Larry's Notes
Transitional Lay Minister
"Often what may appear as a detour in life is actually the most direct and empowering path to your destination."
James Arthur Ray
When I helped carve out the title 'Transitional Lay Minister' I didn’t realize it was me who would be doing the transitioning. The detour has become the path. So, on July 1, 2021 I will start as your full-time minister. I will not as of yet have the 'lay minister in standing' license but I am working on that and taking required seminary classes and exams to complete that. These classes always are connected to the General Synod Convention of the United Church of Christ in July.
A special thanks to the 2020-2021 council for all their hard work and especially to outgoing moderator Carol Berger for all of her dedication and enthusiasm.
I am looking forward to working with our new council and having our first church leadership retreat on the evenings of August 16 and 17. This will be a time to plan the entire upcoming year for the church and our ministries. I’m looking forward to planning the church year in a congregational fashion. This meeting will be for council members, TPIRC, JJWRT, 150th Anniversary Committee, SIS, and the Men’s Group. Again, more to come next month.
We will be meeting again in person starting on July 11. There will be a separate email regarding this event as to what the protocol will be. Stay tuned.
God has been at work in our church through the people of the church and I hope and pray that we continue to listen to the call and complete our mission set before us to love one another, to help one another and to help all of God’s children.
In Love and Service,
Larry Dieffenbach
Transitional Lay Minister/Director of Music, Organist
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WE ACCEPT, EMBRACE AND AFFIRM THE DIGNITY AND WORTH OF EVERY PERSON, AS WE ARE ALL CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGE. |
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What's Happening at Church...
Get involved and join a group, an event, or a LHC initiative.
Explore / Belong / Learn
Worship Service - Sundays, 9:30 am - Tune-in to our YouTube Channel
Walk 'n Talk - Sunday, July 4, 9 am - Meet in the Church courtyard weather permitting
Bible Study - Wednesdays, 10 am - via Zoom
4th of July - Holiday Observance Monday, July 5 - OFFICE CLOSED
Concert in the Park - Thursday, July 8, 7 pm, Lincoln Park in St. Charles, 5:45 pm fellowship
Men of LHC Monthly Breakfast - Saturday, July 10, 8:30 am in Parish Hall
In Person Worship Resumes - Sunday, July 11, 9:30 am
A Book & A Prayer - Book Club - Thursday, July 15, 7 pm via Zoom
Sisters in Spirit (SiS) - Sunday, July 18, 11 am, General Meeting
Church Council Meeting - Monday, July 19, 7 pm via Zoom
BTW Deadline - Wednesday, July 21
Pitch-In Day - Saturday, July 24, 9 am - Noon
Kane County Cougar Baseball Game - All Church Outing - Friday, July 30, 6:30 pm
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS - Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm, 630.584.4013
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Moderator's Message
Hello from Bob Kaska...
With gratitude, I have once again been given the opportunity to provide leadership to Little Home Church. I served as Moderator in 2010 after several Council positions; I was active in the New Beginnings initiative in 2015 and served as Stewardship Chair for five years. Raised in Oak Park, I have been a member of a Congregational Church all my life. My professional background is as a technology business Owner. The Council this year is very strong with a great mix of new and familiar people. We will meet to establish clear strategic goals for our year, and enjoy the work and achievement of Service as a Church.
I am proud to share that I was instrumental in working as member of the Search Committee, and directly with Larry to have him serve as our new Pastor and Lay Minister in Standing. It is my pleasure to now have the opportunity to work with him as Moderator.
Starting in 2018, I have served as a co-chair of our “Joyful Joyful” Capital Campaign. I have been moved by the dedication, generosity and commitment of the Committee and the Congregation to achieve such significant results…with more to come as the Phase 2 projects begin.
We are starting an exceptional year in the long history of Little Home Church…our 150th Anniversary; our return to Worship in the Sanctuary; and the establishment of the Wayne Community House. Despite the challenges of the pandemic (or maybe because of them) we are in a great place as a Congregation; with positive momentum, to serve our Community and our Lord.
Peace be with you,
Bob Kaska, Moderator
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Worship & Spiritual Growth
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The day is finally here... Sunday, July 11
We will worship together IN our new renovated sanctuary. The last time we did that was 69 weeks ago!
Worship will look a little different as we slowly get back to normal. And we're not sure what our new normal will look like. For the month of July, as we ease back into in-person worship, we will ask people to a mask. We will also ask folks to socially distance as much as possible. In the short term there will also be no fellowship. All this will change eventually but given our small space we just want to be responsible.
There will also be a camera in the sanctuary, recording the service. Our plan is to still put up a worship service each week for our less mobile church members and friends. It just might not go up until later that day or even Monday.
We're grateful for your patience and understanding this past 69 weeks and going forward. Your support has been what has lifted our spirits.
Samantha Prang, WSG Ministry Chair
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Facilities
Many Hands...
“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” Helen Keller
The past year I have found great peace through my faith, and through the opportunity to serve our little church, in my small way. I am honored to fulfill another year’s commitment to keeping our church home and grounds in order.
