FEBRUARY 2016 - By The Way
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SUNDAY SERVICE 9:30 AM

February 7 -- Holy Communion; Transfiguration Sunday
Sermon: Mountain Top Experiences - Scripture: Luke 9:28-36

February 10 -- Ash Wednesday
Sermon: Discipline for Disciples - Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6 
 
February 14 -- Missionary Sunday

February 21 -- Resisting God's Invitation - Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

February 28 -- Spiritually Hungry - Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9
Crown of thorns on a white background Easter religious motif commemorating the resurrection of Jesus- Easter
PASTOR'S MESSAGE
Lengthening of Days

We get the English word "Lent" from the "lengthening" of the days. My thought for us at Little Home Church this Lent, which begins Ash Wednesday February 10 (early this year!) is that we lengthen our spiritual life. In other words, we can, where ever our faith journey is, walk it a little further during this Lent.

Think of the church as a three legged stool. One leg is the inner journey of spiritual life; two is the outer journey of reaching into the world in mission; and the third leg that holds up the stool is the community of Christ's people together. I think it would be good to emphasize leg one, spiritual life, for this six week journey of Lent 2016. And here is what our church has to offer:

Lenten Suppers - Feb 24 & Mar 9 - Two catered suppers, mini-worship and video-discussion of Henri Nouwen: "Solitude, Community and Ministry" at 6:30 pm

Special Worship Services - Ash Wednesday (2/10), Maundy Thursday (3/24), Good Friday (3/25)

Lenten Daily Devotions - We will have the UCC Lenten devotional booklets, "Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength" available for you in the Parish Hall and church vestibule.

Theology on Tap - Feb 28 & Mar 13 - Following our Sunday worship, you are invited to discuss the sermon and anything else theological, religious, faith related, etc. with food and drink at the Dunham Woods Riding Club at 11 am.
Bible Study - Join us every Wednesday at 10 am at the church as we work through the gospel of Luke. Beginners welcome!
As the days lengthen it's a great time to practice the disciplines of worship, prayer and study, especially for "disciples-in progress."

 
Pastor David


FEBRUARY DATES

Bible Study - Wednesdays, 10 am - Currently studying the New Testament book of Luke


Choir Practice - Wednesdays, 7 pm

Playdate - Mondays, 9 to 11 am

A Book & A Prayer - Tuesday, Feb 2, 7 pm  More

Church Council Meeting - Tuesday, Feb 9, 7 pm

Ash Wednesday Potluck & Worship - Wednesday, Feb 10, 6 pm (Potluck), 7:30 pm (Worship)

Friday Night at the Movies - Friday, Feb 12, 7 pm  More

Men of LHC Breakfast - Saturday, Feb 13, 8:30 am, Colonial Restaurant

Missionary Sunday - Sunday, Feb 14, 9:30 am, Q&A and Potluck Fellowship at 10:30 am  More

March BTW Deadline - Friday, Feb 19

Lenten Supper & Program - Wednesday, Feb 24, 6:30 pm 

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off - Saturday, Feb 27, 6:30 am  More

Theology on Tap - Sunday, Feb. 28, 11 am  More

 

 


MISSIONARYSUNDAY
MISSIONARY SUNDAY
HEAR THEIR STORY

Little Home Church will host a missionary family on Sunday, Feb. 14 and we will hear their story during worship, and have the opportunity for Q&A with refreshments after worship. Gloria Vicente and her husband, Santos Par Vasquez, are now both serving as missionaries in Guatemala and have returned home with their three small children (ages 3, 5, 7) to the Chicago area during January and February. We are fortunate to be one of a few congregations able to have them visit. We will learn from their wealth of knowledge that Gloria and Santos can share about the work of the church in Guatemala especially with the critical presence work that Gloria has been doing with refugee support and that Santos has been doing with indigenous peoples.

Church Council is inviting the congregation to celebrate them by contributing to Fellowship on that Sunday. If your last name begins with: A-H, bring Cheese & Crackers or Egg Casserole; I-P, bring   Coffee Cake/Loaf; Q-Z, bring Veggie or Fruit Plate, or Egg Casserole

Pastor David
Larry D.
LARRY'S NOTES
REFLECTION & CELEBRATION

"Lent is a time to renew wherever we are in that process that I call the divine therapy." - Thomas Keating 

Please join us in our worship services through this time of reflection and celebration. The choir will be offering anthems that give us an opportunity to explore that "divine therapy." We will begin at the Ash Wednesday service and culminate with a brass ensemble on Easter Sunday morning.

Bell Choir will rehearse on February 10 and 17, and play on the 21st. 

Thank you to the entire congregation for once again providing us with the funds to have an outstanding music program. We appreciate it so much!

Watch for dates of "The Gospel Mass" later this Spring!
 
