ADVENT CALENDAR 2025

Find all your weekly announcements here

Sunday Worship, November 30, 2025
The season of Advent begins.
WORSHIP ONLINE ONLY as we'll be out serving our community.

Worship at 10 AM - In-Person & Online

Announcements

CHRISTMAS LUNCH | FRIDAY, DEC. 5 | 12–2 PM
Celebrate the season with a delicious lunch and beautiful Christmas music! Hosted by the Elmhurst CRC Care Team, this festive gathering is especially for our senior community and friends who enjoy good food, warm fellowship, and the sounds of the season.
Please RSVP by December 1 by calling the church office at 630.600.5100 or online at elmhurstcrc.org/events.

LITTLE LAMBS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM | DEC 10 & 11
Come for a delightful evening of music and pageantry as the preschoolers of Little Lambs present the songs, stories, and Good News at their Christmas program — Jesus, King of Kings, December 10 & 11 @ 7pm. Refreshments will be served after the program.

JOURNEYMEN | DECEMBER 11, 6:30 AM
Save the date for our final Journeymen of 2025!!

SHE CHRISTMAS PARTY | SUNDAY DECEMBER 14
Register now for the SHE: Single Mother Support Group Christmas Party on Dec 14th at 12:15 pm. We'll have food, fun, and a Christmas giveaway. Attend to receive your gift at the end of the Christmas Party! Get details & register here.

NATIVITY STORY - KID VOLUNTEERS
It’s time to prepare for our children’s telling of the Nativity story! This year’s presentation will take place on Sunday, December 21, using words from the Jesus Storybook Bible and elements of Lessons and Carols.

If your child would like to participate as a Reader (3rd grade+), Actor (1st–6th grade, no speaking), or Choir member (1st grade through high school), please let me know by December 9 and include their 1st and 2nd choices.
Rehearsals:
• Readers & Actors: Wednesday, December 17 at 3:30 p.m.
• Choir: Wednesday, December 17 at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Gregg and the adult choir
• Everyone: Sunday, December 21 at 9:00 a.m., with Christmas treats between rehearsal and worship
Parent helpers for Wednesday and Sunday rehearsals are very welcome!

LIVE NATIVITY SIGN-UPS

Coming this Tuesday, December 2.

BLUE CHRISTMAS | DECEMBER 15 | 7 PM
Join us for a time of prayer and song as we acknowledge life’s sorrows and disappointments while we turn to Jesus, who brings light to darkness.

OUTREACH YORK CHRISTMAS STORE
The 3rd Annual Outreach York Christmas Store returns on Saturday, December 13, 2025! This one-day event allows local families to shop for new Christmas gifts for their children at 75% off retail prices—preserving dignity and spreading joy. Proceeds support Outreach York’s year-round case management services for families in need.
This year, we expect to serve 100 families and over 300 children—and we need your help to make it happen!

Ways to Support the Outreach York Christmas Store:

  • Gift Drive: Donate toys and other kid-friendly items from these retailers:
    Target
    Walmart
    Amazon
  • Volunteer: Over 50 volunteers are needed for setup, sorting, and welcoming families. SIGN UP HERE.
  • Give: Support the Store’s expenses so more proceeds can go directly to families. Donate at weareoutreach.org/give and note Outreach York Christmas Store.

Outreach York is an Elmhurst CRC Missions partner.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR THIS FALL
We are excited about the 1st–6th-grade children’s choir, directed by Robyn Vitson! The choir will sing during worship. Rehearsals will be held on Wednesday evening before, from 5:30–6:15 p.m. Remaining Fall Choir Dates: Sun, Dec 7 (Rehearsal: Dec. 3) – Special Luke 2 Retelling.All children in 1st–6th grade are welcome! Reach out Kara Hackert Director of Children & Family Ministries.

COFFEE BREAK BIBLE STUDY | WEDS & THURS SEP - DEC
Join us for Coffee Break Bible Study on Wednesdays (AM/PM) and Thursdays (AM) weekday mornings and Wednesday evenings. This fall, we'll dive into New Testament passages about the Holy Spirit and His powerful role in our lives. Coffee Break is a welcoming space to explore God’s Word, build community, and grow and deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Details and registration HERE.


YOUTH NEWS
5th Sunday Serve 11/30: Join us by signing up for “Youth Leaf Raking” here!

HONDURAS MISSION TRIP | JULY 12-18
We're going on a mission trip to All God's Children. Check out the application details HERE.

WINTER TEEN RETREAT | JANUARY 16-18
We’re going on a winter retreat to SpringHill Camps in Michigan! Lots of fun activities and faith moments too, check out the details here.

Volunteers Needed
We’re looking for adults who are passionate about investing in the next generation. If you’re interested in serving and mentoring our youth, please email us at [email protected].

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Missions Moment
This month, the Missions Team helped meet urgent basic needs in two ministries connected to our church.

Lampstand Ministries requested support to provide groceries and bus passes for individuals Chris Langkamp has been building relationships with people who might never walk into a traditional ministry setting. Because Lampstand is one of our partners, we were able to quickly supply funds for these essential gift cards.

Roseland Christian Ministries, though not a full-time partner, also shared a need for Walmart gift cards after the recent reductions in SNAP benefits. A team member suggested we respond in honor of Jack Lanenga, who faithfully served on the Missions Team and was deeply connected to Roseland. The team agreed, and funds were sent directly to Roseland to purchase gift cards for families they know.

In addition to our quarterly partner support, the Missions Team is grateful for opportunities like these to respond to specific needs as they arise.

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Jubilee Resale Bins – West Entrance
Donate new or gently-worn clothing anytime during church hours. Look for the bins marked “Jubilee.” Proceeds support York Outreach and Timothy Christian Schools.

New to You Resale – Monthly Pickup
Clothing donations are collected on the first Thursday of each month from 7:45–9:15 a.m. in the ECRC south parking lot. Proceeds benefit the Bright Promise Fund providing Chicagoland children with access to a quality Christ-centered school.

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Advent 2025

JOIN OUR TEAM! STAFF OPENINGS

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

SERVE

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.

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 Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30am-3:30pm
Fridays: 8:30am-12:30pm

We're available online 24/7.

COMMUNITY

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
AI – STEM Program Coordinator for 2026-27 School Year
Detailed position overview: Build What's Next

Ladies—Save the Date!
Join Lombard CRC’s Thirty-One Women’s Ministry for “Flannel, Faith & Really Funny” on Tuesday, December 9 at 7 p.m. Enjoy an evening of laughter with Christian comedian Tracey DeGraff and great fellowship. Wear your favorite flannel, bring one to donate to PADS, and invite your friends—whether they’re longtime believers, new to faith, or just curious!
Tickets here..

OUTREACH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES We partner with Outreach York in the Jubilee Resale in Lombard, and in the York Outreach Center with God Time and VBS. They’re seeking a Director of Community Housing and Programs at two different locations, as well as a part-time teaching position. Check out opportunities at: weareoutreach.org/about-us/careers-internships