Many hands make light work, and when it comes to pitching in, we have had some great helpers! On May 22 a small group gathered to work on the grounds of the church, filling over 15 bags of yard waste! We trimmed, weeded, and generally laid a great platform for the fresh mulch which was laid shortly after.
In preparation for the Wayne Flag Day Celebration, Anne, Kathleen, Larry and Lori (no last names needed!) all rallied to tidy up the Sanctuary, Restrooms, Kitchen and Parish Hall. THANK YOU!!!
Summer is here, and though our Phase 2 Joyful project may be put on hold temporarily, our spirits and drive will not falter. Mark your calendars for the next Pitch In Day on July 24 from 9-12. We will keep on schedule so that our church home will be shining for our upcoming 150th celebration.
In God's love
Kit Dewitt, Chair, Facilities Ministry
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Save the Date...
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Our 150th Anniversary celebration will be here before we know it! SAVE THE DATE, Sunday, October 17. A series of special events are in the planning which the Committee would like to share:
Saturday, Oct. 16 - A welcome Wine & Cheese reception, 5 to 7 pm, hosted by the Men of LHC in Parish Hall
Sunday, Oct. 17 - Day of Celebration
We are planning two identical worship services, 11 am & 2:15 pm (to accommodate over flow) and will include a special commissioned orchestral piece at both services. Between the two services, a social celebration and LHC reunion will take place. Stay tuned for more details in a future BTW.
In the meantime, we need your help! We are looking for wedding and baptism photos of all those who have been married or baptized in the church. We would like to use them in our virtual services. We are also collecting names, addresses and email addresses of former members to send the 'Save the Date' card. If you have any information, please send to the Church Office.
Kathryn and Dave Kowalski
150th Anniversary Chairpersons
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Night of Fun & Music
July 8 - 7 pm
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Congregational Life Ministry has planned a fun summer outing for us! Grab your blanket and picnic dinner and join us at Lincoln Park in St. Charles for an entertaining evening of '60s, '70s and '80s music performed by the band, Serendipty. We'll meet at 5:45 pm for some fellowship and fun. The concert starts at 7 pm.
Lincoln Park is located at 450 West Main Street in St. Charles.
Bring your family and friends! Look for the LHC balloons!
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The men's group is excited to announce that our annual Kane County Cougars baseball All Church outing is back after a year hiatus. This year we are doing an evening game with a fireworks show after the game. Details are:
Friday/July 30/6:30 pm
Kane County Cougars
vs. Sioux Falls Canaries
Tickets: $10 per person
General Game-Day Parking Pass: $10
Email Chip Braulick to reserve tickets and/or parking pass. Tickets are limited so please let Chip know as soon as possible if you're interested. Family and friends are invited. We hope you can join us for what is always a fun outing.
Chip Braulick, Men of LHC
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Rummage Sale
'Boutique Style'
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The Rummage Sale will be different this year as we are under construction. The sale will take place from August 19-21 with only 'Boutique' items and will be in the Parish Hall.
We will NOT be accepting books, CDs, electronics and anything that isn't new or in like-new condition. Instead we will focus on furniture, decorative items and brand name clothing.
We may set up tents with rummage items (like kids clothes and housewares) depending on how many volunteers we have and the demolition stage of the Guild House.
How can you help?
Contact Mary Roach or Kathleen Sullivan Kaska to volunteer. And, if you know of someone who is having an estate sale or is moving please let Mary know so she can contact them.
Feel free to text Mary (630-544-1881) or Kathleen (630-235-2308) with pictures of possible items for the sale.
Please, NO drop-offs
until further notice.
Rummage Sale Co-chairs:
Mary Roach and Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
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Bible Study
Wednesdays, 10 am & Virtual
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Our weekly Wednesday morning Bible Study continues with a good group of participants. They would love to have you join them. Rev. Ron Purser leads the study via Zoom. The group is currently studying Paul's letter to the Galatians. No preparation is necessary. The Bible Study meeting begins at 10 am.
Meeting ID: 814 1245 7155
password: biblestudy
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A Book & A Prayer
LHC Book Club - Via Zoom
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Meets 3rd Thursday, 7 pm
NEXT Meeting - July 15
Endurance: A Year in Space, A Lifetime of Discover by Scott Kelly is our selection for July. A memoir by the astronaut who spent a record-breaking year aboard the International Space Station, this book details Kelly's life, as well as that of his twin brother Mark, as they became naval aviators and test pilots who were both selected for NASA Astronaut Group 16.
Meeting ID: 891 0088 0154
password: bookclub
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As Christians, one of the most powerful privileges of our spiritual life is the invitation to feel God’s grace and presence through ongoing prayer. Believing in the power of individual prayer, a prayer offered up by many becomes even more powerful. With that thought in mind, Congregational Life Ministry is happy to be introducing the inauguration of an email Prayer Chain to support the spiritual life of the members and friends of Little Home Church.
