Little Home Church by the Wayside / UCC | |
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This week we enter into the longest liturgical season of the church year, Ordinary Time. The altar clothes or paraments remain green symbolizing growth. When we think of liturgical seasons we typically think of the major seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. These seasons celebrate what could be thought of as “The Main Event.” Namely, the incarnation, birth, passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Seems like there isn’t much to celebrate after that, right? Wrong!
The 33 - 34 weeks of Ordinary Time contain the rest of Jesus’ earthly ministry and some of the major events of the Gospels we have come to know and love. The miracles, the parables, the calling of the twelve, the sermon on the mount, the bread of life discourse...we get all that and more during this season. Truly, there is much to celebrate.
Like all liturgical seasons, Ordinary Time is meant to be lived! We aren’t passive receptors of the liturgy—or at least we shouldn’t be. We are called to be active participants! Participating in Ordinary Time means participating in the everyday life of Jesus and the Old Testament, the Psalms, and the Epistle writings all play a part in it as well.
One of the realities of everyday “ordinary” life is that it is easy to get caught up in things like politics, social media, schedules, work, money, and worry. The list could go on and on. But what would life look like if you were caught up in the ordinary time in the life of Christ?
Try this:
1. Examine your habits. Your day to day life is typically just a series of habits played out one after the other. If you want your life to change, the first place to look is your habits. A great new habit to start: reading the daily Gospel (you can find it on the google.)
2. Gratitude. Joy always finds its root in gratitude. Try starting each day by thanking God for five ordinary, everyday things. If you have a family, try going around the table at dinner time and share what you were grateful for on that day.
3. Use your imagination to reflect on the daily life of Jesus. Imagine Jesus doing the simple things. Eating, walking, joking with his friends. Praying. Make yourself a bystander to the Gospel stories in your imagination.
Ordinary Time is anything but ordinary. But the true power of the season is only unlocked if you live it!
Grace and Peace
Pastor Larry Dieffenbach
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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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— PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS —
SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 11 AM
'JUNUAL' CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Vote in our new Church Council and hear news of the Church,
and an update on the Wayne Community House. This is an important
meeting and your voice is important!
We need a quorum.
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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)
Men of LHC Monthly Breakfast—Saturday, June 8, 8:30 am
Celebration of Life Memorial Service for David Harmon—Saturday, June 8, 11 am
Congregational Dinners—Saturday, June 8, 6 pm
Wayne Annual Flag Day Parade—Sunday, June 9, 4 pm
Wayne Police Department Safety Presentation—Wednesday, June 12, 6 pm
A Book & A Prayer Book Club—Thursday, June 13, 7 pm via Zoom
Sisters in Spirit Monthly Meeting—Saturday, June 15, 9 am
Neighborhood Food Pantry Volunteer Session—Saturday, June 15, 9 am to Noon
Church Council Meeting—Monday, June 17, 7 pm
By the Way Submission Deadline—Wednesday, June 19
Contemplative Service—Thursday, June 20, 8 am and 7 pm
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm—630.584.4013
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As my year of being Moderator comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the success of the Grateful Gifts evening. I extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all who aided, supported, attended or in any way helped to make this event a success! I extend a special thanks to Carol Berger, Denise Figurski, Julie Graham, Kathleen Sullivan Kaska,
Mira Reid and Andrea Redmond who joined me on the committee and who contributed time and energy to creating an incredible evening of enjoyment and celebration.
The energetic buzz of generosity, the joyful camaraderie of gathered friends and the excellent service in such beautiful surroundings all contributed to a memorable evening. It speaks a lot when the event coordinator at the Dunham Woods Riding Club says this evening is one of their favorites of the year.
I end my year as Moderator with a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that the love and generosity we feel within our church is carried out into the world-at-large as we continue to fulfill ministries in God’s name. Because of all I have witnessed this year in my role as Moderator, I feel certain that as a congregation we will continue working together to glorify His name as we spread our extravagant love and kindness!
With a joyfully grateful heart,
Emily Miller, Moderator
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"You’re preaching to the choir.”
While not the intended meaning of the statement, summer at many churches including Little Home Church, choirs disperse giving choir members a break from weekly rehearsals and the commitment to Sunday worship services thus leaving no choir to whom Pastor Larry may preach!
Although the choir will not be in the choir loft nor the Wayside Ringers at the handbell tables, music will still fill our sanctuary.
It is my prayer that the music you hear each summer Sunday will be a blessing to you; calming you if anxious, comforting you if sad, strengthening your faith, surprising you with joy, bringing you nearer to God.
Looking forward to a wonderful summer with you…
May there always be sunshine. May there always be blue skies. May there always be mama. May there always be me. (Words adapted from a Russian folk song))
With Gratitude and Love,
Grace Bardsley
Director of Music
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Do you know how easy it is to meet and greet others who may be visiting at church? A simple “Hi, how are you?” and “Thanks for worshipping with us today” or “Can you join us for fellowship?” can all make a difference. Let’s continue to share the joy we have at LHC. There is also a comfort knowing that along with the joys and happiness we share, there are also griefs and sorrows we can help to make a difference.
