Smiling faces at church...
It was "Girl Scout Cookie Sunday" at Little Home Church on February 24 in the Parish Hall. Thank you to our Brownies and Girl Scouts: Eleanor Karwowski; Audrey and Olivia Gatsch; and friend!  
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Pastor's message... 
For the month of March, in the heart of Lenten season, I am responding directly to the flurry of communication surrounding the issue of the theological stance of Open and Affirming. The stance is based on the theological program of The United Church of Christ to bring the loving-justice of God to all persons regardless of their station in life.
First, I apologize that an e-mail was mistakenly sent neither sanctioned by the staff or by the Council. The list of church e-mails was not meant for someone's personal agenda unless approved by the Council. I will attempt to see that this does not happen again. Having said that the initial letter has generated considerable response to which I must address. My first concern involves the vitriolic attitudes over this issue and the attempt to paint this program as an expression of a political tool. This approach will lead us nowhere. We must approach this sensitive issue with an eye toward agape (self-giving love) and justice. The question is what do we mean by "all" when we say "all are welcome?" Are "all" welcome not only to worship but also to participate in the full life and ministry of the church? To those on the outside looking in, "all" may not be perceived as we on the inside would intend. Historically churches have said "all" but have been exclusive in their acceptance. The Open and Affirming program of the United Church of Christ is a stated attempt to put specificity to the statement, "all are welcomed." It is an approach to those on the outside of the church to know that this Church will be accepting of their humanity and their God given gifts, including them in the full ministry in the Church. It is clear from Jeremiah 22:17-23 or Micah 6 that to walk humbly with God is to do so with justice and loving-mercy. The Opening and Affirming program acknowledges that "all" stand in need of the Grace of God. Reinhold Niebuhr spoke of the connect between justice and agape (love). The selfless love of God is the law of life, the ethic of the Kingdom of God. However, the world in which we live is not the Kingdom: so how do we express that love? As followers of Christ we engage in the struggle to bring justice in this fallen world to those who are disenfranchised, forgotten, or pushed away to the margins of life. This struggle does not make any of us special, nor a matter of deserving. The love of God and the accepting love from those who follow God comes to all exactly because we do not deserve. What a unique expression of life! What a Good Word that is for people who have been left out! The grace and love of God comes to "all" even though we may not deserve it. Neibuhr calls this "the possible impossibility" wouldn't be wonderful if we could say to the world that this church, this little spot in the universe has an attitude of inclusive love for even the unloved; that "all" are truly welcomed no matter their sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, sex or station in life. The Open and Affirming statement attempts to proclaim this love and acceptance in subtle, but real ways. There will not be a large banner; that would not be in keeping with the design of the church or the community. The bench, to which some have asked, is a way to which some churches have chosen to express the rainbow inclusiveness. The Church of the Brethren and First Congregational Church of Elgin have chosen to announce their expression of loving justice with the rainbow bench even though they are not technically Opening and Affirming. I, if asked and I have been, prefer the "still small voice" -a small, subtle sign that without fanfare conveys to those on the outside looking in that they are truly welcome and a life of love and justice. This is a season of prayer and introspection. I would ask us all to contemplate our faith and pray that behind all the slogans and theological constructs, the bottom line is to realize that "To know God is to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God," and to sing in our hearts for those in need of love and acceptance the musical line" the mercies of God are fresh every morning." May God Bless, God bless us All! Rev. Ron W. Purser |
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Worship Schedule...
Mar. 3
3rd Sunday in Lent
Holy Communion
Sermon: "Were You There"
Themes from the stations of the Cross
Stations 6, 7, 8
Scripture: Luke 23:27-30
Mar. 10
4th Sunday in Lent
Sermon: "Were You There" - Stations 9, 10, 11
Scripture: John 19: 23-24; Luke 23:33; Psalm 4:6-9
Mar. 17
5th Sunday in Lent
Sermon: "Were You There" - Station 12
Scripture: Matthew 26:53-56
Mar. 24
Palm Sunday
Sermon: "Were You There" - Stations 13, 14
Scripture: Mark 15:42-47; John 19:38-42
Mar. 27
Maundy Thursday
Theme: The Last Supper: Where It All Begins and Ends
Mar. 28
Good Friday
Combined service with Immanuel UCC in Bartlett, 1pm
Mar. 31
Sermon: "Why Not a Station 15? - Life in Those Gardens"
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Ministry news...
Stewardship 
Begun in 1949, One Great Hour of Sharing is supported by eight denominations and Church World Service. Our gifts to this offering go into action immediately, relieving suffering and poverty in North America and around the globe.
Gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) make possible the long-term assistance that brings significant improvement in delivery of health care services; in the availability of education; in the offering of training and micro-loans to start small businesses; and in access to clean water and sufficient food resources.
Gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing enable the church to respond when people face ruin and loss from floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, epidemics and other disasters.
Finally, gifts to OGHS offer a glimmer to refugees who leave their countries due to famine, war, and other life-threatening conditions.
One Great Hour of Sharing unites our gifts in service to God's people around the world. One life is saved, one person is educated, one mother raises a healthy child. Each life touches the next. Like the gifts of God, our gifts multiply, radiating from hand to hand.
Our designated One Great Hour of Sharing is March 10th. Look for a special offering envelope in the mail!
Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
I Peter 4:10b
Outreach
Easter Food Baskets
Little Home Church will once again be providing Easter Food Baskets for the families of Neighborhood Food Pantries at Resurrection Church. The food pantry anticipates providing 350 dinners and we have committed to providing 45. As in the past there is a shopping list of the items each dinner needs. If you are interested in one please contact the church office or see Suzanne Setlock after church. The dinners need to be dropped off to Resurrection Church, Army Trail Rd. & Rt. 59, on Saturday, March 23 between 8 and 9 am. Please consider helping those who may be struggling.
Worship & Spiritual Growth
Easter is soon upon us and once again we offer you the chance to help decorate our altar table for Easter Sunday. We are offering lilies, tulips and hyacinths to purchase. Each flower will be $10 and you may indicate if it's in memory of or in honor of someone special. Order forms will be in the Sunday bulletins or you may call the church office. Payment is due at the time of your order. After the Easter Sunday worship service you may take your flowers with you.
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Activities...
A Book & A Prayer Book Club
4th Monday of every month
7 pm in the Parish Hall
Next Book:
The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute
to His White Mother
by James McBride
Next Meeting:
Monday, March 25, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Contact: Kathy Haben, 630.876.0620, khaben@att.net
How did you celebrate President's Day (also Washington's Birthday)? A Book & A Prayer readers discussed Washington's Lady, a historical novel based on the life of Martha Washington. It was refreshing to be reminded how our forefathers based a lot of their decisions, and their life choices, based on Godly virtues. And some of us would think WWJD was something new...
Our next reading was suggested from our own Church member, Sandy Antonelli. The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother which is the autobiography of James McBride first published in 1995; it is also a tribute to his mother. The chapters alternate between James McBride's description of his early life and first-person accounts of his mother Ruth's life, mostly taking place before her son was born. McBride depicts the conflicting emotions that he endured as he struggled to discover who he truly was, as his mother narrates the hardships that she had to overcome as a white, Jewish woman who chose to marry a black man in 1942. Won't you join us on March 25, as we discuss this book filled with faith, and social issues, as it takes us through Ruth and James' journey? Thanks for the suggestion Sandy!
Please join us in the Parish Hall for food, fellowship and discussion! Bring a friend!
Scheduled future reads:
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Choir
Larry's Notes: 
My heartfelt thanks to Nancy Alex for planning my birthday/ recognition day at church this past Sunday. I thank the choir for providing cake at the fellowship hour and for their continued support and hard work. My sincere thanks to Ron for his kind words during the worship service and to all of you in the congregation who remembered me with your cards and gifts.  
As we find ourselves in this season of Lent and the Stations of the Cross, I invite each of you to join us every week in worship. We have planned many choral anthems to highlight this contemplative time of the church year. "Invitation to the Cross," "Wondrous Love," "He Never Said a Mumblin' Word" are all reflections on the suffering of Christ. We will sing Faure's "The Palms" on Palm Sunday and celebrate Easter with the anthems "Rise Up!" and "He is Alive!" and of course finish with the traditional sing along of G.F. Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" from Messiah.
Words from Mother Teresa: 
"Anyone who imitates Jesus to the full must share in his passion. We must have the courage to pray to have the courage to accept.
How much smaller could he have made himself than a little piece of bread - the Bread of Life?
How much more weak and helpless? And how much more ugly could he make himself than a badly diseased leper?
And yet it is he.
We must know it.
As I know that two plus two makes four, I must know that it is Jesus in that person."
Be sure to join us Thursday, March 21 at 7 pm when the Bartlett High School Chamber Orchestra will perform for us. If you've joined us in the past you know what a talented group of students these are! We hope you can attend.
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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 is currently on hiatus.
