 |
Congratulation graduates! 
June is the time when we recognize the accomplishments of our recent graduates. Please offer your congratulations and prayers to:
High School Graduates:
Leigh Bechet
Elgin High School and attending Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY
Cassie Boles
St. Charles East High School and attending Elon University in Elon, NC
Ben Cook
St. Charles North High School and attending University of Wyoming
Gianna Marchese
St. Charles East High School and attending Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan
College Graduates:
George Bouchard
Earlham College, B.A in Philosophy
Anne Haben
Ball State University, B.A in Advertising and B.A in Creative Writing
Kim Kentfield
University of Texas-Dallas, MBA and MS in Healthcare Management
Thomas Davison (grandson of Rik & Nancy Alex)
Loyola University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, with three majors: International Business, Economics and Finance
Lydia Hires (granddaughter of Polly Heinrich)
University of Georgia with a degree in Business Administration
Abigail Moore (granddaughter of Theo Moore)
Texas Christian University, B.S. in Engineering
God's Commencement Address
by Talitha Arnold (Sr. Minister at United Church of Sante Fe UCC)
Excerpt from I Timothy 6:11-16
"As for you, one of God,...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called."
I am a sucker for graduations. "Pomp and Circumstance" brings me to tears far more than "Here Comes the Bride." Whether kindergarteners or college seniors, there's something deeply moving about seeing all different colors and kinds of people decked out in caps and gowns.
I even like most commencement addresses, always filled with so much hope and challenge. My favorite speech was never actually delivered, but appeared as a newspaper column by Chicago Tribune writer Mary Schmich. Titled "Wear Sunscreen," she advised graduates, among other things, to "Do one thing every day that scares you."
Today's passage from the end of the First Letter to Timothy would make a good graduation speech, too. The author, perhaps Paul, gives the young Christian his marching orders: "Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness." "Fight the good fight of the faith," the writer continues. "Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called."
Strong words for the commencement of a new life, whether as a new graduate or a disciple of Jesus Christ. If I were to write a commencement address, I'd include the wisdom of both Mary Schmich and First Timothy: "Do one thing every day that scares you. Fight the good fight. And take hold of eternal life!"
|
|
Pastor's message...
Reading recently a work by William Sloane Coffin, former Dean of Yale I ran across this little anecdote:
In August, Mother, Ned, Margot, and I came together for the first time in a year to combine a family reunion with a month's vacation on the shores of Lake Annecy near the Swiss border. The few other guests in the hotel were French, Mother's age or older. On the afternoon of September 1 we all pulled up chairs around the hotel radio to hear Horowitz play Brahms's Second Piano Concerto with the Lucerne Summer Festival Orchestra conducted by Arturo Toscanini. It was good, as someone reminded us, that for a few minutes at least we could forget the threat of war, and someone else pointed to the hope for world peace that must exist when a Russian Jew could play German concerto with a Swiss orchestra conducted by an Italian-American.
William Sloane Coffin, Once To Every Man
There are two sides: differences are not necessarily division, but neither is conformity unity. I see Christians groups conformed in creed, ethical standards, and even dress codes but who will not in fellowship.
On the other hand, I know of individual Christians from all sorts of backgrounds and faiths who differ in creed but who, at the same time, seem to walk in unity. Both examples validate my point: there's a grave difference between conformity of convictions and the unity of the Spirit. The Bible has a lot to say about the latter; very little about the former. We may need to note this.
The problem lies with Christians confusing believing in Christ with believing things about Christ. Believing in Christ and believing certain things about him are not the same. Now, it is true--a person can believe certain things about Christ and not believe in Christ; and it is true that a person cannot believe in Christ without believing certain things about him. At least, eventually. But we usually begin believing certain things about a person after we have spent some time with him, after we get acquainted. No one points this out better than the great preacher from London, Leslie Weatherhead:
This is how a man falls in love. He could not write a creed about the loved one at the beginning. He finds someone whose life he would like to share, and, if she is willing to do so, as fellowship deepens, he comes to believe certain things about her. Then he can write his creed, and it is of far more value, and much more his own, than if it were imposed upon him by someone else at the beginning as a condition of belonging to her. In my opinion, the beginnings of the Christian life have much more in common with falling in love.
