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Dec. 1
| Hanging of the Greens after worship
followed by a Potluck Lunch.
| Dec. 7
| Women's Advent Tea - 10 am
| Dec. 15
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Christmas Pageant - 5 pm
Lasagna Dinner - 6 pm (please rsvp)
| Dec. 20
| Caroling Party - 6:30 pm
| Dec. 22
| Christmas Cantata - 9:30 am
| Dec. 24
| Christmas Eve Services - 5 & 11 pm |
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Pastor's message...
Martin Luther, in explaining the incarnation, made a distinction between "Theologia Gloria" and "Theologia Cruci," by using an apt analogy. "Theolgoia Gloria," Luther said, is the king of England sitting on his throne. "Theologia Cruci" is
the king of England finding you drowning in the Thames River and pulling you out.
Little in life can match the beauty of the Christmas season. Beauty in abundance surrounds us for a few fleeting weeks. Each of us treasures these moments savoring every tradition. Somehow we love our children a little bit more. Our wife, how lovely she looks; our hearts feel special love for her, for him. If we had the power to stop time's endless march - suspend it momentarily - most of us would do it at Christmas. For this is the time when peace pervades our hearts, as hands extend to greet friends and arms reach out to embrace family. How wonderfully good we all feel. We love and are loved. We forgive and are forgiven. We give only to receive in return.
Years ago, many years ago, there was a Christmas much unlike our own. The world didn't stop for the first Christmas - hardly anyone even noticed. The scent of fresh baked bread and chocolate chip cookies were not the smells of the first Christmas. Straw replaced tinsel and garland. Live animals replaced Handegeschnitzed Holzfigurn and Hummels. A virgin laboring at birth, a carpenter lending an unsteady hand. Animals annoyed at intruders. Angels preparing themselves to startle shepherds. God's wayward creation about to be invaded by the cosmic Christ. Coming into the humblest surroundings to a no-place city called Bethlehem. This was the first Christmas. How strange...how wonderfully and beautifully strange.
The first Christmas can only be described as unusual and surprising that the God of a million heavens and a million earths should grace a manger in Bethlehem. Swaddling cloths upon the back of a King, of a God - on the back of the one, true and only God. Where was the finery one might expect? Nowhere, for it was to the poor he came, to those who were troubled, those who were not good enough to make heaven by themselves. He came for all humankind, not only that first holy night but for every night of every year and into the present - here, right now.
The Lord Jesus Christ is present with us. He speaks to us once again the message of Christmas as He says to each of us, "I love you. I want to be close to you every day of your lives. Please be wise and invite me in. There is no one who is so perfect that he cannot welcome a fuller participation of my dwelling. There are some who have yet to welcome my powerful presence and, unfortunately, we are only occasional guests of one another and may be strangers in eternity. And to you I say, come, do not live another day without my abundant presence." Now may my Father bless and keep each one of you, and may your voices and lives continuously sing the angelic chorus, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Let us worship in this season Jesus Christ who came in Theologia Cruci; Christ who enters our lives anew with love, hope and faith.
May God Bless you with peace.
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Activities...
A Book & A Prayer Book Club
4th Monday of every month
7 pm in the Parish Hall
The Book Club will be taking the month of December off. We will see you in 2014 when we start our 3rd year of A Book and A Prayer! Make it one of your New Year's resolutions to join us!
Next Meeting:
Monday, January 27, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Contact: Kathy Haben
630.876.0620, khaben@att.net
Adult Choir
A Little Home Church Christmas
On Sunday morning, Dec. 22
the service will feature Christmas music presented by the Adult Choir and the Adult Bell Choir. We will be joined by the Northside Brass, a group of five brass players founded by trumpeter, Ryan Hobbs, who has played at the church many times. Also joining the choir will be soloist, Lara Filip to sing "Christmas Lullaby." The choir will number around 30 singers and feature duets by Susi Winquist and Rob Reed and Jen Haseltine and Greg Abell. Robert Vanderschaaf will be the guest organist. We will perform Five Christmas Carols by Sir David Willcocks, selections How Great Our Joy! by Douglas Wagner/Lloyd Larson, and the Carol of the Bells.