Larry Dieffenbach, Director of Music, Organist
chili bowl
ChiliCookOff
CHILI COOK-OFF
COME JOIN THE DELICIOUS FUN

Time again for cookin' and eatin' hot, tasty chili at Little Home Church...and raisin' money for our Outreach Ministry. Cozy up to a crockpot on Saturday, FEBRUARY 27 at 6:30 pm and enjoy the 11th Annual LHC Chili Cook-Off.

Sign-up sheets are in the Parish Hall for you to RSVP, claim your chili cook's spot, and bring some chili trimmings. BYOB. Denim, cowboy boots and Stetson hats are encouraged...but ya better leave the six shooter at home.

Cowboy Wisdom...
'Don't Squat With Yer Spurs On!'

Congregational Life Ministry:
Barb Braulick
Debra Galloway
CONGRATULATIONS LHCjanualmeeting
'JANUAL' MEETING NEWS

Plenty of people in attendance and proxy votes on hand to make the quorum required for voting in the 2016 LHC Budget.
Attendance: 33    Proxy Votes: 16

Moderator, Alex Kentfield conducted the meeting. Pastor David provided the opening and closing prayers.

Opening Video: LHC 2015 Click here

 Re-Visioning: Chairperson, Susi Winquist reported the committee has identified 40+ local community organizations, including: municipalities; police; schools; churches; veterans; counseling; seniors; and service related agencies. In an effort to gain knowledge about the needs in our community, the committee will be conducting interviews with these groups in the months of February and March, with projected completion by April 15.

Search & Call: Chairperson, Greg Abell provided an update on the committee's progress. Since June 2015 there have been over 50 candidate profiles submitted, then 20 of those reviewed for consideration. Five 1st interviews have been conducted in person or via Skype, and one 2nd interview conducted with another 2nd interview planned for later this month. When a new pastor is unanimously chosen by the committee, that choice will be presented to the Council for agreement. Once agreed by Council, the pastor will preach at LHC for the congregation to confirm the choice.

Stewardship: Bob Kaska reported the 'Challenge Match' to reduce our 2015 deficit with a goal of $30,000, started in late September with a group of 12 contributing $20,000. Then another 26 people from the congregation contributed to the match producing a total of $31,600 to exceed the original goal of $30K. Bob felt that the generosity of so many in our congregation speaks to the positive spirit and direction going forward in our church.

Mr. Kaska also reported the '2016 Pledge Campaign' has reaped $190,000 in pledges from 70 people. This number represents the largest pledge amount to date, as well as the fastest pledge campaign to date! Bob said, "The pledge is not a bill, it is a promise. A promise to the future based in faith and hope in Christ--and the future of LHC. Our future is full of promise!"

Treasurer's Report: Art Zwemke provided four Exhibits outlining the financial position of LHC. 

Exhibit #1: Balance Sheet, showed Net Fund Balance of $245,108 which represents a net decrease of ($18,558) from 2014, mostly attributed to and Operating Fund Deficit of ($21,520). 

Exhibit #2: Showed funds we maintain in addition to Operating Fund. 

Exhibit #3: Shows Operating Fund Deficit of ($21,520) for 2015. This deficit would have been comparable to 2014 if it were not for the 'Challenge Match' efforts of Stewardship Ministry. Exhibit also shows the proposed Operating Fund Budget for 2016 with a projected deficit of ($16,350). This projected deficit is less than prior years due to strong pledge commitments and plans for several fund raisers forecasted at $30,000.

Fund Transfer: Treasurer recommended a transfer of $21,520 from the Petersen & Dixon Fund to the Operating Fund to cure the remaining 2015 deficit. The Treasurer's Report for 2015, the proposed 2016 Operating Budget and the fund transfer was accepted by a unanimous vote.

Fundraising Plans: Moderator-elect, Kathleen Sullivan Kaska proposed a plan to raise funds to support our Outreach Ministry, and at the same time reach out to the community. A '2016 Fundraising' document was shared that listed projects we currently do at LHC and additional project ideas to increase the amount we raise to $30,000. This would include creating a major annual LHC fund-raiser--The Wayne Walk--to be held in October. Click for List

Thank you to everyone who took time to attend the meeting and all who worked to provide the various reports to the congregation, including Kristen Thorton who diligently recorded the minutes of our meeting. Also, thank you to the council members who brought cake, snacks and refreshments for the fellowship time.

Kathleen Sullivan Kaska, Moderator-elect
movie
FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
'CONTACT' - FEBRUARY 12 AT 7 PM

"Contact," a 1997 adaptation of a Carl Sagan novel, with Jodie Foster as Dr. Arroway who races to interpret a possible message originating from the Vega star system. Once contact has been proven, she must contend with a restrictive National Security Adviser (played by James Woods) along with religious fanatics bent on containing the implications of such an event. 

