Lent begins... 
Join as for our annual Ash Wednesday
Potluck Dinner and Worship on Wednesday, March 5.
Dinner starts at 6 pm in the Parish Hall, followed by our worship service at 7:15 pm. Please bring a dish to share. Call the Church office 630.584.4013 with any questions.
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Pastor's message...
"...because I live, you shall live also." John 14:12
What a Winter! Who isn't looking for spring? Who isn't looking for a new spring in our step, a new sense of living in this crazy mixed-up world? I am, maybe you too. But Lent is upon us; Spring is around the corner, new life is ever before us.
Ironically, out of today's existential literature could come a new trust for us. If we look long enough at the absurdity, the loneliness, possibly a new surge for living will arise out of that look. We can, I hope, work ourselves through a new hope by working through the helplessness. In other words, a spiritual awakening could come through our reading contemporary literature. The anxiety in it could make us all anxious for a renewal - even a spiritual renewal.
And what of anxiety - no other generation has addressed the problem of anxiety like ours. Rollo May, the psychologist, says that our age will be remembered as the age of anxiety and emptiness. And "one of the few blessings of living in an age of anxiety," says May, "is that we are forced to become aware of ourselves." Existential writers, like Camus and Kafka, have forced us to do just that. Clark Pinnock says that today's prophets are secular, for they point out the lostness, the self-awareness, the emptiness of people better than preachers in the land. No other literature has addressed this problem like ours.
The cross could be today's symbol for most contemporary literature: "My God, My God, why hast though forsaken me?" For a time God was eclipsed. But - then the resurrection. And then "spring."
As we journey through Lent we become aware of life and wonder. Then like a tunnel we come through to the other side and there before us is Spring, the Cross, Easter, new life.
Let us journey together for Christ is with, still leading, still speaking! May God Bless!
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Update from our Moderator...
Peterson & Dixon properties
We continue to work on closing the sale of the Peterson property and hope to close on the property soon. We will need to confirm the location of the church's septic field and, if it is in fact on the Peterson property, we will need to move it. The plumbing in the Dixon house has sprung a leak and needs repair...and your Facilities Ministry is on the job! In addition to the septic field issues of the Peterson property we will also need to confirm location/condition of the Dixon septic system prior to selling the out lot, and the property itself. Please pray for the weather to break soon so work in the fields can begin.
LHC Budget
At my request, a committee has been formed to address the projected $52,000 deficit. If you have the skills, talent or passion in this area, please contact me or Ann McLaughlin.
Search & Call Process
With the announcement of Pastor Ron's retirement your Council has started reading the UCC guidelines regarding the Search & Call process. You can read about the process here: http://www.ucc.org/ministers/pilgrimage.html
Moderator Elect, Susi Winquist and I have met with the Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Jonathan Knight (Fox Valley Association and Chicago Metropolitan Association) to gain some additional insight for this process. The Council met Sunday after church for discussion and to "get the ball rolling" in this exciting time! I'd like to thank our congregation members who have expressed interest in being on a search committee and for those who have also submitted names for consideration. If you have any questions, feel free to see me after church or give me a call at 630-816-7723.
Last, but not least...
I'd like to personally thank Susi Winquist for leading the February Council Meeting in my absence. We are blessed to have her as our Moderator Elect.
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
At our March meeting we'll be discussing To Die For by Sandra Byrd. A rich alchemy of fact and fiction, To Die For chronicles Anne Boleyn's glittering court life, the sweeping romance, and the heartbreaking fall from grace of a forsaken queen as seen through the eyes of Meg, her closest companion by a Christian author. To Die For is a library Journal "Best Books of 2011" pick and a Christy Award Finalist. It comes recommended to us by author Jane Kirkpatrick (A Sweetness to the Soul.) Interested? You can check out Sandra's web site here: Ladies in Waiting
We are hoping to Skype Ms. Byrd into our meeting. Talking with the author is such a treat! Please bring a friend and join us while we sip some coffee, cocoa and tea to keep us warm!
