The plans are in place and the invitations have been sent. Please join us as we celebrate our 150th Anniversary!
Saturday, Oct. 16
Wine & Cheese reception, 5 to 7 pm,
Hosted by the Men of LHC in Parish Hall
Sunday, Oct. 17 - Day of Celebration
Coffee Hour - 10 am
Hosted by Sisters in Spirit
Worship Service - 11 am
Featuring a world premier choir and brass piece by Joel Raney, specifically commissioned for this special event.
After Party - Noon until 2 pm
Featuring food trucks, kids' activities, music by Salsa del Norte, and an open house in the sanctuary with an historic video presentation.
Invite your family and friends to help us celebrate this historic day!
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Larry's Notes
Transitional Lay Minister
It is late in the evening as I write this. No one but me and the sound of some crickets or tree frogs outside the church. The occasional sound of a car down Army Trail Road or a plane overhead breaks the quiet. Earlier in the day and this evening some of us gathered for our first contemplative services. It was a good beginning, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have these services. The theme was intuition – reflecting on our inner wisdom that comes from being made in a Divine image. It’s a night of quiet celebration too. On September 9, I met on Zoom with the Fox Valley Association Committee on Church and Ministry and a vote was cast in favor of me to become the Lay Minister in Standing at The Little Home Church by the Wayside pending one last credential check and that happened this morning, so it is official. Now a covenant will be drawn up between the association, the church, and myself and we will continue the work that we are called to do.
In an article in Christianity Today, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson wrote the following words:
“We can answer the call of God with confidence, knowing that God does not waste anything. God uses every strength, weakness, heartache, success, relationship, and experience to shape our hearts, to draw us closer to God, and to equip us to fulfill our life's calling.”
This is how I feel about my life at this very moment, everything that has happened over the last sixty plus years has brought me to this place and has brought us to this place. We need to bring it all with us, nothing should be wasted, others need to know our strengths, our heartaches, our successes, our weaknesses, something about our relationships to bring them closer to God. I’ve been reading through the church’s history, “The Plow and The Cross” and wondering tonight what our founders and ancestors would think of all of this today. New Age music coming through the brand-new sound system and people sitting in quiet meditation. The Guild House being demolished, and the new Wayne Community House being built for the church and the community. So much change!
The church has always been changing - that’s how it stays alive. We are a hybrid church now, most likely only the beginning of things to come, as we move and flow within this “Holy Energy” that has been sent to us.
“The Plow and the Cross” ends with these words:
“My spirit is not tied to the monumental past …No! It is not I that belong to the past, but the past belongs to me….Mine is the whole majestic past, and mine is the shining future.”
October 3 — World Wide Communion and Blessing of the Hounds
October 7 — Contemplative Services at 8 am & 7 pm
October 16 and 17 — Our 150th Anniversary Celebration
October 21 — Contemplative Services at 8 am & 7 pm
October 31 – Fifth Sunday Worship Service mixed in with Trunk or Treat
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 - In Person
(Service uploaded to our YouTube Channel on the following Monday)
Bible Study - Wednesdays, 10 am - via Zoom
Choir Rehearsal Begins - Wednesdays, 7 pm
Service of Communion - Sunday, Oct. 3, 9:30 am
Blessing of the Hounds - Sunday, Oct. 3, 10:30 am
Men of LHC Monthly Breakfast - Saturday, Oct. 9, 8:30 am, Eggceptional Cafe (Flappy's) on Army Trail Rd in Bartlett
Neighbors in Need Special Offering - Sunday, Oct. 10, 9:30 am
150th Anniversary Celebration Weekend:
Wine and Cheese Reception - Saturday, Oct. 16, 5 - 7 pm
Coffee Hour - Sunday, Oct. 17, 10 am
Special Worship Service - Sunday, Oct. 17, 11 am
After Party - Sunday, Oct. 17, Noon - 2 pm
Church Council Meeting - Monday, Oct. 18, 7 pm, In Person
A Book & A Prayer - Book Club - Thursday, Oct. 21, 7 pm via Zoom
Contemplative Services - Thursday, Oct. 7 and 21, 8 am and 7 pm
BTW Deadline - Thursday, Oct 21
Fifth Sunday Worship - Sunday, Oct. 31
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS - Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm, 630.584.4013
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Moderator's Message
New Yet Familiar…
As a member of Little Home Church for over 20 years I have attended a wide range of Services in our Sanctuary…happy, sad, musical, spiritual; but always as a member of a congregation…a shared group experience. On Thursday September 23rd I experienced something new—our Contemplative Service.
