The Council has approved a three-month contract extension, April 1st through June 30th, engaging the services of Pastor David as our Interim. The terms of an interim contract call for a six-month commitment with renewals in three-month increments. Keep in mind, the usual interim tenure is twelve to twenty-four months. Thank you David for all your hard work guiding LHC through the process.

In light of the projected 2015 budget deficit, I feel it is important for the congregation to be kept up-to-date on our financial status. Per our Treasurer's monthly report we have experienced a very slow start to 2015. Operating and Pledge receipts are well behind the three-year average. Let us pray for an upward trend in the weeks and months to come.

We often hear timing is everything. Lent provides us opportunity for inner reflection and soul searching in preparation for Easter. The Easter resurrection fills us with hope for the days to come. Coincidentally, as Lent draws to a close and the Easter miracle looms closer, we are experiencing a move from the gloom of winter to new life everywhere in creation. Spring, a beacon of hope, a new beginning. Good timing or once again an assurance of God's love?

New Beginnings 

As the earth comes alive again, we at LHC move to the next phase of the New Beginnings program. It is at this juncture that your input is required. Each congregation member is invited to participate in Phase III by attending one of the congregational discussion series. The team is offering a day-long Saturday gathering; a series of three two-hour sessions Sunday after Worship; and a series of three two-hour Thursday evening sessions. Look for posted information on dates, times and sign-up sheets in the Parish Hall. Or email the church office to let us know which 'Path to Participation' you would like to choose: lori@littlehomechurch.org

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Sunday Series - Apr 26, May 3 & 17 - 11 am to 1 pm

Thursday Series - May 7, 14, & 21 - 7 to 9 pm

Saturday Retreat - May 2 - 9 am to 3 pm

At the first session, attendees will receive a copy of the comprehensive report compiled by Doug Pfeiffer from Hope Partnership. The reports will be reviewed and discussed in depth in small groups facilitated by a team member. Topics for conversation will include the life/mission/ministry of LHC in the community; current energy levels and member participation; available resources; challenges for growth; and our readiness to embrace change.

All your thoughts and ideas shared in the various sessions will be collated and brought to the congregation. Then, after prayerful consideration of all the discussions, the goal is to come to a congregational consensus on the future mission/direction for LHC, what God has called us to do. Once LHC has made a thoughtful, realistic decision about the future we can move forward and our work shall begin in earnest.

New Beginnings is not a problem-solving program for LHC or any Church. It is a path to guide us into looking at ourselves with clear vision and an open mind to unknown possibilities. To move forward we must stop doing the same things over and over again expecting different results each time.

Dialogue and open lines of communication are vital to the success of this process. Please feel free to bring any comments or question to a member of the team: Pastor David; Kathy Haben; Kathleen and Bob Kaska; Nancy Schatzeder; Peg Schramuk; Susi and Jim Winquist.