The Evangelism Committee has planned an exciting month with several events for prospective new members. If you know of someone who would like to learn more about who we are and meet members of the congregation, please pass along the following information, or contact me, and I’ll send an invitation.
—Sunday, June 9 at 1:30 - 3:30 pm - Meet & Greet BBQ Welcome Dinner at the home of Julie Graham (she lives behind the church). Join us afterward for the annual Wayne Flag Day Annual Parade.
—Saturday, June 29 - Membership Class; Breakfast in Pastor’s Office; 9:30 - 11 am
—Sunday, July 14 - Membership Sunday
May the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. We might be a small church, but we are known to do things in a big way. Let us continue to rejoice and spread our good news.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Berger
Committee: Mary Emily Anhalt, Grace Bardsley, Cris Kalomiris, Karen Kaluzsa, Rose Mayer,
Ann McLaughlin, and Mary Roach
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Ongoing tasks by Facilities include:
—Planter Containers On-Going Watering
—Weed Spraying on Courtyard Paver Bricks
To-Do List and Items to Watch
(in no order of relevance):
—Parish Hall/Office soffit and fascia repair
—Install handle/hinge on Bell Tower Hatch and It has fallen once while bell ringing
—Analysis of any further Hinge Repairs on all church pew doors
—Evaluate when next carpet cleaning is needed
In the meantime...enjoy our clean sanctuary windows—inside and out!
Respectfully submitted,
Brain Martisauski
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On Saturday, June 8, we will be offering one of our Congregational Life dinners...this one with an international flair! We're looking for host homes, and then attendees. The host will pick a country and make the main course. The guests will bring the sides and desserts from that particular country. The host will be asked to make a fun sign for their country.
You may sign up in the Parish Hall or contact the Church Office
If you have any questions, please reach out to Diane Dippner.
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Thank you to everyone who signed up to provide items needed for the most recent refugee Welcome Pack. These items are due at church June 7. If you are still interested in providing items for the Welcome Pack, there are still some open items and your help would be most appreciated!
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As in the past, you will choose your items, enter your email, purchase the item(s) and drop off at the church. Once we've collected all the items, we're matched with a family and responsible for setting up the apartment.
A few notes:
- If you choose to sign up to provide bedding, we ask that you hold off on purchasing it until we know the exact needs of the family.
- The list is for a family of four and may be adjusted for a larger family. Exodus will let us know.
- If you sign up for the Ethnic Grocery Care Pack, we are asked to hold off on purchasing until we know what country the family will be coming from.
Due Date is June 7 — Drop off in the Church Office
Little Home Church and its members have always been extremely supportive of this effort. We are thankful for your your generosity and kind hearts. If you have any questions at all, please contact the Church Office.
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Our partnership with Northern Illinois Food Bank continues with our monthly volunteer sessions. We have volunteer sessions at the Geneva location on Saturday, June 15, July 20 and August 17 from 9 am - Noon. We have six slots on each of those days. Tasks vary each month and are never too strenuous. If you have limited mobility, that can be accommodated if we give them a heads up. Please consider signing up. You may sign up in the Parish Hall or by contacting the Church Office. Let's do our part to help with the problem of food scarcity!
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Let's Play Ball...
Men of LHC are happy to invite you to our annual
All Church Baseball Outing
Friday / July 12 / 6:30 pm
Kane County Cougars vs. Cleburne Railroaders
The cost per ticket is $12 if you reserve your tickets by June 16. The price goes to $14 after that date. A reduced parking pass of $6 is available if you reserve by June 16. Invite your family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers. This is always a fun event. Stay after the game for the fireworks!
Contact Christ Thornton to order tickets or sign up in the Parish Hall.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATES... | |
Daphne Karahalios (granddaughter of Wayne & Laurel Hendrikson)
Graduated from The U.S. Military Academy at West Point and will be stationed in Hawaii for the next three years.
Kaelin Elsner (granddaughter of Tom & Mickey Atkins)
Graduated Indiana University with a degree in Sports Management and will continue at LSU for a master’s degree.