On a beautiful early fall morning six souls, members and a guest participated in our first Service of this type; it was great. We sat with spiritual distancing and had individual experiences as Larry led us with readings and recorded music…it was shared solitude.
Maybe like many of you; I have gone to the Sanctuary to enjoy it alone; to play the Piano (don’t tell Larry) or review the Ten Commandments…but it was not with purpose.
The Contemplative Service gives us an opportunity to enjoy our Church in a new way; with a quiet purpose and structure that is still a personal solitude…not easy to find in the digital age. I encourage all Members to join in the fun. The services will be held 10/7 and 10/21 at 8 am and 7 pm for 30 minutes. This is also a great way for someone outside our congregation to experience Little Home Church. Consider asking a friend or neighbor to join you and 'Cross the Threshold' to enjoy something new yet familiar.
Peace be with you,
Bob Kaska, Moderator
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Stewardship Ministry
Annual Campaign
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We have chosen 'Crossing the Threshold' as this year’s Stewardship Theme. Our moderator, Bob Kaska introduced this concept in last month’s By the Way as he encourages us to reach out to our members and the community to cross the threshold of our beautiful Sanctuary and share in the special experience of Little Home Church. He also references Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey where one crosses the threshold of a comfortable situation into an unknown world of possibilities.
The upcoming celebration of Little Home Church’s 150th Anniversary is the perfect opportunity to honor the sacrifices and gifts that prior generations have made to bring us to this point and to encourage all of us, to cross the threshold and take Little Home Church into a new era. The possibilities are endless.
You will soon be receiving this year's Stewardship letter and pledge card asking for your financial support to help Little Home Church cross the threshold—as we begin the next 150 years of fulfilling Christ’s call of using our time, talent and resources for the good of his church and humanity. This pledge drive is the largest portion of our income and participation of every member is encouraged and appreciated.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration,
Stewardship Ministry Chair
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Worship & Spiritual Growth
Invites You to Participate
We continue to NEED Ushers and Pulpit Associates. Please consider signing up. It is a very simple way to help out with Sunday worship and it is quite easy to do. There is a sign-up sheet in the back of the church, or just contact the Church Office.
There is also a need for flowers to decorate our altar table. We have dates in November and December still open. It’s a nice way to celebrate a special occasion or remember a loved one. Again, look for the sign up sheet in the back of the church.
Thank you for those who are still worshipping remotely. We continue to film the Sunday services and put them up on our YouTube channel. We are still in the process of installing and learning our new equipment. We are appreciative of your kindness and patience with this new process.
Samantha Prang
Worship & Spiritual Growth Ministry Chair
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Congregational Life
Invites You to Dinner
Congregational Life is planning an event on October 23 at 6 pm for small groups of six to nine people, to meet for dinner and an evening of fun and socializing in the homes of volunteer hosts.
All adults are invited. Invite your friends who might enjoy a welcoming and friendly group.
We plan to provide and deliver the meal to the hosting individuals. We will use a random drawing to assign guests to their particular host. (unless you indicate differently, we will keep individuals who signed up at the same time together.)
Dietary concerns will be accommodated so make us aware. We are asking $5 per person to help defray the cost of the food.
Mary Emily Anhalt
Congregational Life Ministry Chair
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Illinois Youth Center Magazines Collection
The Sisters In Spirit group continues to collect magazines for leisure reading by 14 to 19 year old young men who are residents of the Illinois Youth Center, as they reshape their lives in this youth penal institution in St. Charles. Sports (especially baseball and football), word games, crossword puzzles and Sudoko; National Geographic, Discovery, wildlife and nature, automotive; men's fashions, all may help pass hours that are not spent in their education classroom, active sports or exercise. Magazines in good condition that re recent enough to be of interest may be deposited in the marked box in the back of the church.
Please note that all materials that we donate must strictly avoid pictures of women, men or children provocatively (or even partially undressed).