Have we been guilty of not receiving a brother or a sister because of creeds, notions or laws? Have we imposed conditions upon those who love the same Lord as we? The only prerequisite I find in the Bible is love. Is the man or woman in love? If the person loves Jesus, we are to receive him or her and recognize the unity that is already. He is my brother, she is our sister.
Have a wonderful, refreshing summer of faith, hope and love.
May God Bless,
|
|
Dunham Castle Tour a $uccess!
Have you heard? The Castle Tours, May 4 and 5, were a huge success, raising over $16,000 in 2 days with 750+ people  purchasing tickets. We congratulate Mary Roach for seizing the opportunity and running with it as fast as she could! And, run she did. With help from many church members and members in the community, all systems were in place. There were at least 100 people lined up with tickets before the doors opened each day.
However, this could not have happened without the many volunteers who all contributed to the success:
Leslie Ebersole, of Baird and Warner who donated her weekend and allowed the church to use the castle for a fundraiser. Without Leslie, this event would not have been possible. 630.945.7935
Richard Abrahamson, of RJA Design in Geneva, who staged the rooms in the Castle with his own collection. We are very appreciative to Richard for his time and talent and who has so many times generously donated his efforts to the church. 630.262.9474
All American Movers of Elgin who donated their time, truck, and muscles, transporting the staging items. They were fabulous! 847.888.9933
Niche Restaurant in Geneva for the generous donation of a gift certificate. 630.262.1000
The Anonymous donor who provided the Port-a-Potties from the Hoving Pit Stop, West Chicago.
Karen Hansen, our publicity chairman extraordinaire! She contacted every media network that reached all surrounding communities, and this certainly contributed to our huge success.
A big thanks goes to Jim Winquist for being our Parking Czar. With the hundreds of cars lining up to enter the Castle, Jim assisted every car for 2 days!
Nancy Alex who organized all of our docents: Tom Atkins; Deanne Appleton; Kathy and Peter Connelly; Jerry Johnson; Alex Kentfield; Art Richardson; Trish Spiroff; Lance Beaulieu; Maggie and Ron Purser; Bev and Frank Lasota; and Susi Winquist. These dedicated individuals assisted with the self-guided tours.
Wanda Hochstetter, Kristen Thornton, and Suzanna Lesswing,
who organized the reception in the Castle Dining Room and who worked tirelessly all weekend. A very special thanks goes to everyone who contributed baked goods and drinks, and especially to Rik Alex, our official LHC baker. The reception added a very special touch and was enjoyed by all.
Sharon Bergland and Carol Berger who collected the tickets and $$ at the front door.
All of the Musicians who donated their fabulous time and talent: Bob Vanderschaaf; Jen Haseltine; Tom Haven from the Bartlett High School faculty and students; Roger Kotecki; and Larry Dieffenbach.
Lori Haseltine who organized and set up the gorgeous artwork in the Castle from the Wayne Art League.
Valerie Baldwin, Jan Marchese, and Renae LeBoutillier for filling in everywhere.
Even though we are the Little Home Church, as a congregation, we certainly had a big event! And, of course, the biggest thank you goes to Mary Roach for rallying everyone, and turning this event into a Home Run. And equally important, Mary made it fun!
|
|
 Activities
A Book & A Prayer Book Club 
4th Monday of every month
7 pm in the Parish Hall
Next Book:
The Screwtape Letters
by C.S. Lewis
Lord Foulgrin's Letters
by Randy Alcorn
Next Meeting:
Monday, June 24, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Contact: Kathy Haben, 630.876.0620, khaben@att.net
This month we will tackle two books: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis and Lord Foulgrin's Letters by Randy Alcorn. Pastor Ron will join us to share his insight into C.S. Lewis and the author's writings. Please join us in the Parish Hall for food, fellowship and discussion...and bring a friend!
