JULY 2016 - By The Way
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pastorsmessage

NEW PASTOR'S MESSAGE
GOOD FRIENDS

Friends, as I write these words, I sit in the parsonage in which I have lived with my family in West Newton Massachusetts for almost eighteen years. Even so, life has already begun the shift toward the Fox River Valley. Last week, my brother and I drove a load of furniture, housewares and books out to St. Charles and began the process of making a home in our townhouse there. My Weber's on the deck and my rocking chair is by the hearth. There are boxes of books poised to move to the pastor's office at Little Home Church. In a few days, I will set out with Fletcher, our American Mutt and take up a bachelors' residence with him while Jane and Oscar finish out the summer in Newton.
 
I am eager to settle in and get started. I look forward to get rolling in the midst of the lush summer in Wayne, get into the groove of the office and the rhythms of the congregation and get my bearings before life gets up and running full tilt in the fall. We have barely begun to know each other. All I can say is that I have been quite favorably impressed by the Search and Call Committee, the lay leaders and staff members I have worked with thus far as well as other members I have met. Jane and I are both excited about building a life at Little Home Church.
 
After worship on April 24, Jane, Max, Oscar and I sat in the pastor's office as the congregation met in the sanctuary. I asked Max if he had noticed I took his advice on the opening of the sermon he had heard me practicing in the hotel. He smiled and said he then proceeded to make further pointed comments about the sermon. We educate our children so they can educate us. Soon Alex Kentfield came in the office and he reported that the congregation voted overwhelmingly to call me to be the next Pastor of Little Home Church by the Wayside.
 
Overwhelming is nice and I know it is not unanimous, which is fine. I am good, but far from perfect. I am truly glad everyone voted their conscience. That is as it should be. Going forward, I hope those of you who have misgivings will share them with me at some point, sooner rather than later, but when you feel comfortable. I hope we can speak "the truth in love." (Ephesians 4:15) Christ's Church is built on love, not agreement. Just read the Gospels or Paul's letters. The disciples and saints of the early Church were a contentious and passionate lot. Jesus did command his disciples to love one another. "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)
 
As I write these words, it is Father's Day, and a week since the shootings at The Pulse night club in Orlando that killed 49 people and wounded dozens of others. As a nation, we are on the threshold of a presidential election, if the campaign so far is any indication, promises more heat than light.  Our country, our world needs people who are organized by, and committed to a vision of love, and peace and justice. So let's take the love that God gives us and give it away to a world that cries out for it. May Little Home Church live out the words of the old hymn, "They'll know we are Christians by our love."
 
Yours in Christ,

 

HOT JULY DATES fireworks_panorama.jpg

Bible Study - Wednesdays, 10 am 

A Book & A Prayer - Tuesday, July 5, 7 pm  More

Friday Night at the Movies - Friday, July 8, 7 pm  More

Church Council Meeting - Thursday, July 14, 7 pm - NOTE DATE CHANGE

Kane County Cougars Baseball Game - Sunday, July 17, 1 pm - GET TICKETS NOW   More

August BTW Deadline - Friday, July 22

NEW Tai Chi Class - Mondays, 6:30-8 pm; Tuesdays, 9-10:30 am; Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm  More


CHURCH CALENDAR - CHECK IT OUT...!



pastorsmessage
MODERATOR'S REPORT
GRATITUDE

My sincere thank you to all the members who are continuing their commitment to Little Home Church by serving on Church Council and participating in the excitement of a new Pastor, a New Beginning Mission Focus, and leadership in a new look toward our valued traditions and future possibilities. Allow me to introduce our new Church Council:

Moderator - Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Moderator elect - Anne Bouchard
Christian Education - Karen Kaluzsa
Congregational Life - Barb Braulick
Evangelism - Ann McLaughlin
Facilities - Chip Braulick; Anne Bouchard
Outreach - Valerie Baldwin
Stewardship - Bob Kaska
Worship & Spiritual Growth - Jane Shelton
Member at Large - Carol Berger
Member at Large - Susi Winquist
Clerk - Kristen Thornton
Treasurer - Art Zwemke
Financial Secretary - Ann McLaughlin

And the LHC Committees:

