It's all happening...
Rummage Sale set-up is up and running. Things are piling up in the Parish Hall, but we still need your treasures and we need your help! We depend very heavily on volunteer staff, so even an hour of your time to help hang items or sort them will make a big difference. Also, we need help on the actual sale days, Friday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 12, so give the Church Office a call if you're able to help!
Set-up
Until Oct. 10: Drop Off & Set-up
Parish Hall will be open 9-3 to hang clothes, etc.
Sale Days
Oct. 11 & 12: Friday 8 am-6 pm, Saturday 8 am-1 pm
Sign-up sheet will be passed around during church, but feel free to stop in whenever you can to lend a hand. "Many hands make for light work"...and we will be needing many hands to make this year's sale a great success!
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Pastor's message...
Linus said, "I love humanity; it's people I can't stand." But we have to love in particularity.
"God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us." St. Augustine
Most of us do not see the fall of man (humanity) as a fall upward. We have consistently approached the fall in one direction only: the introduction of evil into the world. Though it truly was that, indeed, it was much more. It was the introduction of self-awareness too; the introduction of responsibility; it was the introduction of knowledge, that grand ingredient to all civilizations. These things are not necessarily evil; their end results, in fact, are likely to turn out to be good. For example, to have a true understanding of self and to be a responsible person is likely to lead to love. It takes maturity to understand agape (love). We're really talking about responsibility. Love is being responsible toward your family, your nation, your civilization, toward yourself.
Reinhold Niebuhr, the theologian, says that there are two pinnacles of love; sacrificial love, which is called the sign of the cross and love as forgiveness. I would agree, but also add a warning: We Christians need to be on our guard in thinking that our love is better than the world's. It may be, but we must not think so. It ceases to be love when we compare. We always come out on top when we compare. And that is not love. Love knows no competition. "Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, and is kind." Even kindness goes a long ways. Are we kind to the world? That's part of love.
And what about forbearing the world? Do we? Isn't forgiveness "putting up with," forbearing one another, innocence bearing the blame for another? It matters not on what level - the church for the world, God for man, Suzi for Tommy, mom for dad.There's a real lesson here. There must be no condescension in forgiveness. None. Sometimes our fondness for labels, such as "saint and sinner," "backslider," gives us away. It's the old carnal mind still searching for comparisons, still competing. Perhaps judging. Condescension has not been purged from our thinking. Our forgiveness is not pure. In fact, it is not Christian, not Christ-like. Paul admonished the Corinthian church to put away "childish things." That includes a childish way of pretending to forgive.
And there's the matter of self-image, which also came to us from the fall. What good can possibly come from this? Well, to cultivate a positive image of ourselves is absolutely essential before we can even begin to fulfill the second commandment - to love they neighbor as thyself. Unfortunately, psychology has taught that more than the church. Knowledge, self-image, responsibility - all fruits from the fall - are meant to be cultivated in a person's life till he can come to the place of genuine love of God, love of self, and love of neighbor. In this, the fall of man (humanity) has a fall upward.
Keep this in mind as we enter this Fall. Love one another!
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
(Romans 8:28)
May God Bless,
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Council news... 
UCC Fox Valley Association Fall Meeting
In conjunction with the Chicago Metropolitan
Association, this energizing event will be held on October 19 at the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn, 535 Forest Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL. Contact Kathy Haben for pre-registration and car polling information.
3rd Annual Illinois Conference Women's Retreat
Plug into P-O-W-E-R (Prayer-Others-Word-Equipped-Respond/Recharge) at this retreat being held October 4 & 5 at Pilgrim Park in Princeton, IL. Bring a friend, meet new friends and best of all, no strings, cooking or housework included! Register online at www.il-odm.org. Pilgrim Park is a great place to enjoy nature and to take the time to enjoy the beauty of the earth.
In peace and grace,
Kathy Haben, Moderator
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 Activities...
A Book & A Prayer Book Club
4th Monday of every month
7 pm in the Parish Hall
Next Book:
One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp
Next Meeting:
Monday, October 28, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Contact: Kathy Haben
630.876.0620, khaben@att.net
Thanksgiving will soon be here and the LHC Readers will be ramping up the season by discussing One Thousand Gifts written by Ann Voskamp. We all have one life to live and we want to live it well. But society, the daily grind, deadlines, debt, drama and pain get in our way. Learn to embrace everyday blessings and express gratitude for what you already have and know that you are wildly loved - by God. Let's roll into the holidays by being truly grateful and giving thanks for the gifts we have.
Choir
Adult Choir
It's good to be back! Rehearsals are going well and we are planning to add Choral Call to Worship and Benedictions. We are in need of a new filing cabinet for our anthems and CD's. Please see Greg Abell or Larry Dieffenbach if you can help.