Choir
Music Sunday. Big Day!
You don't want to miss this one! On June 9th we are planning a special worship service of music. We will present Schubert's Mass in G with guest soloists Greg Abell, Megan Bell, and Matt Jones. Doyle Armbrust and friends will be the orchestra, Robert Vanderschaff, organist, Merritt Poole, flutist, and our great Little Home Church Choir. Invite all your friends and neighbors - the choir has worked very hard on this!
BELLS! BELLS! BELLS!
This summer, on Wednesday evenings, we will have a children's bell choir practice for 45 minutes from 5:45 to 6:30 pm followed by an adult bell choir practice for 45 minutes from 7 to 7:45 pm. We will remove the choir pews for the summer and set the bell tables up in the choir loft and then have bell music all summer!
Larry Dieffenbach, Director of Music, Organist
lsdieffenbach@sbcglobal.net Plant Sale  Once again it was a cool and rainy sale on May 10 & 11, but we managed to sell enough perennials and plants to raise approximately $1,500.00 to support the maintenance of our lovely courtyard garden. Thank you to all the donating diggers (many were anonymous) and the hearty souls who worked the sale: Julie Gray, Karen Hansen, Kathryn Karwowski, Kathleen Sullivan Kaska, Susannah Lesswing, Jan Marchese, Maggie Purser, Jane Shelton, and DeeDee Starrett. Thank you to Mary Jean Schless for expertly handling the pre-orders of Annuals, and Sullivan Kaska and Bob Kaska who provided the much needed heavy-lifting at both set-up and takedown. And thank you to all who supported the Plant Sale with your plant purchases...happy gardening!
|
|
Worship schedule...
June 2
Graduate Recognition Sunday
Holy Communion
Sermon: "Civilization Is a Race Between Education and Catastrophe" H.G. Wells
Scripture: II Corinthians 5:17-21
Theme: 1st in a Summer Series on "What Is the Christian Faith Really?" based on the work of Prof. Georgia Harkness
June 9
Music Appreciation Sunday
June 16
Father's Day
Sermon: "Faith of Our Father's, But What Is Faith?"
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1
Theme: "There lives more faith in honest doubt. Believe me, than in half the creeds." A.L. Tennyson
June 23
Sermon: "Understanding the Bible in a Time of Crisis of the Human Spirit"
Scripture: Hosea 2:16-20; I Corinthians 11:23-26
Theme: Faith Based on the Thrust of the Gospel Not the Letters.
June 30
Rev. Dr. Don Heinrich preaching. Pastor Emeritus, LHC
|
|
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. They are currently studying the Book of Acts. No preparation is necessary.
The Evening Bible Study group presented by Rev. Nancy Schatzeder will be taking a summer hiatus and will pick back up again in September. Please email Nancy for more information: nschatzeder@gmail.com
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.
Vacation Bible School
During VBS this year the Children will be exploring different countries around the world; Japan, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, Australia and Mexico. There will be music, crafts, gam  es, and snacks from each country. Vacation Bible School runs from June 10 thru 14, 9 -11 am. It is open to preschoolers through 6th grade. The cost per child is $15. Spread the word to family and friends. Click here to print out the registration form on the LHC web site.
|
Council news...
Junual Meeting
The Little Home Church will hold the annual Junual congregational meeting on Sunday, June 23, immediately after church service. Come and hear about all that has been accomplished these past 12 months. There will be an update on the Peterson House, our finances, along with a vote on the Endowment Fund. We will also say farewell to the outgoing council members, along with welcoming the new church council. Your input and vote are important. Please plan to stay if you can.
Also don't forget if you're interested...
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 foxvalley.ilucc.org
|
Our love & prayers... Recently hospitalized or ill: Valeri Baldwin, Theo Moore Our Congratulations... To Janice Christensen on the birth of her grandson, Spencer Lynn Christensen, Jr. born November 1, 2012. Proud parents are Spencer Lynn Christensen and Jennifer Bruce Hall. Thank you to our service men & women...
