Recent Posts
Did Anything Happen This Week..?
Many of us exercised our right to vote this week Tuesday, and somewhat surprisingly, the results of the Presidential election came in swiftly and overwhelmingly: Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States of America. Reactions to this reality are all over the map in the USA. Some of us are ecstatic and hopeful. Some of us are aggrieved. And, no doubt, reactions within our congregation are similarly all over the map. However, I’m happy to report that around Elmhurst CRC, things have been pretty calm, sane, and peaceful this week. There is one major reason for this: We have a vision that drives us that is higher and transcendent of current politics, no matter what their state.
The 10-10-80 Rule
Over the years, a number of well-intentioned parishioners have asked me some version of this question: “Does the Bible teach that I have to tithe?” This question is usually accompanied by wondering, “And does that mean tithing on my gross income or net?”
The Bible definitely talks quite a bit about the practice of tithing, which can be simply defined as offering “1/10th of one’s produce or earnings.” It was part of the Law of God given to ancient Israel to offer a tithe of their livelihood for the worship life of the nation (tabernacle, temple, priests). It's not a big shocker that Israel often failed to do this. Also not a big shocker that the American church also comes nowhere close to collectively tithing on our livelihoods despite the fact America is the most successful and generous nation on the planet.
Take Dead Aim
“Take dead aim.” That was the catchphrase of my high school golf coach who was obsessed with transforming his scatterbrained young charges into focused, intentional athletes while hitting every golf shot.
When it comes to our Hearts Ablaze campaign at church, we’re trying to follow the wisdom, “Take dead aim.” The main goal is not about dollars and cents but about coming together as a community so that more and more kids and grownups can have a “hearts ablaze” experience with Jesus. That’s a picture of the future that we can achieve only with 100% participation by each “All In” member of our congregation. And if we achieve that level of participation, God will be honored, and the dollars will work themselves out.
Hurricane Winds
One afternoon last winter, I was waiting at the deli counter of the local Jewel, when two young adults began lamenting the state of geo-politics and geo-weather. In a short span, they went from some basic concerns about our democracy and global warming to conclusive statements about why they would never have children and the imminent end of the world. It got pretty heavy pretty fast.
That conversation has haunted me in the intervening months. It’s been a helpful touchpoint for this middle-aged man to try to understand what’s going on inside the minds and hearts of our young adults. There’s a lot of anxiety and genuine despair for humanity’s future.
Homecoming
Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni or other former members of an organization in order to celebrate. It is a tradition by many high schools, colleges, and universities in the United States and Canada – and sometimes even churches!
This fall marks the 75th anniversary of our existence as a Christian Reformed Church. First located in Bellwood from 1949-1963, then in Elmhurst from 1964 until the present. To celebrate, we’ve invited many former members and friends to return and join in the fun.
Feel the Momentum
There’s been a lot of great things happening around the Elmhurst CRC community lately. Here’s a short catalog of just a few of the momentum building events that happened during a four week stretch over the summer.
- We had an amazing group of new members join ECRC, more than two dozen strong.
- We had thirty young adults make public profession of faith along with some beautiful baptisms.
- We’re working hard behind the scenes to bring the Elmhurst Farmers Market into our parking lot in 2025.