Children's Bell Choir and Sunday School Music
The bells are set up on the stage and we can practice every week. We also do some singing. We will be in the service later in October.
Adult Bell Choir will rehearse every other Wednesday night from 8:15 -9 pm. October rehearsals are the 16th and 30th.
Thank your to Eleanor Karwowski for playing her beautiful offertory music during the worship service last month!
Larry Dieffenbach, Director of Music, Organist
lsdieffenbach@sbcglobal.net
 College Care Boxes Drop off items by Friday, October 18 A few years ago, a group of parents and grandparents got together a few times during the school year to pack care boxes for their college students and military kids. We're about to send out the first box. We include yummy treats, a church newsletter, and some personal notes that are always appreciated. If you'd like to donate some snacks to be included we anticipate having 14-16 boxes to send. Shipping is funded by the Brent Alex Memorial Fund. If you have any questions, contact Lori in the church office or Anne Bouchard.
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Ministry news...
Congregational Life
Join us, Saturday, Oct. 5 at 6 pm for our Congregational Life Autumn Fellowship evening at the home of Mark & Susannah Lesswing, 4N639 Knoll Creek Drive in St. Charles. Pulled pork 'hot' off the smoker will be served. Those with last names ending A-M are asked to bring a salad or side dish; N-Z a dessert. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available. BYOB if you like. Please RSVP to Susannah at 630.513.0186 or Susannah@lesswing.com
 Colorful postcards promoting our church and the Blessing of the Hounds event on Sunday, September 29, were sent to all residents of Wayne this year. Handouts listing the upcoming church events were also distributed with the Blessing program. Thank you to all who made this happen, and those who provided refreshments and treats to share at fellowship. Such a wonderful tradition to showcase the Little Home Church! Evangelism by Carol Berger As Chairperson of the Evangelism Committee, this month I have been busy contacting other UCC churches in our Fox Valley district to gather some new ideas of what we at the LHC can do to attract new members. We have a very special place, and it is my goal this year to spread the word. I am also in the process of making contact with new residents in the Wayne community. I will try and do more publicity for our special activities. Each Sunday, we intend to be more diligent with the passing of the Visitors Cards. I plan to follow up with a card, phone call and/or personal visits to all visitors. I want to make certain everyone finds us friendly and spiritually devoted, and that everyone is welcome with a capital E! Please contact me if you know of someone who I should be contacting, and I would be pleased to do so. And, as we all know, first impressions are important. We should also remember, "No matter what your past, who you are now, nor where the pathways of life may lead you from this moment on, we are all God's guest in God's house." Of course, our best method of Evangelism is "word of mouth." We are blessed with a caring congregation who shares God's Love in Christ always. Let us continue to share in a big way. Facilities The Facilities Ministry keeps working away at our big and small maintenance projects. "Quiet Doorman" locks will soon be installed on the exit doors near kitchen and work is ongoing with the motion detector exterior lights and broken fluorescent lights throughout the Parish hall and office. We also extend our thanks to Judy Hopkins for underwriting the installation of a practical and aesthetically appropriate handrail at the stair in the hall between the Parish Hall and the Sanctuary. Many will benefit from this improvement. The Ministry is working on a five-year plan for repair and maintenance. If you have noticed something in need of repair, please mention it to Anne Bouchard, or leave a note in the ministry mailbox or in the Church Office.  Outreach Once again, Little Home Church will be participating in the annual Tri-Cities CROP Walk Against Hunger on Sunday, October 20, 2 pm. The walk kicks off from Batavia United Methodist Church. Registration begins at 1:15 pm. If you're interested in walking see Valeri Baldwin for a registration packet. If you're not a walker, please consider sponsoring one of our walkers. Let us end hunger one step at a time. Stewardship
Sunday,
October 6 is our Neighbors in Need Special Offering
The motto: 'Imagining Another World Is Possible' is one of the special mission offerings of the UCC. It supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One third of the NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts and direct service projects. You have received a special envelope in the mail this week. Please consider donating generously.
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 Oct. 6 World Communion Sunday; Neighbors in Need; Sacrament of Baptism Sermon: "The Jesus of Divine Authority" Scripture: Selected passages from Mark Theme: Jesus--the Lion of Life Oct. 13 Sermon: "Jesus--A Teacher Sent from God" Scripture: Matthew 12:34; John 14:10 Theme: Jesus--Teller of Stories Oct. 20 Sermon: "Jesus--The One of Ultimate Destiny" Scripture: Luke 17:21 Theme: Jesus--Life & Resurrection Oct. 27 Reformation Sunday Sermon: "Jesus -A Man of Sorrows Destined to the Cross"
Scripture: Mark 1:14-15
Theme: Suffering Servant of Agape (Love)
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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. Beginning October 9 they will be begin studying:
The Letter to the Romans, The Gospel According to Paul.
