Little Home Church by the Wayside / UCC | |
By the Way | DECEMBER 2025
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At the beginning of 2025 a group of us read Richard Rohr’s book, The Universal Christ, for the all church read. Our Advent and Christmas series is called “Reflecting the Sacred.”
The series invites us to imagine that indeed, every thing, every one, every encounter, is pregnant with the sacred. Not in a “where is God in this?” notion, but in a much more radical “Christ is here and permeating and radiating from
everywhere” kind of way. Rohr calls this the “Christ Mystery” or “Christ Mirror” and, as the Gospel of John says, it was there “from the beginning.” Rohr’s question to us is this: “What if Christ is another name for everything–in its fullness?” Fullness. Pregnant. Always birthing in and through all of us.
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The picture that you see was taken on my recent retreat to prepare the series. I was taking a picture of the woods through the window where I was staying. A reflection of a circle or wreath of light was in the photo when I looked to see what I had taken. I know that it can all be explained but it also has great spiritual meaning to me because I choose to see the sacred reflection in it. I am excited to see what God reveals to us as we study and worship together this Advent/Christmas Season.
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Advent One – Sacred Time (Hope)
“…you know what time it is. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your sleep… the night is far gone; the day is near.” - Romans 13: 11-14
“Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on that day your Lord is coming.” - Matthew 24: 36-44
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Advent Two – Sacred People (Love)
“May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus…” - Romans 15: 4-13
“This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’" - Matthew 3: 1-12
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Advent Three – Sacred Space (Joy)
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Holy One has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed…”
- Luke 1: 46b-55
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Advent Four – Sacred Knowing (Peace)
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” - Isaiah 7: 10-16
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Christmas Eve – Sacred Being“
…she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger…”
- Luke 2: 1-20
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First Sunday after Christmas– Surprisingly Sacred
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.” - John 1: 1-14
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Second Sunday after Christmas – Sacred Doing
Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son…A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”
- Matthew 2: 13-23
Come and spend some time in sacred reflection together this year!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Larry
P.S. - Stay tuned for more information on our All Church Read for 2026. The book is called "Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship" by Gregory Boyle.
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WE ACCEPT, EMBRACE AND AFFIRM THE DIGNITY AND WORTH OF EVERY PERSON,
AS WE ARE ALL CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGE.
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'Come together to serve'—get involved and join a group,
an event, or a LHC initiative.
Worship Service Sundays, 9:30 am
(recorded/uploaded to our YouTube channel during the week)
Weekly Bible Study—Wednesdays, 10 am via Zoom and in person
Sisters in Spirit Holiday Dinner—Wednesday, Dec. 17
Contemplative Services—Thursday, Dec. 4, 8 am & 7 pm
Women's Advent Tea
Saturday, December 6, 10 am
A Book & A Prayer Book Club—Thursday, Dec. 11, 7 pm via Zoom
Men of LHC Holiday Dinner—Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6 pm
Men of LHC Monthly Breakfast Meeting—Saturday, Dec. 13, 8:30 am
Confirmation Class—Saturday, Dec. 13, 1 pm
Christmas Choral Cantata—Sunday, Dec. 14, 9:30 am
Church Council Meeting—Tuesday, Dec. 16, 6 pm
Sisters in Spirit Holiday Dinner—Wednesday, Dec. 17, 6 pm
Contemplative Service—Thursday, Dec. 18, 8 am & 7 pm
By the Way Submission Deadline—Thursday, Dec. 18
Confirmation Class—Friday, Dec. 19, 4:30 - 6 pm
Northern Illinois Food Bank Volunteer Session—Saturday, Dec. 20, 9 am
Christmas Fund Special Offering—Sunday, Dec. 21
Elgin Cooperative Ministries Soup Kettle Kitchen—Sunday, Dec. 21, 4 - 6 pm
Christmas Eve Christmas Pageant & Worship—Wednesday, Dec. 24, 4:30 pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service—Wednesday, Dec. 24, 9 pm
Christmas Day—OFFICE CLOSED
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm—630.584.4013
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Reflection
As we enter this season of waiting and wonder, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be held by faith, community, and love. I’m plugging my way through chemo treatments and while I’m feeling okay, I deeply miss being with all of you in worship and fellowship. Although I’m not able to be as present in our gatherings right now, I continue to serve as Moderator behind the scenes...supporting our work, staying connected, and cheering on our leadership team.
