By the Way
AUGUST . 2 0 2 2
|
|
|
Pastor's Ponderings
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. “This is the first and great commandment. “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:37–39).
“Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead area. Please place the mask over your own mouth and nose before assisting others.”
The words of Jesus from the gospel of Matthew and the familiar phrase from the FAA’s statement about oxygen masks have a lot in common. During the stressful times we’ve had lately as a global community, (war, climate change, political unrest, a pandemic, and worries about the economy to name a few) combined with whatever personal stress we carry (and we all do) it can be challenging to prioritize ourselves and know what we need to feel centered, relaxed, and rested.
Taking care of ourselves should be non-negotiable. Doing so will benefit you and the world around you. Author and activist Chidera Eggerue says, “I realized that the world around me won’t change until I do.” Practicing self-love and self-care will allow you to show up more fully in the world, boost your creativity, and nourish your inner artist.
So, what does this mean? In a literal sense, self-love and self-care are pretty straightforward—offering ourselves care and love across all areas of our lives.
Self-love allows you to reach a new level of security and happiness. We look outside of ourselves for love since that is how we found stability and love as kids. We received rewards for our good deeds. The truth is, the love you’re looking for can only come from within. But we didn’t get over this; we still looked for love in other people. Because of this, no amount of affection from another person will make you completely content, and you can never feel safe if you don’t have confidence in yourself.
Here are few tips on ways to practice self-love and care:
1. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
2. Societal Expectations Can Offer Unrealistic Standards
3. Live in the Moment, Just for a Moment Every Day
4. Practice Daily Gratitude (possibly a journal)
5. Embrace the Fact That You Can’t Control Everything (Ugh!)
6. Check In With Yourself Emotionally At The End Of The Day.
Create spaces of refuge for yourself in the midst of struggle. Spaces of joy and laughter, good food, quiet and alone time, naps, use kind words towards yourself and others. This kind of compassionate care is transformative. As the Cape Breton novelist Alistair MacLeod [1936–2014] writes, “We are all better when we’re loved.”
Take some time this summer and “lie down in green pastures.”
Peace,
|
|
|
WE ACCEPT, EMBRACE AND AFFIRM THE DIGNITY AND WORTH OF EVERY PERSON, AS WE ARE ALL CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGE. |
|
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 (recorded and uploaded to YouTube during the week)
Bible Study - Wednesdays, 10 am - Temporarily suspended
Contemplative Services - On Hiatus for the month of August
Genealogy Group Meeting - Tuesday, August 11 , 7 pm in person & via Zoom
Men of LHC Monthly Breakfast - Saturday, August 13, 8:30 am
Church Council Meeting - Monday, August 15, 7 pm in Parish Hall
A Book & A Prayer - Book Club - Thursday, August 18, 7 pm via Zoom
BTW Deadline - Friday, August 19
Shrimp Boil - Saturday, August 27, 6 - 10 pm in the Church Courtyard
Reception of New Members - Sunday, August 28, 9:30 am
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS - Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm, 630.584.4013
|
|
Moderator's Message
Together...
Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things”.
During her lifetime Mother Teresa established Nirmal Hriday (A place for the pure of heart), a hospice where the terminally ill could die with dignity. Her order also opened numerous centers serving the blind, the aged, and the disabled. Under her guidance, the missionaries of charity built a Leper colony called Shanti Nagar (town of peace). All while serving the poorest in Calcutta India.
Mother Teresa did not act alone. She achieved great things by working together with others— combining their 'gifts' with her own. Her words resonate as I look around and see the gifts and talents our members bring to the church. Whether it is helping at Pitch In Day, bringing holiday dinners to the less fortunate, filling disaster relief buckets, making Halloween extra special with Trunk or Treat, or celebrating the season with the annual Christmas Pageant, we have done great things for the Church and community.
With our wealth of talent, I’m excited to see what more we will accomplish, while working together.
