This Week

This Sunday: The River of God
Scripture:John 7:37–39; Ezekiel 47:1–12
with Rev Jeff Klein

What does it mean to live by the Spirit? Throughout Scripture, God uses the picture of a river of living water to help us understand the life He offers through His Spirit. Jesus invites us to come, drink, and have our spiritual thirst satisfied.

This Sunday we'll explore what it looks like to step into God's river—to be refreshed, transformed, and empowered to participate in His Kingdom work.

We'll also hear a powerful testimony from our Prison Ministry about how God's Spirit is moving and changing lives.

Key Verse:"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." — John 7:38

Childre's Worship PreK - Kindergarten only. Kids return to the lower East Wing in August.

Worship at 10 AM - In-Person & Online

Directory Photos - submit your own!
We invite you to submit your family’s photo for inclusion in our pictorial directory. You can upload your own (and update you data), or send it to [email protected] | Read more.

Staff Retreat – August 5–7
Many of our staff will be away at an off-site retreat beginning Wednesday afternoon through Friday. If you need immediate pastoral care or assistance during that time, please contact one of our Crisis Care Team members at elmhurstcrc.org/care

Back to School Prayer Stations - August 9 & 16
We invite you to the interactive back to school prayer stations in the lobby.

Taste of Elmhurst CRC - Sunday, August 16
If you're new to Elmhurst CRC, exploring membership, or would like to learn more about our church, save the date for Taste of Elmhurst CRC immediately following the worship service. More details and details and RSVP information here!

Spiritual Gifts Workshop — Sunday, August 23, following the service
Discover your unique gifts through an assessment and guided conversation, and explore how God may be calling you to use them for His glory.

Knitters for Community - August 14
We meet the first and third Monday of the month from 2:30-4pm in the Java Stop. We welcome new knitters (or crocheters!). Event details here.

Serve Weekend - August 29 & 30
Save the date. Our next Serve Weekend is Saturday and Sunday, August 29 and 30 Sign-ups open mid-August.

Blood Drive - August 30
Give a little, give a lot! Details.

Coffee Break Bible Study - Wednesdays & Thursdays this fall
We’ve got our Bible studies ready for fall – and we cannot wait to see you! This fall we'll journey through the first half of the book of Exodus in a study titled Learning to Trust God. Together we'll discover how God worked through baskets in rivers, burning bushes, plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea to accomplish His purposes and faithfully care for His people. As we study His Word, we'll be reminded that the same God who proved Himself trustworthy then is still trustworthy today. Sign up for your session today, details at elmhurstcrc.org/coffeebreak

Journey to the Center of the Church Membership Class
September 27, October 4 & 11 • 11:15 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Deepen your understanding of ECRC’s mission and beliefs while building meaningful connections with others.

Prayer Lab - Coming this September
Have you ever wondered about prayer? How do we pray? What does prayer accomplish? Is it really necessary? Coming this fall, you'll have an opportunity to explore prayer more deeply. This Prayer Lab combines teaching, training, practice, and conversation as we learn how to pray for others and discover the Spirit's work in bringing freedom from the strongholds and wounds that bind people.

As E.M. Bounds said, "God shapes the world through prayer. The more praying there is in the world, the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil. God conditions the very life and prosperity of His cause on prayer."

Join the Children's Worship Team!
It's time to build our fall Children's Worship schedule! If you've ever considered serving with this wonderful group of kids, we'd love to talk with you. No experience is necessary—just a heart for helping children grow in their faith. To learn more, please contact: Kristin Reitsma (Pk-Kindergarten) and Kara Hackert (1st-4th grade)

Thank You from Caring Network for Your Support!
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's Coins for Caring Network Baby Bottle Drive. Together, our congregation donated $557.02 to support Caring Network's life-affirming ministry. Your generosity helps provide compassionate care, share the hope of the gospel with women facing unplanned pregnancies, and expand services through new clinics in the Chicago area. Thank you for partnering in this important ministry through your prayers and financial support.

Little Lambs Preschool Experience fall 2026 registration is open!
Register today for our early bird registration rate. Check it out HERE.

Fall Registrations for Mid-Week Ministries - Now Open
Fall registrations for mid-week ministries are now open! If you're a planner, this one's for you! GEMS Girls Club, Cadets Boys Club, Pathfinders Boy Club, Coffee Break Bible Study, and more. Check it out.

Hope Mobility Collection Site - Donate Your Used Mobility Devices
On Missions Sunday, we heard from Judy Groters (watch here) about her trip to Hope Mobility in Kenya and the profound impact mobility devices have on the lives of children and adults. Elmhurst CRC serves as a collection site for gently used mobility devices (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches). To donate, bring items to church or contact the Hope Mobility office for pickup.

Volunteer at the EFM! Opportunities on Wednesdays, June through October. Positions include: Market Information Booth, Market Ambassador, Lobby Security, East Side Counters, Sign Set Up, and Set up & Clean Up. Times vary. It’s great to be at the market! Check out opportunities here! Email Rachel at the church office for more information.

Our biggest need right now? Is Clean-Up. Here's that description: Clean up: Help take down ECRC info table, barricades, trash, traffic cones, etc. 12:30-1:30pm

Come Join the Children's Ministry Team!

There are many ways to make a difference in the lives of our children this fall. We'd love to have you serve with us!

Pre/K Children's Worship

• Preschool Small Group Leader

• Kindergarten Small Group Leader
  Contact Kristin Reitsma

1st–4th Grade Children's Worship

• 2nd Grade Small Group Leader

• Four 4th Grade Boys Small Group Leaders
  Contact Kara Hackert, Children & Famly Ministry Director

Jr. GEMS

• Leaders for 1st–3rd Grade
  ContactRachel de Waal MalefytGEMS Leader

GEMS

• Two 4th Grade Leaders

• Two 5th Grade Leaders

• Craft Counselor
  Contact Candice Van Hout

Cadets

• Three Leaders for 4th–8th Grade
  Contact Doug Slinkman Cadets Leader

Children's Library
Help welcome children to the library for just 20 minutes after the service once a month. We need two additional volunteers. Contact Kara Hackert

Little Lambs Preschool
We'd love to welcome a song leader or pianist for our Wednesday morning program. Flexible scheduling options are available. To learn more, contact Lynda Clousing Little Lambs Preschool Director.

YOUTH MINISTRIES COORDINATOR JOB OPENING
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church (ECRC) is looking for a passionate and energetic leader to walk alongside our high school and middle school youth, especially the girls, and provide visionary leadership to a team of volunteers. For more details and to apply, click here.

CHOIR DIRECTOR at ECRC
NURSERY COORDINATOR at ECRC
Check out employment opening at elmhurstcrc.org/join-our-team

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

On-the-Go Devos Experience
Paused for summer, check back in fall.

Prayer Chain
We invite you to join our church community’s email prayer chain. Through this twice-weekly email, we share prayer requests for the health and well-being of our members and their families. It’s a meaningful way to stay connected and support one another in prayer. To subscribe, simply sign up and receive prayer requests directly to your inbox.

Weekly Enews
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter of events, activities and connections: elmhurstcrc.org/subscribe

On-the-Go Devos Experience
Paused for summer, check back in fall.

Church Office Summer Hours:
Mon-Thu | 9am-3pm | May 29-August 28

We're available online 24/7.