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Neighbors in Need (NIN)
Special Offering
The UCC’s annual offering to support ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States is called, 'Neighbors in Need.' Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Justice and Witness continues its strong policy advocacy work on issues such as the federal budget, voting rights, immigration, health care, hate crimes, civil liberties, and environmental justice. NIN also supports our American Indian neighbors in the UCC. Neighbors in Need helps make Unfailing Love possible. For this to occur, it needs your support. October 10 is the day we have designated for this offering. Look for the special envelope in that Sunday's bulletin. Please consider giving to this cause.
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150th Anniversary
Commemorative Ornament
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In honor of the church's 150th Anniversary, Sisters in Spirit have commissioned a commemorative glass Christmas ornament. It is a 4" diameter round ornament with an image of the church on one side and our 150th logo on the other. We have a limited quantity of 100 ornaments available at $15 each. To order, please contact Anne Bouchard.
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Facilities Ministry
Ready for Our Celebration!
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'Another fall, another turned page…' Wallace Stegner
I agree, and yet have to say this page we are turning this fall is one to a new chapter, season and life for our Little Home Church. We are abuzz with a new energy spiraling around our church home and congregation and it feels oh so good!
This past month we have made great progress in getting our church into top-notch shape in anticipation for the Blessing of the Hounds and our 150th Anniversary Celebration and activities. I’ve met with a contractor in regards to weather-stripping doors, addressing the AV Area in the sanctuary (complete with mobile desk) and patching and repairing areas affected by our awesome new Video and Speaker set ups, all with the goal of being complete by 10/16. On September 25 our church grounds were spruced up, doors washed, bathrooms and kitchen cleaned, and planters with mums set in place. All with the intent of greeting our members and guests for our exciting upcoming showcases!
In God’s Love,
Kit DeWitt
Facilities Ministry Chair
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Blessing of the Hounds
This Sunday, Oct 3, 10:30 am
Come enjoy this wonderful Fall tradition happening in our Church's front yard...!
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CROP Walk is Coming...
Virtually!
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The annual CROP Walk, an interfaith community event sponsored by Church World Service (CWS), to raise money to help end hunger around the world, will go forward virtually (again) this year, on October 17. Even though the walk date coincides with our anniversary celebration, since the walk is virtual, you can choose any day to walk.
Hunger is one of the greatest injustices facing our world, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Ending hunger is possible, and it is possible in our lifetime. You can help make it happen.
Your participation impacts individuals and families in more than 35 countries. In many developing nations, people could walk up to six miles a day to get food and water. One in nine people worldwide lack access to clean water and a healthy diet. We walk to show solidarity and to bring awareness while raising funds for permanent change.
From its birth in 1969, CWS-sponsored CROP Hunger Walks have grown to include walkers of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds in more than 500 communities throughout the U.S. The CROP Hunger Walk is the only nationwide Walk that addresses hunger both locally and globally.
This year, I’ve set a goal of $150 for myself and a goal of $500 for LHC. You can create your own fundraising goal, donate online or in person to me, or the LHC Team. The funds raised will have a lasting impact for some of the world's most vulnerable families.
If you have any questions, please contact
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Help Provide Hygiene Kits... |
Outreach Ministry is partnering with the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries to send much needed 'hygiene kits' to those affected by the recent hurricanes and other natural disasters. In the face of such a disaster, hygiene kits can mean the difference between sickness and health for struggling families. |
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There are a few different ways you can help.
Please consider providing...
HYGIENE KIT - A one-gallon Ziploc bag with the following:
- One NEW hand towel measuring approximately 15"x28" (NO fingertip, bath, or dish towels)
- One NEW washcloth
- One wide-tooth comb removed from package
- One fingernail or toenail clipper removed from package
- One bath size bar of soap in the original package
- One toothbrush in the original package
- Ten standard size Band-Aids
All items need to fit in the one-gallon Ziploc type bag. Remove the excess air from the bag before sealing. DO NOT add any extra items or toothpaste. Drop off completed kits at the Church Office.
Or You May:
Provide a bulk quantity of one of the above mentioned items. We will then assemble the hygiene kits here at LHC, or make a monetary donation to the church and we will go out and purchase the items needed. The suggested donation is $15 per hygiene kit.
Because we are celebrating our 150th Anniversary, we would love to be able to provide 150 hygiene kits! With hurricane season still underway, the need for these will be great.
