This Week

Sunday Worship, October 19, 2025
God Calls David Bible Readings
1 Samuel 16:1-13 (John 7:24)

Message: How's Your Heart?
Text: Samuel 16:7

Message Focus:
God doesn’t choose by outward appearance but looks at the heart. David was called not for his strength, but for his devotion to God.

Takeaway:
God anoints a king whose heart aligns with His own, preparing the way for the ultimate King, Jesus.

Application:
Trust in God’s guidance rather than relying on our own strength or following the ways of the world.

BRING YOUR OWN BIBLE
As part of our Walk Through the Bible series, we encourage everyone to bring their own Bible to worship each week to follow along and make it your own. We’ll provide “Book Darts” to help mark the passages we’re focusing on. If you don’t have a Bible, feel free to take one from the credenzas at the back of the Worship Center or from the Welcome Booth—it’s our gift to you. Walk-through-the-Bible fall 2025 guide here.

Worship at 10 AM - In-Person & Online

CADET PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Saturday, October 18 • 8:00–9:30 AM • Garden Room
Bring your appetite and join us for a delicious pancake breakfast hosted by the Cadets Boys Club! Enjoy good food and fellowship while supporting our Cadets ministry. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Cadets Boys Club.

LEADERSHIP NOMINATIONS
It's the time of year when congregation members are invited to nominate Elders, Deacons and Senior Leadership Team Members to serve the community. These positions serve the church for three-year terms. Do you know someone who might be a good fit? NOMINATE HERE

SUNDAY MORNING LIVE | SUNDAYS IN OCT | 8:30-9:40AM
Join us at SML as Dr. Oliver Hersey, President of Jerusalem University College, brings the book of Exodus to life with insights through its rich cultural, historical, and geographical context.

COMMUNITY DINNER & HOE-DOWN MUSIC | OCT 29 | 5:30 PM+
Save the date. Dinner is served! October 29 is the next date for our 5th Wednesday Community Night! Special musical guest group: Plank Road Folk Music Society starts at 6:30 pm with a special dance caller! Dinner details soon here.

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE CHURCH | OCT 12,19,26 | 11:30AM | UPPER GATHERING AREA
October 12, 19, and 26 - We will be hosting our three-part Journey to the Center of the Church membership class, also following the service on those days. We understand that committing to all of the dates may be difficult, so we do have portions of that class available online. Complete the form to register for the class HERE..

ALPHA MARRIAGE COURSE | SUNDAYS OCT 5-NOV 16 | 5-6:30 PM
A supportive course for couples in all stages of marriage, offering practical tools to strengthen your relationship! Sundays, Oct 5-Nov 16 from 5-6:30 pm. Childcare available. More information and reserve your spot at elmhurstcrc.org/events.

ALPHA | THURSDAYS OCT 2-NOV 9 | 7-8:30 PM
If you are exploring the Christian faith or have questions regarding what you believe, the Alpha Course is for you.Alpha is for anyone; whether you consider yourself a skeptic, curious about faith, or a growing Christ-follower, this is a place to invite your friends and interact with others and learn from different perspectives.
You can find out more about Alpha here.

ALL SAINTS HYMN SING | SUNDAY NOV 2 | 5PM
An hour of songs and stories honoring those who have passed the baton of faith to us.

VIBRANT MINISTRIES NEED VIBRANT VOLUNTEERS!
Opportunities to serve as we kick off for fall are available HERE.

PRISON MINISTRY TEAM AT PARCHMAN
Please join us in praying for the ECRC Prison Ministry Team as they prepare to depart for a mission trip to the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. On October 10, five team members will travel to share the Gospel and encourage our incarcerated brothers in Christ.

They ask for your faithful prayers as they step into this challenging environment—seeking to bring hope, encouragement, and the love of Christ to God’s children.

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.

CHILDREN'S MID-WEEK MINISTRIES
We have Little Lambs Preschool Experience (ages 3+), GEMS and Junior GEMS for girls (1^st-6^th grade), and Pathfinders (1^st-3^rd grade) and Cadets Boys Club (4^th-8^th grade). Check out registrations for more information.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR THIS FALL
We are excited to announce the launch of a 1st–6th-grade children’s choir, directed by Robyn Vitson! The choir will sing once a month during worship. Rehearsals will be held on Wednesday evening before, from 5:30–6:15 p.m. Fall Choir Dates; Sunday, Nov 9 (Rehearsal: Nov. 5) – Song TBD | Sun, Dec 7 (Rehearsal: Dec. 3) – Special Luke 2 Retelling All children in 1st–6th grade are welcome! If your child would like to participate, please reach out Kara Hackert Director of Children & Family Ministries.

YOUTH NEWS
Regular Youth Group meetings on Sundays, in the ECRC Youth Room.

• Middle School: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

• High School: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Sunday, October 19 --

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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ELMHURST FARMERS MARKET | WEDNESDAYS JUNE-OCTOBER
The Elmhurst Farmers Market continues through the end of October! We’ve received very positive feedback about hosting the market in our parking lot. As we move into the fall, we’re looking to fill some key volunteer spots to help the market run smoothly.

Both vendors and volunteers have shared how much they enjoy the experience—vendors appreciate the quality of our volunteers, and volunteers say it’s fun to be part of the market and help out!

If you’d like to join in, email [email protected] and we’ll follow up with available dates and roles.

Volunteer Opportunities
Market Information Booth| Shifts: 7–10am or 10am–1pm

Market Ambassadors | Shifts: 7–10am or 10am–1pm
Set-Up Crew | Time: 6–7am
Clean-Up Crew | Time: 12:30–1:30pm
East Lot Counter
Lobby Security | during Little Lambs and Coffee Break AM Sessions
Sign Manager | 6:30am & 1 pm

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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 look for the bins marked 'Jubilee' at the entrances. The Jubilee store proceeds benefit York Outreach and Timothy Christian Schools. You can drop off clothing articles anytime at church during 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 Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30am-3:30pm
Fridays: 8:30am-12:30pm

We're available online 24/7.

HOW TO READ REVELATION | Oct 5,12,19
Join us Sundays at 5 PM, Oct. 5–19, for a special series led by Dr. Ben Ribbens: How to Read Revelation. Services include discussion, dinner, and nursery care; RSVP at faithelmhurst.org/revelation.
Faith CRC, 1070 S. Prospect Ave, Elmhurst

Ladies—Save the Date!
Join Lombard CRC’s Thirty-One Women’s Ministry for “Flannel, Faith & Really Funny” on Monday, 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 available soon.

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