children’s Nativity presentation on Sunday, December 21, using the Jesus Storybook Bible and elements of Lessons and Carols. Kids may participate as a Reader (3rd grade+), Actor (1st–6th grade, non-speaking), or Choir member (1st grade–high school).
Sign up by December 9 and include your child’s 1st- and 2nd-choice preferences. Email Kara Hackert, Director of Family & Children

Rehearsals:
• Readers & Actors: Wed, Dec 17 at 3:30 p.m.
• Choir: Wed, Dec 17 at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Gregg and the adult choir
• All participants: Sun, Dec 21 at 9:00 a.m. (Christmas treats provided)
Parent helpers for rehearsals needed!

OUTREACH YORK CHRISTMAS STORE | SAT, DECEMBER 13
The 3rd Annual Outreach York Christmas Store is coming on Saturday, December 13, 2025! This one-day event lets local families shop for new Christmas gifts at 75% off retail, preserving dignity and spreading joy. All proceeds support Outreach York’s year-round case management for families in need.We expect to serve 100 families and 300+ children—and we need your help!
Ways to Support:
• Gift Drive: Donate new toys and kid-friendly items (Target, Walmart, Amazon).
• Volunteer: Over 50 volunteers are needed for setup, sorting, and greeting families. Sign up online.
• Give: Help cover Store expenses so more proceeds go directly to families. Donate at weareoutreach.org/give and note Outreach York Christmas Store.

Outreach York is an Elmhurst CRC Missions partner

COFFEE BREAK BIBLE STUDY | WEDS & THURS SEP - DEC
Join us for Coffee Break Bible Study on Wednesdays (AM/PM) and Thursdays (AM) weekday mornings and Wednesday evenings. This fall, we'll dive into New Testament passages about the Holy Spirit and His powerful role in our lives. Coffee Break is a welcoming space to explore God’s Word, build community, and grow and deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Details and registration HERE.

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YOUTH NEWS
Sunday, December 7
MS @ 4:30pm · HS @ 6:30pm
This Sunday is our last Middle School Night and High School Night of the year!Come wearing PJs and Christmas gear—festive, cozy, or fun.
And don’t forget:
Christmas Party — December 14

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

WINTER TEEN RETREAT | JANUARY 16-18
We’re going on a winter retreat to SpringHill Camps in Michigan! Lots of fun activities and faith moments too, check out the details here.

Volunteers Needed
We’re looking for adults who are passionate about investing in the next generation. If you’re interested in serving and mentoring our youth, please email us at [email protected].

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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.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter of events and activities: elmhurstcrc.org/subscribe

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

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.

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

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

We're available online 24/7.

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

Ladies Night Out -- Great Comedy in the Suburbs!
Join Lombard CRC’s Thirty-One Women’s Ministry for “Flannel, Faith & Really Funny” on Tuesday, December 9 at 7 p.m. Enjoy an evening of laughter with Christian comedian Tracey DeGraff and great fellowship. Wear your favorite flannel, bring one to donate to PADS, and invite your friends—whether they’re longtime believers, new to faith, or just curious!
Tickets here..

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