'Junual' Congregational Meeting is postponed,
but the Council Election is not.
The vote for Church Council will be via email, phone or US mail.
Please see the proposed 2020/2021 slate of candidates below.
Voting information is to come.
|
|
|
Moderator's Message
Karen Kaluzsa
Greetings from home!
What an unusual year this is shaping up to be! Sadly, we received word from the Forest Preserve of DuPage County that it is canceling all bookings exceeding 50 people through the remainder of 2020, so we will not be able to hold our annual Outdoor Worship service at Pratts Wayne Woods this year.
We also have decided to postpone our annual “Junual” meeting originally scheduled for June 7, since the logistics of getting a quorum of the congregation onto a Zoom call, taking attendance and holding a meaningful discussion seems daunting. Instead, as per our Bylaws we will hold the meeting “as soon as the church calendar permits,” and in the meantime we will send you our Annual Report and hold the election for the 2020-21 Council via email, phone or US postal service (whichever is easiest for our individual members), as long as a quorum votes.
The Annual Report will look different this year since it is coming to you via email. Instead of one big report you will receive separate links to the various sections of the report (i.e., the financials, the slate of candidates, and the various ministry and committee reports) to make it more manageable. If you have any questions about anything in the report, please reach out to either me or the various ministry and committee chairs.
Look elsewhere in this issue for exciting news from our Joyful, Joyful committee about upcoming restoration and repair work, and an update from Stewardship on the progress of our Spring Campaign.
Please continue to stay safe, and as we enter Phase 3 of the Open Illinois Plan, I look forward to the time we can be together again.
Warmly,
Karen
|
|
|
WE ACCEPT, EMBRACE AND AFFIRM THE DIGNITY AND WORTH OF EVERY PERSON, AS WE ARE ALL CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGE.
|
|
What's Happening at Church...
Get involved (SOON?) and join a group, an event, or a LHC initiative.
Explore / Belong / Learn
Worship Service
- Sundays, 9:30 am - Tune-in to our
YouTube
Channel
Bible Study
- Wednesdays, 10 am -
POSTPONED
Meditation Group
- Thursdays, 9 - 10 am -
POSTPONED
Queen of Hearts Raffle
-
POSTPONED
Men of LHC Monthly Breakfast
-
POSTPONED
Sisters in Spirit (SiS) General Meeting
- Sunday, June 21, 11 am
via Zoom
A Book & A Prayer Book Club
- Thursday, June 18, 7 pm
via conference call
Friday Night at the Movies
-
POSTPONED
BTW Deadline
- Monday, June 22
Church Council Meeting
- Tuesday, June 23, 7 pm
via conference call
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
- Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm, 630.584.4013
|
|
Worship & Spiritual Growth
Together/Online
|
We continue to provide our worship services each week via the LHC
YouTube channel
. We are very appreciative of your kind words.
Presently we have services through June planned. We're taking it month by month. As Larry mentions if you'd like to be a pulpit associate or lead a children's message we'd love to have you. It's far less intimidating talking to a bunch of cardboard heads...they're an easy crowd! We do ask that you come into the sanctuary to record, but know we're practicing proper social distancing.
Our annual Outdoor Worship scheduled in September has been cancelled by the DuPage County Forest Preserve. They have cancelled any events with 50+ people through the remainder of 2020. On the bright side we're already on their calendar for 2021!
We look forward to the day when our lives can hopefully return to normal and we can all worship together again in our beloved sanctuary.
Samantha Prang
Worship & Spiritual Growth, Chair
|
YouTube Instructions
Access our online services via the link in the weekly email announcement, or follow these steps to access the video directly on our LHC YouTube Channel:
1. Access your internet browser
2. Type in 'YouTube.com' in the search bar at the top of your screen and press the 'Return' key or 'Enter' key. This will take you to the general YouTube homepage.
3. Type 'Little Home Church by the Wayside' in the 'Search' bar at the top and hit 'Return' or 'Enter.' This will take you to our LHC YouTube channel.
4. Click on the worship service you'd like to watch.
Please call the Church Office if you're having any trouble. 630-584-4013
|
|
Music Notes
Virtual Worship
|
“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.”
Abraham Lincoln
One day at a time seems to be how we often live these days but we also need to plan for the future in our worship services.
Here are a few things you could do:
•
Be a Pulpit Associate
• Give a Children's Message
• Present a musical offering
On June 21 (Father’s Day) we will have a lay-led service, I think it would be great to have four members share a brief story on their father or a father
figure in their
life as part of the sermon. Please let me know if you'd be interested in sharing your story.
Also, many of you have expressed your appreciation for the online services but have also indicated your longing to stay in touch with “Joys and Concerns” so here is a solution that Lori and I have—if you have a joy or concern send it in to the
Church Office
by Monday prior to the service. We will announce it with a first name only or anonymous if you wish. Sound good?
What else can we do to hold us together at this time? Do you have a favorite hymn you'd like to hear? Please contact me or the church office and let us know.
Keep the faith, keep in touch.
