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Financial notes...
As we close the 2013 year in our Christian life and the 142nd year in the life of the Little Home Church, it is a good time to reflect upon the challenges and responsive energy experienced in 2013 as follows:
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We have spent nearly $10,000 on un-budgeted equipment replacements such as the air conditioner for the sanctuary, office furnace, new water heater and sump pump piping for the Guild House, sump pump and furnace repairs in the Petersen House. We are also about $5,000 over budget on repairs and maintenance items. Thankfully, the Dunham Castle fundraiser grossed over $17,000 and netted over $14,000.
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Both the Petersen and Dixon houses remain unsold. Each had bonafide sales contracts that did not close because of financing problems with the two prospective buyers. Fortunately the real estate market is improving and hopefully both properties are sold soon.
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We lost a few long-term members and their pledges in 2013 due to the ONA policy debate. A number of new members have been added and efforts continue to build our membership. One marketing tool is our outstanding monthly By the Way newsletter that is colorful, loaded with information and timely.
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There are numerous programs and events available such as Bible Study, Book Club, Advent Tea, Christmas Pageant, Chili Cook Off, Blessing of the Hounds and so on. In addition, we have the best music program that has already been augmented with a generous, $12,000 donation for 2014.
Through the end of November we have a net operating deficit of nearly $40,000, about $10,000 worse than planned. Some may say that we need a miracle to balance the budget for 2013, but lest we forget, 'tis the season of miracles with the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
So, maybe you had a bonus for the first time in years, or maybe your blessings have multiplied in 2013, or just maybe you have the means to help. I hope and pray that this note will stir your Christian passions and remind you of your love of the Little Home Church. I would be happy to keep the books open for a few days in January, 2014.
Hoping your Christmas was Merry and trusting your New Year will be Happy.
Art Zwemke, Treasurer
'Janual' Congregational Meeting
Sunday, January 26, 2014
10:45 am
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Pastor's message...
In this Epiphany season Jesus and His disciples, and therefore, we, too, are on the way. There are no maps for life. What one needs is guidance-you might say, the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We need that more than we need advice said the great theologian, Karl Barth. "Life is a succession of present moments that call for response."
The Christian life is the guided life.
The growing soul needs guidance.
Divine Guidance comes only if you intend to obey it.
How do we get this guidance.
The New Testament scholar William Barclay says: "God asks for nothing but our attention." The Christian counselor and psychologist, Paul Tournier said, "Faith is recognizing who it is who speaks." While there is no map for life-we know the guided life if we pay attention-recognize-and trust.
This may be the greatest lesson of the Epiphany season, which begins with these words, "This is My Beloved Son, listen to Him." It ends with: "This is My Beloved Son, listen to Him." It is God who calls to out to us to respond in trust, hope and attentive responsibility.
Victor Frankl wrote in his Doctor and The Soul:
I have said that man should not ask what he may expect from life, but should understand that life expects something from him. It may also be put this way in the last resort, man should not ask, "What is the meaning of life?" But should realize that he himself is on trial. Life is putting its problems to him, and it is up to him to face those problems by shouldering responsibility, thus answering for his life.
So in this season, before we enter Lent, let us remember that in Christ we have a guided life to shoulder our response of faith, hope and love.
Have a wonderful Winter as we look toward our Lenten journey of guided faith in Christ.
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Activities...
A Book & A Prayer Book Club
4th Monday of every month
7 pm in the Parish Hall
Woo hoo! As we enter into 2014 the Little Home Church readers will be starting their 3rd year together.
Our beginning line-up:
January - Marriage and Other Acts of Charity, by Kate Braestrup
February - Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, by Annie Dillard
March - To Die For, by Sandra Byrd
April - The Shape of Mercy, by Susan Meisner
May - The Heart of Horses, by Molly Gloss
June - English Creek, by Ivan Doig
Next Meeting:
Monday, January 27, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Contact: Kathy Haben
630.876.0620, khaben@att.net
Choir 
'A Little Home Church Christmas'
Thanks to everyone for making this Cantata a glorious day of worship in our church! It was an honor to have almost 40 musicians fill our sanctuary with the lovely sounds of Christmas. I think we should consider commissioning a work for choir, brass, hand bells, and organ. (Hint)
Adult Bell Choir will rehearse every other Wednesday night starting at 8:15 to 9pm. January rehearsals are on the 8th and the 15th. Come on all you former band members - you still have it in you!