I am especially grateful to Julie and Samantha for stepping in to lead meetings during this time. Their steady presence and willingness to carry the load reminds me just how blessed we are as a church to share and support leadership so generously.
This month also brings a joyful milestone: Pastor Larry’s fourth anniversary with Little Home Church. His leadership, compassion, and steady presence have guided us through both challenges and growth. Let us take time to celebrate and thank him for walking beside us with such grace.
And of course, Advent is upon us…bringing music, light, hope, and activity to our beloved church. It is a season that reminds us not only of what we await, but who we are becoming together.
Thank you for your prayers, patience, and love during this season of healing for me. And as we move through this beautiful and joy-filled holiday season filled with music, fellowship, giving, and light, may we feel God’s presence in every gathering, every candle lit, and every act of kindness shared.
With gratitude and hope,
Kit DeWitt, Moderator
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EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
December brings a very special Sunday! On Sunday December 14, the Chancel Choir offers A Celtic Christmas, its annual Christmas ‘cantata.’ While not an actual through written cantata, seven carols arranged in a Celtic style interspersed with readings chosen to enrich the lyrics of the carols.
The choir will be accompanied by a string quartet, flute, percussion, and piano. We hope you will be able to be with us to celebrate the season of Jesus’ birth. We promise your spirits will be lifted!
The following Sunday, December 21 the Wayside Ringers
will play the Ukrainian classic Carol of the Bells. And for the 9 pm candlelight service, a quartet of singers will provide a variety of pieces adding to the intimate character of that iconic night.
Throughout the year, the Little Home Church musicians endeavor to present a wide array of music from varied genres intended to please a variety of tastes and support the messages Pastor Larry brings to us each week. We pray that the music we have brought has blessed you. We also pray that Advent and Christmastide will bring moments of deep peace and joy.
With love and gratitude,
Grace Bardsley, Director of Music
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WOMEN'S ADVENT WORSHIP & TEA | | | |
Saturday I December 6 I 10 am
Ladies, come join us as we celebrate the Peace, Love and Joy of the Christmas Season. It is time to secure your spot and let us know if you'll be joining us for this annual event. Please invite your friends. Bring your favorite holiday appetizer or dessert to share. There is a dedicated RSVP sign-up in the Parish Hall or you can respond directly here.
The Little Home Church Advent Tea offers a perfect opportunity to get together, reflect on the season's meaning, and kick off the Christmas season with a focus on peace, love, and joy!
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This is the time of year that we have many visitors. Continue to welcome them and invite them to Fellowship. And don't forget to wear your nametag! It's a welcoming gesture to a visitor! (If you need more, just let the Church Office know!)
Speaking of Fellowship, I am pleased that as I write this, all Sundays through December 21 are covered! Sincere thanks to everyone who has stepped up to help out. The Evangelism Committee discussed ways for more people to participate in providing Fellowship. In coming months, listen to announcements and read the bulletin for detailed information. For a Sunday where no one has signed up to host we plan to create a signup sheet so individuals can volunteer to bring just one item, a dozen donuts for example. Others can volunteer to just set up or clean up. Our goal is to give everyone opportunities to help out and ensure that Fellowship continues. Not all churches have a Fellowship gathering that is as well attended and enjoyed like ours. It is a blessing!
Wishing everyone a blessed and joyous Christmas filled with the peace of Christ and the love of family and friends.
Respectfully submitted,
Rose Mayer, Evangelism Chair
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This is a pared-down version of my message from Stewardship Sunday on Sunday, November 9 and I thought I would share it again in the By the Way.
