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Pastor's message...
Stewardship! We hear that word every fall. What does it really mean?
A steward is someone who has responsibility over a number of resources. Jesus taught that we all have responsibilities over the resources, the gifts and talents we have been given. In Matthew 25 Jesus describes how God has given different gifts and abilities to each of us.
But the point is we are to use them!
Too often when we hear the word stewardship we think the church is simply asking for money. That's far from the whole picture! Stewardship is much more than money. What we truly need is the time and the talents of everyone as well as a gift of treasure. In fact the talents of the people of Little Home Church are what keep it going and running and doing.
And LHC is blessed with an abundance of talented people!
This fall we will be asking you for a commitment of your time and talent which many of you are already giving. Especially with smaller congregations like LHC we are especially mindful that church is not an observer sport. We are a highly participant organization and this fall we share with you the expectation of your involvement in the life of this faith community. However you want to be involved is up to your gifts and time, but we look for your participation.
You will be invited to come to a Coffee Discussion about the status of our church and its future and how we can all work together on behalf of the health and growth of Little Home Church. Look for that invitation. God's love is found in the gifts and blessings we have received and our response to that love is our use of those gifts in this world.
With you and God on this journey,
Pastor David
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Worship schedule...
Oct. 5
World Wide Communion Sunday
Neighbors in Need Special Offering
Sermon: "The Journey Ahead-Reluctant to Go"
Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15; 13:17-22
Oct. 12
Sermon: "The Journey Ahead-Anxiety in the Wilderness"
Scripture: Exodus 32:7-9; 32:1-6
Oct. 19
Sermon: "The Journey Ahead-God Makes A Way Out of No Way"
Scripture: Exodus 25:1-2, 8-9, 22; 24:12-18
Oct. 26
Guest Preacher - Rev. Terry Gallagher
Sermon: "Can We Change Our Story"
Scripture: Mark 10:17-22
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Ministry news...
We are excited to have our New Members Classes start on October 12! Three classes are scheduled for October 12, 19, and November 2. If you know of someone who might be interested, please contact myself or Pastor David. The classes are a great way to become familiar with the LHC and the UCC.
I am also planning a prospective new member dinner sometime this Fall. I am happy to extend an invitation per your request, so please let me know who you think might be interested in coming. I will make contact.
Thank you everyone for welcoming all our visitors for the Blessings of the Hounds. As always, it is a special event, and it is fun to see so many people enjoy our church setting. Let us continue to reach out to all those who have spiritual needs and are looking for a church home.
Blessings, Carol Berger
630.363.8982
Worship & Spiritual Growth
Authors, almost authors, budding writers, legible writers!
You are all invited to help Little Home Church write a home-spun Lenten devotional booklet that we will self-publish for use in February through April 2015. Folks can write more than one devotional and scriptures will be provided for each of the 40 days of Lent as a jumping off point. But you can use your ideas, feelings, stories and faith as you write a few paragraphs. This can be a wonderful faith journey for all of us whether writers or readers.
Staring in October in the Parish Hall we will have a sign-up table with the date and scripture for each day of Lent. This may sound early with Christmas not even here, but we don't want to wait until January and only have one month to put this together. So join in! Don't be shy. Try your hand at expressing yourself. After all, God already knows what you can do!
Facilities
Work Day - October 25
8 am - 2 pm.
These work days are always productive with the help of many hands! There are big jobs and small jobs. Come for an hour, or come for the day. Join us and we will find a job that fits you. Bring work gloves and your own tools. We will also enjoy a potluck lunch.
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Council news...
Search and Call Committee
The Nominating Committee has completed its task and has formed a seven-member Search and Call Committee. This group is charged with the responsibility to work a process by which they can present our congregation with a candidate for the settled Pastor position.
The goal was to form a group of individuals who represented the demographic diversity of our members. We needed folks to span the ages; both genders; new members and longtime members; folks from the Village and from the numerous surrounding towns; single folks; married folks; young families; empty nesters; folks from various walks of life and experience; etc. We looked for diversity but with one commonality, their dedication to our God and love of Little Home Church!
With that, the Search and Call Committee members are: Greg Abell; Carol Berger; Anne Bouchard; Anne Haben; Matt Hadfield; Judy Hopkins; and Alex Kentfield. The Moderator will serve as an ex officio/non-voting member of this group.