Christmas Eve
Thanks to all who shared their talents on this most holy of nights. We are blessed to have so much talent in our church.
My "favorite note of the season" was the Sunday the children spontaneously decided they wanted to play "Jesus Loves Me" on the bells in church. We had rehearsed during Sunday school and the teachers had complimented the kids on how well they played. One of them said "lets go play it in church for the people now." I gladly relinquished my offertory piece and we played - (beautifully, I might add) and then came the holiday miracle! Three-year-old Bremer was given the highest (and tiniest) bell to play whenever she wanted in the music and at the very end as the last note had been played she added one more High C note as if she had been directed to do so. I am sure that all the angels in heaven and on earth were pleased to add one more member to the choir that day!
I look forward to 2014 and all the musical gifts that will come and surprise us!
Larry Dieffenbach, Director of Music, Organist
lsdieffenbach@sbcglobal.net
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Ministry news...
Outreach
Thank you to all those who helped provide Christmas dinners to the food pantry located at Resurrection Church. We provided 45 to families who are less fortunate and helped make their holiday a little brighter. Thanks are also in order for those who provided gifts for the Giving Tree, all festive and brightly wrapped. There is no doubt there were smiles on Christmas morning!
Evangelism
Our committee has had a full month of continued efforts reaching out to our many visitors. As I have reiterated in the past, if you have someone you wish for me, Carol, or Ron to contact, please give me a call on my cell phone, 630.363.8982, or at home, 630.584.7088 and I would be pleased to do so. We are getting good feedback on welcoming our visitors, and I would like to thank everyone for always going out of your way with kindness.
Last month we were delighted to have Lynn Tuttle and the Odegaard Family join the LHC! We welcome them to our church family and hope our church will meet their spiritual needs with love and friendships.
Lynn Tuttle came to St. Charles many years ago from Buffalo,  NY where she was a member of a UCC church. She has been searching for a church home ever since, and when she decided to give LHC a try, she quickly knew this was the place for her. She appreciated the warmth, the openness of the congregation, and the non-judgmental attitudes. She loves the uniqueness of our church history, architecture, and the quaint atmosphere.
Lynn has a wealth of experience in the home builders' profession. Before retiring, Lynn managed numerous home building projects for companies such as US Shelter and Hoffman Homes along with assisting with mortgages. Lynn has a hidden passion for architecture and truly loved her career. In fact, she met her late husband in the home building business. Now retired, Lynn helps out part time in the dentist office for her daughter and son-in-law. She has 3 wonderful grandsons, ages 9 and 11 and a new born of 2 months, living close by in Elburn. For fun, Lynn loves to golf and bowl, so if anyone is looking for a partner or substitute, I am sure Lynn would love to hear from you. Lynn lives in Whittington Course in St. Charles, and feels right at home with many church members as her neighbors.
Colleen and Michael Odegaard are a new family for the LHC  and we are delighted to have them.
They moved to Wayne about 1 1/2 years ago from Aurora with their two sons, Trevor, 15, and Chase, 12 and bought a house in Dunham North. Presently Colleen is the Head of Elmhurst Academy, an Early Childhood Reggio Emilia inspired school located in Elmhurst. Reggio Emilia schools are taught with a specific philosophy that focuses and respects each student's learning style, project work and its documentation. Colleen had a career in television and media at the Chicago Tribune 20 years ago before involving herself with education. It was at the Tribune that she met Michael, who is presently the District Manager for the Aramark Company. Trevor is a freshman at St. Edwards School, runs cross country and plays baseball. He very much enjoys film and computers. Chase is in the 6th grade at the Wayne School, swims and plays tennis, and enjoys creative writing. We are so happy to have them participate at our various church activities.
The Odegaards find Wayne and the Little Home Church friendly and a community where we all care about each other.
