Little Home Church by the Wayside / UCC | | |
Who is Missing from Our Table...
Last month we began our Lenten journey with the theme “At the Table: The History and Power of a Shared Table.” As I reflect on our time together—on Ash Wednesday, in worship, in classrooms, and around fellowship tables—I am struck by how something so ordinary can become so sacred.
A table is, after all, just wood and nails. Or metal and screws. It is practical furniture. It holds plates and coffee cups, Sunday bulletins and potluck casseroles. But in Scripture—and in our lives—the table becomes something more. It becomes a place of memory. A place of identity. A place of grace.
Throughout the Bible, some of the most important moments happen at tables. Covenants are remembered. Strangers are welcomed. Bread is broken. Betrayal and forgiveness both unfold there. Around a table, people who might otherwise remain distant become neighbors. Around a table, stories are told and retold. Around a table, we learn who we are.
As we considered the wilderness on the first Sunday in Lent we remembered that even there—especially there—God provided sustenance. Manna fell like dew. Water sprang from rock. The wilderness was not only a place of testing; it was also a place of divine hospitality. God prepared a table in the most unlikely of landscapes.
And perhaps that is part of the invitation for us.
We live in a time when tables can feel divided. Conversations become debates. Differences become barriers. It is easier to scroll past one another than to sit with one another. Yet the gospel continually brings us back to the table—not because we agree on everything, but because we belong to Someone who gathers us anyway.
When we come to the Communion table, we do not come because we have everything figured out. We come because we are hungry. Hungry for meaning. Hungry for forgiveness. Hungry for connection. And in that simple act of receiving bread and cup, we are reminded that grace is not earned—it is given.
But the table does not end when worship concludes.
Every kitchen table in our homes can become holy ground. Every coffee shop conversation can become sacred space. Every hospital tray, every shut-in’s bedside stand, every fellowship hall round table—these, too, can become places where Christ is quietly present.
The question we carry forward from last month is this: Who is missing from our table?
Who needs an invitation?
Who needs a listening ear more than a solution?
Who might discover hope simply because someone pulled out a chair and said,
“Sit with me?"
Lent teaches us to simplify, to reflect, to return. Perhaps part of our returning is rediscovering the quiet power of shared presence. In a world that rushes, the table makes us slow down. In a world that fragments, the table gathers. In a world that withholds,
the table offers.
As we continue this journey, I invite you to be attentive to the tables in your life. Notice where grace is already showing up. Notice where reconciliation might begin. Notice where Christ might be waiting in the face of another.
May we be a congregation known not only for what we believe, but for how we gather.
May our tables—large and small—be places of welcome.
And may we never underestimate the quiet miracle that happens whenever bread is broken and shared in love.
Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday
Our traditional Potluck Supper followed by a service of Holy Communion
Friday, April 3: Good Friday
Service at 1 pm at LHC shared with the Bartlett and Streamwood Churches
Service at 7 pm at Little Home Church
Easter Sunday, April 5: “Breakfast with the Risen Lord”
9:30 am Worship with a celebration of Holy Communion
Resurrection is first recognized not in sermons, but in shared meals.
The service will be followed by fellowship and an Easter Egg Hunt.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Larry
| | |
|
WE ACCEPT, EMBRACE AND AFFIRM THE DIGNITY AND WORTH OF EVERY PERSON,
AS WE ARE ALL CREATED IN GOD'S IMAGE.
|
| |
'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
Community Yoga—Tuesdays, 9:30 am and 11 am in the Community House
Lenten Shared Supper: Soup Night—Wednesday, Mar. 4, 6 pm
Contemplative Service—Thursday, Mar. 5, 8 am & 7 pm
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS—Sunday, Mar. 8—Turn your clocks ahead!
All Church Read Discussion #3—Sunday, Mar. 8, 11 am
Lenten Shared Supper: Deli Sandwich Night—Wednesday, Mar. 11, 6 pm
A Book & A Prayer Book Club—Thursday, Mar. 12, 7 pm via Zoom
Men of LHC Monthly Breakfast Meeting—Saturday, Mar. 14, 8:30 am
Sisters in Spirit Meeting—Saturday, Mar. 14, 9 am
Confirmation—Saturday, Mar. 14, 11:30 am
Sisters in Spirit Pancake Breakfast—Sunday, Mar. 15 during Fellowship
One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering—Sunday, Mar. 15
Elgin Cooperative Ministries Soup Kettle Kitchen—Sunday, Mar. 15, 4 - 6 pm
Church Council Meeting—Tuesday, Mar. 17, 6 pm
Lenten Shared Supper: Comfort Food Night—Wednesday, Mar. 18, 6 pm
Contemplative Service—Thursday, Mar. 19, 8 am & 7 pm
Northern Illinois Food Bank Volunteer Session—Saturday, Mar. 21, 9 am
Confirmation—Sunday, Mar. 22, 11:30 am
By the Way Submission Deadline—Friday, Mar. 20
Lenten Shared Supper: Pizza Night—Wednesday, Mar. 25, 6 pm
Palm Sunday—Sunday, Mar. 29
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm—630.584.4013
| | | | | |
In the Wilderness, Together
March finds us deep in Lent.
