Larry's Notes
Transitional Lay Minister
“The Advent story we associate with the joy of Christmas actually begins with deep sorrow and longing (the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah). But thankfully, in the kingdom of God there is always more to the story than meets the eye.” Enuma Okoro, from Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent
I subscribe to a program called 'ministry matters.' They are going to be holding seminars on how to get through what I will call a Covid Christmas. “If you're like any of the millions of Americans living with depression, anxiety, and/or other mental health conditions, you know the holidays only seem to increase this. This year, because of COVID-19 and the inequalities it has exacerbated, adults are reporting considerably higher mental stress. According to the CDC, “younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation.”
The degree and types of suffering is immense, and we may not understand its full ramifications for years. But what can we do today to help ease our anguish and the stress of those around us? Particularly as people of faith, how do we hold to hope and not despair? We will take some moments in worship to observe these issues and help each other through this year. Let us wait like Mary, in hope, trusting that God is at work in the silence and the dark places.
Fr. Brian Cavanaugh writes:
"During Advent opportunities for works of charity abound calling out for Christians from every side: a sack of food for a needy family, money dropped in a Salvation Army kettle, a toy for ‘Toys-for-Tots,’ etc. Unfortunately, these works of charity so easily can assuage the Christian conscience, while doing nothing to being about a solution to the root causes of the problem.
"Works of justice, on the other hand, follow the road less traveled of Advent’s hope to pursue solutions for difficult problems. Hope comes through works of justice rather than simply performing works of charity."
I pray that during this time of expectation and anticipation we at The Little Home Church by the Wayside will continue to help others but also seek ways to provide justice to those who need it most.
Keep the faith, keep in touch.
Peace,
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 - Sundays, 9 am - Meet in the Church courtyard weather permitting
Virtual Fellowship - Sundays, 10:30 am - via Zoom
Bible Study - Wednesdays, 10 am - via Zoom
Toys for Tots Deadline - Thursday, Dec. 3
Holiday Happy Hour - Thursday, Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 6 pm via Zoom (look for future emails)
Village of Wayne Christmas Tree Lighting - Saturday, Dec. 5, 5 pm at the Old Town Hall
Church Council Meeting - Monday, Dec. 14, 7 pm via Zoom
Men of LHC Monthly Breakfast - Saturday, Dec. 12, 8:30 am via Zoom
Sisters in Spirit General Meeting - Sunday, Dec. 20, 11 am via Zoom
A Book & A Prayer Book Club - Thursday, Dec. 17, 7 pm via Zoom
Christmas Eve Worship & Christmas Pageant (Virtual) - Thursday, Dec. 24, 5 pm via LHC YouTube Channel (Click Here to subscribe to LHC YouTube channel)
BTW Deadline - Wednesday, Dec. 21 (Firm due to the Holidays)
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS - Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm, 630.584.4013
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Moderator's Message
Carol Berger
As I began to write my article this month and with the holidays approaching, memories of previous Christmas celebrations kept popping up, and I remember, oh, how fun they were! This year will be different for many of us. For me personally, I'm trying to avoid feeling sad, our family isn't able to be together, the first time ever. However, I must respect that our country is in the middle of a pandemic, traveling for many of us is out of the question during this crisis. However, we must continue to trust in the Lord to provide and to have faith that all goodness comes from Him. It reminds me of the story in Luke 18:41-42, Jesus asks the blind man standing before Him, "What do you want me to do for you?" It seems so obvious what the blind man wants, Lord! But Jesus wants him to ask for what he needs, "Lord, please let me see." To which Jesus responds, "Have sight, your faith has saved you." Yes, for the last 150 years, our faith has sustained us, as the Lord promises. Let us rejoice and give thanks for our many blessings, as we celebrate His birth. As Henry Ward Beecher, an American Congregationalist clergyman and social reformer in the 19th C, and known for his emphasis on God's love, said, "Every tomorrow has two handles. You can take hold of tomorrow with the handle of anxiety or you can take hold of it with the handle of faith.