Presented by Rev. Nancy Schatzeder on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 7-8:30 pm in the Parish Hall.
Next session: Thursday, March 21
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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Council news...
At the last council meeting we decided to try a new column called "Comments to Council." This new column will be dedicated to acknowledging comments or questions raised by members and friends of Little Home Church. Council members are actively trying to better communicate with the congregation and we appreciate all thoughts and feedback. We hope this column helps promote an active dialogue within our faith community. Below is the first installment:
Comments to Council
A member recently suggested that the Council consider engaging a consultant to reach out to members who have stopped attending the Little Home Church. The Congregational Life and Stewardship Ministries are discussing the suggestion and will report back to Council, and the congregation via By The Way.
Upcoming UCC events for the
Fox Valley Association & the Illinois Conference:
Fox Valley Spring Meeting, April 27, 2013, First Congregational United Church of Christ in Downer's Grove
Illinois Conference Annual Celebration, June 14 & 15, Oak Brook
More information on these events can be found on the Fox Valley Association web site. Check it out at www.foxvalley.ilucc.org
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| Our love & prayers...
Recently hospitalized or ill:
Polly Heinrich; Corky Hamill
Our Congratulations... Polly & Don Heinrich on the birth of a great granddaughter, Josephine Mary Gladstone. Parents are Justine Walker & Mike Gladstone; grandparents are Cathy Sheehan & Fred Gladstone. Samantha Prang on her recent promotion to Sergeant in the United States Army. Thank you to our service men & women...
SGT Samantha Prang
SGT Greg Haben
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Open and Affirming...
Summary of Congregational Meeting - February 17
by Anne Bouchard
On Sunday, February 17 we welcomed Reverend Jana Chwalisz and Reverend Paris Donahoo, pastors from local churches which have not gone through the ONA process. We made a video recording of the discussion which is available to borrow from the church office. A copy of my notes are on the ONA bulletin board in the Parish Hall. Our next Congregational meeting will be March 10; details to follow via email and in the weekly bulletin.
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Upcoming Dates
One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering Sun. Mar. 10, 9:30 am
Church Council Meeting Tue. Mar. 12, 7 pm 'By the Way' Deadline Mon. Mar. 18 Adult Evening Bible Study Thu. Mar. 21, 7 pm
Bartlett High School
Chamber Orchestra
Concert
Thu. Mar. 21, 7 pm
Palm Sunday Service
Sun. Mar. 24, 9:30 am
'A Book & A Prayer'
Book Club
Mon. Mar. 25, 7 pm
Maundy Thursday Service Thu. Mar. 28, 7 pm Good Friday Service Fri. Mar. 29, 1 pm Immanuel United Church of Christ, Bartlett
Easter Sunday ServiceSun. Mar. 31, 9:30 am
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Church Leadership
Pastor Pastor Emeritus Reverend Dr. Don Heinrich Director of Music Organist Larry Dieffenbach
Office Manager
Lori Prang
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
March 3 Alex
March 10
Marchese March 17 Winquist March 24 Keen/Aughnay March 31 Easter Flowers |
Fellowship Hour
March 3 Marchese March 10 (open) March 17 (open) March 24 Lesswing March 31 Easter |
 Happy Birthday!
Mar. 6
Ted Schramuk
Mar. 9
Ann McLaughlin
Dulie Ware
Mar.11
Sam Shelton
Mar. 12
Emma Kaska
Mar. 17
Kathleen Kaska
Mar. 19
Carol Hancock
Mar. 23
Jim Welch
Art Zwemke
Phil Kentfield
Mar. 24
Tim Shelton
Mar. 27
Wendell Clancy
Andrew Kapoor
Lee Price
Mar.30
Tom Atkins
Mar. 31
Jim Lindbloom
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we
noticed!
The locks on the Parish Hall doors as well as kitchen doors have been updated and are user friendly! Thank you to Peter Gatsch for handling that! Water, water everywhere! Thank you to Wally Setlock and Gary Estes for their work in drying out the Peterson House basement when the sump pump failed recently. Also, Dan Roach dedicated a day to pump out the basement of the sanctuary. |
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thank you!
More notes from some of our college students who were sent gift cards & care boxes from LHC:
YES! Got a back scratcher in my LHC box!
Anne Haben
Thank you so much for the Valentine box! Loved everything in it, especially the back scratcher! Lots of sand over here in Afghanistan and it makes me itchy! It was perfect!
Samantha Prang
Gift cards & shipping costs were made possible by the generosity of the Alex Family & R. Brent Alex Memorial Fund.
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