Susannah Lesswing, Moderator
|
|
|
Grace's Notes
Summertime - Songs & Silence
What a lovely summer it has been so far…the crops look so green and healthy! Nature is a respite from all that challenges or grieves us. A walk in the woods, a rest on a garden bench, a wade in a cool stream or lake, a stroll on a beach…all calm our spirits and engender the belief that somehow, some way all will be well.
The summer has been lovely at our dear Little Home Church as well. So many beautiful, restorative moments in word, song, and silence all gifts from God reassuring us that somehow, someway all will be well.
Our church family is growing both in numbers and in vision. New members bring new gifts, new perspective, new energy. There is much for which to be grateful and much for which to look forward.
The music department of our church is looking forward to the return of the Chancel Choir to services on September 4. Our first rehearsal will be Wednesday, August 31 at 7 pm. We always welcome new members regardless of whether or not you read music. There are a couple of special occasions coming up for the choir: a choral workshop on October 22 we are hosting at LHC with three other area church choirs and a guest clinician, and the Christmas Cantata on Sunday, December 18. Every Sunday is special though, as we put our hearts and minds to learning anthems we hope will bless us and honor our Creator.
Autumn will also see the return of the Handbell Choir! The bells have lain silent for a couple of years due to Covid19. It is with great joy they will be heard once again in our sanctuary. All interested in playing handbells are invited to participate in a handbell workshop scheduled for Saturday, September 10 from 9 am to noon in the parish hall. Music reading is also not a requirement to be a part of the bell choir. This is your chance to learn new skills or brush up on old ones as well as lend a hand polishing the bells so they will shine as brightly as they sound upon their return to Sunday services.
Lastly, we are blest to have had more children in our midst and want to give them the opportunity to share their sweet voices with us. As Sunday school begins again, I will be visiting the class regularly to sing with the children and prepare some songs which we will share with the congregation a few times during the year.
Making music is a joy! It is good for the body and soul. Please join us. Contact me with any questions you have. Until then…
Peace be with you.
Grace Bardsley, Director of Music
|
|
TICKETS
$35 each, Kids $10
Sat, Aug 27, 6 to 10 pm
Feast on fresh shrimp, corn, potatoes and sausage.
(An alternative is available for those who might be allergic to shrimp)
BYO - BEER & WINE
Live Music - Salsa del Norte
|
|
Outreach Ministry
Refugee Family Update
Thank you to everyone who has donated items to help set up our future refugee family’s apartment. Your generous response has been overwhelming. As of press time we still have a few items that are needed:
• Tall Kitchen Trash Can & Trash Bags
• Small Bathroom Trash Can
• Small Took Kit
• Fan (or 2)
• 2 comforters (size TBD)
• 2 sheet sets with pillowcases (size TBD)
You will choose the item you’d like to provide, put in your email address, purchase the item and drop it off here at the church. Those of you who have signed up for bedding are asked to hold off on purchasing until we know the specifics of the family and therefore what sizes would be needed. The Due Date for the items is August 15 and you may drop them off at the Church office.
We are excited for this new outreach opportunity to help a family get settled and look forward to learning about other ways we can assist them as they acclimate to their new home.
If you have any questions, contact the
Outreach Ministry Chairs
Andrea Redmond and Mary Fleischmann
|
Genealogy Group
Who Are Your Ancestors?
When I was younger, I did not give much thought to who came before my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and so on. Family history was limited to the here and now and to the fact that I was Irish, so St. Patrick’s Day was a time for family celebration. It was not until later in life when I became very interested in where my people came from, how they got here, and why they left the old country. My family search began.
Do you have an interest in discovering your roots, your family history, or hidden secrets? Come join the LHC Genealogy Group. Our usual meeting date and time is the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm. We try to meet in-person but Zoom access is always available. There is a specific topic each meeting with plenty of opportunity for story sharing, questions, problem solving, and discussion.