The primary focus of the first meeting is to review the UCC search and call process with our association minister Rev. Jonathan Knight. He will offer spiritual guidance, acquaint the committee with detailed process information, and provide tools to complete the task. Please offer your prayers and support as they begin this journey.
New Beginnings 
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19
Part of the interim time is spent looking at who we are, where we have been and discerning what God is calling us to do and be in this time and in this place, LHC. With that thought in mind, the Council has researched various programs available to assist us in that work.
Council members participated in presentations from The Center for Parish Development, The Center for Progressive Renewal and New Beginnings Assessment Service. We communicated with churches who had worked the programs. Then we looked at the challenges each program presented and may present. Council has voted to participate in the UCC sponsored program called New Beginnings.
New Beginnings is a program developed by our denominational partner, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) aimed to help churches choose their future rather than letting it be chosen for them in a time when mainline Protestant churches across the nation are declining. Perhaps what worked for a church or congregation ten, twenty or fifty years ago is not relevant in today's world. So let's discover what is relevant for LHC.
We will be led through a process of assessment of our strengths and challenges that will include our buildings and properties, financial picture, our immediate and surrounding community needs by a set of fresh (outside) eyes. A comprehensive report will be generated and lay leadership will be trained to guide us through the process.
What a wonderful opportunity for our family at Little Home Church! Yes, we will all be asked to participate, put forth an effort at some time during the process. But the return can and will be as fulfilling as we make it. So rather than thinking of the interim period as just a time to find a new settled Pastor, let us think of this as a time to identify our purpose for the future. The plan to move forward, whatever it looks like, will be determined by the members.
Next Council meeting:
Tue. Oct. 14, 7 pm
Everyone is welcome!
Susi Winquist, Moderator
sfwchargern@yahoo.com
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 Activities...
A Book & A Prayer Book Club
4th Monday of every month
7 pm in the Parish Hall
Please join the LHC Readers for our monthly Book & A Prayer, Book Club meeting on Monday, October 27. We'll be discussing The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom. Corrie was a Dutch watchmaker who became a heroine of the Resistance, a survivor of Hitler's concentration camps, and one of the most remarkable evangelists of the 20th century. In World War II she and her family risked their lives to help Jews and underground workers escape from the Nazi's, and for their work they were tested in the infamous Nazi death camps. Only Corrie among her whole family survived to tell the story of how faith ultimately triumphs over evil.
All are welcome! Bring a friend!
If books aren't your thing, you may be interested in seeing the play which is currently being presented by Overshadowed Theatrical Productions in Medinah. Their mission is dedicated to providing drama that is overshadowed by the truth and power of God and His Word, the Bible. The theater's purpose is to bring quality drama that entertains, inspires and promotes a Biblical message, reaching out to the community and pointing the way to Christ. For here for tickets
Kathy Haben, 630.876.0620, khaben@att.net
Choir
It's good to be back in worship with the choir! Here are the anthems for the month:
Oct. 5
Holy Manna, by Joel Raney
Amazing Grace, by Joel Raney
Oct. 12
We Are Called, by Mark Hayes
Oct. 19
10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord), by Lloyd Larson
Oct. 26
The Music of Your Love, by Joel Raney
On Oct. 5 the choir will be joined by our "band" of musicians and
Oct. 12 we will be joined by a violinist and percussionist.
Bell Choir will rehearse on Oct. 8 and 22 at 8:15 pm
Larry Dieffenbach, Director of Music, Organist
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Join us as we look at the journey the Hebrews took out of Egypt into the Promised Land. We are studying Exodus in the next few months. Little Home Church is on a journey of transition also so we hope to apply some of God's Word to our situation. Whether you are a newbie to Bible study or have some experience you are welcome. No preparation is necessary. We have guidebooks to help each participant. The group meets Wednesday mornings, 10 am in Pastor David's office.
Confirmation Class
There will be a Confirmation Class that will meet Wednesday evenings at 7 pm beginning Oct. 15. Confirmation is open to those in 6 to 8 grades. If you know of anyone who might be interested please contact the church office.
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.
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Ever wonder about the UCC park in Princeton, IL? LHC members have had some great times and made memories at summer camps, training and retreats at Pilgrim Park. Why don't you take the time to get away and fellowship with other UCC ladies at this year's Illinois Conference Women's Retreat to be held on October 3-4.