Our deadline for collecting these items is October 31.
Thank you for being a part of this very important project.
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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 Letter to the Hebrews. Absolutely 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 - October 21
'Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future' by Pope Francis is the October book selection.
In direct, powerful prose Pope Francis urges us not to let the pain of the COVID crisis be in vain. He begins by exploring what this crisis can teach us about how to handle upheaval of any kind in our own lives and the world at large. Francis then offers a scathing critique of the systems and ideologies that conspired to produce the current crisis and he reminds us that Christians’ first duty is to serve others. Finally, the Pope offers an actionable blueprint for building a better world for all humanity by putting the poor and the planet at the heart of new thinking.
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 |
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The History of LHC Continues
2000 - 2005
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We began a new century with a new pastor, the Reverend Ron Purser, in the life of LHC. The Search Committee recommended the call, and Ron was welcomed enthusiastically. As our world embraced a new century, churches in the USA were primarily responsible for the civil rights bill that, at least legally (as said at this time), rid our nation of the iniquity of racial segregation. Dr. Don Heinrich, our Pastor Emeritus, inserted in BTW, January 2000, 'The new millennium, in this increasingly scientific and secular age, will need the leaven of the full gospel which touches every area of life, if it is to be truly a 'New' Millennium. By God's grace, we must proclaim it, share it, live it, and work for it, knowing that God in Christ works in us.' LHC joined in! On September 11, 2002, a special remembrance was held followed by a candlelight vigil, and we prayed for wisdom, comfort, healing, peace and recovery.
LHC remained strong at the beginning of this new century with our missions and outreach programs. The Peterson house became a part of the Transitional Housing Ministry, offering a home to a homeless family. We had four pilgrimages traveling to Washington, D.C., Tennessee, Ohio, and Rockford. LHC and the participants learned of our world's atrocities by visiting the Holocaust Museum, developed an awareness of racism and segregation existing in our country, and doing God's work for the homeless and poor. Church activities also remained active with Christian Education, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation Classes, Senior High fellowship, successful Progressive Dinners, new members joining, active adult and children’s choirs, and Dine with Nine.
Over a period of several years, 2003-2005, a major renovation of the courtyard took place, and a special dedication was held on June 18, 2006. It was beautiful, much needed, and all appreciated! In addition, 2004 brought additional renovations, updating the bathrooms and kitchen. The congregation stepped up to cover the expenses for the kitchen expansion. Hallelujah! The big excitement for LHC in this new century was when Larry Dieffenbach and Lori Prang joined our church family in 2004 and 2005. Larry became our new Director of Music and served as our organist and choir director and Lori as our new Office Manager. We have been blessed each Sunday with beautiful music, always a highlight as we worship, and Lori, became our 'organized extraordinaire.' And we remain blessed both are still with us! In 2005, the UCC Stillspeaking Initiative, 'God is Still Speaking,' was introduced to LHC. The message was about being WELCOMING, going beyond being friendly, forward-looking and Christ-like. The comma was chosen as a logo to help people recognize our 'brand' of faith. 'Never place a period, where God has placed a comma.' You may see a comma pin still being worn.
As we celebrate our 150th anniversary this month, let us rejoice with our God and be grateful for our foundation that has served our Lord and our church for many generations. More history will continue next month. Thank you for reading.
Blessings,
Carol Berger
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If you'd like to provide flowers to dress up our altar table for a Sunday Service please reach out to the Church Office. Flowers would need to be here by Sunday morning, 9 am. It's a nice way to remember a special occasion or someone special.
We currently have openings in November and December so please consider signing up!
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October Birthdays
Oct. 2 - Nancy Alex
Oct. 4 - Chip Braulick
Oct. 8- Monica Thornton
Oct. 19 - Pete Connolly, Ron Purser
Oct. 20 - Mike Prang
Oct. 23 - Steve Anhalt
Oct. 24 - Brooks DaRin
Oct. 26 - Sydney Neukirch
Oct. 27 - Mary Jean Schless
Oct. 28 - Heath Neukirch
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Congratulations to...
Jean and Frank Muno on the birth of their first great grandchild. Arcadia Jane was born September 14. Parents are Maddie and Lucas Schowalter from Iowa City.
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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 - Andrea Redmond & Mary Fleischmann
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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