This Week

Sunday Worship, February 1, 2026

Message: God's Thirst
Bible Passage: John 4:1-26
In His humanity, Jesus experienced real thirst for water. In His divinity, He reveals a deeper thirst—for us to be in relationship with Him. Jesus invites us into true fellowship, calling us to know and worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

"A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

Children's Worship- PK-Kindergarten
It's Holy Communion and Family Worship Sunday

Worship at 10 AM - In-Person & Online

CHILI COOK-OFF | COMMUNITY DINNER | GLOW IN THE DARK WORSHIP | JANUARY 28
We'll have a community dinner, chili cook-off, and glow-in-the-dark worship night!

ISRAEL TRIP WITH ECRC | INFO MEET | FEB 1
ECRC is exploring a two-week Pastor/Parishioner study trip to Israel in 2027. Dr. Oliver Hersey, President of Jerusalem University, would serve as our guide and teacher for the trip. On Sunday, February 1, following the worship gathering, Pastors Gregg and Jeff will host an informational meeting in the Garden Room. During this meeting, we will share details about the trip, discuss possible dates and associated costs, and gauge the level of interest within the ECRC community. If you think you might be interested, please join us.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING | SUNDAY, FEB 8 | 11:15 AM
Join us for the 2025 Congregational Meeting of Elmhurst CRC on Sunday, February 8 at 11:15 a.m. held in the Worship Center right after Sunday morning worship. The meeting will be held in person and online and will include a recap of the highlights from 2025 at ECRC, the selection of elders and deacons, and the approval of the Elmhurst Ministry Fund (EMF) 2026 budget. Details on how to attend and vote, along with full meeting resources, are available. Details here.

SUNDAY MORNING LIVE | SUNDAYS IN FEB | 8:45 am
SML returns this February, Sundays before church with the Truth Rising. Truth Rising is a four-week series featuring videos from Focus on the Family and The Colson Center. The series encourages thoughtful reflection and discussion and will be led by Doug Groters. Details & Watch the Video Session

ALPHA YOUTH & FAMILY | SUNDAYS
Come Sundays in February (except Super Bowl Sunday) from 6 pm - 7:30 pm, for students and parents, too! Full details here.

KNOW & TELL PROFESSION OF FAITH DISCUSSIONS | FEB 8+
Feb 8, 15, 22 & Mar 1 | 8:45-9:45 AM
For those who are curious about what it means to make a profession of faith or be baptized. Full details here.

CHOIR PRACTICE | WEDNESDAY, FEB 4 | 7 PM
We’re excited to welcome Renee DeJager as our Interim Choir Director for the winter and spring. Renee brings a deep love for worship and choral music, along with years of experience in education and church music leadership. The choir sings regularly in worship and rehearses on Wednesday evenings. Our next rehearsal is Wednesday, February 4, from 7:00–8:00 pm — come sing with us! Questions?Contact Renee DeJager

DIVORCECARE | FEB 11-MAY 6 | 7-8:30 PM
DivorceCare is a safe, supportive space where caring people come alongside you as you seek healing from the pain of separation or divorce. This 13-week, video-based support group offers practical tools for decision-making and guidance for navigating emotional challenges.
The spring session begins February 11, 2026. Childcare will be available. Registration is required. Click for details

YEAR-END GIVING STATEMENTS
Thank you for your continued financial support throughout the year—we couldn’t fuel ministry without it! Your 2025 year-end tax/giving statement was sent via email and mailed mid-week. You can also access your statement anytime at Elmhurst CRC online. Directions here. If you have any questions about the statement, contact Justin Lawrence, Executive Director of Operations.

ASH WEDNESDAY | FEB 18
Mark the beginning of Lent by attending an Ash Wednesday service or drive-thru ashes at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church. Ashes will be given safely in your car as you drive under the west portico. Drive-thru ashes: 7–9 AM & 11:30 AM–1 PM Ash Wednesday service: 6:30 PM

PRAYER CHAIN
Prayer for others. We invite you to be part of our church community email prayer chain. Through this twice-weekly prayer email, we lift up prayers for the health and well-being of our members and their families. It’s a beautiful way to stay connected and support one another in prayer. To subscribe, simply sign up and receive prayer requests directly to your inbox.

COFFEE BREAK BIBLE STUDY | WEDS & THURS STARTS MID-JANUARY It's a great time to jump in!Our winter study is on Ruth - A beautiful story of faithfulness and hope, Ruth offers a powerful foreshadowing of our redemption through Christ. Details and registration HERE.

LITTLE LAMBS SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS | STARTS MID-JANUARY
Our spring semester begins mid-January, and now is the time to register and secure your child’s spot! Little Lambs offers a joyful preschool learning experience filled with music, crafts, Bible stories, creative learning, and free play. Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are available to fit your family’s schedule. Details & registration here.

JANUARY SERIES – FINAL WEEK! AT PARK PLACE
Enjoy the January Series? It’s moved just a little north! Our neighbors at Park Place will be hosting the January Series this year in their second floor community room. Check out the full January Series schedule (weekdays January 19-30) and join us as we walk over to Park Place for noontime learning. January Series info here.

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YOUTH NEWS
Saturday, January 31 - One Night Worship - High School
Worship with other high school church youth groups at Cityview Church, Elmhurst - 7-8:30 pm

Sunday, February 1-Mar 1 - Alpha Youth & Family
Alpha Youth and Family 5 PM - 6:30 pm. Register.
(excludes Super Bowl Sunday!)

Sundays, February 8, 15, 22 & March 1 - Know & Tell
8:45-9:45 am - For those who are curious about what it means to make a profession of faith, or be baptized. Register Here

Friday-Saturday, February 27-28 - Lock-in!
Middle school lock-in Feb 27th-28th 7pm-10am Register 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

Check out elmhurstcrc.org/youth

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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.

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

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

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.

SAMARATAN'S PURSE IS HIRING
Check out careers and temp jobs here.

Roseland Christian Ministries silent auction & fundraiser--- Join us for an afternoon supporting RCM’s women & children’s shelter, meal programs, food pantry and other vital services. “Rise Up Roseland” is Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Firehouse Art Studio in Chicago (1123 Roosevelt) from 3pm-6pm. Purchase tickets at https://roselandchristianministries.yapsody.com/. Your presence and support truly matter! Call 773.264.5665 for more details.

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

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