Future books are as scheduled:
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, March 24, 7 pm, Parish Hall
Contact: Kathy Haben
630.876.0620, khaben@att.net
"I think music in itself is healing.
It's an explosive expression of humanity.
It's something we are all touched by.
No matter what culture we're from,
Everyone loves music."
Billy Joel
Even "The Piano Man" acknowledges the power of music to aide in the healing of our souls. As we explore the miracles of Jesus in worship we try to add a little bit of that message through the music. Please join us every Sunday as we continue in our ministry.
I have accepted an invitation to be part of the planning committee for the "United Church of Christ Musicians Association" that will be holding its national convention in the Chicago area during the summer of 2015. We just started the planning and meet once a month at our sister church in Glen Ellyn. I will keep you posted on some of the events that will be planned as they are confirmed.
Adult Bell Choir will rehearse every other Wednesday night starting at 8:15 to 9pm. March 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 starts up again in Sunday school. We'll have an anthem ready soon!
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Ministry news...
With kerchiefs and ropes hung from the beams and tin cups of salsa at the tables, the Little Home Church Parish Hall came alive Saturday, Feb. 8th with an eager crowd anxious to cast their ballots for the title of Best Chili. The competition was fierce as the cooks vied for the coveted Chef's Hat Award for the 9th Annual Chili  Cook-Off. Nine  superb cooks sampled their chili creations to a hungry crowd complete with side fixins' and corn bread. The crowd, with tickets in hand literally cast 100s of votes for their favorites. In the end there could be only one winner. Tim Haben was awarded the much sought after title of 1st Place Chef. Greg Hege showed his culinary skills, winning the 2nd place spot. Not only was the evening a delicious success, the votes purchased raised $720 for our "Fund-A-Chair" campaign. A big thank you to our wonderful chefs: Rik Alex, Judy Britt, Tim Haben, Lori Haseltine, Greg Hege, Kathryn Karwowski, Susannah Lesswing, Maureen O'Donnell and Jim Winquist. Thank you as well, to all who provided the sides, cornbread and desserts. Susannah Lesswing and Jane Shelton
Evangelism
We are in the midst of planning a New Member Sunday for this Spring. If anyone is interested in joining the church, please contact Pastor Ron or myself at 630.584.7088. In addition, I will be hosting a "Get to Know LHC" event at my house on Sunday, April 13 for all our regular visitors who are interested in getting to know us better. Please let me know if you would like to attend or if you know of someone I could contact. This will be an informal social gathering giving all an opportunity to experience our friendship and spiritual commitment outside the church setting.
Carol Berger, Chairman
Christian Education 
We have rescheduled our Fermilab tour. Hopefully we won't be snowed out in April!
Join us on Saturday, April 5 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 to 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 at lori-h@comcast.net for information.
Stewardship
For almost seven decades, One Great Hour of Sharing has made a difference in the lives of people and communities around the world by pooling resources, and serving through partnerships. Gifts given through this special offering empower people in poverty to learn a trade, raise their own food, and grow in faith. This is one of the five special offerings the United Church of Christ participates in and this offering will take place on Sunday, March 30th during our worship service. We ask that you give generously to this effort. Look for more information in the mail.
Outreach
We still continue to collect donations of paper products for the food pantry located at Resurrection Church. You may drop your donations 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 
Our first College Care Box of the year went out around Valentine's Day with much appreciation from our college students. Thanks and pictures were posted on social media outlets like Facebook and Instagram. Our heartfelt thanks to Rik & Nancy Alex for handling the shipping expenses through the Brent Alex Memorial Fund.