Join the group if you'd like at 5:30 pm for dinner at O'Hare's Irish Pub located at Army Trail and Rt. 59. They would love to have you! 

Any questions? Please contact Maureen O'Donnell at 630.462.0331
bookclub
A BOOK & A PRAYER BOOK CLUB
TUESDAY, MARCH 1

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill.
 
Winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize. "Wonderfully written...populated by vivid characters and rendered in fascinating detail." - Nancy Kline, New York Times Book Review

Kidnapped from Africa as a child, Aminata Diallo is enslaved in South Carolina but escapes during the chaos of the Revolutionary War. In Manhattan she becomes a scribe for the British, recording the names of blacks who have served the King and earned their freedom in Nova Scotia. But the hardship and prejudice of the new colony prompt her to follow her heart back to Africa, then on to London, where she bears witness to the injustices of slavery and its toll on her life and a whole people. It is a story that no listener, and no reader, will ever forget. 

Meets 1st Tuesday of every month, 7 pm in the Parish Hall
Kathy Haben
Easter palm cross
WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL GROWTH
LENT BEGINS

It is difficult to imagine but we will soon embark on the journey through Lent. Please join us for food, fellowship, and worship on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10. As is our tradition, plan to gather around 6 pm for a Potluck Supper. Bring your favorite main dish, side or dessert to share with family and friends. A sign-up sheet will be in the Parish Hall. Beverages and tableware will be provided. Our meal and fellowship will be followed by a worship service and the anointing of ashes at 7:30 pm. Set-up and Clean-up assistance are always welcome. 

There are many simple ways you can serve LHC on any given Sunday. Check the sign-up sheets in the Parish Hall for open dates to provide flowers for the altar table or host a coffee hour after worship. 

Have you ever served as a pulpit associate or usher? Have you done so in the past but it's been awhile? Are you a recent volunteer but enjoy taking an active role in worship leadership? In the next few weeks and months there are opportunities available to serve your Church as a PA or Usher. Call or email Susi or Lori in the church office to sign up. 

Shalom, Susi Winquist
THEOLOGY ON TAPTHEOLOGYONTAP
DISCUSSION WITH FOOD & DRINK

Join us on the Sundays, Feb. 28 and Mar. 13, 11 am for brunch after worship at the Dunham Woods Riding Club on Army Trail Road. We'll begin our discussion with the morning's sermon and then go wherever the discussion leads on topics of theology, faith, religion, prayer, ethics, etc. Each person will be responsible for their own tab. Contact me if you have any questions.

Pastor David
JOURNEY OF FAITH
LENTEN SUPPER AND PROGRAM

Wednesday nights, Feb. 24 and Mar. 9, we will have a program featuring Henri Nouwen on DVD, one of the finest theologians and faith leaders of the 20th century. 

6:30 pm - Catered supper begins 
7 pm - Inter-generational mini-Lenten worship experience 
7:15 pm - Video and discussion for adults, and childcare for children. 
8 pm - We will conclude

Please RSVP for the supper so we know how much food to cater. 
There will be a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall or email Pastor David.

Pastor David
SEARCH & CALL COMMITTEE
AN UPDATE

To date, the Search & Call Committee has reviewed the profiles of over 40 candidates for the Pastor position of Little Home Church. We continue to review candidates based upon numerous criteria and request video sermons of every viable candidate. After the expected slowdown over the holidays, we have received several new profiles during January that are presently being examined and evaluated. In addition, we are in communication with a few candidates concerning interviews. 

We are in constant communication with the Fox Valley UCC regarding our search, and they continue to be watchful for a candidate who might be appropriate as our Pastor.

We are a strong, united and dedicated team, working together to ensure that we call the best candidate to be our next Pastor. Be assured that we remain fully committed to our responsibility and the process. We continue to be supported by your prayers and encouragement. 

Search & Call Committee: Greg Abell; Carol Berger; Anne Bouchard; Matt Hadfield; Judy Hopkins; and Alex Kentfield

Judy Hopkins
FROM THE MODERATOR
ALOHA

Aloha and Hello, everyone. Recently, my wife, Christa, and I were fortunate enough to again visit our son, Philip (Fil), who lives in Honolulu, Hawai'i. You know that you're in a totally different culture when, upon hearing announcements over the airport's PA system; the first language is foreign (Hawaiian), then English! Often, random groups of volunteers (chamber of commerce, Kiwanis clubs, etc.) will be there to greet new arrivals with flower garlands or leis (free of course), and a smiling Aloha! No, this is not just a marketing ploy, although it does make folks feel genuinely welcome. The spirit of Aloha is just as honest in the throbbing down-town shopping meccas of Waikiki and Honolulu (which would have no trouble whatsoever in giving Chicago's "mag mile" or New York's 5th Ave. a run for their money!), as it is along the extremely rural Hanna Road of Maui dotted with mango and flower plantations and open range cattle grazing.