Re-Visioning/Long Range Planning Committee
Susi Winquist - Chairperson
Kathy Haben; Karen Kaluzsa; Bob Kaska; Kathleen Sullivan Kaska; Alex Kentfield; Susannah Lesswing; Peg Schramuk; Jim Winquist

Nominating Committee
Moderator - Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Moderator elect - Anne Bouchard
Past Moderator - Alex Kentfield
Member at large - Susi Winquist

Endowment Committee
Tom Atkins; George Bergland; Andrea Ferguson; Bob Kaska; Art Zwemke

Music Committee
Sharon Bergland; Jen Haseltine; Jane Shelton

Personnel Relations Committee
Moderator - Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Past Moderator - Alex Kentfield
Congregation members - Kathy Haben; Susi Winquist

Pastoral Relations Committee
Judy Hopkins; Alex Kentfield; Tim Shelton

Budget Committee
Moderator; Moderator elect; 7 Ministry Chairs; Treasurer

By-Laws Committee
Moderator elect - Anne Bouchard
Council members - Kristen Thornton & Carol Berger
Church member - Mark Lesswing

Our first Council Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 14, 7 pm. All are welcome to attend. And in the spirit of 'new beginnings' Pastor Richard, Moderator-elect Anne Bouchard and I have already discussed plans to put a 'new spin' on how we gather monthly at these meetings to serve our God, our church, ourselves, and each other.

With gratitude,

Kathleen Sullivan Kaska, LHC Moderator    Connect with Kathleen
MENOFLHC

MEN OF LHC
BASEBALL ON SUNDAY, JULY 17

Kane County Cougar Baseball Outing
Sunday, July 17, 1 pm
All are welcome to see the Cougars take on the South Bend Cubs at Fifth Third Ballpark in Geneva. Bring a date, the children, grandchildren, family and neighbors! 

60 seats are reserved
$12.50 per ticket
Sign up: Call or email Church Office
For more information contact the MEN OF LHC.
MENOFLHC

NEW FRIENDS AT LHC
TAI CHI CLASSES STARTING JULY 5

We are excited to announce that the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA will begin offering classes in the Parish Hall this July. This group is part of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society, a volunteer organization operating in 28 countries and 30 states in the United States. Their aims and objectives are:  

- To make Taoist Tai Chi ® internal arts available for all

- To promote the health-improving qualities of Taoist Tai Chi ® internal arts

- To promote cultural exchange

- To help others

 

Tai Chi is learned by doing. It was originally practiced for self-defense, but has evolved into an alternative, non-impact, graceful exercise, which can help reduce stress, relax your body and replenish your energy. Tai chi has been described as 'meditation in motion' and also helps improve circulation, balance, and increase strength and flexibility.

 
It takes about three to four months to learn the 108-move set, and the beginner class format is quite simple. The instructor will demonstrate a move several times, then perform it with the class, and finally watch the students as they repeat it. People of all ages and conditions can learn.
 
July and August class schedule:
Monday, 6:30 to 8 pm - Beginners Class
Tuesday, 9 to 10:30 am - Continuing Class
Wednesday, 6:30 to 8 pm - Continuing Class
 
Classes begin on Tuesday July 5 in the Parish Hall. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes with good support like walking shoes or sneakers.
 
The Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA is not a "fee for service" organization but instead relies on participant contributions. There are different options for contributing. Please contact stcharles.il@taoist.org for information on participant contributions. 
 
Welcome to the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA. 
For additional information, contact Mike Polachek: mpolachek@polacheklawfirm.com
MusicNotes
Larry D.
LARRY'S NOTES
SUMMER MUSIC

Thanks to the choir and Matt Jones for sharing their musical gifts at Reverend Russell's last worship service with us.
 
We have soloists lined up for the first half of the summer but we could use some more people after July 10th. The Bell Choir and The Adult choir will take a few Sundays but we could use some more soloists.
 
We are looking forward to working and worshipping with Reverend Malmberg in the months and years to come.
 
Larry Dieffenbach, Director of Music, Organist  
MusicNotes
BIBLE STUDY ON WEDNESDAYS 
GOD IS STILL SPEAKING

Looking forward to joining with the saints of Little Home Church to study Scripture on Wednesdays. The Bible is the common ground on which all Christians start. I would like to spend our first session getting to know each other by talking about how our relationship with Scripture has evolved through our lives. If there is time we will begin discussing the book of Micah.

