November 11, 2022: E-News Update
Hi EPC Friends and Members,
Here's my "3-2-1" for this week...
1. Leadership Breakfast -- THIS SUNDAY! All of the church teams and committees will be meeting from 9:30-10:25. If you're not on a ministry team (committee) but are curious about how you might serve the church in this way, please plan to come to the meeting at 9:30 to learn and discern where you might use your gifts!
2. Church Family Thanksgiving Potluck -- We are so excited about this event next Sunday and THANKS to all of you who have signed up. On Sunday, November 20th we are having our First Church Thanksgiving Potluck! Have you saved the date and signed up? All are welcome to join us. We will provide the turkey, you bring your favorite side dish!
3. Hanging of the Greens -- Join us on Sunday, November 27th (the First Sunday of Advent) for a Hanging of the Greens worship service. You will receive a special Christmas Tree Blessing to bring home with you!
1.THIS story from the NYT tells of a journey many immigrants who have settled in our area have taken. I know the article is behind a paywall, so if you can't access it and would like to, please let me know, and I'll find a way to make sure you can read it.
2. I love the spiritual practice of introspection and reflection on one's birthday. This year I wrote down 44 pieces of wisdom I've gleaned from wise people. It feels imperfect but it's also mine, so I thought I'd share it as an example of thinking about life on your birthday. Find it HERE.
1 Thought
I was listening to a song from many years ago that still rings true to me. It's called "God Shaped Hole." -- Simple and beautiful lyrics:
Every point of view has another angle
And every angle has its merit
But all comes down to faith
That's the way I see it
You can say that love is not divine and
You can say that life is not eternal
"All we have is know"
But I don't believe it
There's a God-shaped hole in all of us
And the restless soul is searching
There's a God-shaped hole in all of us
And it's a void only God can fill
These lyrics are undoubtedly inspired by the famous quote from philosopher/theologian Blaise Pascal who writes:
“What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.”
- Blaise Pascal, Pensées VII(425)
There you have it! Our 3-2-1 for the week. See you Sunday!
It's not the same without you there,
Join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series EPC Gives. We'll be focusing on the ways EPC gives courageously, to others, and for the future. Join us as we hear inspiring messages of faith and from members of our own congregation sharing why they give to EPC. Join us, and prayerfully consider how you might consider giving of your time and talent to the church.
Our next church fellowship event will be after worship on Sunday, November 20th. We will be having a Church Family Thanksgiving Potluck! We will provide the turkey and you are invited to bring your favorite thanksgiving side dish. Sign up HERE to let us know if you are coming and what you will be bringing. We also need help with set up and clean up. Let us know when you sign up if you can help.
Join us on the First Sunday of Advent for our Hanging of the Greens Service. It will be during worship on Sunday, November 27th. You'll receive a special Christmas Tree Blessing to take home with you.
It is that time of year already when we order red and white poinsettias to grace our sanctuary. The cost will be $22 this year. We will be passing out order envelopes the next several Sundays. Kindly check the boxes for your color preference, total, how you would like your contribution listed and if you prefer to pick up your plant this year or donate it for deacon delivery. The deadline is December 12th. Questions? Contact Paula Reckley
Gratitude is a wonderful spiritual practice. Check out THIS calendar for the month of November that allows us to think of something we are thankful for everyday. Use it as a journal prompt, around the dinner table, or to share with someone you know.
Brewpoint Coffee is holding a coffee fundraiser for the organization ChildrenUP.
ChildrenUP supports post-primary education in northern Uganda by offering scholarships to qualified students. ChildrenUP is assisting secondary school and certificate students in northern Uganda who have shown academic strength, a strong work ethic and are in financial need. We are now expanding our support to include diploma, and university support for students on an individual cost-sharing basis. We strive to add equal numbers of young men and women to our program. If you are interested in buying coffee to support their program, please click HERE. To learn more about ChildrenUP, check out their website HERE.
EPC is currently looking for a Youth Leader and Sunday School Teacher. Are you or someone you might know interested? More information can be found on our website.
Click HERE to read an update on the family of 11 from Afghanistan!
NEW CHURCH OFFICE EMAIL! Please update your contacts – if you need to contact the church office, use our new email: elmhurstpresbyterianoffice@
NEW SIGN UP! The worship team has a new way to sign up to be a liturgist or usher for Sunday mornings. Please use this link which will take you to an online sign up form. All are welcome to volunteer. Unable to access the form for some reason or need help? Contact Carol Ewert or Cheryl Turek to sign up.
Did you know our presbytery, the Presbytery of Chicago, has an email list that you can subscribe to? Presbytery Connect shares upcoming events, timely news, and resources for your community. Be sure to sign up so you know what's happening! Click here.
Please visit our website and update your directory listing! You can visit the directory by following the instructions above or use this direct link.
There will be Sunday School downstairs this Sunday! All kids are welcome to join us for a time of learning and fellowship. Tuning in online? A Zoom Link will be sent out Sunday Morning.
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