Not at the ashes of the beginning.
Not yet at the alleluias of Easter.
But in the wilderness.
Scripture is full of wilderness stories. The Israelites wandering for forty years. Elijah alone under a broom tree. Even Jesus led into the desert for forty days. Wilderness is not a detour in the life of faith. It is often where faith is formed.
On February 24, I received my final chemo treatment. Finishing felt significant, but not triumphant. Now comes the wilderness of waiting as I work with MD Anderson & NWM to determine next steps and pray that the chemo did its work. There is no clear map for this part. Only trust.
And yet, I am not walking it alone.
I sat in awe via Zoom, as Julie led our Februal Meeting with wisdom and calm strength. I’ve also watched Samantha guide recent Council Meetings with clarity and grace. Our Trifecta model (past moderator, present moderator, and moderator elect) has never felt more meaningful to me and I am beyond grateful for this trio set-up. Though I hold the title of current moderator, I am leaning so very heavily on my fellow Trifecta mates. What a profound gift to serve alongside such faithful leaders, and even greater friends. I only hope I can repay the amazingly generous support these two have shown me on this current journey.
Deuteronomy reminds us, “The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” That promise was first spoken to people standing at the edge of uncertainty, looking into terrain they had never crossed before. It was not a promise of ease. It was a promise of presence.
That is what wilderness teaches. Not control. Not clarity. Presence.
If I am honest, I cannot wait to return fully. To worship beside you. To step back into my wonderfully ordinary life with this church family I love so deeply. I miss the pews, the prayers, and the conversations/comradery more than I expected.
And perhaps that is where our journeys meet yet again.
Lent invites all of us into wilderness in some form. As a church, we reflect, we wait, we examine our hearts, we walk more slowly toward Easter. We do not skip ahead to the ending. We trust that God is shaping something in us along the way.
In different ways, we are all walking through middle spaces. And in those spaces, we discover again that we belong to one another and to a God who does not abandon His people in the desert.
So here we are. In the wilderness. Together.
With gratitude and hope,
Kit DeWitt, Moderator
| | | | | |
An Early April Fools...
A little levity in the form of bulletin bloopers…(not from LHC as Lori does not make mistakes very often!)
*Editor's Note: Oh yes she does!
1. The peacemaking meeting scheduled for this evening has been cancelled due to a conflict.
2. Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
3. The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment, and gracious hostility.
4. The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing, “Break Into Joy.”
5. Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking this Sunday. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.
6. The church welcomes Reverend and Mrs. Green to our service today. After the service we request all to remain in the sanctuary for the Hanging of the Greens.
7. The maintenance of the church graveyard is becoming very costly. It would be a great help if parishioners would do their best to tend to their own graves.
8. Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.
9. Eight new choir robes are needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
10. At the evening service tonight the sermon topic will be, “What Is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice.
Yours with a smile,
Grace Bardsley, Director of Music
| | |
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING 2026 | | | |
One Great Hour of Sharing is one of the Special Mission Offerings of the United Church of Christ. It connects you to disaster relief, refugee assistance, and development efforts around the globe. When disasters strike, or when individuals are displaced due to violence or poverty, OGHS ensures immediate response and ongoing recovery. This year’s theme is Our Love Offering to the World.
Through your support, OGHS funds comprehensive development programs in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, food security, microfinancing, and women's empowerment. By partnering with Global Ministries and international response networks, OGHS maximizes its impact. Your contributions help meet urgent needs while addressing the root causes of vulnerability, ensuring long-term, sustainable solutions for affected communities.
The designated offering date is Sunday, March 15. Look for the special envelope in your bulletin that day and consider giving. We thank you for your gifts.
| | |
|
Seeking Silent Auction Donations for Grateful Gifts
As we prepare for Grateful Gifts on Friday, May 1, we are beginning to gather items for our Silent Auction. This year, we are especially excited about the possibility of including more experience-based offerings—but we warmly welcome traditional baskets and tangible items as well.