We will deviate from our usual routine in August. Our meeting will be held on August 11 at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall. As is our custom, Zoom will be available. We will begin our time by sharing a meal together. The entrée and drinks will be provided. Please bring a side dish to share.
|
|
Facilities
Taking the Reins
Greetings everyone, in the past month I have 'taken the reins' of the Facilities Ministry from the very capable hands of Kit DeWitt. I was always grateful for the work that Kit and all of the previous Facilities Chairs have done on behalf of our beautiful Church, but now that I am knee deep into it, I am especially grateful for their efforts and guidance!
So let’s get to it! The following items have been accomplished in the past month:
—The Sanctuary mesh window shades have been installed.
—A Pitch In Day occurred on June 28, and Kit has graciously offered to continue running the Pitch in Days going forward.
—The DuPage County Health Department performed our annual water inspection and as a result we had to chlorinate the well, and flush the system. We have subsequently passed the re-test.
—We are working on securing quotations for the following items in need of repair: pew covers, tree pruning, and masonry repair to the handicap ramp at the front of the Church.
Our Church has been beautifully restored over the past few years but it remains a very old structure that will require our attention and upkeep. I look forward to working with everyone going forward, and if there is anyone who may be interested in serving on the Facilities Committee, please let me know.
Facilities Ministry Chair
|
Evangelism
Want to Know About LHC?
The Evangelism Committee hosted a festive dinner at my house on July 14 for perspective new members. It was delightful getting to know many new people who were interested learning and becoming acquainted with LHC. A big thank you to Ann McLaughlin, Mary Roach, and Susannah and Mark Lesswing who all helped with the dinner and provided an extra pair of hands.
On July 24 and 31, Larry and I held two membership classes and many attended.
Membership Sunday will be August 28 during the worship service. If you know of someone who is interested in LHC and learning more, please let me know.
I always love meeting new people and talking about our church.
Evangelism is not just one person, or one pastor, it encompasses our entire congregation. Growing our church is everyone’s responsibility, and we owe it to God who has blessed us all with each other as we spread our Christian faith.
Carol Berger
Evangelism Ministry Chair
|
|
|
Dunham Woods Horse Show
Let's Tailgate!
The annual horse show on the Dunham Woods Riding Club property will be the weekend of August 27 and 28. This is the 87th year of this horse show so there is a long history of this equestrian event in Wayne.
Saturday will consist of a horse show where horses and riders are judged at the walk, trot, canter and also over fences. There will be everything from smaller jumps for ponies and beginner riders all the way up to experienced riders and horses over larger jumps. Come out on Saturday to see the more traditional horse show classes.
Sunday will be a fun, family, enjoyable 'day in the country.' A tailgate, where cars pull up to the ring side, and food and beverage are beautifully displayed and shared is planned! The church will have a tailgate, led by Diane Dippner from Congregational Life and Carol Berger from Evangelism—more details to come. Please come join us after the church service. Dress casual for church that day.
Sunday will feature a costume class, riders on the outside course, and an exciting competition judged on the ability of horse and rider to clear large jumps, in the fastest time. Lots to see and enjoy. Come join your friends and members of the church for this unique day in the country!
|
|
|
Joyful, Joyful We Restore Thee
Wayne Community House
Writing this in late July I am happy to report that your Joyful Team has met twice with architect Bret Mitchell to review new preliminary designs for the Wayne Community House. Bret initially presented the team with 9 design options. The pros and cons, likes and dislikes, of each were discussed. Bret elaborated on the conceptual opportunities presented with each floor plan and noted our responses as we again defined and refined our expectations for both the essential and the 'wish list' elements of the building.
Bret returned a couple weeks later with three refined options, having incorporated our ideas and suggestions from the previous meeting. We went through the same process of reviewing the alternatives presented in each design and expressing our preferences. We will meet again in early August for final revisions.