At Little Home Church, our theme for this year’s Stewardship season — Gather, Grow, Give — reflects the heartbeat of who we are as a congregation: a community rooted in love, nourished by faith, and committed to living out Christ’s call in meaningful, tangible ways. As we look back on the past year, we see how God has been actively at work among us — strengthening our bonds, deepening our faith, and expanding our service to the wider community.
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Gather
Gathering is the foundation of our shared life. Each week we come together in our historic sanctuary to worship, pray, and share the moments that shape our lives. But gathering at Little Home Church extends well beyond Sunday mornings.
This year, we have gathered at fellowship hours, choir rehearsals, SIS meetings, Grateful Gifts, the Blessing of the Hounds, the rummage sale, and many more joyful examples. These moments — large and small — remind us that this church is a place where people find belonging, connection, and encouragement. Every time we come together, we strengthen the bonds that help us live out our faith in the world.
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Grow
From these gatherings, we see growth — spiritual, relational, and outwardly in service.
Little Home Church has grown in its outreach through meaningful partnerships, including:
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Exodus — supporting individuals and families rebuilding their lives by serving the resettlement needs of refugees and other displaced people.
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Neighborhood Food Pantry — ensuring our neighbors have access to food and care.
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CROP Walk — raising funds and awareness to fight hunger both locally and globally.
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Naomi’s House — supporting women healing from trafficking and trauma.
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Toys for Tots — bringing joy to children in need during the holiday season.
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Elgin Cooperative Ministries’ Soup Kettle — preparing and serving warm meals to individuals and families facing homelessness and food insecurity.
Each of these ministries represents growth that happens when faith moves from intention to action. In serving others, we discover how God expands our compassion, strengthens our commitment, and helps us see the world through Christ’s eyes.
We have also grown spiritually and relationally within our own church family — welcoming new members, nurturing our youth, deepening our prayer life, and engaging in conversations and studies that help us grow in understanding. Sometimes growth looks like a full sanctuary; other times it looks like a quiet conversation, a shared meal, or a handwritten note. Every bit of it matters.
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Give
As we gather and grow, we are naturally led into giving — the visible expression of gratitude.
At Little Home Church, giving is not an obligation; it is an act of faith. Through your pledges, service, creativity, and generosity, you sustain the ministries that keep this church vibrant and responsive. Your gifts help us maintain our building and grounds, support our outreach partners, strengthen worship, and nurture the programs that bring meaning and comfort to so many.
Each gift — financial or otherwise — becomes part of the light that shines from this small but mighty church into our community and beyond.
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Looking Ahead
As we enter Stewardship season, we invite you to reflect on how you have experienced gathering, growing, and giving at Little Home Church this past year — and how you feel called to support our shared ministry in the year to come.
Together, we plant seeds of hope, compassion, and love.
Together, we trust that God will give the growth.
As we enter Stewardship season, we invite you to reflect on how you have experienced gathering, growing, and giving at Little Home Church this past year — and how you feel called to support our shared ministry in the year to come.
Together, we plant seeds of hope, compassion, and love.
Together, we trust that God will give the growth.
May we continue to Gather, Grow, and Give — so that Little Home Church remains a place where roots go deep, faith stands tall, and love spreads wide.
Blessings,
Emily Miller, Stewardship Chair
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Congregational Life has placed a Suggestion Box in the Parish Hall. Congregational Life Ministry has plans for additional Movie Nights, Tentative Bingo Night (for adults and children), Congregational in Home Dinners, Elgin Symphony Sunday Matinee concert, Summer Music Concerts and maybe an Escape Room event or Guest Speaker. We would like to hear from you about the events you find interesting or fun. Please submit your ideas in the Suggestion Box.
Look for upcoming information on events in 2026!
Cris Kalomiris
Congregational Life Ministry Chair
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As the holidays approach, we realize , with heavy hearts, that there are so many people who are less fortunate and are struggling today, in a country of such great wealth. The good news is that though our church may be little, BIG hearts step in and make a difference.
