This Week

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Sunday Message 10 AM: Eat This Book Series - Digesting the Bible
Message: "Contagious Christianity" : I Thessalonians 1:1-10
with Rev. Jeff Klein

The church in Thessalonica, like Elmhurst CRC, was to be commended for their commitments to Christ, to each other, and to [the world] Main takeaway: Encouragement and challenge to keep going

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NLT)
"As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Prepare with resources from The Bible Project:
How To Read the New Testament Letters Epistles in Historical Context
How To Read the New Testament Letters Epistles in Literary Context

Worship on-site or online at 10 am.

CAPELLA CHOIR OF CALVIN UNIVERSITY | FEB 22 & 23
Join us for a weekend of choral music with the beautiful sounds of the Capella Choir of Calvin University! The choir will perform a free concert on Saturday, February 22 at 7 PM at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church (149 W. Brush Hill Road, Elmhurst). The Calvin Capella (under the direction of Dr. Mark Stover) will be joined by several local schools to put on this evening performance, they will be part of a musical event during worship on Sunday, February 23 at 10 AM at Elmhurst CRC. Everyone is invited to enjoy this wonderful musical experience!

PRAYER SERVICE | MON FEB 24 | 7–8:30 PM
Come experience a time of deep prayer and spiritual renewal. We’ll be offering anointing with oil and intercessory prayer for all who attend. Whether you’re seeking peace, healing, or support, this is an opportunity to connect with God and others in prayer. We’d love to have you join us!

TASTE OF ECRC | SUN MAR 2 | 11:15 AM
If you’re newer to the church, looking for a church home, or interested in membership, join us Sunday, March 2, right after the service! We’ll gather in the Garden Room for a light continental breakfast, a tour of the facility, and an opportunity to learn more about who we are and what we do. Kids are welcome! RSVP and let us know how many will be attending for brunch

ASH WEDNESDAY | MAR 5
You are invited to mark the first day of Lent by attending a special Ash Wednesday service or drive-thru event on Wednesday, March 5. The imposition of ashes and the words "Remember you are dust and into dust you shall return." will be given safely in your cars as you drive through (and under) the west portico of the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church building—follow the signs. Drive-thru ashes are available from 7-9 AM & 11:30 AM-1 PM. AshWednesday service at 6:30 PM.

KNOW & TELL (PROFESSION OF FAITH) | FEB 23+
Sundays, February 23-March 16, discussions will take place before church from 8:45-9:45 AM. We invite any student who has not yet made their Profession of Faith to attend. Attending the discussions does not automatically mean you will make your Profession of Faith. It is a personal decision for each student to make. Feel free to attend and explore the process. We're serving donuts - let us know you're coming HERE!

5th SUNDAY SERVE | RICE & BEANS DONATION
Donate bags of rice and beans for families! On Sunday, March 30, we’ll be partnering with York Outreach and gifting our neighbors to the west in the Brandywine neighborhood bags of food essentials, a small gift, and an invitation to a Summer Fun Fest in June. We’ll need 1200 bags of rice and 1200 bags of dry beans to be part of the food essentials gift bag. Sign up today to donate your bags and drop them off at church as soon as possible!

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING RECAP
Sunday, February 9, we held our annual church congregational meeting after the service; a recap is below, and complete meeting resources are here.
Elmhurst Ministries Fund (EMF) 2025 budget was approved.
The following members were elected to the offices of:
Elder: Todd Buikema, Bryan Rieger, Don Slager, Tara Tameling
Deacon: Mike de Waal Malefyt, Mike Holtrop, Steve Vander Wal, Stacy Wiegers
Senior Leadership Team (SLT) Members Presented:
Dawn Feenstra and Justin VenHousen
Thank you to outgoing members:
Elders: Linda Groenewold, Don Van Beek, John Vander Kamp, Lisa Zylstra
Deacons: Steve Hengst, Kristen Loerop, Sean McNichols, Brent Molendyke
SLT: Todd Bouman
Thank you to all who serveand served. As a body, we have been blessed with your wisdom, dedication, and passion as you have served faithfully and well, effectively ministering to our members, community, and world.

