WORSHIP GUIDE

THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP:

Sunday Worship, March 8, 2026
Message:Can I Count the Cost? with Pastor Gregg DeMey
Text:John 18:12–2

"Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, ‘You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?’ He denied it, saying, ‘I am not.’”

When pressure rises, and the cost feels too high, how do we respond? In John 18, Peter denies Jesus out of fear—reminding us that even those who love Him can falter under pressure. None of us wants to imagine denying someone we love, yet courage can feel costly. Jesus, however, shows us the courageous way and promises never to leave or forsake us.

Special music provided by Cellissimo, senior performing cello ensemble students at the joint programs of Western Springs School of Talent Education and Naperville Suzuki School, led by Sally Gross and Alex Revoal.

Children's Worship- PK-4th grade

Worship at 10 AM - In-Person & Online

WALK THROUGH THE BIBLE SPRING GUIDE

What's New

SUNDAY MORNING LIVE | SUNDAYS IN MARCH | 8:45 AM
The Forgotten Ways: A Four-Week Study of the Book of Acts
March 1, 8, 15, 22
What did the early church have that we may have lost? This series invites thoughtful reflection, discussion, and practical action. Led by Rev. Jeff Klein. Continental breakfast at 8:30 AM. Join us! Details and course outline available here.

NEW MEMBER CLASS | MAR 1, 8 & 15 | 11:15 AM
Interested in taking a deeper dive into what Christianity, the Reformed Faith, and membership at Elmhurst CRC are all about? Our next new member class, Journey to the Center of the Church, is coming on Sundays, March 1, 8 & 15. Details and RSVP registration here.

Holy Sexuality | Sun, Mar 8, 5-6 pm
Dr. Christopher Yuan
, author of Holy Sexuality and the Gospel, spoke on Wednesday, March 4, to equip parents and families with a clear, biblical understanding of sexuality and identity.
As a follow-up to that talk/conversation, Pastor Gregg and Pastor Jeff will be hosting two discussions for anyone interested in continuing the conversation! Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 7 to 8 pm - In the Upper Gathering Area, Dr. Yuan will be joining for this discussion! Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 5 to 6 pm in the Garden Room. Details here.

Single Mother Support Group | Sun, Mar 8 | 12:15-2:30 pm
Join us Sunday, March 8, from 12:15–2:30 p.m. for our monthly gathering. Streams. Pools. We experience water in many ways—and God has “water” for us. Come be encouraged at “Soaked” with Eve Senti! Speaker, lunch, and childcare available. Details & RSVP here.

Journeymen | Thu, March 12 | 6:30 am
Men’s Gathering - Men meet on the second Thursday of each month for connection and encouragement as we walk together in following Jesus. We'll hear from Neal Rozema, Connections Pastor of Harvest New Beginnings, share his powerful story of struggle and redemption. Thursday, Mar 12, at 6:30 am. Details.

Christian Education Plan Meeting | Sun Mar 22 & Apr 8
Parents of current and prospective Timothy Christian students: Registration for the ECRC Covenant Education Plan (CEP) begins in March. To participate, you must attend one of the two Parent Registration Meetings, where information and registration materials will be provided. Both parents must attend, and you must be an active member of Elmhurst CRC to participate. The meetings will take place on Sunday, March 22 and Wednesday, April 8. Childcare will be provided for children up to second grade on Sunday, March 22.

Friends & Family Pool Party | Mar 14
Elmhurst CRC Friends & Family Swim Party — Saturday, March 14, 6–8 PM at the Oak Brook Aquatic Center. Join us for a fun night in the pool! Details & Sign-Up Here.

Pinewood Derby! | Wed, Mar 18 | 6 pm

Design and compete with your own Pinewood Derby car on Wednesday, March 18. Weigh-ins start at 6 pm, and the race begins at 17 pm. Car kits are available for $5 at the Welcome Center, and you can pick up rules for building. Come prepared to show off your creation and face off against other participants. Or just come for the fun! Questions? Doug Slinkman, Cadet Leader.