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Mar. 2 Sacrament of Holy Communion Transfiguration Sermon: "Destiny in the Hand of God. Theme: An All-Loving, All-Powerful God Scripture: Mark 4:35-41; Matthew 17:1-9 Mar. 5 Ash Wednesday Sermon: "Marching to Zion" Theme: The Day Has Been Better Because You Came Scripture: Joshua 6:1-27; John 10:10 Mar. 9 Sermon: "By the Waters We Have Found Our Life" Theme: Christ Is Here-Place of Faith Scripture: Matthew 8:1ff; Luke 10:15 Mar. 16 Sermon: "Take Heart; It Is I" Theme: Faith for the Wear of Life Scripture: John 6:19 Mar. 23 Sermon: "Welcome to Hard Times" Theme: In Spite of All, Christ Goes With Us Scripture: Numbers 6:24-26 Mar. 30 Sermon: "Do You Love Me...Then Follow" Theme: Visitation of Christ Scripture: Mark 13:2; Luke 19:42-44
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New look... 
Check it out
The Little Home Church web site has a new look for 2014, and the site continues to be an excellent resource for our congregation as well as an important friendly "face" of the church to the world...who just might be looking for a church community to love!
Connect to littlehomechurch.org to see the month's Sunday schedule and Flowers & Fellowship lists; Event and activity information; Church calendar; Photo gallery; Archived newsletters and council minutes; Church bylaws; and much more. We also plan to revamp the site's Wedding Planner component, and develop a Memorials page to honor our fellow church members. Take a virtual visit to Little Home Church and remember to bookmark the site for easy access.
Kathleen and Lori, (Elite web masters...!?)
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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 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, and Karen Ashe. Condolences to: John Dean on the loss of his wife Elizabeth Dean. Thank you to our service men & women:
SGT Samantha Prang
SGT Greg Haben
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Sunday Service
9:30 am
Ash Wednesday Potluck
& Worship Service
Wed. Mar. 5, 6 pm
Daylight Savings Time
Sun. Mar. 9
Church Council Meeting
Tue. Feb. 11, 7 pm
'By the Way' Deadline
Mon. Mar. 17
Bartlett High School Chamber Orchestra Tue. Mar. 18, 7 pm
'A Book & A Prayer'
Book Club
Mon. Mar. 24, 7 pm
One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering Sun. Mar. 31
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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
Louise Aughney
Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
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
Mar. 2
Baldwin
Mar. 9
McLaughlin-Hege
Mar. 16
(open)
Mar. 23
Shelton
Mar. 30
(open)
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Fellowship Hour
Mar. 2
(open)
Mar. 9
McLaughlin-Hege
Mar. 16
(open)
Mar. 23
(open)
Mar. 30
(open)
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facebook
page
Give us a "Like"
...we now have 72!
Post a photo or send any info, photos or notes to be posted on the Page to the Church office.
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Mar. 4
Mar. 6
Ted Schramuk
Mar. 9
Dulie Ware
Ann McLaughlin
Mar. 11
Sam Shelton
Mar. 12
Emma Kaska
Mar. 16
Louise Aughnay
Mar. 17
Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Mar. 19
Carol Hancock
Mar. 23
Jim Welch
Gail Zwemke
Phil Kentfield
Mar. 24
Sam Shelton
Mar. 26
Wendell Clancy
Mar. 27
Andrew Kapoor
Lee Price
Mar. 30
Tom Atkins
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we
noticed
Many thanks...
To Eleanor Karwowski for sharing her musical talents with us on a wintery Sunday in February.
To Rich Doerr for coordinating our ushers and pulpit associates for ALL these years. It was truly appreciated.
To Rik Alex for his continued help with Facilities.
To Anne Bouchard for shoveling the walks on Sunday mornings, and for dragging the big easy chair that the tenants left on the curb through the courtyard and hoisting it into the dumpster!
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Going paperless & postage-less...
Notices have gone 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.
Contact the church office to continue getting a hardcopy in the mail, or be added to the email list: 630.584.4013
Thank you!
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Please let us know
if you would like to add
an email address
to our list.
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