The United Church of Christ proclaims 'God is still speaking.' For centuries, God has spoken through prophets, and some of the words of the ancient Hebrew prophets are still relevant today. Just two verses of Micah can still guide our worship, our spiritually, our mission and theology:

"With what shall I come before the Lord,and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:6-8)

Pastor Richard   Connect with Richard
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE        
FAREWELL TO INTERIM PASTOR DAVID

Thank you to everyone who donated their time and talent, in your kitchens at home or in your garden, in helping to make Pastor David's farewell brunch so special. It was a great goodbye...and David loved his new swim towel...!

Since I was getting a number of requests to share my pasta salad recipe that was served...here it is:

Barb's Chicken Pasta Salad
8 oz. bow tie pasta cooked according to directions
2 cups diced cooked chicken or turkey
1/2 sliced and marinated and sliced sun-dried tomatoes
12 sliced kalamata olives or black assorted olives
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup pesto
Fresh basil for garnish
Goat Cheese for garnish

Cook the pasta. While cooking combine the pasta, chicken or
turkey, tomatoes and olives. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and pesto. Blend well. Add to chicken mixture and toss to coat.
With much appreciation and Bon Appetit...!
 
God Bless,
Barb Braulick   
movie
FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
'BROOKLYN' - JULY 8 AT 7 PM

Come join the group to watch and discuss a movie at Little Home Church. Beforehand, some of us gather for a meal at O'Hare's Pub, Rt. 59 and Army Trail Road.

BROOKLYN tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother's home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her vivacity is disrupted by her past, and Eilis must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within. 

Any questions? Please contact Maureen O'Donnell at 630.462.0331  
bookclub
A BOOK & A PRAYER BOOK CLUB
TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 7 PM

Meets 1st Tuesday of every month
7 pm in the Parish Hall


NEXT BOOK: 'Light Between Oceans,' by M.L. Stedman
After four harrowing years on the Western Front, Tom Sherbourne returns to Australia and takes a job as the lighthouse keeper on Janus Rock, nearly half a day's journey from the coast. To this isolated island, where the supply boat comes once a season and shore leaves are granted every other year at best, Tom brings a young, bold, and loving wife, Isabel. Years later, after two miscarriages and one stillbirth, the grieving Isabel hears a baby's cries on the wind. A boat has washed up onshore carrying a dead man and a living baby. 

Tom, whose records as a lighthouse keeper are meticulous and whose moral principles have withstood a horrific war, wants to report the man and infant immediately. But Isabel has taken the tiny baby to her breast. Against Tom's judgment, they claim her as their own and name her Lucy. When she is two, Tom and Isabel return to the mainland and are reminded that there are other people in the world. Their choice has devastated one of them. 

M. L. Stedman's mesmerizing, beautifully written novel seduces us into accommodating Isabel's decision to keep this "gift from God." And we are swept into a story about extraordinarily compelling characters seeking to find their North Star in a world where there is no right answer, where justice for one person is another's tragic loss. 

The Light Between Oceans is exquisite and unforgettable, a deeply moving novel.  

And don't forget, at our meeting on July 5 we will be discussing George Washington's Secret Six: The Spy Ring that Saved the American Revolution by Brian Kilmeade & Don Yaeger

Kathy Haben  Connect with Kathy 
OUR 'PLAN MAKING' CONTINUES       
FUNDRAISER IS TAKING SHAPE

This month we will finalize the list of unique Wayne properties to be on our LHC Wayne Walk in October, and we will formalize the committees and volunteers so an event coordination meeting can be schedule for later in July. This event will represent the 'lion's share' of our funding for the Outreach Ministry budget. Please plan to participate in making this LHC fundraiser a joyful success for everyone. More info

Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
FOX VALLEY ASSOCIATION 
ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE

On June 17 & 18, I attended the 2016 Illinois Conference of the UCC Annual Meeting in East Peoria, IL. The first morning there was time to network with a "turn around" pastor from Lockport and a capital campaign specialist from Glen Ellyn. I was able to attend workshops on spiritual direction and one on transforming the local church. Both were excellent. 