Carol Berger, Chairman
Christian Education 
Please mark Saturday, Feb. 1 on your calendar and plan to join us for a tour of Fermilab. Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, located just outside Batavia, is a US Department of Energy national laboratory specializing in high-energy particle physics. The tour will be from 10 am - Noon. This 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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Jan. 5 Epiphany Sunday Sacrament of Holy Communion Sermon: "Plus Ultra - There's More Beyond" Theme: The Gifts of the Wise Men Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12; Hebrews 10:35 Jan. 12 Sermon: "And Then Came Jesus" Theme: Presentation in the Temple; Fulfillment of Salvation Scripture: Luke 2:21-40; Matthew 14:27 Jan. 19 Sermon: "We Walk on a Thin Edge of Danger" (Thornton Wilder) Theme: Flight into Egypt; Fulfillment of the Story Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15 Jan. 26 Sermon: "A Month Beyond Christmas" Theme: God With Us - Emmanuel - All Year Scripture: II Peter 1:16-18; Matthew 28:20
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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
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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Our love & prayers...
Recently hospitalized or ill...
Karen Hansen, Kilyn Winquist, Theo Moore, Larry Dieffenbach's father, Bill Ferguson's father Congratulations to: Frank and Jean Muno on the birth of a new grandson. Benjamin
Theodore Rodis was born on Dec. 17. Proud parents are Jill and Brian Rodis. Thank you to our service men & women:
SGT Samantha Prang
SGT Greg Haben
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LHC property updates...  It seems as though 2013 has shut the door hard on the progress we thought we had made in selling our two properties (the Peterson and Dixon houses). Both properties had contracts, but neither potential buyer was able to secure financing. So we're back to square one. But I've heard that "When God closes one door, He opens a window." And I am praying it's so! The Peterson property was re-listed on the market in December and the Dixon property should be listed in January. Let's hope the real estate market continues on an upward swing and our next offers come with buyers who can close the deal. Kathy Haben, Moderator |
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Sunday Service
9:30 am
Un-Hanging of the Greens
Sun. Jan. 5, 10:30 am
Church Council Meeting
Tue. Jan. 14, 7 pm
'By the Way' Deadline
'Janual' Congregational Meeting
Sun. Jan. 26, 10:45 am
'A Book & A Prayer' Book Club
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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 Aughney
Financial
Art Zwemke
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Join the fun after Worship on Sunday, Jan. 5, to help strike the lovely Christmas set at Little Home Church. We'll discard the greens, pack up the decorations, and probably vacuum a few needles.
The personal satisfaction promises to be profound...!
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fellowship
Provide flowers to decorate our altar table or host a fellowship hour after worship as a wonderful way to recognize an 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
Jan. 5
(open)
Jan. 12
(open)
Jan. 19
(open)
Jan. 26
(open)
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Fellowship Hour
Jan. 5
Muno
Jan. 12
(open)
Jan. 19
McLaughlin/Hege
Jan. 26
(open)
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facebook
page
Give us a "Like"
...we now have 69!
Post a photo or send any info, photos or notes to be posted on the Page to the Church office.
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Jan. 6
Gary Withall
Jean Muno
Greg Schramuk
Jan. 8
David Abell
Nancy Biondo
Jan. 11
Christa Kentfield
Wanda Hochstetter
Jan. 12
Will Lesswing
Jan. 13
Jennifer Gatsch
Jan. 16
Pat Bartell
Jan. 25
Clara Shelton
Jan. 31
Amanda Gatsch
Jeff Schramuk
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we
noticed
Many thanks...
To Pastor Ron for providing us with the Advent Devotional books - Behold!
To Kathleen Sullivan Kaska for creating the ONA graphic.
To Anne Bouchard, Jane Shelton, Mary Roach and others for coordinating the Women's Advent Tea.
Also, to Jane Shelton and Judy Britt for taking dishes home to wash after the tea when the furnace went out and the pipes froze!
To Jane Shelton for directing yet another wonderful Christmas Pageant and Larry Dieffenbach for coaching our young singers and musicians. What a treat the lasagna dinner was. Kudos to all those who set up, served, and cleaned up after the dinner.
To Facilities for the new locks on the kitchen doors, for repairing the motion detection lights, and for the new 'super-flush' toilet!
To Outreach for a great job in Thanksgiving Dinner sign-ups; we overstocked the food pantry on that one; for obtaining gifts for the giving tree; for pushing us to out-perform our donations for Christmas dinners.
To Congregational Life for providing the fun opportunity for Christmas Caroling in Wayne.
To Stanley Brothers Well and Hulls Advantage Solutions for fast emergency service on a frigid Saturday night.
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