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Pastor's message...
Soon after he had left the White House, President Coolidge had to fill out a form confirming his membership in the National Press Club. After writing his name and address, he moved on to the space marked "Occupation," in which he wrote "Retired." Next came "Remarks." Coolidge paused for a moment and then wrote, "Glad of it."
Maybe that is how Coolidge felt, but I find the decision a little more perplexing. Those of you who have reached retirement know it is in one sense a sigh of relief and joy, but on the other hand a sense of fear, concern or maybe confusion. What do I do now? How do I handle change? Or am I ready to admit I'm that old?
The time has come for me to address this issue. I have
announced at the 'Janual' Congregational Meeting that I will be retiring, setting the target date for June 30, 2014. Maggie and I will very much miss ministering with you, but time, energy, age and health are factors that determine this decision for us as well as for the health and energy of LHC.
The next five months will be busy in setting up the process of transition. It is my hope I can be of useful assistance in making sure the coming change will be as smooth, effective and faithful as possible.
We have enjoyed our 13 years of ministering in Wayne, but the time has come. Retirement? Yes, with Coolidge, "Glad of it." However, change, missing all of you, and the enjoyment we have had, that is a cherished memory.
Let us work together then and may God continue to Bless us on our way.
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John 6:28
Well, your Church Council, Ministries and the family of LHC have lots and lots of work going on...with the promise of more to come. Let us pray that everything we do, we do joyfully and to the glory of God!
Here's a snapshot of what's going on:
Peterson Property
Our church has a cash offer and we are meeting with the buyers regarding the fact that the church's septic field is on their property. We are doing some out-of-the-box and creative thinking on how to make this sale work!
Dixon Property
The renters are to be moved out by January 30, 2014, and then the house will be listed on the market.
The Annual Budget was presented at our 2014 Annual Congregational Meeting. The members who attended the 'Janual' Meeting approved our 2014 budget for a projected deficit of $52,545. We obviously have some serious work to do here and already ideas of fund raisers and a Capital Campaign have been put on the table.
News
Speaking of the 'Janual', Pastor Ron Purser announced his retirement. He is targeting the end of June 2014 as his last day of pastoring at LHC. We wish him and Maggie all the best and we thank them for their years of service, love and devotion to LHC and the community.
With this announcement from Ron, we will now be forming a search committee for a new Pastor. They will create/update our church profile, and onward we will go with the Search & Call process.
Ministries
Our Facilities Ministry has put together a comprehensive spreadsheet listing all the work that needs to be done on, and in, our buildings. They are assigning projected costs with each project. We hope to be more proactive with our repairs and maintenance going forward.
Evangelism has been enthusiastically and lovingly reaching out to our visitors. Have you introduced yourself to a visitor or brought a friend to worship with you?
Yeah for our kids...they helped pick out this year's Vacation Bible School curriculum!
Outreach is contacting those agencies we support and inviting them to come talk to us about what they do and how our partnership with them helps their mission.
Worship & Spiritual Grown continues to provide us with communion, pulpit assistance & ushers, and music. Ministry chair, Sandy Antonelli will also be working with Facilities on a grant for our historic buildings.
Stewardship is working diligently on the yearly tithing from our members and works closely with our Treasurer, Art Zwemke.
Fun events
We have a trip to FermiLab coming up Saturday, February 1 and a Chili Cook-Off on February 8.
I've said it once and I'll say it again: "We have lots of opportunity!" So what might you do to work the works of God?
Blessings,
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 Cozy up this winter with a good book and join the LHC Readers book club, A Book and A Prayer, to discuss, share and explore Anne Dillard's book, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. We'll meet on Monday, February 24 at 7 pm in the Parish Hall. The book won the 1975 Pulitzer Prize for General Non-fiction, and in 1998 it was included in Modern Library's list of 100 Best Nonfiction Books. Pilgrim at Tinker Creek records the narrator's thoughts on solitude, writing, and religion. Touching upon themes of faith, nature, and awareness, Pilgrim is also noted for its study of theodicy. Please bring a friend and join us while we sip some coffee, cocoa and tea to keep us warm! Future books are as scheduled: 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, February 24, 7 pm, Parish Hall Contact: Kathy Haben 630.876.0620, khaben@att.net
Choir 
"There are choirs singing in your head. If you listen, you will hear music. It is the song of angels. Pay no attention to the sounds of the world. There are just noises, and even when added up all together they have no value, make no sense. Strain to hear the song of angels. Listen to the melody within your soul."
Neale Donald Walsch
Are there choirs singing in your head? I must confess that often there are in mine. I can't count the number of times the anthem or a hymn from Sunday worship remains in my head all week. I agree with Walsch that these frequent melodic visitors do in fact shut out some of the noises of the world that often add stress and worry to our lives. What are the melodies of your soul? Take some time to hear them. If you can't hear one - come to choir or worship service and we'll loan you one of ours.
Adult Bell Choir will rehearse every other Wednesday night starting at 8:15 to 9pm. February rehearsals are on the 12th and the 26th. Come on all you former band members - you still have it in you!