Peace,
Larry Dieffenbach,
Director of Music, Organist
|
|
|
Joyful Update
Joyful News!
|
The Joyful team has been very active while sheltering, using the time to carefully review our options and next steps for the project. After taking a very hard look at our cash on hand, expected future pledge proceeds, and our initial Phase 1 plans, we have rethought how to proceed in the most efficacious way possible. We have determined that a renovated kitchen and new community house will have to wait; we must first tackle deferred maintenance for the sanctuary and several critical functional systems.
Working closely with architect, Lisa Sharp, we created a list of key restoration projects, prioritizing the most urgent work. Based upon a budget developed by Lisa, revised Phase 1 plans include the septic system and bathrooms, repair and renovation work on the exterior of the sanctuary, concrete work, drainage, electrical and HVAC improvements, and some renovation in the Parish Hall. Lisa has prepared a schedule and is working on drawings so that we can solicit bids for the work this summer!
In late April, we again submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI)
[1]
to the National Fund for Sacred Places, which has extended its grant program. This program provides grants to churches and other historic houses of worship. We expect to learn whether our project meets the criteria and we will be invited to apply for an actual grant in August of this year.
As always, please contact me or any member of the Joyful team with comments or questions.
Anne Bouchard
[1]
We submitted an LOI last year, but we were unsuccessful in reaching the next level in the application process.
|
All SiSters have been sheltering since mid-March but on May 2, SiS members cleared all COVID hurdles and presented the annual plant sale on a beautiful spring day. Orders had been taken in March and some members were able to dig perennials from home gardens. In addition to our loyal customers, we also had several 'walk-up' customers, which helped SiS net over $2,000 for this fundraiser. Leftover veggies and herbs were given to the Food Pantry at Resurrection Parish. Thank you to all workers and shoppers!
SiS really got up to speed in mid-May, holding our first ever Zoom meeting, with about 15 women joining the virtual conversation. It was wonderful to see each other and catch up on LHC family news. During the meeting, SiS members decided to donate $1,000 of our plant sale proceeds to LHC Operations. A
June 21
Zoom meeting is planned at 11 am. Won’t you join us? Here is the link:
|
|
Stewardship
Spring Campaign
|
The theme for this year’s Spring Campaign is
What a beautiful gift we have
. It recognizes that God’s gift of Little Home Church and our fellow members is truly a 'beautiful gift' that we all share. A gift that has been made even more important in these times. A gift that becomes more obvious when we recognize how our congregation has risen to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
Letters announcing our Spring Campaign were mailed to all members of the congregation showing how we are meeting the challenges we are facing and asking for your financial support to keep Little Home Church strong and vibrant during these unusual times. We’ll need everyone’s help to meet or surpass our budgeted goal of $20,000 and hope you are able to give generously.
Please stay healthy and safe.
Pete Connolly
Stewardship Ministry Chair
|
2020/2021 Church Council
Slate of Candidates
|
The Nominating Committee:
Carol Berger, Chip Braulick, Karen Kaluzsa and Chris Thornton
With the postponement of our 'Junual' Annual Congregational Meeting, an email will be sent promptly regarding the vote for the new church council.
Moderator
- Carol Berger
Moderator Elect
- Bob Kaska
Christian Education
- Jane Shelton
Congregational Life
- Mary Emily Anhalt
Evangelism
- Mary Roach
Facilities
- Kit Dewitt
Outreach
- Karissa James
Stewardship
- Pete Connolly
Worship & Spiritual Growth
- Samantha Prang
Member-at-Large
- Chuck McDonough
Member-at-Large
- Jennifer Harmon
Treasurer
- Susi Winquist
Financial Secretary
- Ann McLaughlin
Clerk
- Kristin Thornton
|
|
|
We'll keep y'all posted
on the pop-up...!
|
|
We're taking advantage of our 'hunkered down' time to clear our closets and do a bunch of spring cleaning. Then as soon as we can 'gather again' we'll pop up a quick rummage sale at the church to get some quick cash for the church!
Sound good...? Drop off items NOW.
DROP-OFF
INSIDE
Parish Hall only!
Monday through Thursday during church office hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Friday & Saturday by appointment
Please...DO NOT leave items outside.
NOT a Church Dumpster...
We do ask that you donate thoughtfully. ‘Reusable’ does not necessarily mean ‘re-sellable.’ Help us by asking yourself, “Would I buy this in this condition?” before donating an item. We need things to sell...!
Thank you,
Kathleen Sullivan Kaska and Mary Roach
Pop-Up Co-Chairs
|
|
|
Meets 3rd Thursday, 7 pm
NEXT MEETING is June 18 via Webex
The Secret Life of Hendrick Groen 83 1/4 Years Old
by Hendrik Groen
Technically speaking, Hendrik Groen is....elderly. But at age 83 1/4, this feisty, indomitable curmudgeon has no plans to go out quietly. Bored of weak tea and potted geraniums, exasperated by the indignities of aging, Hendrik has decided to rebel--on his own terms. He begins writing an expose: secretly recording the antics of day-to-day life in his retirement home, where he refuses to take himself, or his fellow "inmates," too seriously.
