Celebrate Good Times, Come on! Part I
The most striking feature of the Elmhurst CRC building is the physical image of “open arms” extending out toward the community from our south side entrance. The visionary and talented women and men who have gone before us desired to literally build this value into the church through mortar and stone.
This year, there is a lot to celebrate in terms of God’s work in building up the connection between our congregation and the wider world. First and foremost, next Wednesday marks the launch of the Elmhurst Farmers Market on the south side of our campus, right in front of those same open arms. There will be a grand opening celebration at 9:30am on Wednesday, and the market will be chock full of fresh food and produce for sale from 7am. - 1 pm each and every Wednesday through the end of October.
How amazing that we get to share our space to help promote good people gathering for good meals prepared with great, fresh ingredients. At the risk of over-spiritualizing food, I believe it gives our Creator joy and glory when we use the gifts of the soil to promote human health and well being. It’s no small thing that Jesus himself played the role of “host” on his last night, feeding his disciples not only with bread and wine, but with his very self. God designed us to gather around the table together.
In addition to the Farmers Market, we will be sharing some additional beautiful stories through video and social media about what God has been doing over the last year. You’ll be able learn about:
The Elmhurst Symphony and their use of our building and sanctuary to bring stirring music into our community
The ministry of Bible Church Ukraine, Chicago which is just about to celebrate their 1-year anniversary of Sunday afternoon worship and Friday Bible study at Elmhurst CRC
The ministry of My Brother’s Kitchen, spearheaded by one of our Elders, Tara Tameling, in helping to feed those who are struggling with food scarcity in the Lawndale neighborhood in partnership with Lampstand Ministries
Our partnership and support of Grace in Garfield CRC, a new church plant in East Garfield Park that worships on Saturday evenings, led by our own Erin and Moe Pacheco
The generational legacy of Little Lambs in sharing the good news of Jesus through the story of four sisters who attend other area churches, and who as Little Lambs alumni now bring their own kids to benefit from the work of ECRC
There is so much more to say… but that will have to wait until next week!
I do know that God has a “bias towards action.” The very first thing we know about God is that God is a Creator. Out of nothing, God made everything by his powerful word. It’s not a shocker that Jesus is a man of Action, too, and that the environment in his Kingdom, in the church, also has a Bias toward Action. It’s awesome to be part of a church that shares this quality of effectiveness and getting things done in Jesus’ Kingdom. There truly is so much to celebrate!
Wishing you a Sunday and a week full of gratitude,
– Pastor Gregg