So, now, let's continue on with our historical journey. In 1926, the long-time pastor, Rev. Grinnell, (composer of the hymn, "Little Home Church By The Wayside") died and was buried in Little Woods Cemetery along with many of his parishioners. The cemetery remains to this day as a resting spot for many LHC members. During the 1920s, three innovations of the New Age came to Wayne, the railroad, electric streetlights, and the automobile. Fred Glos (for whom the street behind the church was named) purchased the first car, a Ford. For many years, a driveway circled the building and on the periphery stood the horse sheds. Automobiles replaced the horse and buggy for the parishioners, and the horse sheds began to disappear around 1925. At the annual meeting in 1925 a vote was taken and passed that the horse sheds would be torn down, which would save many dollars of maintenance funds. It was in this year, that contributions were $1,170.00 and expenditures had come to $1,169.13. It was then and many years thereafter, a tight budget!
In spite of the depression, the church was optimistic with their sources for income which made converting the organ to electricity in 1928 and the remodeling of the sanctuary possible. The congregation had faith in light of the worse economic condition that ever faced our country. On Sunday, January 4, 1931, a Re-Dedication service was held in the combination with the Sixtieth anniversary, to celebrate the completion of the remodeling. And in 1934, while governments and businesses struggled to reverse the chaotic spiral of the depression, Wayne celebrated its hundredth birthday on June 29 and the church became the focal point for the festivities organized by Jane Dunham, great-granddaughter of Solomon Dunham. In 1940 Charles Bagby was called to the Little Home Church. His ministry marked the beginning of a period with personal fulfillment for the pastor, plus milestones for the church. Stay tuned next month for the turning point.
I wish everyone a blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who has given us His love. As a congregation, we have given each other friendships and comfort, just as the Lord has taught us. I thank you. Helen Steiner Rice wrote, "Peace on Earth will come to stay, if we have Christmas every day." Merry Christmas, everyone!
Peace in the name of our Lord,
Carol Berger
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Stewardship Drive 2021
Extended!
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First, we would like to thank the 33 families who have delivered pledges totaling $92,000 as of November 23; we are approximately two thirds of the way to achieving our anticipated pledges for 2021. Our thanks are also extended to Bob Kaska, Ann McLaughlin and Karissa James for sharing their inspirational testimonials conveying why they belong to and support Little Home Church as part of our Sunday services during the past month. A couple of my favorite quotes from their testimonials included:
“Little Home Church is special in the way it touches people.”
“Little Home Church lives the message by what we do.”
“My blessings, my joys and my faith, is why I pledge.”
“God gives us the gift of Love, what do we give in return.”
Our initial timeline to receive pledges was too short considering that many members traditionally just dropped their cards in the basket during Sunday service and that was not available this year. We are therefore extending the deadline to December 15 in the hope that the additional time provides sufficient time for our remaining members to mail their pledge cards. If you’ve misplaced your pledge card, just contact the Church Office and we’ll mail another one.
Respectfully,
Peter Connolly, Stewardship Ministry Chair
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The Christmas Fund
Veterans of the Cross
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The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas 'Thank You' gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. Since last March, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergency financial needs of many who serve the church have increased dramatically. It makes this year's theme, "For Such a Time as This" very appropriate. These difficult times make the need for the Christmas Fun more urgent than ever. We ask you to look into your heart and make a donation. You can either send a check into the church office or donate via Venmo. Please indicate 'The Christmas Fund' in the memo portion. We ask that any donations be received by December 20.
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"For Such a Time as This"
Esther 4:14
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Outreach Ministry
Generous Hearts
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‘Tis the season for Outreach giving! Our Thanksgiving Resurrection Food Pantry donations amounted to $2,500! Thanks to our congregation, around 100 families in the area will be receiving Thanksgiving dinner. This shows that, even though we are not physically together, we can still do great things and make a difference!
Speaking of giving, please consider donating to Toys for Tots this year. This wonderful organization, started by the U.S. Marine Corps, is right in line with our efforts to help veterans and veteran-run organizations and supporting member-driven charities. All gifts of toys or cash must be donated by December 3. Please see the email blast for more information.
Finally, if you are looking for a way to help your community and make a little cash as well, the Resurrection Food Pantry is looking for part-time paid staff. The hours are Thursdays from 6:30 am to 1:30 pm and Saturdays from 6:30 am to 10:30 am. The pay is set between $13-15 an hour. Please contact me if you would like more information.
I hope everyone has a safe and sanitary holiday season, and peace be with you and your loved ones this holiday season!