While gift baskets and physical items are always appreciated and incredibly successful, experiences create memories. They bring people together. They tell a story. And often, they become some of the most talked-about items of the evening.
Do you have a special talent, space, connection, or idea you could share?
Examples of experience-based donations might include:
• A hosted dinner party for 6–8 guests
• A backyard wine tasting
• Tickets to a sporting event
• A golf outing or sports lesson
• A guided nature walk or photography session
• A cooking class
• A themed children’s party
• A vacation home weekend
• A craft workshop
• A behind-the-scenes tour or professional service
• A private tour of Dunham Castle
At the same time, themed baskets, gift cards, services, and thoughtfully curated tangible items are just as valuable and appreciated. Every donation helps make the evening a success.
All silent auction items must be received by April 17 to allow time for organization and preparation. Our goal is to have 25 baskets this year.
Baskets may be given to any member of the committee, dropped off at church, or brought to Emily Miller’s house.
And most importantly—please save the date for Friday, May 1. We look forward to gathering together for a wonderful evening.
With gratitude,
Your Grateful Gifts Planning Committee
Louise Aughnay, Kit DeWitt, Julie Graham, Emily Miller, Samantha Prang, Andrea Redmond
| | | |
Thanks to everyone who participated in Fellowship Volunteers' last month and contributed to a wonderful fellowship. Your help is most appreciated. Look for an announcement in the bulletin and listen for an announcement in church for the next opportunity to help out. The volunteer schedule for April and May is up and posted in the Parish Hall. See if there isn't a Sunday you and a friend or two can host!
And onto another topic—name tags. Sitting in the choir I see many of you wearing name tags. But even if you didn't put your name tag on for the church service perhaps you want to grab it on the way out and wear it during fellowship. Think of it as your second chance to get it right.
Rose Mayer, Evangelism Ministry Chair
| | | |
We are humbled by your generosity and kind hearts.
Last month, we were approached by Naomi's House for gently used (or new) winter coats, hats, and gloves. Our members came through! When the Naomi's House representative came by to collect the items, she was worried her car wouldn't hold them all...that's how many there were!
We also were asked by Exodus World Service to help out a nearby Afghan family of nine, who were in need of cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items and diapers. The list of requested items filled up almost immediately after it posted! We plan to deliver the items to the family on March 4
This awesome congregation continues to respond to those in need and we cannot be more grateful for each of you!
|
| | |
And our montly reminder...
We have a volunteer session every third Saturday of the month from 9 am to Noon at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva. Our 'team' allows for six of us to help with various tasks each month. The next sessions are March 21 and April 18. There is a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall.
And as always, we are grateful to you for your support.
Andrea Redmond/Mary Fleishmann
Outreach Ministry Chairs
|
| |
LENTEN SEASON—SHARED MEALS | |
Sharing a meal serves as a symbol of unity, trust, and fellowship, cultivating meaningful connections and a sense of community by providing an environment conducive to open dialogue. Pastor Larry's Lenten Sermon Series, "At the Table: The Power of Shared Meals" will feature six Wednesday potluck suppers at 6 pm throughout Lent.
Alongside Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday dinners, additional gatherings will offer dedicated themes including Soup Night, Deli Sandwich Night, Comfort Food & Healing Beverage. The planned schedule is listed here. Not all dinners will be provided by our church members. Look for sign-up sheets in the Parish Hall later this month.
| |
Community Potluck Suppers—All dinners begin at 6 pm
Wednesday, March 4—Soup Night
Sign up to bring your favorite Soup [and recipe to share]
- Bread [limit 4]
- Dessert [limit 6]
Sample multiple soups and get a bowl of your favorite soup
Wednesday, March 11—The Deli Sandwiches Night
- Sandwich bread, meats, cheeses, chips, fruit & cookies provided
Wednesday, March 18—Comfort Food & Healing Beverages
- Bring your favorite Comfort Food or Healing Beverage (and recipe to share)
- Sample others Comfort Foods or Healing Beverage
Wednesday, March 25—Pizza Night
- Bring your favorite pizza to share with others
- Sample other pizzas
- Salad will be provided
Thursday, April 2
- Traditional Church Maundy Thursday Potluck & Service
We hope you'll be able to attend these shared meals. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Church Office or Cris Kalomiris.
|
| |
|
Stewardship and Anonymity
As we continue our Stewardship efforts at Little Home Church, I want to briefly clarify how financial information is handled.