Martin Luther claimed that, "Romans contains in itself the plan for the whole Scripture, and is the most complete epitome of the New Testament or Gospel." Melanchton, Luther's closest friend, called it a "compendium of Christian doctrine." This work of a little Jewish tent maker has for centuries rekindled revival in the church and enriched the faith of those who believe in the life and teachings of Christ. Augustine, Luther, and Calvin have all in their time been greatly influenced by Romans to lead the church to reform and a highly understanding and living of the faith. What is Romans and its influence, is to ask what is Christianity from the greatest mind of the early church. In our study we shall hear his, Paul's answer. The letter falls into five parts, just right for reading:
1. Paul and His Readers ( 1:1-16)
2. The Gospel According to Paul (1:17-8:39)
3. The Purpose of God in History ( Ch. 9 - 11)
4. The Christian Ethic (12:1-15:13)
5. Plans and Greetings (15:14-16:27)
No preparation is necessary. We hope you can join us.
Children's Sunday School
Held during the Sunday service. Come have fun learning and playing at Little Home Church! All children are welcome to join us for a Bible Story, crafts and music. Parents, if you'd like to see what we're doing you're welcome to sit in. For more information, please contact Lori Haseltine at 630.587.1906 or lori-h@comcast.net.
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Open and Affirming...
ONA Update by Anne Bouchard
As September comes to a close, so does our ONA process. Ballots and self addressed, stamped envelopes were mailed to every church member, 246 in all. Members were informed of the voting time period in a cover letter. All ballots were required to be returned or postmarked by September 30.
As of this writing,136 envelopes have been received at the church, and the required quorum has been met. Four packets have been returned as undeliverable, with no forwarding address. The envelopes will be opened and the ballots counted on Tuesday, October 8, at the Church Council meeting, and the result will be announced in church on Sunday, October 13. The acceptance or non-acceptance of the ONA Statement will be determined by a simple majority of the total number of ballots received.
Thank you to the Exploratory Committee for your investment of time, thought and prayer throughout the process.Thank you too to all congregation members who participated along the way.
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Our love & prayers... Recently hospitalized or ill:
Karen Hansen Our condolences to: The family & friends of Elaine Williford who passed away Sept. 3. Elaine was a long-time member of LHC and will be missed. She was 92 years old. Thank you to our service men & women...
SGT Samantha Prang
SGT Greg Haben
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Upcoming Dates
Fall Kick-Off Dinner
Sat. Oct. 5, 6 pm
World Communion Sunday/Neighbors In Need Special Offering
Sun. Oct. 6, 9:30 am
Church Council Meeting Tue. Oct. 8, 7 pm Rummage Sale Fri. Oct. 11, 8 am - 6 pm Sat. Oct. 12, 8 am - 1 pm 'By the Way' Deadline
Fri. Oct. 18
UCC Fox Valley Assoc.
Fall Meeting
Sat. Oct. 19
CROP Walk
Sun. Oct. 20
College Care Boxes
Sun. Oct. 20
'A Book & A Prayer' Book Club Mon. Oct. 28, 7 pm
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Church Leadership
Pastor
Pastor Emeritus
Reverend Dr. Don Heinrich
Director of Music Organist
Larry Dieffenbach
Office Manager
Lori Prang
Moderator
Kathy Haben
Moderator-elect
Susi Winquist
Stewardship Ministry
Ann McLaughlin
Evangelism Ministry
Carol Berger
Outreach Ministry
Valeri Baldwin
Congregational Life
Susannah Lesswing
Jane Shelton
Christian Education
Lori Haseltine
Worship & Spiritual Growth
Sandy Antonelli
Facilities
Anne Bouchard
Dan Roach
Members at Large
Karen Hansen
Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Louise Keen
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. Check the church web site for updates.
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Altar Flowers
Oct. 6
Brynelsen
Oct. 13
Hendrickson
Oct. 20
Baldwin
Oct. 27
Poole
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Fellowship Hour
Oct. 6
(open)
Oct. 13
(open)
Oct. 20
Muno
Oct. 27
(open)
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Lookin' for Like!
Facebook Page
Give us a "Like"
...we now have 58!
Send any info, photos or notes to be posted on the Page to the Church office.
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Happy Birthday!
Oct. 2
Oct. 3
Bob Gault
Oct. 8
Monica Thornton
Oct. 16
Wally Setlock
Oct. 18
William Thorne
Oct. 19
Ron Purser
Oct. 20
Michael Prang
Cindy Maril
Oct. 24
Greg Haben
Oct. 27
Mary Jean Schless
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we
noticed!
Thank you to all the bakers who made cookies for the Blessing the Hounds fellowship.
Thanks are in order for
Mike Abbott and his crew from Abbott Tree Care for another summer of donated grass cutting. This very generous donation is greatly appreciated.
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Please let us know
if you would like to add
an email address
to our list.
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