Thanks to everyone who has volunteered so far to sing in the summertime. We have enjoyed special music every week.

On July 20th, we had a young adult choir sing followed by a BBQ and volleyball tournament hosted by the Ferguson's! Jan and Jerry Marchese hosted a pizza party and rehearsal. There were 14 young adults who joined us. Let's try and keep this going for the summer. Anyone else want to host an event?

Choirs will be starting in the Fall. The first Adult Choir rehearsal will be on Wednesday, Sept. 10th at 7 pm. Anyone who is high school freshman or older is welcome! Adult Bell Choir will start on Sept. 17th and will begin at 8:15 pm after Adult Choir practices.

We will resume music study for children when Sunday School starts.

Great news! 

The Moderator-elect position has been filled. After prayerful consideration and discussion Alex Kentfield has answered the call and accepted the position of Moderator-elect for 2014/15. Alex attended the July Council meeting and though a newcomer, had much to contribute. Please welcome Alex.

Wanted 

Council is looking for volunteers to provide nursery/child care during our Worship Services each Sunday this summer. This is a ministry opportunity open not only to our High School and College age students but to any interested adult as well. Please contact Maureen O'Donnell, Christian Education Chair to sign up. 

630-462-0331 or odonnellmo13@gmail.com.

Dixon Property 

The Dixon house has officially been put on the market. Leslie Ebersole of Baird & Warner has listed the property at $89,000 to be sold "as is." Art Zwemke has graciously agreed to be the point person for LHC. Let us keep positive thoughts for a swift and uncomplicated sale. Click here for listing

2014/15 Church Council

Through the beauty of email we have approved our 2014/15 Council, along with the minutes of from our Janual meeting and a change to the Endowment Committee. As you might know, we did not have enough members attending the Junual Congregational meeting to vote on this.

Interim Period 

Learning about LHC, the people of this faith community, and the surrounding areas is an initial and vital step in the interim process. Pastor David joined us the first of July and has been very busy learning about us at LHC as we learn about him. The month started with a lovely communion service. The July Council meeting began with a get-acquainted Potluck dinner that was attended by many congregation members as well as the Council. A "meet and greet" question and answer session was held the following Sunday. David attended the Volleyball Tournament and youth outing hosted by the Ferguson's. Wednesday morning Bible Study continues. Needless to say David is finding his way and getting acquainted with us all. If you have not done so already, I hope you take the opportunity to spend some time with David.

As LHC moves through this time of change, know that your Council would like to hear your thoughts. As your Moderator, I would like to know what's on your mind and answer any questions you may have. Please contact me at any time via phone, text, email or find me during Fellowship. 630.484.5908 or sfwchargern@yahoo.com.

In addition, there is a small group of folks who will intentionally keep in touch with our members and friends throughout our interim period. This is the Interim Congregational Care Team (ICCT) comprised of Kathy Haben; Kathleen Sullivan Kaska; Jan Marchese; Ann McLaughlin; and Susi Winquist.

Your Council will meet August 12 at 7 pm. All our welcome!

Shalom my friends,

Susi Winquist, Moderator

sfwchargern@yahoo.com 

Christian Education in our church is so much more than just Sunday School for the children during service. And we all know that we need more children. I would like nothing more than to see the Guild House, with all its facilities, filled to the max with bright shining faces.

Wednesday morning Bible Study continues to be strong. We had 11 people earlier this month. That is the record, at least in my year here at LHC. I have talked with Pastor David about establishing a night Bible Study to meet the needs of those who are not retired. I would like to see high school and local college students join us in this evening study. Just because a member has been confirmed does not mean that Christian education is completed. I really would like some input from all of the parents on this idea. Later in August there will be a sign-up sheet on the table in the Parish Hall so that all can indicate a preferred night.

Earlier in July was Vacation Bible School. There was some concern because we only had a few students. On that Wednesday, our custodian Odie's granddaughter joined us. I understand she was a bit upset that she couldn't come the rest of the days. Kilyn and Bremmer were such special students that I would not have wanted to miss our time together. I have received suggestions for getting our numbers up next year by enlisting the assistance of former VBS students or working together with other churches. We spent some time in the church reading and discussing both the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. But I think what Kylin will remember is that Jesus was Jewish.

I don't know how many of you realize what a great teacher Lori Haseltine is. She arranged all of the VBS week and I just did the Bible reading and watched her do her thing. She had science experiments and arts and crafts and music. Everything was extremely well done. My hat's off to Lori. Special thanks to Susannah and Kate and Gianna for their help.

I am researching locations for retreats. If you have any ideas or specific wishes in this area, please talk to me on Sunday morning or email me. Current options include Pilgrim Park Women's Retreat Oct. 3-4, Tower Hill Autumn Adult Retreat Oct. 3-5 or Tower Hill Prime Time Camp for Families Apr 5-6. Another option is Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center in Oregon on the Pacific Ocean. I was there in October.

Going forward, I welcome ideas on educational forums, activities that students and adults can do for the community, field trips, movies, and anything that will bring together adults, our college and high school students as well as our little cherubs in a learning environment.

Maureen O'Donnell

630.464.5768  odonnellmo13@gmail.com