This is my first year serving as Stewardship Chair. When I was new to the church, learning that individual giving is kept confidential was reassuring to me. I felt it was important to reiterate that for others—especially those who may be newer to our congregation.
While I serve as Stewardship Chair, I do not have access to individual pledge amounts. I do not see what any person or family has pledged or given. All specific dollar amounts are known only by our Financial Secretary, who is responsible for maintaining those records.
The only time I would know someone’s financial commitment is if they choose to share that information with me directly. Otherwise, individual giving remains completely confidential.
Stewardship is built on trust, gratitude, and faith. Protecting the privacy of each person’s generosity is an essential part of that commitment.
With appreciation,
Emily Miller, Stewardship Ministry Chair
| | | |
|
Spring is definitely on the way when you read that it’s time to make your Plant Sale order! Our annual Plant Sale will be held on May 2.
ORDER FORM
Orders are due by March 16. Order forms are available in the Parish Hall and on the LHC website. Please help share the excitement by distributing order forms to family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and any of the many souls you meet throughout your day.
On March 15 the SiSters will be BUSY! After church we will serve a Pancake Breakfast to the congregation for Fellowship and, later on that day, we will “woman’ the Soup Kettle. We are working on recruiting volunteers for both events.
Finally (speaking of Fellowship), SiS has invested in new, reusable tablecloths for everyday use in the Parish Hall. We have also ordered purple tablecloths to be used for Lent. Enjoy!
Our next meeting will be on March 14, at 9 am in the Parish Hall. All women are invited.
Anne Bouchard and Susi Winquist
|
| | |
Hopefully all have had an opportunity to get some rest now that the holidays are over and the weather encouraged more indoor activities, but it is time to look at our calendars for the next couple weeks—there are many opportunities coming up and you aren’t going to want miss them.
The Lenten season is just around the corner and plans have been made for Wednesday suppers of various kinds. Also, spring is quickly approaching and Anne Bouchard has the order blanks available for the SIS Plant Sale—pick one up at the office or in the Parish Hall so you don’t miss it. It's also available on the LHC website.
Our usual monthly activities will continue—Elgin Soup Kitchen, helping at the Northern Illinois Food Bank, yoga, A Book and A Prayer Book Club, Contemplative Services, Sisters in Spirit, or Men of LHC...lots of choices—please look them over and let me know if you need additional information on getting involved.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Suzy Moore, Member at Large
| | | |
|
Wednesdays, 10 am—In person & via Zoom
The Wednesday Bible Study Class begins studying the book "Making Sense of the Bible" by Adam Hamilton. 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.
| | | |
|
Our Contemplative services for this month will be March 5 and 19 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.
| | | |
LHC Book Club—Via Zoom
Meets 2nd Thursday of the Month, 7 pm
Next Meeting—March 12
The March selection is Only the Beautiful by Susan Meissner. A historical fiction novel about a pregnant teenager named Rosanne in 1938 California who is unjustly sent to an institution after losing her parents, while a parallel story follows Helen Calvert in 1947 Austria who uncovers the truth about Rosanne’s fate. The book explores themes of eugenics, motherhood, synesthesia (seeing colors when hearing sounds), and the fight for a mother to keep her child. It is described as a heartrending but hopeful story with interwoven narratives that highlight dark periods in history.
Click here to see the books chosen for 2026!
Click here for Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 891 0088 0154
password: bookclub
| | | |
|
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
Email: info@littlehomechurch.org
| | |
|
Mar 1 - Mary Emily Anhalt
Mar 4 - Gianna Marchese
Mar 5 - Faye Harling
Mar 8 - Diane Dippner
Mar 9 - Ann McLaughlin
Mar 10 - Karen Kaluzsa, Warren Okey
Mar 11 - Monte Okey
Mar 12 - Emma Kaska
Mar 16 - Louise Aughnay
Mar 17 - Kathleen Sullivan Kaska
Mar 19 - Carol Hancock
Mar 23 - Gail Zwemke
Mar 24 - Tim Shelton
Mar 27 - Cadence Hendry
Mar 30 - Brooks Allen, Tom Atkins
| | |
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 over the next few months 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.
| | |
|
To those recently ill or hospitalized...
Joe Sterner, Kit DeWitt, Chuck McDonough
| |
Congratulations to...
Kate Lesswing and Kevin Newman on the birth of Abigail Mae born on February 3, 2026. She joins big brother Nathan. Proud grandparents are Susannah and Mark Lesswing.
| | | |
|
Thank you for continuing to remember Little Home Church by the Wayside.
Your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
|
| 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
| |  | |
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
| | | | |