The Illinois Conference Women's Retreat is a 23-hour break from the many demands on our lives. Don't miss this chance to spend a relaxing get-away to renew your spirit while engaging God's Holy Spirit. Comments last year included:
"It's renewing, refreshing & re-engerizing; great to reconnect with old friends and make new friends." "I enjoyed being able to shop for great items from Global Village." "I always learn something new to take back home." Cost is $100 and includes lodging Friday night, breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Hosts are Carol Currier-Frighetto, Ronda Bower and Harriet Dart. Register online here
Grab a friend and renew your spirit!
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Annual joint fall meeting...
The Chicago Metropolitan Association and the Fox Valley Association will hold their Annual Joint Fall Meeting on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at The Church of the Good Shepherd UCC, Chicago. The theme of this year's Fall Meeting is "Celebrating Our Diversity - Uniting for Ministry" with the Rev. Dr. Roderick L. Smothers as our featured keynote speaker. Dr. Smothers currently serves as the Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas.
All are welcome at this meeting; we especially encourage lay persons, youth and young adults to participate. Our meeting will begin with on-site registration and continental breakfast at 8 am, followed by worship and communion lead by the Rev. Jesse Knox III of The Church of the Good Shepherd and our Associate Conference Ministers, Rev. Jonathan Knight and Rev. Vertie Powers. Energizers on a variety of topics dealing with the theme will follow the plenary session.
Early registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 10, 2014.
Click here to download registration information for the Joint Fall Meeting of CMA and Fox Valley Association.
For more information:
Chicago Metropolitan Association
cma.ilucc.org
Fox Valley Association
foxvalley.ilucc.org
CMA Administrative Assistant, Wayne MacPherson
ilconfwayne@gmail.com or 773.324.7650
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Sunday Service
9:30 am
Wednesdays, 10 am
Survey Closes
Christian Education
Thu. Oct. 2, 5 pm
World Communion Sunday
Neighbors In Need
Sun. Oct. 5, 9:30 am
Council Meeting
Tue. Oct. 14, 7 pm
New Member Class Sun. Oct. 12 & 19 Sun. Nov. 2, 11 am Confirmation Classes Wed. Oct. 15, 22, 29, 7 pm 'By the Way' Deadline
Mon. Oct. 24
College Care Boxes
Sun. Oct. 19, 10:30 am
Work Day
Sat. Oct. 25, 8 am - 2 pm
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Pastor
Reverend Dr. David Russell
Pastor Emeritus
Reverend Dr. Don Heinrich
Director of Music Organist
Larry Dieffenbach
Office Manager
Lori Prang
Moderator
Susi Winquist
Moderator-elect
Alex Kentfield
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
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Pastor David's weekly schedule:
Mon. thru Thu. mornings and afternoons, plus one or two evenings.
Thursday mornings are sermon writing time. He is available in an emergency.
When Pastor David is out of the office Mon. thru Thu. for meetings or pastoral care, the Church Office will know how to reach him.
Fridays are Pastor David's day off.
Saturdays are a day off unless there is a wedding or LHC special event.
Pastor David can be reached on his cell: 847.890.2774
Office Manager's schedule:
Mon. thru Thu.
9 am to 3 pm
Office is closed on Friday and Saturday.
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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
Oct. 5
(open)
Oct. 12
(open)
Oct. 19
(open)
Oct. 26
Bouchard
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Oct. 5
(open)
Oct. 12
(open)
Oct. 19
(open)
Oct. 26
(open)
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Oct. 2
Oct. 3
Bob Gault
Oct. 8
Monica Thornton
Oct. 16
Wally Setlock
Oct. 18
William Thorne
Oct. 20
Michael Prang
Cindy Maril
Ron Purser
Oct. 24
Greg Haben
Corinne Groves
Oct. 27
Mary Jean Schless
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daily
devotional...
Connect to UCC.org for a daily devotional...
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il conference of the ucc
If you would like to receive the e-newsletter
subscribe here
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we
noticed...
Many thanks to...
Kathryn Karwowski and Cathy Price for once again running a succe$$ful LHC Rummage Sale. And thank you to the many helpers who pitched in with organizing, set-up, working the sale and clean-up.
Samantha Prang for helping Pastor David with revising some of the settings on his computer.
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We now have 94.
If we get to 100 we qualify for additional FB benefits...!
Post a photo or send any info, photos or notes to be posted on the Page to the
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dvd discs...
Did you know we have a DVD of each Sunday's worship service? Please let us know if you would like to 'borrow' one. Contact the church office.
video...
Check out the LHC Youtube channel to view periodic postings of church service and event videos.
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add an email address to our list...
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