ALPHA MARRIAGE COURSE | FEB-MAR
Alpha Marriage Course – A supportive course for couples in all stages of marriage, offering practical tools to strengthen your relationship.When: Sundays, Feb 2 – Mar 16, 4:30–6:00 pm OR Thursdays, Feb 6 – Mar 20, 6:30–8:00 pm. Childcare available. For more details, visit elmhurstcrc.org/events

ELMHURST CAPERNAUM | MAR 13 |6-7:30 PM
Inviting teens and young adults with and without disabilities to discover authentic friendship, growth, and purpose. Spring 2025 Club Dates: Mar 13, Apr 10, May 8 All teens and young adults ages 13-22 are invited! Elmhurst Capernum is a joint initiative of Elmhurst Young Life and Elmhurst CRC and meets in the Youth Room (lower level) of Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. Questions? Contact Michelle DeJong

SWIM PARTY | MAR 8 | 6-8 PM
Come on out for the Elmhurst CRC Friends & Family Swim Party. It’s Saturday, March 8, 6-8 pm at the Oak Brook Aquatic Center. Cost: $7 per person or $20 per family. REGISTER ONLINE.

YOUTHY SCHEDULE
Feb 23: Know and Tell session starting 8:45-9:45am
Feb 23: High School Large Group 5:30-7pm
Mar 2: Know and Tell session starting 8:45-9:45am
Mar 2: Middle School Large Group 5:30-7pm
Mar 9: Know and Tell session 8:45-9:45am
Mar 9 High School Large Group 5:30-7pm
Mar 9: Know and Tell session 8:45-9:45am
Mar 16: Know and Tell session 8:45-9:45am
Mar 16: Middle School Large Group 5:30-7pm
Mar 23: High School Large Group 5:30-7pm
Mar 30: One Night 6-7pm

CHURCH-WIDE PINEWOOD DERBY | MAR 19 | 6 PM
Cadets invite church members and guests to participate in the Pinewood Derby on March 19th at 6 pm. Cars are available for $5 per kit, and anyone in 4th grade or older may participate. Cars and derby rules are available at the Welcome Center in the lobby..

COVENANT EDUCATION PLAN (CEP) | MAR 9 & 23
Parents of current and prospective Timothy Christian students, registration for the ECRC Covenant Education Plan begins in March. Participants will need to attend one of the two Parent Registration Meetings. Information and registration materials will be provided at the meetings. Both parents' attendance is required, and you must be an active member of Elmhurst CRC to participate. Sundays, March 9 and 23, childcare is provided on Sunday, March 9.

PRISON MINISTRY MISSION TRIP | MAY 15-18
Have you ever felt called to minister to the incarcerated? Now is your chance! Join us on a life-changing mission trip to Elayn Hunt Federal Prison in St. Gabriel, Louisiana. This ministry is a powerful experience for all involved.

Trip Details:

• Dates:May 15th-18th, 2025 (Fly out Thursday, return Sunday; visit the prison on Friday and Saturday)
• Cost:Approx. $1200 (includes flights, hotels, and some meals). Additional cash will be needed for a few meals
• Interested? Contact Jerry VanderMolen by April 11!

GIVING STATEMENTS 2024
Thank you for your continued financial support throughout the year—we couldn’t fuel ministry without it! Your 2024 year-end tax/giving statement will be emailed and mailed the week of January 27. You can also access your statement at Elmhurst CRC online. Directions here. If you have any questions about the statement, contact Justin Lawrence, Executive Director of Operations.

MINISTRY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Caring Network. We will support them in their annual baby bottle coin collection. Pick up a baby bottle from the lobby and fill it with spare change. Return the bottle to church by Feb 23. CaringNetwork’s mission: We are racing to equip life-minded churches and individuals to care for their neighbors, born and unborn, honestly and compassionately, two lives at a time.

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!

NEW TO YOU RESALE | ECRC PARKING LOT
Donation pick-up the first Thursday of each month from 7:45 am-9:15 am in the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church parking lot. New to You Resale proceeds support the Bright Promise Fund which provides Chicagoland children with access to a quality Christ-center school.

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

My Brother's Kitchen (MBK) is a collaborative ministry bringing suburban and urban people together to serve a meal to the community and eat together. We serve together on the 4th Saturday morning of the month. Sign up here!

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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 OPPORTUNITIES at Timothy Christian Schools:
Long-Term Language Arts Sub
Counselor/Registrar

Roseland Christian Ministries fundraiser--- Join us for our “Rise Up Roseland” silent auction fundraiser on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 3pm-6pm at Harborside International Golf Center in Chicago. Hear how you can partner with us as we meet the needs of the Roseland community. Purchase tickets at https://roselandchristianministries.yapsody.com/. Call 773.264.5665 for more information.

EMPLOYMENT:
Caring Network is hiring! Check out jobs at :https://www.caringnetwork.com/...