The holidays afford an opportunity for each of us to give in many ways. Toys For Tots is an initiative in which we participate where we ask that you donate a toy for a child of any age (unwrapped) and these toys are then delivered to children that may not have received any gift for the holidays. Just pick up a toy and call us and we will pick it up from you or you can always just drop it off at the church office. The deadline is December 3.
We are also aware of the tremendous food insecurity that exists today. You can participate yourself, or with a small group of friends, and provide food for a week for a resettled refugee family who today lives in Kane or DuPage County. We can provide a list of what is needed and give you information on the process. You can also volunteer and join us once the third Saturday of each month from 9 am - Noon as we pack food at the warehouse for the Northern Illinois Food Bank that is located right off Kirk Road in Geneva. Or help us serve or prepare a hot meal to those in need at the Soup Kettle in Elgin on the third Sunday of each month from 4 - 6 pm.
If you choose to share your treasures, you can donate funds to help those who are caught up in human trafficking as our church supports Naomi’s House, an organization dedicated to supporting those victims in our communities who have been a part of this traumatic life. Or please consider dropping off slightly used or new winter coats for those that may be homeless in need this winter.
Please reach out to us and we will welcome your help as we collectively serve those that are less fortunate. Just drop us an email or give us a call and we will help you get involved! And as always, we are grateful to you for your support.
Andrea Redmond/Mary Fleishmann
Outreach Ministry Chairs
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Christmas is THIS month! We once again will be partnering with Toys for Tots. This wonderful organization is run by the United States Marine Corp Reserves and has been delivering a message of hope to needy children to 1947.
We will be collecting NEW unwrapped toys and books for children, infants through teenagers. In 2024, 54,264 toys were distributed to 45,845 children. The distribution stays local. As you are out and about over the next month pick up a toy or two and drop it off at church. Distribution boxes will be set up. The toy catalogs are already out and the sales are happening. The deadline is December 3.
Have fun shopping for T-O-Y-S. Any questions, contact the Church Office.
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Annual Dinner
The Men of LHC will convene for their fifth annual dinner at the Dunham Woods Riding Club on Thursday, December 11. The evening will begin with a social hour at 6 PM, followed by dinner at 7 PM. The dinner includes several menu options. Cost: TBD. All men are welcome. Please reach out to Chris Thornton if you are interested in attending.
Breakfast
The men meet for breakfast on the second Saturday of each month at 8:30 AM. This month’s location will be at Eggceptional Café in Bartlett on Saturday, December 13.
Let Chris the know by the evening of Friday December 12 if you plan on attending.
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Symbols of the Season was another wonderfully successful and fun event, with proceeds at nearly $6,200 before expenses. Wow! Congratulations to everyone who helped bring beauty and joy and fun to this annual event.
Further good news: in November, SiS members decided to donate $650 to the Food Pantry to purchase a (literal) ton of food. We are waiting to learn about how we can financially support the call from Exodus to assist refugee families in need of food.
We will be meeting socially on Wednesday, December 17, at 6 pm for our first ever Holiday Dinner at the Dunham Woods Riding Club. All women are invited even and especially if this will be your first SiS ‘meeting’. Price TBD. Please contact Anne Bouchard by Monday, December 8, to RSVP.
Our first meeting in 2026 will be a potluck breakfast at LHC January 10, 9 am. We will do our debriefing on the Symbols event and discuss plans for next year.
Anne Bouchard & Susi Winquist
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For over one hundred years, The Christmas Fund has provided direct financial assistance to retired and active UCC ministers, church workers, and their families facing financial need. The gifts to the Christmas Fund provide direct assistance to help supplement pensions, help with the rising cost of medical insurance, and funds to meet their emergency needs.
Your gift to this special offering will be appreciated by those servants of the church. Please consider a donation to this special fund to help ensure these dedicated church workers receive the loving support from the Church in the moment of their deepest need.
We have dedicated Sunday, December 21 for this effort. Look for the special offering envelope in the bulletin and consider a small gift to The Christmas Fund, in addition to your regular offering.
Your thoughtfulness and generosity are appreciated.