Adult Bell Choir will rehearse every other Wednesday night from 8:15 -9 pm. December rehearsals are on the 4th and 18th.
Christmas Eve
We will need volunteers for our Christmas Eve Recitals one half hour before each service (5 pm and 11 pm.) You may sing, play an instrument or recite a special holiday poem.
Larry Dieffenbach, Director of Music, Organist
lsdieffenbach@sbcglobal.net
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Ministry news...
Outreach
Thank you to all those who helped provide Thanksgiving dinners to the food pantry located at Resurrection Church. We provided 45 to families who are less fortunate. We will once again look to you for your generosity in providing 60 Christmas dinners. Sign up sheets will be at church on Sundays, along with the shopping list of what is needed for each basket. The baskets are due Saturday, December 21 between 8 & 9 am. The drop-off at Resurrection Church is very easy. You don't even have to get out of your car. Please consider signing up and helping those who are experiencing difficult times during this Christmas season.
In addition, we are working with Wayne School to identify families who might benefit from our Giving Tree. The names and sign up will be available December 1 with the gifts (wrapped) due by
Sunday, December 15.
See Valeri Baldwin with any questions.
Christian Education
It's still a few months away, but please mark Saturday, Feb. 1 on your calendar and plan to join us for a tour of Fermilab. The tour will be from 10 am - Noon. The tour is open for ages 10 and older, however the Lederman Science Center will be open for children to play with hands-on exhibits.
We are also planning a camping trip for the children around Easter.
Watch for more details on both events. Contact Lori Haseltine for more information.
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Dec. 1 1st Sunday in Advent Hanging of the Greens Theme: Awaiting the Light Intro to the Meaning of the Incarnation. Potluck Lunch to follow Dec. 8 Holy Communion Theme: The Annunciation and Visitation of God Scripture: Luke 1:26-36; 46-55 A Series on the Advent of Hope built around the painting of John August Swanson Dec. 15 Theme: The Nativity Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 Christmas Pageant at 5 pm, followed by Lasagna Dinner at 6 pm Dec. 22 Christmas Cantata A Little Home Church Christmas
Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Services
5 pm - Candlelight, Stories and Carols
11 pm - Candlelight, Carols and a Christmas Message
Theme: The Shepherd in Adoration
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Dec. 29
1st Sunday after Christmas
Theme: Presentation in the Temple
Scripture: Luke 2:21-40
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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 study:
The Letter to the Romans, The Gospel According to Paul.
No preparation is necessary. We hope you can join us.
Children's Sunday School
The month of December is an exciting time for the children at Little Home Church. Christmas Pageant rehearsals will be held on Dec. 1, 8 and 15 during our regular Sunday School time.
During the Hanging of the Greens on Dec. 1 the children will decorate ornaments for the Christmas tree in the sanctuary.
After the holidays our regular schedule will resume. Sunday School is 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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More Christmas joy...
Poinsettias
If you would like to purchase a poinsettia to help decorate our altar table for the Cantata and Christmas Eve please let the church office know. The plants are available in traditional red, white and pink. Each plant is $12. You may note whether it is in memory of, or celebrating, a loved one. You may take your plants home after the Christmas Eve services.