Children's Bell Choir
Children's Bell Choir starts up again in Sunday School. We'll have an anthem ready soon!
Larry Dieffenbach, Director of Music, Organist
lsdieffenbach@sbcglobal.net
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Ministry news...
Evangelism
We continue to welcome many new visitors, especially during the Christmas holidays. It is always heartwarming to see new faces experience our Little Home Church. I have tried diligently to follow up with each visitor with the hope that they will come again.
On Sunday, April 13, a casual "Get To Know the LHC" dinner is being planned for all those who have expressed an interest in joining the church or who would like to know about us. I will host it at my house and an invite will be sent to our many new church friends. My list is long but I would like it to be longer. So, if you have anyone who would like to hear more about our church or the UCC, please let me know and I will follow up with an invite.
Hopefully, this will be a worthwhile opportunity for interested LHC friends to get together with Ron and other LHC members in a casual setting and learn more about us.
Also, I urge you to invite a new friend to the Chili Cook Off, on February 8 which is always a lot of fun! As Ron reiterated last Sunday in his sermon, "God is Still Speaking", and he reminded us that God still has a lot more to say. So, no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, everyone is welcome a LHC. Let's continue to spread this news.
Carol Berger, Chairman
Christian Education 
Join us on Saturday, Feb. 1 for a tour of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, located just outside Batavia. It 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. Info link
Also, we are planning a camping trip for the children around Easter. Watch for more details on both events.
Contact Lori Haseltine for more information.
Outreach
We still continue to collect donations of paper products for the food pantry located at Resurrection Church. Drop them off here at church and we will deliver them. Pick up paper towels, toilet paper, and tissue next time you're out at the grocery store!
College Care Boxes 
So our college kids know we're thinking of them, we plan to send out a 'care' box for Valentine's Day. We will be packing the boxes on Sunday, Feb. 9 after church. If you would like to donate a treat or something to include, please drop it off at the church. We usually send out around 14 of the boxes. The shipping expense is generously funded by the Brent Alex Memorial Fund.
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Feb. 2 Sacrament of Holy Communion Sermon: "The Original Evil vs. The Holy One of God" Theme: Well-Being Scripture: Luke 4:31-37 Feb. 9 Sermon: "A Miracle to Span the Bridge to Faith" Theme: At Home in Christ Scripture: Luke 4:38-41 Feb. 16 Sermon: "The Presence of Christ and Life Now and Forever Theme: Eternal Life Scripture: Luke 8:40-56 Feb. 23 Sermon: "Veronica's Veil - A Miracle of Grace" Theme: Grace and Power of Christ Scripture: Luke 8:40-56
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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 has begun to study I Corinthians.
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...
Theo Moore, Larry Dieffenbach's father, Bill Ferguson's father, Steve MacCarthy, Morgan McDonnell, Otto Dolman, John & Betty Dean. Condolences to:  Riley Hansen on the loss of his mother, Karen. Karen was a long-time member of Little Home Church, served on the church council, and volunteered as one of our "Gardening Angels." She will be missed by so many. Thank you to our service men & women:
SGT Samantha Prang
SGT Greg Haben
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Sunday Service
9:30 am
Fermilab Outing
Sat. Feb. 1, 10 am
Chili Cook-Off
Sat. Feb. 8, 6:30 pm
Church Council Meeting
Tue. Feb. 11, 7 pm
'By the Way' Deadline
'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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fellowship
Provide flowers to decorate the 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
Feb. 2
Hulls
Feb. 9
(open)
Feb. 16
O'Donnell
Feb. 23
(open)
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Fellowship Hour
Feb. 2
Baldwin
Feb. 9
(open)
Feb. 16
(open)
Feb. 23
(open)
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facebook
page
Give us a "Like"
...we now have 70!
Post a photo or send any info, photos or notes to be posted on the Page to the Church office.
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Feb. 3
Mary Sterner
Bruce Weigel
Feb. 9
Phil Aughnay
Feb. 13
Carol Berger
Feb. 14
Leigh Bechet
Lori Prang
Feb. 20
Victoria Stout
Feb. 22
Andrea Ferguson
Feb. 23
Joshua Winquist
Feb. 24
Larry Dieffenbach
Audrey Gatsch
Feb. 25
Tim Boles
Feb. 26
Frank Muno
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we
noticed
Many thanks...
To Sandy Antonelli, Kathleen Sullivan Kaska, Clara Shelton, Lori and Steve Prang along with Ron and Maggie for the last minute 'un-hanging of the greens.'
To all of the helping hands, and angels that helped with the beautiful service and reception in memory of Karen Hansen.
To Rik Alex for helping out with Facilities.
To Anne Haben for taking minutes at the January Council meeting.
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Shoot and share your photos of Church...!Share the beauty of the Church and spirit of our community!
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Let's go paperless & postage-less...
Notices will be going out to all who still receive this electronic newsletter in the mail to confirm whether they want to stay on the postage mailing list, or be added to the electronic email list.
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Please let us know
if you would like to add
an email address
to our list.
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