It's a new year & time to chill-out...
Start 2013 right and join our 8th annual Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, January 12 at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall.
Be a Chef! 
Make your favorite chili recipe and
win the admiration of fellow chili lovers, compete for the coveted Chef's Hat Award, and help raise funds for our LHC Outreach Ministry! (3 lbs of meat or vegetables)
Be a Judge!
Help pick a winner. Bring toppings (sour cream, chopped onions, shredded cheese), corn bread or corn chips, oyster crackers, or a dessert, and vote for your favorite chili recipe...all the while helping raise funds for our LHC Outreach Ministry. 
$5 per person. BYOB...soda & water are provided. Sign up sheets are located in the Parish Hall. All are welcome.
RSVP
Come join the delicious fun! Church office 630.584.4013 or lhchomelori@aol.com
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Pastor's message... 
As we begin a New Year we carry with us the joy of Christmas, but not in the usual way. Our hearts pour out for those who have recently been senselessly killed. Our hearts pour out for hope and comfort, peace and justice in this world. We strain to see it in the messages of the Star and angels, in the birth and death of Christ. Yet there is always a promise of hope and resurrection.
God has provided for everything. The human tear, whether wet on the face or so spent that it cries dry from within the soul, offers in the loss, vulnerability and submission of spending its first release and then the gift of an inner strength and calm that deepens the peace and reminds us of God's presence at our very core. As if clinging to the Christmas meaning of joy amidst we will continue to sing what is likely the most theological carol of all. Edmund Sears was a minister who is remembered for his writing of two Christmas carols: "Calm on the Listening Ear of Night" and the more familiar "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear." At age 10 he was working in the fields near his home in Massachusetts when he was moved to compose two verses of poetry. He had no paper so he took chalk and wrote the lines on his hat. When he returned home he proudly showed them to his friends. They taunted him and cried, "You didn't write that. Prove it!" The young poet immediately wrote another verse as the boys looked on. He was never again teased about his ability to write verse! In 1831 Reverend Sears had his first hymn published. He did not write another one until 15 years later when at Christmas time he composed "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." It was an immediate success since his first carol was so well loved and everyone considered his second one to be much better. Its words and music bring the angels once again to earth to sing their glorious good news. "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" is a beautiful hymn for Christmas, but it can be sung almost any time of the year for it is one of the first Christmas carols to touch on the social concerns of the world. The verses should be read thoughtfully to better understand the message this humble village pastor has given to generations of Christians. So in this New Year may we continue to pray: Grant us, O Lord, the simple grace to be thankful. Heaven knows there is plenty to gripe about. But in this minute help us to put aside our complaining and worrying and remember that for which we can be grateful. Convert, O Lord, our cursing into a blessing, and our naysaying into thanksgiving. Lift our eyes to see not only the dark abyss of that which frightens us, but also the bright hope of Your promise always to help us. Open our ears to hear not only the moaning of suffering, but also the singing of angels. Quicken our hearts to beat not a dirge to the grave, but a dance to the celebration of each day. Inspire our souls to wing above that which would hold us down, that we may soar to heights yet unknown and visions yet unseen, as did the Christmas angels. In the name of Jesus Christ, who comes to us still as He came to Bethlehem. "...when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling. And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing." May you be Blest in this New Year! |
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Worship Schedule...
January 6 
Epiphany Sunday
Sacrament of Holy Communion
Sermon: "Remnants of Response to Christ's Birth"
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12; Jeremiah 31:7-14
Theme: Mourning Turned to Joy of Hope and Justice
January 13
1st Sunday after Epiphany
Sermon: "Dependability of God's Love No Matter What"
Scripture: Luke 3:15-17; 21-22
Theme: Live Out Your Baptism in Love Not Prejudice
January 20
2nd Sunday after Epiphany
Sermon: "Examine Christ's Call to You - for Christ Is Still Speaking"
Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23
Theme: Jesus: A Paradigm for Life
January 27
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Sermon: "Who Knows? Something There is that Doesn't Love a Wall" (Robert Frost)
Scripture: Jonah 3:1-5; 10; Matthew 5:1-12
Theme: Walls may fall; grace will pick us up; and lift us to new
joyous, faithful direction to love God and affirm each other as loved by God.
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Ministry news...