Mary Emily Anhalt
Congregational Life Ministry
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To Make a Prayer Request:
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Join the Prayer Chain Email List
It is our hope that in offering this it will provide another way for us as a congregation to remain connected in our spiritual journey. We hope that you will sign up.
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LHC History
Welcome to the '70s & '80s
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As former moderator, I wanted to thank everyone who attended the 'Junual' congregational meeting on June 13. We had a wonderful attendance, and it was an opportunity for me to thank our three Church Council members whose terms have ended, Karissa James, Jane Shelton, and Mary Roach for their tireless dedication. We also recognized our 'behind the scenes' officers, Kristen Thornton, Clerk; Susi Winquist, Treasurer; and Ann McLaughlin, Financial Secretary. (See Annual Report) As Billy Graham once said, "the highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service." We are fortunate to have an abundance of unselfish service.
As promised last month, and even though my term as Moderator has ended on June 30, I will continue with my historical LHC story that is worth telling. I left off last month with the decade of the '70s. Moving forward, in 1980, the Christmas pageant was moved from Parish Hall to the sanctuary! A big step it was, and with the new organ, the pageant became a beautiful event. Other memorable events in 1980 took place. The dedication for the new addition (church offices and addition to the Guild House) was held on November 23, 1980. On November 9, LHC celebrated along with churches around the world the 200th Anniversary of the Sunday School movement. The Wayne-DuPage Hunt celebrated their 40th Anniversary. And, LHC members welcomed a new staff addition, Howard Bakken, as our Director of Music. As he approached retirement age, Mr. Bakken resigned in 1987. Many members considered this a great loss.
In 1983, our church had over 100 children in Sunday School! Throughout the '80s, the Board of Christian Education was a vital ministry in the life of LHC. And in 1984, the first Vacation Bible School was held and became a huge success. Then, in 1985-86, plans for the much-needed handicap ramp in front of the church were in progress, and the ramp was completed the following year in 1987 which is still used to this day each Sunday morning.
Pastor Barton took a leave of absence in 1985 due to heart surgery and resumed his position in 1986. All were delighted with his return. And in 1987, Dr. Barton advocated that LHC become a rainbow church. As a result, the LHC covenant changed to include the UCC Just Peace covenant to include "righteousness, justice, and peace." The 1980s was a great decade for LHC. Many new members joined, the lay leadership was strong, dedicated and enthusiastic. The Youth Group was active, vibrant and inclusive. Sunday School required huge commitments from teachers due to the enormous attendance. Finances were always a challenge, but the parishioners contributed when needed as LHC faced much needed renovations with the primary structure and parsonage. The 1990s was a decade of change. Stay tuned next month.
In closing for this month, I will always remain humbled and honored to serve this church. It has been a pleasure to serve as your Moderator for 2020-21, and one of the many blessings in my life. I thank you for your friendship and support. "The church is never a place, but always a people." We are a congregational church; your comments and input are important. Our treasure is the Little Home Church, and, hopefully, our hearts will remain together and give us strength to continue on a path towards a great future. As we reconvene back into the sanctuary, let us rejoice that we can worship together once again. I've tried as your moderator to lead with joy and appreciation for all God has given us as a congregation. He has given us a house of worship for the past 150 years, and we continue to prepare for the next 150 as we give thanks to our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Carol Berger
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Flowers, Fellowship,
Ushers & Pulpit Associate
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If you'd like to provide flowers to dress up our altar table for the YouTube worship services we'd love it! You would need to get the flowers here by the Tuesday of that week so they're there when we film. We presently have a lot of openings for June, July and August. Contact Office
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July Birthdays
July 2 - Greg Hege
July 4 - June Bruskewitz
July 6 - Grace Hadfield
July 10 - Doug Hancock
July 20 - Art Zwemke
July 22 - Kim Kentfield
July 25 - Mary Roach
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Congratulations to:
George Bouchard and Leah Koch on their recent wedding!
Our sympathies to:
Bob and Brian Gault on the sudden loss of Sharon, wife and mother. Sharon passed away June 22. She was 75 years old. Obituary
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THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH STAFF, COUNCIL, AND ALL VOLUNTEERS |
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Transitional Lay Minister and
Director of Music - Larry Dieffenbach
Pastor Emeritus - Rev. Ronald Purser
Office Manager - Lori Prang
BTW Editors
Lori Prang and Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Graphic Design
Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
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CHURCH COUNCIL
Moderator - Bob Kaska
Moderator-elect - Susannah Lesswing
Christian Education - Ron Purser
Congregational Life - Mary Emily Anhalt
Evangelism - Jennifer Harmon
Facilities - Kit DeWitt
Outreach - Jessica Alex Lampugnani
Stewardship - Peter Connolly
Worship & Spiritual Growth - Samantha Prang
Members at Large - Chuck McDonough and Julie Graham
Financial Treasurer - Susi Winquist
Financial Secretary - Ann McLaughlin
Clerk - Kristen Thornton
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Thank you...
for continuing to remember Little Home Church by the Wayside.
Your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
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