WORSHIP GUIDE

Find all your weekly announcements here.

Sunday, Dec 22
Message:
What Can I Give Him? Wonder (BTLOG)

The Broken Halos present Andrew Peterson’s musical masterpiece, “Behold the Lamb of God,” which places the story of Christ's birth in the context of the whole Bible -- a crowd favorite!

Sunday, Dec 22, 10 AM
at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church.
Friday, Dec 20, 7 PM
at Stage 119 in Elmhurst – Free show and for all ages -

Find lyrics HERE.

On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the purple candle of advent.

Check out our Advent calendar.

Worship in-person or online at 10 am.

Announcements

ADVENT SEASON
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!

LIVE NATIVITY | DEC 20 | 4,5,6 PM
Come mingle with the llamas, sheep and other critters at the Live Nativity while you hear the Christmas story.

Volunteer to be part of the Live Nativity.
Check out parts and opportunities available.


BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD | DEC 20 & 22
Elmhurst CRC's Broken Halos present Andrew Peterson's musical telling of the coming of Christ. -- a crowd favorite!
Sunday, Dec 22
, 10 AM at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church.
Friday, Dec 20,
7 PM at Stage 119 in Elmhurst – Free show and for all ages.

5TH SUNDAY SERVE | DEC 29 | 10 AM
Save the date for our 5th Sunday Serve, when we go to our community and serve others. Get your serve on and REGISTER HERE.

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

NEW YEAR'S EVE SERVICE | JAN 31 | 7 PM
We invite you and your family to join us New Years Eve at 7 pm for this very special evening of New Years celebration and reflection. Join us live in the Garden Room at Elmhurst CRC or via Livestream or Facebook.

Outreach York Christmas Store Recap
"A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and Christmas gift donors
who made this year’s Christmas Store a success. With your generous support, we served 96 families, nearly double the number from last year, and distributed 876 gifts—an increase of 256 gifts from 2023. We were blessed to have 98 volunteers contribute 452 hours of service, and we partnered with 17 businesses and 6 churches to further expand our reach. In addition to providing gifts, we had the privilege of praying with 78 families, offering them a sense of hope and renewal. This year’s store was truly a testament to God’s provision and love, as we brought joy to many while reflecting Christ’s heart in our community." Rosie Rodriquez

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 a fantastic 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. REGISTER HERE.

HEARTS ABLAZE INITIATIVE UPDATE
We are thrilled to share that our First Fruits Sunday offering to kickstart the Hearts Ablaze initiative has surpassed $1,000,000! Thank you for your incredible generosity and commitment. Your giving is empowering us to expand our ministry, eliminate building debt, as we trust God to ignite new, Spirit-led opportunities in the coming season.Stay connected and learn more at heartsablaze.elmhurstcrc.org.

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! Please be sure to 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
All other Youth meetings are small group only for December.
• 1/17-1/19/24: Middle School WINTER EXTREME at Timber-lee

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of events and activities: elmhurstcrc.org/subscribe

Staff News: December 2024
We want to express our heartfelt thanks to Erin Lanenga for her dedicated service as our Choir Director over the past few years. Erin has accepted a part-time teaching position at Concordia University-Chicago and continuing her music teaching role at Timothy Christian Schools. As a result, she will be stepping down from her position as Choir Director.

We are grateful for Erin’s leadership and the musical gifts she has shared with us. Erin and her family will remain an active part of Elmhurst CRC, and we look forward to continuing to worship alongside them.

Fond Farewell to Lindsay Chandler. ECRC Youth Coordinator Lindsay Chandler has completed her time with ECRC and will return to her hometown of Kansas City to pursue her acting career. We wish her God's blessings as she follows the path He has called her to and the purpose He has gifted her.

SERVE

GEMS GIRLS CLUB SEWING HELP | JAN 22 | 6:30-8 PM
Our GEMS girls’ group is looking for volunteers to help them earn their sewing badge on January 22nd. This is a one-time volunteer opportunity to help guide the girls while sewing - knowledge of sewing machines is a plus. No planning is needed. If you are able to cut fabric ahead of time, that would be appreciated but not necessary. If you can assist, contact Kristin Reitsma, Children's Ministries Coordinator.
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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.

Serve Survey

DEVOTIONALS & PODCASTS

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

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS:

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.

COMMUNITY