With an eccentric group of friends he founds the wickedly anarchic Old-But-Not-Dead Club--"Rule #3: No Whining Allowed"--and he and his best friend, Evert, gleefully stir up trouble, enraging the home's humorless director and turning themselves into unlikely heroes. And when a sweet and sassy widow moves in next door, he polishes his shoes, grooms what's left of his hair, and determines to savor every ounce of joy in the time he has left, with hilarious and tender consequences.
A bestselling phenomenon that has captured imaginations around the world,
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen
is inspiring, charming, and laugh-out-loud funny with a deep and poignant core: a page-turning delight for readers of any age.
To join the discussion, simply call:
1-312-535-8110
at 7 pm on May 21 and type in the Access Code
626 005 370
. That's all there is to it.
If you have any questions, please let me know, and I look forward to a lively discussion.
Best,
Karen Kaluzsa
|
Class of 2020
Congratulations to Our Graduates
|
Charles Karwowski
, graduating South Elgin High School. Charles will attend Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa this fall.
Michael Prang
, graduating Loras College with a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management and minor in Media Studies. He will be working for Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan as their assistant Sports Information Director.
Jeremy Nicholas Tang
, grandson of Susi & Jim Winquist, graduating Illinois State University with a double major, International Business and Economics, and a minor in German. Also, a degree in Business Administration from University of Paderborn, Germany. He will be moving to Hong Kong to work for International Market Access.
|
|
Friday Night at the Movies
POSTPONED
The Peanut Butter Falcon
The movie tells the story of a man with Down Syndrome who runs away from the residential nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler. Along the way he befriends an outlaw who becomes his coach and ally. It's a real 'feel good' movie that will pleasantly surprise you!
We look forward to the time we can all gather together and enjoy a good movie, and fellowship!
|
The Queen of Hearts raffle remains inactive during this period of shut down. Thank you to everyone who has supported us in the past, and we are looking forward to resuming the Queen of Hearts when our establishments, churches and restaurants are able to reopen.
Fundraising Committee
|
Maggie Kinney
, LHC choir member, graduating St. Charles North High School. Maggie will attend Miami University of Ohio majoring in vocal jazz performance.
If you have a child, or grandchild who is graduating high school, college, technical school, or graduate school please tell us:
--Graduate's full name
--Degree or program and name of school
--Future plans
Email this information to the
Church Office
so that it can be included in BTW next month!
|
|
|
Flowers, Fellowship,
Ushers & Pulpit Associate
|
With temporary suspension of our worship services we are tabling our need for ushers, flowers, fellowship, and pulpit associates. But in the meantime...
here's a little flora from the LHC courtyard garden
...!
|
|
Happy June Birthdays!
June 1
- Bob Kaska
June 4
- Mary Alice Roach, Brittany Winquist
June 6
- Kathi Abell, Jorge Brito
June 8
- Nancy Schatzeder
June 12
- Lori Haseltine
June 13
- Jessie Burkoth
June 16
- Caroline Berger
June 17
- Peter Roach
June 19
- Rebecca Allen
June 24
- Barb Braulick
June 29
- Eleanor Karwowski, Alex Kentfield
|
|
To those recently ill or hospitalized...
Kathi Abell, Jeff Schramuk, Don Heinrich, Judy Hopkins
Condolences to...
Our music director, Larry Dieffenbach on the loss of his father, Luke Serenus Dieffenbach,
Oct. 20, 1928 - May 28, 2020. Our heartfelt sympathies to Larry and his family.
Church member, Debra Galloway on the loss of her mother, Clara Frahm on May 7. She was 77 years old. Our sympathies to Debra and her family.
Congratulations to...
Doug and Carol Hancock for being named 'Wayne Citizens of the Year.'
Birth Announcement...
Congratulations to Jonathan Berger and Lisa Nguyen on the birth of their son, Jack Nguyen Berger born May 7, 2020. Proud grandma is our Moderator Elect, Carol Berger!
|
|
|
THANK YOU TO OUR CHURCH STAFF, COUNCIL, AND ALL VOLUNTEERS
Pastor Emeritus
- Rev. Dr. Don Heinrich
Pastor Emeritus
- Rev. Ronald Purser
Director of Music/Organist
- Larry Dieffenbach
Office Manager
- Lori Prang
Custodian
- Geraldine Fields
BTW Editors
Lori Prang and Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Graphic Design
Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
|
|
CHURCH COUNCIL
Moderator
- Karen Kaluzsa
Moderator-elect
- Carol Berger
Stewardship
- Peter Connolly
Evangelism
- Mary Roach
Outreach
- Karissa James
Congregational Life
- Kathy Haben
Christian Education
- Nancy Schatzeder
Worship & Spiritual Growth
- Samantha Prang
Facilities
- Mark Lesswing
Members at Large
- Jen Haseltine and
Scott Johnson
Financial Treasurer
- Susi Winquist
Financial Secretary
- Ann McLaughlin
Clerk
- Kristen Thornton
|
|
Thank you for continuing to remember Little Home Church by the Wayside.
Your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