Be well!
Karissa James
Outreach Ministries Chair
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Sisters in Spirit
SiS Boom Bah!
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Our LHC Sisters in Spirit (SiS) took great steps to protect each other and the public to safely host our Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, November 21. We offered numerous homemade creations and specialty food items, along with gently used holiday décor, serving pieces, and miscellaneous household items. New this year we were joined by two professional crafters who were excited about participating in the bazaar after so many other cancellations. LHC members were able to shop on Friday before the sale opened to the public on Saturday. Thank you to each and every woman who helped make this event a wonderful success... your efforts helped us raise nearly $2,000!
Anne Bouchard
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Facilities
Endless Joy
The excitement continues, the energy is contagious, the transformation is so evident!
Our Little Home Church is receiving so much deserved attention these days, even at a time that has posed many challenges. The church facility is busting with pride after each paint swipe, board replaced and beautifully restored wavy pane window re-installed to let the sun shine in! We worked tirelessly at grooming and re-planting the displaced bushes and plants due to renovation underground piping work. We especially had fun planting in the dark, by moonlight, saying a prayer for each sleepy forsythia, peony, and rose bush. See you in the Spring!
On October 27, we witnessed a tumultuous event in the cold drizzle…the removal of our old Linden Tree. As is common when felling a tree, there’s a bit of sadness, which comes with a flood of thanks for all the years of sturdy shade provided. We are hopeful that this Linden’s 'offspring' being fostered will take off, and bring back the Linden lineage to our renovated church yard one day.
The church facility remains a focus these days, as it starts shining with the renovation. Though our 'place' of worship is not currently open to receive the congregation, it is in our hearts that we remain connected. We will continue to pitch in when able, in an effort to keep our church home gleaming, as it prepares to welcome all in the future. Oh, what joy that will be!
In God’s Love,
Kit Dewitt
Facilities Ministry Chair
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Christian Education
Season of the Pageant
Most Christians refer to the four weeks before Christmas as Advent. I refer to it as the Season of the Pageant! And this year, we aren't about to let the pandemic stop us from telling the age old story once again. It won't be in the sanctuary, and lasagna is up to you, but rest assured we are hard at work putting together the first ever live recording of The Little Home Church Christmas Pageant, 2020. We've been on location, we've weathered the elements, and we're excited to bring you what we hope will be a very memorable Christmas Eve night at the movies. Or, well, the home screen of your choice.
While we've got most of the major parts of the story filmed, there is still more to do. If you happen to have any pictures from previous pageants, please scan and send them to Lori or if you can get them to her she can scan them and return them to you. Please keep an eye out for an all church email with information about filming a candle lighting scene for "Silent Night." If you have any suggestions or questions please contact me.
Many thanks to the fabulous Pageant Crew: Mark Lesswing, John Fischer, Samantha Prang, Larry and Lori. It's been a lot of fun so far and we are excited about sharing this 'gift' with all of you on Christmas Eve.
Jane Shelton
Christian Ed Ministry
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Sprinkles is ready to make his Wayne debut in the Christmas Pageant...stay tuned! |
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Joyful Progress
Continuing Joyfully
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Fantastic progress has been made on Phase 1 of our Joyful renovation project. The sanctuary windows were removed, restored, reinstalled, and repainted, and every one of them can be opened (and closed). The patio in front of the sanctuary and the bottom concrete step were removed and the concrete re-poured, and three sections of sidewalk were added to the walk leading to School Street from the church office. |
The sanctuary basement was nearly gutted, a new concrete floor poured, beams replaced, and additional support added. Exterior repair, tuck pointing, painting is nearly complete, and the bathrooms are down to the studs and ready for rebuilding. Plumbing problems were mitigated, and drainage has been upgraded around the perimeter of the sanctuary and Parish Hall. Plants which were removed from the courtyard area in September were replanted at the end of November. Finally, new lighting fixtures are being installed and interior painting will begin soon. Everything is on track!
We have had some unexpected conditions and change orders related to plumbing, siding, windows, and a new water heater. These changes have increased our overall contract cost by approximately $5,000 (after utilizing the $20,000 contingency in the contract). While we do not like to exceed cost expectations, each of the items was necessary and additional prices were negotiated.
