Hearts Ablaze
Building on Our Past, Igniting Our Future
For more than 100 years, Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church has been a faithful witness in the western suburbs of Chicago, growing UP through deeper worship, IN with an ever-widening community, and OUT through community service and Gospel proclamation.
In December 2024, we began Hearts Ablaze, a two-year initiative inviting our church family to grow in discipleship and generosity while supporting ongoing ministry, eliminating debt, and creating new opportunities for ministry expansion.
As Hearts Ablaze draws to a close, we have much to celebrate. Through God's gracious provision and the generosity of our church family, we anticipate the payoff of our church mortgage—a significant milestone that will free more resources for ministry and service.
But Hearts Ablaze has always been about more than financial goals. It's about growing closer to God, responding to His blessings with gratitude and generosity, and embracing the opportunities He places before us.
Throughout November, we'll celebrate God's faithfulness, give thanks for His provision, and look ahead to the ways He continues to call us to worship, walk, and witness.
November Celebration Events
November 1 & 8 - Worship
Sunday, November 8 - Chicagoland Youth Worship Night
6:30 pm at Elmhurst CRC
Sunday, November 15 - Homecoming & Celebration of Faithfulness
10 AM – Celebration Worship Service, followed by appetizers
4:30 PM – Hymn Sing
5:30 PM – All-Church Celebration & Mortgage Note Bonfire in the East Parking Lot, with dinner, music, and children's activities
November 21–22 - Serve Weekend
An opportunity to put our faith into action through service at Elmhurst CRC and throughout our community.
Thursday, November 26 - Thanksgiving Service
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Blessed to Be a Blessing
As we celebrate what God has done through Hearts Ablaze, we are reminded that God's blessings are not meant to stop with us. We are blessed to be a blessing to others.
With our church mortgage nearing payoff, we look ahead with grateful hearts to new opportunities for ministry, service, and sharing Christ's love with our neighbors.
You Can Be a Blessing!
Throughout the first three weeks of November, we're inviting our church family to share God's blessings with families in our community through the Outreach York Christmas Store.
Each December, the Christmas Store provides an opportunity for qualifying families in the Villa Park and Lombard area to purchase Christmas gifts for their children at affordable prices. Parents and grandparents can select gifts themselves, shopping at 75% off retail prices, while proceeds support Outreach's year-round services for families in need.
Here's how you can participate:
Give a gift. Purchase new toys and gifts for children to help stock the Christmas Store.
Make a financial gift. Support the Christmas Store through a monetary donation.
Get involved. Volunteer to help prepare for the Christmas Store or serve during the event.
Visit the Blessed to Be a Blessing display in the church lobby during November to learn more, pick up giving information, and find ways to participate - or check out the Christmas Store here online.