Henry Trent (grandson of Tom & Mickey Atkins)
Graduated Benilde St. Margaret HS and will attend Creighton University
Maddox Trent (grandson of Tom & Mickey Atkins)
Graduated Palm Desert HS and will attend Milwaukee School of Engineering
Maggie Ames (granddaughter of Art & Gail Zwemke)
Graduated Iowa State University with a BS in Finance
Charlie Ames (grandson of Art & Gail Zwemke)
Graduated from Burlington Central HS and will attend Maryville University near St. Louis
Rachel Zwemke (granddaughter of Art & Gail Zwemke)
Graduated Oswego HS and will attend Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville
Peter Roach (son of Mary & Dan Roach)
Graduated with a MS in Finance from Georgetown University
Austin Wilke (grandson of Mary Emily & Steve Anhalt)
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of Wisconsin-Stout with a degree in Mechanical Engineering
Michael Hudetz (grandson of Leon Van Oeteren)
Graduated Yale University with a Masters of Music & Arts and Divinity Diploma
Amelia Hudetz (granddaughter of Leon Van Oeteren)
Graduated Lewis University with a Masters in Special Education
Iris Danek (niece of Katherine & Jorge Brito)
Graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy and will attend University of Michigan.
Nathan Rutledge (son of Nicki & Brian Rutledge)
Graduated from Purdue University with a M.S. in Astronautics and Astronautics Engineering
William ‘Will’ Hopkins (grandson of Judy Hopkins)
Graduated from high school in Atlanta, GA
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"Gratitude is the healthiest of human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for" - Zig Ziglar
On May 10 approximately 105 members of our Church and Community gathered at the newly renovated Dunham Woods Riding Club to celebrate our Church and all that we do. To say it was a successful evening is an understatement. We raised over $36,000! It was heartwarming and inspiring to witness the level of generosity from all of you that evening, and on behalf of the Grateful Gifts Committee we would like to thank each and everyone of you who donated their time as a volunteer, items towards the silent auction, your presence and your generous monetary gifts. We are truly grateful for your willingness to share your blessings with our Little Home Church.
God Bless,
Julie Graham
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ANOTHER JOYFUL STEP FORWARD | |
On May 29 the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for the Village of Wayne unanimously approved our request for variances related to the Village building code. These variances related to setback limitations and landscaping, among other site related requirements. The ZBA decision will now move to the Village Board for review and hopefully approval of this decision at their June 4 meeting. Following Board approval, we will be able to proceed with our building permit application for the Community House. We are hopeful that construction will begin in July.
Any questions, contact Anne Bouchard
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Wednesdays, 10 am—In person & via Zoom
Please consider joining our weekly Bible Study. There is NO outside preparation involved. It is led by Rev. Jonathan Hutchison. The group is currently studying Ecclesiastes. This has been a great group who participate both in person and via Zoom and they would love to have you join them. Bring your Bible.
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LHC Book Club—Via Zoom
Meets 2nd Thursday of the Month, 7 pm
Next Meeting—June 13
The June selection is News of the World by Paulette Jiles. In the aftermath of the Civil War, an aging itinerant news reader agrees to transport a young captive of the Kiowa back to her people in this morally complex, multilayered novel of historical fiction that explores the boundaries of family, responsibility, honor, and trust. Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd travels through northern Texas, giving live readings from newspapers to paying audiences hungry for news of the world. In Wichita Falls, he is offered a $50 gold piece to deliver a young orphan to her relatives in San Antonio. Their 400-mile journey south through unsettled territory and unforgiving terrain proves difficult and at times dangerous. Johanna has forgotten the English language, tries to escape at every opportunity, throws away her shoes, and refuses to act “civilized.” Yet as the miles pass, the two lonely survivors tentatively begin to trust each other, forming a bond that marks the difference between life and death in this treacherous land.
Click here to check out what books are remain for 2024!
Click here for Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 891 0088 0154
password: bookclub
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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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June 1 - Bob Kaska
June 4 - Mary Alice Roach, Brittany Winquist
June 6 - Jorge Brito, Nicki Rutledge
June 8 - Luke Figurski, Mary Harling
June 12 - Lori Haseltine
June 16 - Caroline Berger, Julie Graham
June 17 - Peter Roach
June 22 - Mira Reid
June 24 - Barb Braulick
June 27 - Joe Miller
June 29 - Eleanor Karwowski, Alex Kentfield
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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 winter 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. 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...
Rev. Ron Purser
Our Condolences to...
Kay Brynelsen on the sudden loss of her son, Donald.
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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 | |
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Pastor - Larry Dieffenbach
Pastor Emeritus - Rev. Ronald Purser
Director of Music - Grace Bardsley
Office Manager - Lori Prang
Organist/Pianist - Nick Metzger
Custodian - Jessica Metzger
BTW Editors
Lori Prang and Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Graphic Design
Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
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CHURCH COUNCIL
Moderator - Emily Miller
Moderator-elect - Julie Graham
Christian Education - Emma Kaska
Congregational Life - Diane Dippner
Evangelism - Carol Berger
Facilities - Brian Martisauski
Outreach - Andrea Redmond & Mary Fleischmann
Stewardship - Peter Connolly
Worship & Spiritual Growth - Jane Shelton & Sharon Bergland
Members at Large - Jen Haseltine & Ann McLaughlin
Financial Treasurer - Susi Winquist
Financial Secretary - Ann McLaughlin
Clerk - Kristen Thornton
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