SGT Samantha Prang
SGT Greg Haben
|
Open and Affirming...
ONA Status Report
by Anne Bouchard
On May 19, the ONA committee presented "For the Bible Tells Me So," an award-winning documentary covering the reaction of five Christian families who realize they have a gay family member. Throughout the film, religious leaders and scholars explore how the Bible has been interpreted and referenced in response to homosexuality, and also discuss the impact of such interpretation upon individuals and families. Following the film, we shared our thoughts about the intertwined themes of family, sexuality and faith. My notes on the discussion can be found on the ONA bulletin board and if you were not able to see the movie, you are welcome to borrow my copy.
One of the final steps in the ONA process is the creation of an ONA statement. THIS DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE BECOMING an ONA church! Rather, the ONA committee thought it would be helpful for our congregation to see examples of the ONA statements from other churches so that we have a feel for what the statements require. An ONA statement must specifically reference LGBT people, but beyond that, there are no requirements. Many churches choose to broaden their statements to include a wide range of people who may have felt ostracized by the faith community for a variety of reasons. Several statements are available for your review on the rolling bookcase in the Parish Hall, and are posted on the church website (click to view). I encourage everyone to take some time to read them. They vary in length and content, affirming - for lack of a better term - the individualized nature of the process.
Committee:
Anne Bouchard, chairperson
Carol Berger, Jen Gatsch, Kathy Haben, Lori Haseltine,
Ann McLaughlin, Marilyn Poole, Nancy Schatzeder, Wally Setlock, Jane Shelton
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Dates
Graduate Sunday
Sun. June 2, 9:30 am
Music Sunday Sun. June 9, 9:30 am Flag Day Celebration Sun. June 9, 4 pm Vacation Bible School Mon. thru Fri., June 10 - 14 9 -11 am Church Council Meeting Tue. June 11, 7 pm Illinois UCC Conference Annual Celebration Fri. & Sat., June 14 & 15 'By the Way' Deadline
Fri. June 21
'Junual' Congregational Meeting
Sun. June 23, 10:45 am
'A Book & A Prayer'
Book Club
Mon. June 24, 7 pm
Full Church Calendar
|
|
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
Dan Roach
Members at Large
Carol Berger
Karen Hansen
Gianna Marchese
Financial
Art Zwemke
|
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.)
|
|
Altar Flowers
June 2
Baldwin
June 9
Bouchard
June 16
Hancock
June 23
McLaughlin-Hege
June 30
(open)
|
|
Fellowship Hour
June 2
Baldwin
June 9
Alex & Hancock
June 16
(open)
June 23
McLaughlin-Hege
June 30
(open)
|
Happy Birthday!
June 4
Brittany Winquist
Mary Alice Roach
June 6
Marge Chadwell
Kathi Abell
Will MacCarthy
June 8
Nancy Schatzeder
Olivia Gatsch
June 9
Neil Milfred
June 11
Matthew Biondo
June 16
Caroline Berger
June 17
Peter Roach
June 25
Kathy Thorne
June 29
Alex Kentfield
Eleanor Karwowski
|
we
noticed!
Thank you Dan Roach for your efforts in fixing one of the LHC sump pumps. Many thanks to Craig Haseltine for working on getting the big dead tree down on the back of the property. Thank you to Mike Abbott of Abbott Tree Care Professionals for his generous donation of lawn cutting services for the church. This is his umpteenth year doing this for us! Kudos to Kathleen Sullivan Kaska and Karen Hansen for organizing and publicizing the Plant Sale. Thank you to all those who dug perennials from their own back yards. Thanks to Karen Ashe for her efforts in trying to sell the Peterson House! |
|
Flag Day
Sunday, June 9
Parade at 4pm
Dixie Land Band 4-7pm
|
Click this icon to visit
Little Home Church
Facebook Page
Give us a "Like"
...we now have 54!
|
Please let us know
if you would like to add
an email address
to our list.
|
|
