July 2014

Introducing...  
Interim Pastor, Rev. Dr. David Russell

Greetings!
I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and let you know how excited I am to be with you at Little Home Church on this part of your spiritual journey!

My wife, Gail and I have lived in the Palatine area for 40 years. We have two married daughters; Maggie, who has two sons, Dean (14) and Ethan (8), and Caitlin, who has one son, Jack (18 mos.) and is expecting her second child in November. Our daughters were baptized, confirmed and married at St. Paul's UCC, Palatine, the church we call "home."

I began my pastoral career in 1966 as Youth Minister of 1st Congregational Church UCC, Des Plaines after graduating from Oberlin College. While at 1st Congregational, I completed my Masters of Divinity degree at Chicago Theological Seminary. I left church based ministry to do community social service at The Bridge Youth and Family Services of Palatine. I was Executive Director there for 12 years, during the time I completed a Doctor of Ministry at CTS. In 1988, I returned to pastoral ministry as a Chaplain, first at St. Paul's House in Chicago, and then at the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois in Barrington.

With a desire to return to the parish church, I became pastor of Faith Community UCC in Vernon Hills in 1991. I served there for 8 years. I then went to Congregational UCC in Arlington Heights for 4 years, followed by United Protestant Church (UCC and Methodist) in Grayslake for the last 10 years until I retired in December, 2013. I served four different congregations that ranged from 46 in worship to 300 and was involved with four different kinds of ministry that included youth, seniors, hospice and parish. Each has informed me, enriched my spirit and been a blessing. I am grateful to God for all these opportunities to serve others knowing that they may help me to better serve you.

My greatest passion as a pastor is supporting Christians and churches as they grow spiritually.

When I am not serving my church community, I enjoy swimming, cooking, watching movies, good wine, dark chocolate, and, most of all, spending time with my family.

Pastor David

 

Please join us... 

 

Sunday, July 6 - Communion by Intinction with LHC's Interim Pastor Rev. Dr. David Russell at 9:30 am, and stay for fellowship to meet Pastor David at our Coffee Hour Fellowship

 

Potluck Supper on Tuesday, July 8 from 6-7 pm before our Council meeting for anyone choosing to break bread with Pastor David and the council members

 

Sunday, July 13 - Q & A with Pastor David at 10:45 am in the Parish Hall

 


Worship schedule... 

 
July 6

Sacrament of Holy Communion

Sermon: "Inward and Outward with Jesus"

Scripture: Matthew 11:16-19, 28-30, Romans 7:15-25a

Theme:   

Jesus is with us through our ups and downs but also wants us to walk with others through theirs.

 

July 13

Sermon: "Forgot Miracle Grow, Try Spiritual Grow!"

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Theme:    

Often times many people don't understand scripture but when we "get it," it yields results in our lives.

 

July 20

Sermon: "O Lord You Know Me Completely"

Scripture: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24, Genesis 28:10-19a

Theme: God knows us intimately. How can we not worship Him and live rightly?

 

July 27

Sermon: "The Mouse that Roared"

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-33, Romans 8:26-39

Theme: With God's Spirit we have the power to do great things in Him.

 

 
Mid-year financial update...   financial-planner.jpg

At the Junual meeting on June 22, the following items were noted:

 

- The Operating Deficit through May 31, 2014 is ($21,351), greater than the forecasted ($12,510). This is primarily due to a lag in Operating Income that has totaled $98,651 versus a forecast of $112,544. Our Operating Expenses total $120,002 against a budget of $125,054.

 

- The Petersen house sale has closed and $150,563 has been added to our overall fund balances that total $207,568 as of May 31, 2014.

 

- The Dixon house is listed for $89,000.

 

- Several members have set up an Auto Pay with their bank to pay their pledges each month. This is really helpful to have a steady cash flow to fund our expenses. If you are interested, please contact Ann McLaughlin for details.

 

- The summer months collections usually lag a bit. Please keep your pledges current and, if you can, please consider accelerating same as it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you for allowing me to serve the Little Home Church as Treasurer for the past 27 years.