Outreach
Thank you to everyone who provided a Christmas Food Basket for the families of Neighborhood Food Pantries as well as a present for our Giving Tree. Your generosity helped to brighten the holidays for so many who are less fortunate.
Christian Education
Thank you one and all for a beautiful Christmas Pageant  on Dec. 9. The story never grows tired with all the families and friends participating in this annual retelling of Jesus' birth. From our High School soloists to our Baby Jesus, everyone brought their particular gifts to the manger in the sanctuary and on that cold night our hearts were warmed and our spirits renewed. Thank you all for letting your light shine in the darkness!Stewardship
If you have not yet turned in your pledge for 2013 it is not too late!
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Activities...
A Book & A Prayer Book Club
4th Monday of every month
7 pm in the Parish Hall
Next Book:
Same Kind of Different as Me
by Ron Hall and Denver Moore
Next Meeting:
Monday, January 28, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Contact: Kathy Haben, 630.876.0620, khaben@att.net
Start out 2013 with a resolution to read more! Join us at A Book & A Prayer Book Club. The time we spend lifting up prayers, discussing the books and sharing our thoughts and life journeys has become a real blessing. And just like jello...we always have room for more. Anyone can join, you can attend just once, or more as your schedule permits. We meet the last Monday evening of the month, January through November at 7 pm in the Parish Hall.
Scheduled future reads:
Washington's Lady - February 25
The Color of Water - March 25
Voice in the Wind - April 22
Do you have a book you'd like to recommend? We'd love to add it to our list. See me during coffee hour after church or shoot me an email.
Information: www.littlehomechurch.org/bookclubnew.html
Keep connected with the Book Club, get the latest details, and see what our guests are saying about the group:
www.meetup.com/LHC-Wayne-IL-A-Book-and-a-Prayer-Readers
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Thank You to all who participated in music at Little Home Church through the holidays. It was an honor to be a part of such wonderful events like the Pageant, the Cantata and Christmas Eve Services. I loved Jan Marchese's comment to me at the Cantata service, "You were 15 over capacity!" May there be many more of these days!
Happy New Year
Larry Dieffenbach, Director of Music, Organist
lsdieffenbach@sbcglobal.net
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Education...
Quiet Time Bags
Canvas bags with crayons, storybooks and activity books for children during worship are available in a basket at the rear of the church. Please return them to the basket after worship.
Morning Bible Study
Presented by Rev. Ron Purser on Wednesday mornings at 10 am in his office. The group continues to studying the book of Exodus. All are welcome. No preparation is required.
Presented by Rev. Nancy Schatzeder on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 7-8:30 pm in the Parish Hall. 
Next session: Thursday, January 17
Children's Sunday School
Held during the Sunday service. Come have fun learning and playing at Little Home Church! For more information, please contact Lori Haseltine at 630.587.1906 or lori-h@comcast.net.
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| Our love & prayers...
Recently hospitalized or ill:
Elaine Williford; Corky Hamill; Bill & Gladys Johnston
Our Congratulations... Kate Vincent and Joshua Mueller were married here at Little Home Church on December 30, 2012. Kate grew up attending LHC until her family moved away. Edna Sullivan's son, Tim and his wife, Jill have a new baby boy, Martin Angelo. Alan & Julie Gray have a new granddaugter, Cora Schless Schandler, born December 26, 2012. Proud parents are Catherine Gray and Geoff Schandler. Our Sympathies... Condolences to Karen Benson and her family on the loss of her father, Edward Graff who passed away December 22. He was 90 years old.
Thank you to our service men & women...
SPC Samantha Prang
SGT Greg Haben
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Open and Affirming...
Next Congregational discussion: Sunday, January 13, 11 am
On the subject of ONA (Open and Affirming)
Over the past several months, By The Way has included articles on the topic of ONA, some announcing congregational meetings, some expressing opinions on the subject. For the better part of the past year a small committee of members has been meeting regularly to discuss first "if" and then "how" we as a congregation should have an open study and discussion of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender covenant within our church. The committee's meetings have been "spirited."
Although the committee is NOT of one mind on all matters of ONA we ARE in agreement that participation from our church community is badly needed. We as a church are in an open-ended period of learning what ONA is and what it means to the Little Home Church. What does it mean to be Open, what would we be affirming? As the committee stumbles through the coming months, we are asking for your input and participation. We need help setting agendas, identifying concerns and questions to which we may or may not have answers, but commit to finding and understanding where we as a congregation are on the subject of ONA within our church.