THRIVE Dinner With Friends | Thu, Mar 26 | 6:00–9:00 pm
You’re invited to an evening of good food and meaningful conversation! Guests will gather at host homes (tables of 8) beginning at 6:00 pm, with dinner served at 6:30 pm. At 8:00 pm, everyone will meet in the Garden Room at Elmhurst CRC for dessert and fellowship. It's going to be a great night! Sign up to host, help, or attend. Details & RSVP here.

Choir Practice | Wed, Mar 11 | 7 pm
The choir sings regularly in worship and rehearses on Wednesday evenings. Our next rehearsal is Wednesday, March 11, from 7:00–8:00 pmcome sing with us! Questions? Contact Renee DeJager

Holy Week | March 29 – April 5, 2026
Lent leads us to Holy Week, when we remember Jesus’ sacrifice and rejoice in His resurrection. We look forward to gathering with you in worship during this meaningful week—beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating in the joy of Easter morning. Holy Week details here.

ECRC Tour de Israel | Fall 2027
Join us for an amazing spiritual adventure with ECRC’s Tour to Israel with your hosts Rev. Jeff Klein and Rev. Gregg DeMey and guide Dr. Oliver Hersey, President of Jerusalem University College in Jerusalem, Israel. Our fall 2027 trip is being scheduled for October 25-November 7, 2027! Save the date - more details to come.

Coffee Break Bible Study | Weds & Thurs
Details and registration HERE.

YOUTH NEWS

  • Date: Sunday, March 8, 2026
  • Time: Middle School Night (MSN) from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM; High School Night (HSN) from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Location: ECRC Youth Room


Check out elmhurstcrc.org/youth

SERVE

Prison Mission Trip | May 15-18
Join the team on a life-changing mission trip to Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, LA. Applications/registrations are due on April 1. “I was in prison and you came to me.” Matthew 25:36. Travel details and registration here.

VBS Volunteer Round-Up
Yee-Haw! VBS is just around the corner, and we’re rounding up volunteers. Consider opportunities as drivers, counselors, food prep and more! Details Here.

Volunteer in the Children's Library
Children's Library - We are looking for four volunteers, 12 and older, to work in the children's library from 11:00-11:20 once a month on Sunday mornings. You would shelve returned books and check out books for little kids. If you are interested please email [email protected].

EASTER SERVE
Can you help? We have two services on Easter morning (8:30 & 10 am), and we could use you as a greeter, usher, or youth nursery helper.
Nursery: We need additional youth (12+) to assist on Easter Morning at both services. Serve in the nursery, then attend the alternate service with your family – all while helping young families attend, too! Contact Valerie Todd, Nursery Coordinator.
Greeter/Usher: Get your smile on and greet or usher this Easter. Contact Michelle DeJong, Hospitality Coordinator.

DONATE ITEMS TO HELP OTHERS

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.

DEVOTIONALS & PODCASTS | PRAYER CHAIN & EMAIL ENEWS

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

Prayer Chain
Prayer for others. We invite you to join 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.

Weekly Enews
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter of events, activities and connections: elmhurstcrc.org/subscribe

EMPLOYMENT & INTERNSHIPS

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
Explore your calling with a summer internship at Elmhurst CRC! Elmhurst CRC is now accepting applications for paid summer internships in Youth Ministries, Children’s Ministries, and Graphic Design / Strategic Communication. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, mentorship from our professionals, and grow your skills while making an impact. For more details and to apply, click here.

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

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS:

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

We're available online 24/7.

COMMUNITY

Paul’s Missionary Journeysin Turkey & the Seven Churches of Revelation (Oct 9-19, 2026): Visit ancient sites connected with Paul’s First, Second, and Third Missionary Journeys as well as the seven churches to whom John wrote the Book of Revelation. Join Jeff Weima, professor at Calvin Theological Seminary and leading biblical scholar, for this inspirational biblical tour. Contact Dr. Weima at 616-328-3110 or [email protected].

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