 

Art Zwemke

 

 
Activities...  

 

A Book & A Prayer Book Club

4th Monday of every month

7 pm in the Parish Hall   

 

Our July meeting has been moved to the 3rd Monday of this month. Please join us on Monday, July 21, at 7 pm in the Parish Hall.

We'll be discussing The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. The Great Divorce arose out of Lewis' interest in the nature of spiritual choices. The idea for allowing damned spirits a "holiday" in Heaven, the ancient Catholic notion of Refrigerium - that the damned are given occasional repose from the torments of Hell by being granted "days off" in other places. This is a dazzling allegory about Heaven and Hell and the chasm fixed between them is one of Lewis' most brilliantly imaginative tales, where we discover the gates of Hell are locked from the inside. In a dream, the narrator boards a bus on a drizzly afternoon in Hell and embarks on an incredible voyage to Heaven. Anyone in Hell is invited on board, and anyone may remain in Heaven if he or she so chooses. But do we really want to live in Heaven? Pleas join us and bring a friend for this "dazzling" read!

 

We look forward to seeing you...and bring a friend!

Contact: Kathy Haben, 630.876.0620, khaben@att.net 

 

 

Choir   

I want to thank everyone for their hard work on the retirement service for Ron and Maggie. Choir members and guest musicians put in many hours of extra time to make this service happen.

 

The choir is on vacation until the fall. I am planning on having a young adult choir sing a few times this summer as well as the Bell Choir. And as is tradition, we could always use some special music for the Summer services. There is a sign-up sheet outside my office door.

 

Larry Dieffenbach, Director of Music, Organist

lsdieffenbach@sbcglobal.net 
 
Ministry news...
Vacation Bible School
July 7 thru 11
9 to 11 am 
 
We are inviting all children, ages 3-12 to come join the fun. This year's vacation bible school looks to be an exciting one. The theme is Workshop of Wonders, and the key phrases for this session are: Imagine with God, Build with God, Grow with God, Work with God and Walk with God. 

These will be reinforced with Bible stories such as the Story of Esther, the Parable of the Mustard Seed, and more. As always, there will be plenty of crafts and songs, snacks related to the theme, and my favorite part...science experiments. All the science experiments have been field tested in test churches, and include making lava lamps, working with pulleys, invisible ink messages, and more. We are always looking for people to help with decorations, crafts, activities and snacks. Please contact me if you have a special talent to share, or is you have the time and desire to help out. I'll look forward to hearing from you.
 
For more information, please contact Lori Haseltine at 630.587.1906 or lori-h@comcast.net

 
Outreach
We continue to need donations of Paper Products for the food pantry located at Resurrection Church. Donations can be dropped off here at LHC church, and they will be delivered to the pantry. Needed items: paper towels; toilet paper; and tissue.


Thank you...
   
Maggie and I want to give a very heartfelt word of appreciation for all the kind gifts, cards and well wishes we received this past weekend. I don't think anyone has received a more glorious send-off from all of you. 
 
Larry, the music was miraculous. Susannah and Jane, and all who helped, the reception was incredibly beautiful. The words of tribute were also a wonderful touch. They made Maggie and I feel great about our time with you. 
 
Take good care of yourselves and may God always be with you and bless you with grace and love.
 
With all our love,
Ron and Maggie

 

 
Garden party... 
 
Thank you to all who helped and attended this fun fundraiser for LHC on Saturday, June 21. We raised approximately $1,800, and it was a beautiful evening in our church courtyard garden...!
  
 
Education...  bible-candle.jpg
 
Morning Bible Study 
Bible Study moves back to Wednesdays at 10 am. Rev. David Russell is anxious to meet everyone and see where you want the study to take you. No preparation is necessary. We hope you can join us.
  
Children's Sunday School
Sunday School is on vacation in the summer. Please join us again in September!
 
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.
 

Our love & prayers... 

 

Recently hospitalized or ill...
Lynn Tuttle, Dianna Griffin, June Bruskewitz, Kay Brynelsen, Polly Heinrich
 
Congratulations to...
Ryan Reed for receiving his commission as Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the United States Army.