To those who have asked, yes, we will speak to scripture from all viewpoints and yes, we will hear from churches that have considered the ONA covenant and have chosen not to pursue it or have rejected it. Please join our discussions. Ask questions, express opinions or just listen and discern with us. We need your input and guidance. Our next congregational meeting will follow our Sunday service on January 13th. I truly hope to see you there.
Respectfully,
Wally Setlock - Moderator
Sunday Sessions
In response to various requests, Pastor Ron will be conducting a Sunday morning study on the Moral Teachings of the Apostle Paul as it relates to the ONA process. The sessions will take place after worship:
Sun. Jan. 13 - Guest speaker, or Introduction to Paul and Sexuality
Sun. Jan. 27 - Paul and a Sense of Proportion;
Homosexuality is not a Prominent Biblical Concern
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Upcoming Dates
Un-Hanging of the Greens
Sun. Jan. 6, 10:30 am
Council Meeting
Tue. Jan. 8, 7 pm
Chili Cook-Off
Sat. Jan. 12, 6:30 pm
ONA Congregational Discussion
Sun. Jan. 13, 11 am
Adult Evening
Bible Study
Thu. Jan. 17, 7 pm
'Janual' Congregational Meeting
Sun. Jan. 20, 10:30 am
'A Book & A Prayer' Book Club Mon. Jan. 28, 7 pm
Morning Bible StudyWednesdays, 10 am
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Church Leadership
Pastor Reverend Ron W. Purser
Pastor Emeritus Reverend Dr. Don Heinrich Director of Music Organist Larry Dieffenbach
Office Manager
Lori Prang
Church Council: Moderator Wally Setlock Moderator-elect Kathy Haben Stewardship Ministry Ann McLaughlin Evangelism Ministry Bob Kaska Outreach Ministry Marilyn Poole Congregational Life Anne Bouchard Jane Shelton Christian Education Lori Haseltine Worship & Spiritual Growth Nancy Schatzeder Facilities Peter Gatsch Members at Large Carol Berger Karen Hansen Gianna Marchese Financial Art Zwemke
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Flowers
& Fellowship
Provide flowers to decorate our altar table or host a fellowship hour after worship as a wonderful way to recognize a special occasion or to remember someone special.
Email the office or use the sign-up sheets posted in the Parish Hall if you would like to participate. A reminder call will come from the Church Office so you can note what should be listed in the Sunday Bulletin.
(Open dates are noted below.)
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Altar Flowers
January 6 (open)
January 13
Hopkins January 20 (open) January 27 Alex |
Fellowship Hour
January 6 (open) January 13 (open) January 20 (open) January 27 (open) |
 Happy Birthday!
Jan. 6
Gary Withall Jean Muno Greg Schramuk
Jan. 8
Nancy Biondo
David Abell
Jan. 11
Christa Kentfield
Wanda Hochstetter
Jan. 12
Will Lesswing
Jan. 13
Jennifer Gatsch
Jan. 16
Pat Bartell
Jan. 25
Corky Hamill
Clara Shelton
Jan. 26
Gary Estes
Jan. 31
Amanda Gatsch
Jeff Schramuk
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Facebook Page
Give us a "Like"
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we
noticed!
Thank you to Larry Dieffenbach for organizing and conducting the beautiful Cantata.
Our thank you to Carol Berger and the Winquist family for donating funds to help provide the music and the wonderful guest musicians. Also, thank you for the efforts, talent and dedication of our choir for this lovely event.
Thank you to everyone who purchased poinsettias to help decorate our sanctuary.
Thank you to the unknown angel who changed the burned out light bulb in one of the sanctuary chandeliers.
Much thanks goes to Wanda Hochstetter for leading all the day-of efforts for our Pageant's delicious lasagna dinner.
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etc.
Ways you can
help in
January...
1.
Make sure you've turned in your pledge for 2013
2.
Come and bring a friend to the Chili Cook-Off on January 12.
3.
Attend the Janual Congregational meeting on Sunday, January 20 after worship.
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reminder:
'Janual' Congregational
Meeting
Sunday
January 20, 2013
Begins promptly after worship service
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Please let us know if you would like to add an email address to our list. |
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