The body of the conference included business and budget reports, the installation of officers, numerous farewells to retiring clergy and closing churches. There was an emergency resolution affirming the coalition of the Immokalee workers' boycott of Wendy's, a mission project and presentations by Advocate Health Care and Elmhurst College. It is sad to note that both Tower Hill and Pilgrim Park are suffering due to very low attendance of campers and both are in need of expensive maintenance. The most impressive speaker was at the end of the conference and was an 18 year old who spoke about how missions are unique to each individual. Her clear and simply explained presentation received a standing ovation.

The 2017 Conference will be June 8 & 10, 2017 at Elmhurst College.

Thank you for the opportunity to attend,
Maureen O'Donnell   
thank you notes
THANK YOU

As staff members of the Little Home Church by the Wayside we would like to express our thanks to you for recognizing us at the 'Junual' Congregational Meeting and for your generous gifts to us. It was a complete surprise and we are all very grateful and honored to be a part of this church family. We look forward to serving you and working with Reverend Malmberg in the years to come!
 
Sincerely,
 
Larry Dieffenbach, Odie Perry, Lori Prang
A HEARTFELT GOOD-BYE
FROM INTERIM PASTOR DAVID RUSSELL

It is with a heart overflowing with gratitude that I thank you all for your generous gift to me at last Sunday's farewell brunch. 

It is with deep appreciation and some tears that I say farewell. You are a strong, vital congregation overflowing with talent, expertise and resources. 

With Richard as your Pastor, I look forward to hearing great things about you. God will give you what you need and be your guide and strength. Trust the Holy One.

Blessings in abundance,





Pastor David
MEET ME IN THE GARDEN
NEW OUTDOOR SEATING TO RELAX AND VISIT

You might have noticed the wonderful new additions to our church's courtyard garden...! It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank the Berger Family: Carol, Jonathan, Elizabeth and Caroline for their lovely and generous donation of outdoor furniture for our Little Home Church courtyard garden in memory of their beloved husband and father, John Berger. 

John would often sit in the garden on Sundays during coffee hour and chat. There is also another bench on order for the brick 'circle' area in the garden as well. What a lovely remembrance for all of us to enjoy for years to come!

FLOWERS & FELLOWSHIP
SCHEDULE FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

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 the 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 - July 3/Search & Call; July 10/Open; July 17/Open; July 24/Open; July 31: Smith

Fellowship - July 3/Search & Call; July 10/Open; July 17/Open; July 24/
Open;
July 31/
 Open

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


HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO ALL

July 4 - June Bruskewitz
July 6 - Grace Hadfield
July 10 - Doug Hancock
July 12 - Kay Clancy
July 16 - Polly Heinrich
July 18 - Meg Withall
July 20 - Art Zwemke
July 22 - Kimberly Kentfield
July 24 - Ellison Smith
July 25 - Mary Roach
MORE CONGRATS TO OUR GRADS
Meredith Starrett  (granddaughter of Dee Dee Starrett) graduating Simsbury High School (Connecticut) and attending Colgate University.
Man holding pray word in palm with wooden background
OUR LOVE & PRAYERS

Our condolences:
To Randy, Melissa, Madeline and Ellison Smith. Randy's sister, Jodie Gunderson passed away suddenly on June 14. Please remember Randy and his family in your prayers.

To family & friends of Dori Sills on her passing. Dori taught Sunday Sunday School here in the 50s and 60s. She was 96.
 

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CHURCH LEADERSHIP
THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH STAFF AND COUNCIL VOLUNTEERS

Pastor - Reverend Richard Malmberg
Pastor Emeritus - Reverend Dr. Don Heinrich
Director of Music/Organist - Larry Dieffenbach
Office Manager - Lori Prang 
Custodian - Odie Perry 
 
Church Council
Moderator - Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Moderator-elect - Anne Bouchard
Stewardship - Bob Kaska
Evangelism - Ann McLaughlin
Outreach - Valeri Baldwin
Congregational Life - Barbara Braulick
Christian Education - Karen Kaluzsa
Worship & Spiritual Growth - Jane Shelton
Facilities - Chip Braulick, Anne Bouchard
Members at Large - Susi Winquist, 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 RICHARD: Cell 617.538.4757