Thank you to our service men & women...   
SGT Greg Haben
 



Sunday Service
9:30 am
upcoming  
dates...


Bible Study
Wednesdays, 10 am

Vacation Bible School
July 7-11, 9-11 am

Council Meeting  
Tue. July 8, 7 pm
Potluck dinner, 6 pm to greet our Interim Pastor 

'By the Way' Deadline
Tue. July 15

'A Book & A Prayer'    
Book Club
Mon. July 21, 7 pm

 
church calendar
  
 

 

 
church  
leadership...

Pastor
Reverend Dr. David Russell

 

Pastor Emeritus
Reverend Dr. Don Heinrich

 

Director of Music Organist 
Larry Dieffenbach

 

Office Manager
Lori Prang  

 

 
 
 
Church Council
Proposed 2014-15 Slate
 
 
Moderator 
Susi Winquist

 

Moderator-elect
(open)

 

Stewardship Ministry
Bob Kaska

 

Evangelism Ministry
Carol Berger

 

Outreach Ministry
Valeri Baldwin

 

Congregational Life
Ministry
Susannah Lesswing
Jane Shelton
  
Christian Education
Ministry
Maureen O'Donnell

 

Worship & Spiritual Growth Ministry
Sandy Antonelli

 

Facilities Ministry
Anne Bouchard
Dan Roach

 

Members at Large
Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Jan Marchese 

 

Financial
Art Zwemke
  
Clerk
Kristin Thornton
  

 

 

 

flowers+   
fellowship... 
 
Provide flowers to decorate the altar 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.
 
  
 
Altar Flowers

July 6
Aughnay

July 13
Kaska
   
July 20
Baldwin

 

July 27
Shelton


Fellowship Hour

July 6
Aughnay
  
July 13
Kaska
 
July 20
(open)

 

July 27
(open)
 







happy 
birthday!

 
July 4
June Bruskewitz
  
July 6
Grace Hadfield
  
July 10

Doug Hancock

 

July 12

Kay Clancy

 

July 16

Polly Heinrich

 

July 17

Nancy Doerr
 
  July 18
Meg Withall
  
July 20
Art Zwemke
 
July 21
Leslie Stout
 
July 22
Kim Kentfield
 
July 25
Mary Roach
 
 
 
 
congrats
grads...
   
 
Missy MacCarthy
Graduating St. Charles East and attending Butler University.
 
Peter Roach
Graduating St. Charles East
and attending College of Wooster
 
Monica Thornton
Graduating St. Charles East
and attending Iowa State
 
Mack Blessen
Graduating Hamilton College with a B.A. in Government
 
Riley Hansen
Graduating Elgin Community College
 
Kim Kentfield
Graduating University of Texas with a MBA and MS in Healthcare Management
 
Ryan Reed
Graduating State University of New York at Potsdam with a B.A. in Communications
 
Clara Shelton
Graduating Pomona College with a B.A. in American Studies
 
Andrew Daehn
Graduating Ohio State with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
 
  
  
 
 
 
daily
devotional...   
 
Connect to UCC.org for a daily devotional...
 
  
  

 

 
we  
noticed...
   
Many thanks to...! 

 

- Maureen O'Donnell for spending a morning here cleaning the kitchen's ovens.

 

- Dave Hochstetter for painting the pastor's office as well as the main office. It was long overdue!
 
- To Lori Prang and Kathleen S. Kaska for preparing the offices for painting with a lot of furniture moving, "sorting & discarding." 

 

- Gardening Angels and Handy Devils for working their magic in the Church courtyard garden and porches. Thanks for the weeding, trimming, RoundUp-ing the bricks, scraping chipped paint and discarding old fixtures!

 

- Everyone who helped plan and coordinate Ron and Maggie's retirement service and reception. It was a lovely day!

 

  


  

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Little Home Church by the Wayside UCC      32W128 Army Trail Road, Wayne, IL 60184
630.584.4013    fax 630.584.8427     info@littlehomechurch.org
Editors: Lori Prang and Kathleen Sullivan Kaska