This Week

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Sunday, Dec 8 Message: What Can I Give Him? GIFTS
Matthew 2:1-12 (Magi) - with Pastor Gregg
FIRST FRUITS Sunday for the Hearts Ablaze campaign

On this second Sunday of Advent, we light a candle for peace. As we see this light, may we be reminded that Jesus alone is our peace.

It's the second week of the celebration of Advent. Check out our Advent calendar.

We welcome New Members:

• Jim & Laura Cullen, Margaret & James
• Ben & Lindsey Dragstrem, Maria, Claire, Wes & Silas
• Quinn Karpman
• Kevin & Neesha Matthew, Khayla
• Olivia & Vinny Michael
• Brad & Jessica Nebel, Cordelia, Clementine & Poppy
• Tom & Janice Papp

Worship in-person or online at 10 am.

HEARTS ABLAZE FIRST FRUITS SUNDAY | DECEMBER 8
We can’t wait to see you this Sunday as we celebrate all God has done in and through us during the past six weeks of the Hearts Ablaze generosity initiative. We'll be sharing stories, having the Big Reveal, and savoring a few special surprise moments! Additionally, we invite you to bring your First and Best Gift as we kick off the two-year giving season for Hearts Ablaze. This is a key moment to jumpstart the initiative, and we’re anticipating it could be one of the most generous offerings in the history of Elmhurst CRC. We hope you'll be a part of it all this Sunday!

HEARTS ABLAZE COMMITMENT CARD | DEC 6
If you have not yet made your commitment to the Hearts Ablaze initiative, there’s still time to do so! You can fill out a commitment card in two ways:
Submit your commitment online through the link here: Online Commitment Form
Pick up a commitment card from the church office and drop your completed card in the "Hearts Ablaze" box in the office or at the Welcome Center.
Please make sure to complete and return your commitment by Friday, December 6 at 12:00 pm CST to be part of this historic moment.

DEACON/PRIMETIME LUNCH & SONG | FRI, DEC 6 | 12PM
For Seniors, the event will be held on Friday, December 6, at noon in the Garden Room. It will feature a delicious lunch, music, and caroling with Robyn Vitson. RSVP by Dec 4 to the office, in the lobby, or at elmhurstcrc.org/events.

ADVENT SEASON BEGINS DECEMBER 1
Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, begins Sunday, December 1. The word Advent means “coming,” and during this season, we celebrate Jesus’ first coming and anticipate His return.

Pick up an Advent calendar flyer at the Welcome Center or Worship Center to learn more about our Advent events, including the Live Nativity, Behold the Lamb of God concert, Lessons and Carols, and more. Share with family and friends!

LITTLE LAMBS: THE MESSAGE OF THE ANGELS | DEC 11 & 12
It's the Little Lambs preschooler's Christmas program - Follow the Star. All are welcome.

LESSONS & CAROLS | DEC 15 | 10 AM
A service of scripture and song featuring our choir and a variety of readers, singers, and musicians.

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD| | DEC 22 | 10 AM
Elmhurst CRC's Broken Halos present Andrew Peterson's musical telling of the coming of Christ.

5TH SUNDAY SERVE | DEC 29 | 10 AM
Save the date for our 5th Sunday Serve, when we go out to our community and serve others. Details coming soon!

BlOOD DRIVE | DEC 29
Give the gift of life at our blood drive! Check out the times available here

SHE: SINGLE MOTHER SUPPORT GROUP | DEC 8 |12:15-2:15
It's our Christmas lunch celebration! There will be singing, food, and fun! Please be in attendance to receive your gift at the end of the Party. Everyone is invited to attend and celebrate Jesus with us! Come and be blessed. RSVP here

JOURNEYMEN | DEC 12 | 6:30 AM
Save the date - for our men's monthly meeting. Come hear Jason Amato, CEO of Takedown Eventures -- which creates outdoor adventure experiences for organizations and teams.

COOKIE DECORATION | DECEMBER 15 | 11:15 AM
We invite you to a Christmas cookie decorating party after the service in the Garden Room -- for all ages!

MIDDLE SCHOOL WINTER EXTREME AT TIMBERLEE | JAN 17–19
Registration is open for the annual ECRC favorite -- Winter Extreme at Timber-lee, January 17-19, 2025 (Friday afternoon through Sunday morning). What is WinterXtreme? It is an awesome weekend winter camp where we will worship, learn, and have tons of fun doing various activities such as broomball, tobogganing, zip-lining, and more! Do not miss this incredible weekend! Cost: $190. Registration Deadline: Dec 15, 2024. REGISTER HERE.

75 YEARS GRAPHIC ART IN THE LOBBY
Title of Artwork: 75 Years
This four-panel design graphically depicts the historical journey and people of Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church and its deep ties to the Christian Reformed denomination. The artwork traces the church’s roots, which began over 100 years ago as the Bellwood Gospel Chapel. Find out more about our historic past at elmhurstcrc.org/history
Designer: Mike Bouman
Mike Bouman is an accomplished graphic designer with over 25 years of design experience.A graduate of Calvin University, Mike, his wife Rachel, and daughter Bella are members of Elmhurst CRC. To explore more about Mike and his work, visit michaelbouman.com|

JUBILEE RESALE BINS | WEST SIDE ENTRANCE
Jubilee Resale BINS will be available to collect your new or lightly-worn clothing donations for resale during open business hours at ECRC! Look for the bins marked Jubilee at the entrances. The Jubilee store proceeds benefit York Outreach and Timothy Christian Schools. You can drop clothing articles off anytime at church at these new, convenient times!

YOUTH GROUP CALENDAR
• 12/7 - Night at the Movies for MS & HS
• 12/08 - Middle School Christmas Party
All other Youth meetings are small group only.

• 1/17-1/19/24: Middle School WINTER EXTREME at Timeber-lee

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

OUTREACH YORK CHRISTMAS STORE 🎄
Volunteers: Outreach York needs volunteers to help with their Christmas store! It’s a fun way to help at Christmas -- opportunities to sort and price gifts prior to the Christmas store opening and include check-in, hospitality, gift wrap, shopper helper, and other opportunities.

Toy Donations: The Christmas store is any opportunity for families served Outreach York Center to purchase new donated gifts at discounted prices so that they can share an affordable Christmas celebreation with their children.
Volunteer opps and gift donations opportunities at: weareoutreach.org/christmas-at-outreach
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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 open Mon-Thu (except for holidays) 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Fridays: 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

We're available online 24/7.

EMPLOYMENT:
Operation Christmas Child is hiring approximately 150 Christian men and women for paid seasonal positions at $20/hr in Aurora, IL, for projects running from mid-November to mid-December. These roles include customer service positions such as team coaches, greeters, and floor coordinators, as well as warehouse roles like dockworkers, inventory control, and drivers. Ideal candidates are passionate about spreading the gospel, align with the mission of Samaritan’s Purse, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment. Churches and organizations are encouraged to share this opportunity with potential candidates.
Apply at: https://samaritanspurse.org/ou...

Christmas Carol Sing, Sunday, December 8 at 4 pm. Join friends and neighbors to sing your favorite Christmas Carols at the Western Springs Christian Reformed Church (5140 Wolf Road, Western Springs).