On a hike with Christa and my son, we saw whales breaching out in the distant bay. Fil and I later were privileged to get up to them really close. At my feet, little mountain doves, about a third the size or mourning doves, fluttered about, often landing on my arm wistfully looking at my palm and then me for food. Suddenly recollections of one of my favorite hymns, "God of the sparrow (God of the whales)", came to mind, and my experience that day gave it a totally new meaning. Something was very wrong, or rather very right with this entire picture.

"Peace be unto you," "Shalom", and Aloha all mean the exact same thing! The people of Hawai'i work hard to keep the "spirit of Aloha" alive in their culture. They respect the Earth and give thanks to God who created it. They know that they came from the earth, and will return to it. They know that both the sparrow, the whale and their beloved Hono the sea turtle each have a place and a role in God's grand plan too. They, as a State within the United States, have an advantage: in a democratic society, the people rule. And in Hawai'i's case, the people know what they want and lobby and vote to keep it.

I can see our Lord surfing, smiling at the whales beneath his board, stepping on shore and extending His hand to the doves, giving them a Blessed Perch. I can see our Lord throwing a few pieces of driftwood into the fire to cook the fish and toast the taro root bread that He will share on the shore with his disciples. The spirit of Aloha, the greeting of Shalom, the passing of Peace is a God-given universal gift. We need to accept it and share it, whatever our particular heritage or culture may call it. 

Alex Kentfield, alex.kentfield@sbcglobal.net 
Man holding pray word in palm with wooden background
OUR LOVE & PRAYERS

Recently hospitalized or ill:
Andrea Ferguson

Our condolences:
To Jane, Tim & Clara Shelton on the loss of their beloved son and brother Samuel Marston Shelton. Please keep their family and friends in your prayers. Obituary

Thank you to all our service men and women.
We continue to keep SSG Greg Haben in our thoughts and thank him for his service to our country. 

pink_orchid.jpg

FLOWERS & FELLOWSHIP
SCHEDULE FOR THE MONTH

Be a part of the spirit of Sunday. Please consider providing flowers for the altar or hosting some light treats to share in the Parish Hall after Sunday worship. Email/call the church office or use the sign-up sheets hanging on a the East bulletin board in the Parish Hall. A reminder call or email will come from the office so you can note what should be listed in the Sunday service bulletin. Check the church web site for updates. Check the listing

Flowers  Feb 7/Bergland & Ferguson; Feb 14/Braulick; Feb 21/ McLaughlin; Feb 28/O'Donnell
Fellowship  Feb 7/Bergland & Ferguson; Feb 14/Council; Feb 21/(open); Feb 28/(open)

Thank you for your help in making our church look and feel beautiful on Sunday morning...!


'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' WISHES

Feb 2 - Dorothy Coleman
Feb 3 - Debra Galloway, Mary Sterner
Feb 13 - Carol Berger, Maureen O'Donnell
Feb 14 - Leigh Bechet, Lori Prang
Feb 22 - Andrea Ferguson
Feb 23 - Joshua Winquist
Feb 24 - Larry Dieffenbach
Feb 25 - Tim Boles
Feb 26 - Frank Muno
Feb 28 - Glen Galloway
BE CONNECTED

UCC DAILY DEVOTIONAL click

ILLINOIS CONFERENCE OF THE UCC click

LHC FACEBOOK PAGE click

LHC GARDENING ANGELS FACEBOOK PAGE click

LHC YOUTUBE CHANNEL click

LHC TWITTER click


CHURCH LEADERSHIP
THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH STAFF AND COUNCIL VOLUNTEERS

Pastor - Reverend Dr. David Russell
Pastor Emeritus - Reverend Dr. Don Heinrich
Director of Music/Organist - Larry Dieffenbach
Office Manager - Lori Prang 
Custodian - Odie Perry 
 
Church Council
Moderator - Alex Kentfield
Moderator-elect - Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Stewardship - Bob Kaska
Evangelism - Ann McLaughlin
Outreach - Valeri Baldwin
Congregational Life - Barbara Braulick
Christian Education - Frank Muno
Worship & Spiritual Growth - Jane Shelton
Facilities - Anne Bouchard and Chip Braulick
Members at Large - Susi Winquist and Carol Berger
Financial Treasurer - Art Zwemke
Financial Secretary - Ann McLaughlin
Clerk - Kristen Thornton
Learn more
Little Home Church by the Wayside UCC
32W128 Army Trail Road, Wayne, IL 60184
630.584.4013

Editors: Lori Prang and Kathleen Sullivan Kaska

OFFICE SCHEDULE: 
Monday - Thursday , 9 am to 3 pm
Closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday

PASTOR DAVID: Cell 847.890.2774