Remember our Shut-Ins As you think about sending Christmas cards please remember our church members who find it difficult to get out during the holiday season. Consider sending a card to let them know they are in our thoughts:
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Joyce Cox
1400 Hunters Ridge Dr.
Genoa City, WI 53128
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Theo Moore
13904 Harmony Road
Huntley, IL 60142
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John & Elizabeth Dean
0N801 Friendship Way
#1145
Geneva, IL 60134
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Dulie Ware
0N80 Friendship Way
Geneva, IL 60134
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Dorothy Coleman
3N898 Ferson Creek Road
St. Charles, IL 60174
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Whit Hughe
1422 Woodhill Drive
Northbrook, IL 60062
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Our love & prayers... Recently hospitalized or ill:
Karen Hansen, Kilyn Winquist, Greg Hege Our condolences to: Family & friends of Jim Coleman. Jim was a long-time member of Little Home Church. He passed away Nov. 21 at the age of 97. Thank you to our service men & women:
SGT Samantha Prang
SGT Greg Haben
Some of you may remember Pastor Patty Jenkins. Please keep her in your prayers as she begins a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan as an Army Chaplain. If you would like to send her a card her address is:
CH (CPT) PATRICIA JENKINS
489TH EN BN, HHC
Kandahar
APO AE 09355
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Stewardship update...
Thank you to those who have turned in their 2014 Pledge Cards.
For those who have not yet done so there is still time. Your pledge is vital to the mission and ministry of Little Home Church. If you have misplaced your card, please let the church office know so another one can be sent to you.
Are you caught up on your 2013 pledge?
Contact Ann McLaughlin if you have any questions.
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Open & affirming...
Now that Little Home Church is designated an ONA church, we will appropriately incorporate this status into our many communication vehicles, such as the web site, street sign, By The Way, and the weekly bulletin. Keep an eye out for our new look!
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Upcoming Dates
Hanging of the Greens
Worship Service
and Potluck Lunch
Sun. Dec. 1, 9:30 am
Women's Advent Tea
Sat. Dec. 7, 10 am
Church Council Meeting Tue. Dec. 10, 7 pm Christmas Pageant and Lasagna Dinner Sun. Dec. 15, 5 pm Dinner, 6 pm Giving Tree presents due Poinsettia orders due Sun. Dec. 15 Caroling Party
Fri. Dec. 20, 6:30 pm
Christmas Food Panty Dinners due to Resurrection Church
Sat. Dec. 21, 8 - 9 am
Christmas Cantata
Sun. Dec. 22, 9:30 am
Christmas Eve
Worship Service
Tue. Dec. 24, 5 & 11 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
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
Dec. 1
(open)
Dec. 8
Bouchard
Dec. 15
Baldwin
Dec. 22
Poinsettias
Dec. 29
(open)
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Fellowship Hour
Dec. 1
Hanging of the Greens Potluck Lunch
Dec. 8
O'Donnell
Dec. 15
McGrath
Dec. 22
Bouchard
Dec. 29
(open)
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Lookin' for Like...
Facebook Page
Give us a "Like"
...we now have 68!
Send any info, photos or notes to be posted on the Page to the Church office.
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Dec. 9
Dec. 10
David Sterner
Hunter Quirk
Dec. 11
Charlie Karwowski
Dec. 13
Valeri Baldwin
Dec. 18
Chris Thornton
Dec. 19
Janice Christiansen
Ty Wilson-Muno
Braedon Miller
Dec. 21
Karen Benson
Dec.26
Natalie Lalagos
Dec. 27
Jane Price
Dec. 31
Dustin Schatzeder
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we
noticed!
Thank you to Rik Alex
for his help in the many projects our Facilities Ministry has going. He has put in countless hours over the last few months!
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etc...
Polly & Don have moved!
New address:
Polly & Don Heinrich
Greenfields of Geneva
Apt. 1015
0N801 Friendship Way
Geneva, IL 60134
630.578.6408
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note of thanks...
Hi All,
Thank you so much for the treat box for Halloween! Having some American candy and snacks was a true delight! My time in Rome has been fantastic and I have been able to travel to Barcelona, Paris and Copenhagen as well!
Thank you for spending the extra money to ship the package across the ocean.
I loved every single morsel inside.
Olivia Bouchard
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Please let us know
if you would like to add
an email address
to our list.
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