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Sunday Worship
THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP
Message:"Christ Alone" Romans 5:12-17
"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48
On Sunday, we'll welcome Rev. George Tan to bring God's Word to us from the Book of Romans 5:12-17. George is a commissioned pastor and ordained evangelist in our denomination. Pastor Gregg will conduct a short interview with George so we can learn about his Romani roots, his love for Scripture, and his unique call to preach the Gospel.
It's the first Sunday of Advent. The advent candles reflect the special words of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, and finally the white candle – Jesus. “Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy, he has given us a new birth and a living hope.” 1 Peter 1:3
Announcements
THANKSGIVING WORSHIP | NOV 24 | 10 AM
Come for Thanksgiving! We’ll come all together for a Thanksgiving Service, which will include expressions of gratitude, beautiful and thankful music, a children's message, canned food offering from kids (for Yorkfield Food Pantry), the Presidential Proclamation, and a message based on Psalm 100 “Shout to the Lord all the earth, worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs….
CELEBRATE FAITHFULNESS | TUES NOV 29 | 7 PM
Join us for an evening of "Celebrate Faithfulness." If you were “all in” during 2022 -- with your commitment of time, energy, or resources-- and would like to learn more about how your efforts blessed our ministries and hear about our vision for 2023, please join us for a dessert reception as we usher in the Christmas season. Find out more at elmhurstcrc.org/celebrate-faithfulness. RSVP by November 22 to Michelle DeJong
ADVENT BEGINS NOVEMBER 27: The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.” And during the Advent season, we anticipate and prepare for the coming “God with Us” in the birth of Jesus.
Children's Interactive Advent Experience, Sun Dec 4
ECRC ADVENT CALENDAR IS NOW AVAILABLE
Sunday Worship & Special Events at ELMHURSTCRC.ORG/CHRISTMAS
COLLEGE EXAM GOODIE BOXES | NOV 30
Have a college student or military family member? We'd like to send them some love and encouragement this semester! Each box comes with snacks, treats, and an encouraging letter from Pastor Gregg. Complete the form EXAM GOODIE BOX FORM by November 30, with your student or military member’s Name and Mailing Address. Boxes will be mailed on December 8. Also collecting GOODIES for the boxes: prepackaged snacks, gum, popcorn, chips, cookies, etc. Drop off at the church office or supply room in the kitchen by December 5. Questions? Contact Rachel Klooster or Kathy Feringa.
CHILDRENS CHOIR | DEC 11 - POST SERVICE
Save the date -- we'll be singing - at least the children will after the services in the lobby on Sunday, December 11. Watch for details and start warming up those vocal chords!
DEACON, ELDER, SLT NOMINATIONS 2022 | NOV 30
It's that time of year when congregation members are invited to nominate Deacons, Elders, and Senior Leadership Team members. Do you know someone who might be a good fit for these positions? Find out more about qualifications and the nomination process at elmhurstcrc.org/nominations. Submit by Sunday, November 27.
PASTOR SABBATICAL LEAVE 2023
Find out more about Pastor Gregg's Sabbatical in 2023 at Resources.
CHILDREN'S INTERACTIVE ADVENT EXPERIENCE | DEC 4
Explore the Advent art of artist Joel Schoon Tanis as you stroll through the atrium lobby – watch for special activities as you experience the days of Advent.
A TENDER CHRISTMAS | TUES DEC 13 | 7 PM
As joy-filled as the holidays can be, for many of us, they can also be a season of grief for those who mourn loved ones or the life we hoped for. Join us for a time of prayer, song, and meditation as we acknowledge life’s sorrows and disappointments while we turn to Jesus—who brings light to darkness.
JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP CLASS | DECEMBER TBD
Interested in taking a deeper dive into what Christianity, the Reformed Faith, and membership at Elmhurst CRC are all about? We're on the cusp of releasing our new Journey to the Center of the Church course (currently in beta) in both an in-person and online module format for flexibility and ease of participation. Contact Rachel Klooster in the church office at 630-600-5100, and let us know you're interested -- we'll date options and times available soon!
ANNUAL DEACON CHRISTMAS LUNCH | DEC 9 | 11:30 AM The Deacons are hosting their annual Christmas Lunch for widows, widowers, and/or those who are 70+ on Friday, Dec. 9 at 11:30. If you would like to come for this time of food, fellowship, and Christmas music, RSVP to Caryn Rivadeneira Director of Care, at 630-600-5015.
MID-WEEK MINISTRY REGISTRATIONS
Grow with us this fall —Little Lambs, Cadets, Pathfinders, GEMS, CoffeeBreak Bible Study, and more are available for your registration and fall planning at REGISTRATIONS.
DIRECTORY ONLINE | NOVEMBER 2022
Church Center & Online Directory. Church Center is the access point for our new database, which allows you to view the events happening at church, church information, calendar, and groups and manage your profile from the website or ChurchCenter App. We sent email invitations from ECRC to access your profile for the online directory, update your profile, and/or include a photo.. You can login here to access features and the online directory.
Elmhurst Ministries Fund Financial Update:
Annual 2022 budget: $3.1 million YTD contributions $1.9 million.
Church Office Holiday Closures:Nov 24 & 25 (Thursday & Friday), Dec 26 (Mon), Jan 2,3,4 (Mon, Tues, Wed).
SERVE
NURSERY HELP NEEDED
Additional nursery volunteers needed(5th grader and older) as well as adults on Thanksgiving Day (10 AM) and Christmas Eve (4 & 6 PM). Can you help? Contact Krysta Kranenborg at [email protected]/
LAMPSTAND MINISTRIES SUPPORT - COATS & SHOES
Now Collecting NEW winter coats, winter boots, hats, gloves,
scarves for adults in need to be distributed by Lampstand Ministries. Purchase new items and drop them off at church by the west side doors. Thank you!
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.
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:
Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fridays: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
We're available online 24/7.
COMMUNITY
Illiana Oratorio Society invites you to attend their annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah. The concert will be on Sunday December 4, 2022 at 2:00 pm at First Orthodox Presbyterian Church of South Holland, IL, located at 16248 South Park Ave., South Holland, IL.