We are hopeful that Phase 1 will be completed by mid-December as planned. Our 'Joyful' team continues to meet monthly via Zoom for construction updates, tracking fundraising, and planning next steps. Thanks to everyone for continuing your pledge payments. This progress would not be possible without the ongoing support of the entire congregation.
Joyfully,
Anne Bouchard
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Congregational Life
Countdown to Christmas
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Congregational Life invites you to join in a congregation-wide advent activity. Be watching for a festive red envelope to arrive in the mail. Inside you will find a multigenerational Countdown to Christmas calendar filled with suggested activities to mark the days leading to Christmas. Each day’s activity is meant to be adjusted to meet the uniqueness of your family. If you have young children you may wish to add a small treat as a reward for completing the activity. If you have family members at a distance you may wish to include them. It is our hope that by participating in a church-wide holiday activity, we can have the feeling of being together even though we are apart. We encourage you to take photos of your participation and forward them to Lori Prang to be included with the church service videos for all to enjoy!
Mary Emily Anhalt
Congregational Life Ministry Chair
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Holiday Happy Hour
Virtual via Zoom
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In our COVID-19 Holiday planning we're trying something new. We have scheduled three 'Happy Hours' via Zoom in December: Dec. 3; 10; and 17. They'll begin at 6 pm. Pour yourself your beverage of choice and join us! Say hi, check in, and catch up. Emails will be sent out closer to the date to let you know the Zoom sign-in information. You can Zoom via your cell phone, tablet or computer. We're looking forward to seeing you...Cheers!
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Sunday Fellowship
Virtual via ZOOM
Gather 'virtually' with us on Sundays beginning at 10:30 am. We will gather online for a few minutes of saying hello and checking in. The space will be open for an hour. Feel free to pop in anytime during that time.
Meeting ID: 827 7414 6480
password: parishhall
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A Book & A Prayer
LHC Book Club
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Meets 3rd Thursday, 7 pm
NEXT Meeting is December 17
December finds the group reading The Mood of Christmas & Other Celebrations by Howard Thurman. These brief meditations incorporate the hope, celebration, love, compassion, and blessing of the Christmas season and encourage us to find them throughout the year. Howard Thurman, an African American theologian was an influential American author, philosopher, theologian, educator and civil rights leader. He was Dean of Chapel at Howard University and Boston University for more than two decades, wrote 21 books, and in 1944 Thurman cofounded San Francisco’s Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples, the first integrated, interfaith religious congregation in the United States.
Our group will meet for a book discussion via Zoom on Thursday, December 17 at 7 pm, and we’d love to have you join us! The Zoom meeting details are as follows:
Meeting ID: 891 0088 0154
password: bookclub
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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 and the group is now studying the Book of Ruth. No preparation is necessary. The Bible Study meeting begins at 10 am.
Meeting ID: 814 1245 7155
password: biblestudy
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Flowers, Fellowship,
Ushers & Pulpit Associate
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With temporary suspension of our worship services we are tabling our need for ushers, and fellowship. 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.
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Happy December Birthdays!
Dec. 3 - Gladys Stevenson
Dec. 9 - Kristen Thornton
Dec. 10 - Karissa James, David Sterner
Dec. 11 - Charles Karwowski
Dec. 13 - Valeri Baldwin
Dec. 18 - Christopher Thornton
Dec. 19 - Janice Christensen, Braedon Miller,
Ty Wilson-Muno
Dec. 26 - Amelia Johnson, Natalie Lalagos
Dec. 29 - Jan Dewitt
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Congratulations to...
Our Moderator, Carol Berger on the birth of her granddaughter. Nora Elizabeth Hill was born November 11. Proud parents are Caroline and Tom Hill.
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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
Custodian - Geraldine Fields
BTW Editors
Lori Prang and Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Graphic Design
Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
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CHURCH COUNCIL
Moderator - Carol Berger
Moderator-elect - Bob Kaska
Christian Education - Jane Shelton
Congregational Life - Mary Emily Anhalt
Evangelism - Mary Roach
Facilities - Kit DeWitt
Outreach - Karissa James
Stewardship - Peter Connolly
Worship & Spiritual Growth - Samantha Prang
Members at Large - Chuck McDonough and Jennifer Harmon
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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