Anne Bouchard, Chairperson
'Joyful, Joyful, We Restore Thee' Committee:
Steve Anhalt; Anne Bouchard; Larry Dieffenbach; Kit DeWitt; Bob Kaska; Kathleen Sullivan Kaska; Susannah Lesswing; and Susi Winquist
|
|
|
A Book & A Prayer
LHC Book Club - Via Zoom
Meets 3rd Thursday, 7 pm
NEXT Meeting - Aug. 18
The selection for August is 'Dandelion Wine' by Ray Bradbry. Published in 1957, this book is not a short story collection per se but of the twenty-seven vignettes, ten had been published before. Set in the summer of 1928 in the fictional town of Green Town, Illinois, it is based upon Bradbury's childhood home of Waukegan, Illinois. The summer of 1928 was a vintage season for a growing boy. A summer of green apple trees, mowed lawns, and new sneakers. Of half-burnt firecrackers, of gathering dandelions, of Grandma's belly-busting dinner. It was a summer of sorrows and marvels and gold-fuzzed bees. A magical, timeless summer in the life of a twelve-year-old boy named Douglas Spaulding—remembered forever by the incomparable Ray Bradbury.
Meeting ID: 891 0088 0154
password: bookclub
We have some great selections for 2022. Click Here to see what is planned.
We hope that you'll join us next year!
|
|
|
Bible Study
Wednesdays, 10 am
& Virtual
Our weekly Wednesday morning Bible Study will go on a temporary hiatus. We hope to make arrangements to resume it sometime in September.
|
|
|
The Prayer Chain
Congregational Life Ministry
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
|
|
To Make a Prayer Request:
Join the Prayer Chain Email List
|
|
|
|
Aug. 5 - Charles Sbarbaro
Aug. 10 - Charles McDonough
Aug. 13 - Ellie Sterner
Aug. 16 - Marilyn Poole
Aug. 17 - Duke Ferguson
Aug. 19 - Kathie Connolly
Aug. 25 - Corinne Thornton
Aug. 28 - Thelma Kaluzsa
Aug. 29 - Jim Winquist
Aug. 30 - Greg Abell
|
|
Fellowship, Ushers, Pulpit Associates & Flowers
A simple way to give the gift of your time and enhance our worship experience at the same time is by signing up to be an Usher or a Pulpit Associate! We have many openings over the summer where we can use your help! It's easy and appreciated. Our Fellowship coffee time after worship is in full swing. Consider hosting one Sunday. You provide the goodies, we provide the coffee and tea. You can also check out the flower sign up sheet to provide Flowers one Sunday to decorate our altar table. The sign up sheets are up in the Parish Hall. If you have any questions, just contact the Church Office.
|
|
|
|
To those recently ill or hospitalized...
Carli Zelaitis, Ron Purser, Chuck McDonough
Our sympathies to:
Bertie Ratliff, a former LHC member. Bertie lost her husband, Mike this past May, and then her son Todd a few weeks later in June.
|
|
THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH STAFF, COUNCIL, AND ALL VOLUNTEERS |
|
Pastor - Larry Dieffenbach
Pastor Emeritus - Rev. Ronald Purser
Director of Music - Grace Bardsley
Office Manager - Lori Prang
BTW Editors
Lori Prang and Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Graphic Design
Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
|
|
CHURCH COUNCIL
Moderator - Susannah Lesswing
Moderator-elect - Emily Miller
Christian Education - Katherine Brito
Congregational Life - Diane Dippner
Evangelism - Carol Berger
Facilities - Julie Graham
Outreach - Andrea Redmond & Mary Fleischmann
Stewardship - Peter Connolly
Worship & Spiritual Growth - Jane Shelton & Sharon Bergland
Members at Large - Jen Haseltine & Kit DeWitt
Financial Treasurer - Susi Winquist
Financial Secretary - Ann McLaughlin
Clerk - Kristen Thornton
|
|
Thank you...
for continuing to remember Little Home Church by the Wayside.
Your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