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Wednesdays, 10 am—In person & via Zoom
The Wednesday Bible Study Class is studying the book book of Acts. There is minimal preparation needed. Come for some great discussion!
Bible Study meets in person in the Pastor’s Office or on Zoom at 10 am.
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Our Contemplative services in December will be held on Thursdays, December 4 and 18 at 8 am and 7 pm. The list of dates can be found here.
Spread the word and bring a friend. It's a peaceful way to either start or end your day.
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LHC Book Club—Via Zoom
Meets 2nd Thursday of the Month, 7 pm
Next Meeting—December 11
The December selection is The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. A gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system. Martha's diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolded in her close-knit Maine community. Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom, months later, is found dead. When a local physician declares the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.
Click here to see the books chosen for 2026!
Click here for Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 891 0088 0154
password: bookclub
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FROM YOUR FINANCIAL SECRETARY | |
It's that time of year again, where I am requesting assistance from church members. If you have any
in-kind donations that you made during 2025 and would like them included on your final 2025 giving statement, PLEASE forward your documentation to me by December 15.
There are many moving parts to completing an individual's annual giving statement, so please pull those in-kind offerings sooner than later. Examples of in-kind giving include donated items used for the Grateful Gifts silent auction, purchased items for our Exodus families or for Naomi's House Comfort bags, non-cash Toys for Tots gifts, or any supplies you might have purchased for an event here at church.
If you have any questions, contact me or find me during fellowship one Sunday.
Mary Harling, Financial Secretary
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As Christians, one of the most powerful privileges of our spiritual life is the invitation to feel God’s grace and presence through ongoing prayer. Believing in the power of individual prayer, a prayer offered up by many becomes even more powerful. With that thought in mind, we invite you to join our Prayer Chain to support the spiritual life of members and friends of Little Home Church.
To Make a Prayer Request: Click Here
Homepage: littlehomechurch.org
Email: info@littlehomechurch.org
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Dec 3 — Gladys Stevenson
Dec 9 — Kristen Thornton
Dec 10 — Carolyn Hutchison, Karissa James, Dave Sterner
Dec 11 — Charles Karwowski
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Dec 13 — Valeri Baldwin
Dec 18 — Liz Okey, Chris Thornton
Dec 19 — Braedon Miller, Ty Wilson-Muno
Dec 28 — Wade Mayer
Dec 29 — Jan DeWitt
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FELLOWSHIP / USHERS / PULPIT ASSOCIATES / FLOWERS | |
Time to sign up!
A simple way to give the gift of your time and enhance our worship experience at the same time is by signing up to be an Usher or a Pulpit Associate! We have upcoming openings this spring where we can use your help! It's easy and appreciated.
Our Fellowship coffee time after worship is in full swing. Consider hosting one Sunday with a friend! You provide the goodies, we provide the coffee and tea. You can also check out the flower sign up sheet to provide Flowers one Sunday to decorate our altar table. The sign up sheets are up in the Parish Hall. If you have any questions, just contact the Church Office.
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To those recently ill or hospitalized...Joe Sterner, Kit DeWitt, Nick DeWitt
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Thank you for continuing to remember
Little Home Church by the Wayside.
Your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
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| THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH STAFF, COUNCIL, AND ALL VOLUNTEERS | | |
Pastor - Larry Dieffenbach
Director of Music - Grace Bardsley
Office Manager - Lori Prang
Organist/Pianist - Nick Metzger
BTW Editors and Graphic Design
Lori Prang and Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
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CHURCH COUNCIL
Moderator - Kit DeWitt
Moderator-elect - Samantha Prang
Christian Education - Emma Kaska
Congregational Life - Cris Kalomiris
Evangelism - Rose Mayer
Facilities - Brian Martisauski/Jan DeWitt
Outreach - Andrea Redmond & Mary Fleischmann
Stewardship - Emily Miller
Worship & Spiritual Growth - Greg Abell
Members at Large - Suzy Moore, Doug Kurtz
Financial Treasurer - Chip Braulick
Financial Secretary - Mary Harling
Clerk - Kristen Thornton
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