Hi EPC Friends and Members, 

Here's my "3-2-1" for this week...
 

3 EPC Happenings

1.  World Communion Sunday! -- THIS SUNDAY! Join us in worship as we celebrate our oneness in Christ with all our siblings around the world. There will be table coverings from around the world and different kinds of bread. This Sunday also kicks off our new sermon series for the month of October, The Table of Grace. We will be looking at communion and celebrating it every week and exploring the rich theology around the Lord's Supper. It will be a wonderful opportunity to experience what it's like to celebrate communion weekly. All are welcome at the Table of Grace! 

2. Blessing of the Animals -- SATURDAY, October 8 at 4PM at the EPC Circle Drive! Our blessing of the animals service is just around the corner and it will be a wonderful celebration of our favorite pet companions. We are also going to have a time of remembrance for pets who have died, and you are invited to bring a picture or let me know if you would like your pet to be included in the prayer. All pet friends must either be in carriers, cages, or on leashes. All are welcome, and we also invite you to bring and item to Fill the Doghouse for the West Suburban Humane Society. More info can be found below.

3. Growing Old Gracefully -- We are so excited about this event coming up on October 23 after worship. It will be a great time of conversation around living life with grace. We are excited to hear from Amy Gaydos, Willy Miranda,
and Nancy Betker. Please make sure you sign up in advance, and join us for a time of lunch and learning! 
 

2 Interesting Links

1. HUGE shoutout to our pastoral assistant Kaleigh for pointing out THIS absolutely *stunning* article on Order and Chaos by lead singer of Switchfoot, Jon Foreman. (Kaleigh and I discovered that we both love the same band Switchfoot, who was linked last week.)

2. Speaking of music, certainly our director of music, Susan Smentek, and all of the members of our music ministry know this well, but I loved reading THIS article on how music benefits our brain, both as we listen and (especially) as we play.

1 Thought 

As we think about our communion series coming up, think about these words about what the table really means, provided by our denomination, the PCUSA:

“The host welcomes all who accept the invitation to the Table. We who come need not be concerned about our personal appearance or aptitude. What matters is that the love, the grace and the hospitality of the host create unanimity among us. This meal is provided, not because we have earned the right to eat and drink with Jesus, but simply as an act of divine love.” 

There you have it! Our 3-2-1 for the week. See you Sunday! 

It's not the same without you there, 

The PC(USA) is responding to Hurricane Ian through Presbyterian Disaster Assitance. To support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s response, click here. Please be in prayer to all of those in the path of Hurricane Ian and those who have already been impacted. 

World Communion Sunday – THIS SUNDAY! October 2nd – World Communion Sunday is this weekend. Join us as we celebrate our oneness in Christ with our siblings around the globe. We will celebrate with The Lord's Supper featuring table coverings from around the world and different types of bread. All are welcome! 

This Sunday, World Communion Sunday, kicks off our new sermon series focused on communion, The Table of Grace. Throughout the month of October, we will be focused on the rich theology around The Lord's Supper and be able to experience what it's like to celebrate communion weekly. Join us! 

Saturday, October 8 at 4PM – Plan to be here as we bless all of our pets and animal friends. We will have a special moment of remembrance for pets who have died as well. If you'd like your pet to be included in the remembrance prayer, please reach out to Pastor Traci. All of our pet friends must be on leashes or in cages, please. The blessing will be at the circle drive. All are welcome!

In conjunction with our Blessing of the Animals service,
Community Kids will be collecting supplies for the
West Suburban Humane Society. 

Click HERE to see the list of items they need.

All donations can go in the doghouse as seen below which also features a display of photos from Michelle Mason!

Join us for this great fellowship event on 10/9 after worship. There will be soup, salad, bread, drinks, and dessert. All are welcome, just let us know how many folks are coming and if you want to bring something by signing up here. Questions? Contact Jennifer Gordon! 

Join us on October 23 at 12:00 PM as we hear from experts who will share their knowledge about living life with grace. Topics covered include: financial advice and planning, remaining in your home, and emotional and spiritual wellness. Speakers include: Amy Gaydos, Willy Miranda, Nancy Betker, and our own Pastor Traci. Lunch will be provided to all who pre-register. Please click HERE to register. 

Join us after worship on Sunday, October 30 for Trunk or Treat! All are welcome to decorate their trunks for this festive event. 

Elmhurst Junior Women Club We Pop Up! Join us on October 6th as we will be sorting clothes in Calvin Hall. If you want to donate fall clothes, please consider bringing this weekend or before the 6th. Please contact Jen Gordon with any questions. 

NEW CHURCH OFFICE EMAIL! Please update your contacts – if you need to contact the church office, use our new email: elmhurstpresbyterianoffice@gmail.com 

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. 

10:30 Sunday Worship Livestream - Click Here!

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