Little Home Church by the Wayside / UCC | |
By the Way | NOVEMBER 2025
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"Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
I Peter 4:8-10 NRSVUE
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November is the month in our annual calendar at the Little Home Church where we celebrate Thanksgiving and Stewardship but it is truly not relegated to just one month.
Life is always a cycle of planting seeds and harvesting. In the life of a church community we sow, we ripen, and we reap together. Some seeds take longer to germinate than others, some plants are annuals and only with us for a season and others are perennials that give to us over longer periods of time and require care from us over that period of time as well.
The great theologian and preacher Howard Thurman ((1899-1891) said it this way:
“This is the season of gathering in, the season of the harvest in nature. Many things that were started in the spring and early summer have grown to fruition and are now ready for reaping. Great and significant as the harvest in nature is, the most pertinent kind of in-gathering for the human spirit is what I call “the harvest of the heart.” Long ago, Jesus said that people should not lay up for themselves treasure on earth, but that people should lay up treasures in heaven. This insight suggests that life consists of planting and harvesting, of sowing and reaping. We are always in the midst of the harvest and always in the midst of the planting...Living is a shared process. Even as I am conscious of things growing in me planted by others, which things are always ripening, so others are conscious of things growing in them that I planted. Inasmuch as I do not live or die unto myself, it is of the essence of wisdom for me consciously to live and die in the profound awareness of other people. The statement, “Know thyself,” has been taken mystically from the statement, “Thou hast seen thy brother, thou hast seen God.”
If there be any truth to Thurman’s words, I see God every day in the lives and work of the people of the Little Home Church by the Wayside and for that I am very grateful! Happy Thanksgiving!
Grace & 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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'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 Craft Work Day—Saturday, Nov. 1, 9 am
Daylight Savings Time—Sunday, Nov. 2 Turn your clocks back one hour!
Contemplative Services—Thursday, Nov. 6, 8 am & 7 pm
Sisters in Spirit Craft Work Day—Saturday, Nov. 1, 9 am
Men of LHC Monthly Breakfast Meeting—Saturday, Nov. 8, 8:30 am
Confirmation Class—Saturday, Nov. 8, 8:30 am
Stewardship Sunday—Sunday, Nov. 9
A Book & A Prayer Book Club—Thursday, Nov. 13, 7 pm via Zoom
Confirmation Class—Friday, Nov. 14, 4:30 - 6 pm
Symbols of the Season Holiday Bazaar
Friday, Nov. 14, 2 - 6 pm
Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 am - 2pm
Northern Illinois Food Bank Volunteer Session—Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 am
Elgin Cooperative Ministries Soup Kettle Kitchen—Sunday, Nov. 16, 4 - 6 pm
Church Council Meeting—Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6 pm
Contemplative Service—Thursday, Nov. 20, 8 am & 7 pm
By the Way Submission Deadline—Thursday, Nov. 20
Bob Schless Memorial Service—Saturday, Nov. 22, 11 am
Thanksgiving Day—OFFICE CLOSED
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 3 pm—630.584.4013
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Gratitude
As we enter this season of gratitude, I’m reminded how much our church’s outreach reflects God’s love in action, from serving meals at the Soup Kettle, to walking for the CROP Walk, to assembling care bags for Naomi’s House. Each effort reminds me that our faith is strongest when it’s shared.
My own path has shifted lately as I face cancer once again. It’s stressful and isolating at times, but I feel deeply supported by this church family. Your prayers, kindness, and strength have surrounded me…the same way we surround others through our outreach.
This month, I’m grateful for both sides of that love: the giving and the receiving. Together, we are living our faith in the most beautiful way.
Gratefully yours,
Kit DeWitt, Moderator
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Blessings
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. The traditions around the day are simple; a festive meal with friends and family and the opportunity to count our blessings and express our gratitude.
One of my favorite things to do on Thanksgiving is to take a walk, preferably in the woods but any walk is better than none.
Walking in the woods or the neighborhood affords the opportunity to quiet my mind and spirit in order to breathe in nature’s sounds, sights, and scents and to breathe out my gratitude. It is a time to leave my cares behind. A time to simply be present and grateful.
Whether on a walk or in a quiet moment in our homes we can reflect on our blessings and thank God for life itself.
Among the blessings for which I am thankful is the family of friends I have in The Little Home Church By the Wayside. May you find moments this month and especially on Thanksgiving Day to count your blessings and give thanks.
With love and gratitude,
Grace Bardsley, Director of Music
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SYMBOLS OF THE SEASON HOLIDAY SALE | | | |
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2 - 6 pm
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 9 am - 2 pm
Join us for our annual Symbols of the Season Sale!
Naughty or nice...there will be something for everyone on your list!
Here's how you can help make this sale a success:
- Share the dates of the sale with your family and friends.
- Pass out a flyer at your favorite local business.
- SHOP the sale and bring a friend or two or 12!
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We are delighted to have three new members join the Little Home Church in October. If you have not already done so, please take time to introduce yourself to them.
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Izzie Ordinario
Izzie Ordinario grew up on the northwest side of Chicago near Central and Addison which is now the Portage Park neighborhood. His parents still live there. He has a younger sister, Erica, and a brother-in-law, Nathan. Izzie is married to what he says is an amazing woman, Tanya. They have one dog, Murphy, and have been in Bartlett since 2019. He has been a firefighter and paramedic for twenty years with the last 4 years as a lieutenant. He is a semi-retired mobile DJ. Izzie and his wife enjoy spending their free time with both of their large extended families. He grew up Catholic and is recently finding his way back to faith. He is excited to be part of this congregation.
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Christina Beasley
Christina grew up in Chicago in a close-knit Italian family with her family living downstairs from her grandparents and her 6 aunts all living a few blocks away. She always loved horses which brought her to Wayne where she has lived for 12 years. She raised two wonderful sons and now has two grandsons: Ben 5 and Porter 3. She loves our all-inclusive church and looks forward to being a member for many years to come.
Robert Edward Snyder
Robert grew up in Rock Island and had the best parents anyone could ask for. His older sister, Nancy Ann, was an angel but his brother not so much. Growing up he loved old movies and that was his escape from the world outside his family’s home. After 2 years at junior college, he was hired to work at the Marshall Field’s State Street Store. There he did the window displays and interior displays for that iconic Chicago landmark. After that job he moved on to take a position at the Museum of Science and Industry where he oversaw their temporary exhibits. Both jobs were dream jobs for him.
After that he returned home to Rock Island to help his sister care for their elderly parents. His parents passed away, and he remained there until the untimely and unexpected death of his beloved sister.
Robert returned to live in Chicago but eventually ended up in Bartlett where he met Thelma, his neighbor at the Victory Center. In his bio he wrote that he never knew a church like ours existed outside of an MGM movie musical. Yes, old movies are still very important to him.
He knows his parents, sister, and beloved Aunt Gin are looking down with pride and joy knowing this small-town boy made his way home again. He feels he has been reborn and so happy to be part of our congregation.
Rose Mayer
Evangelism Ministry Chair
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Gather, Grow, Give
As we approach Stewardship Sunday on
November 9, we are reminded of the blessings we’ve received and the opportunity we have to give back to God through our time, talents, and treasures. Stewardship is a spiritual practice, and Stewardship Sunday is a time for all of us to reflect on how we can support the life and ministry of Little Home Church in the coming year—as we Gather, Grow, and Give together in faith.
By now, all members and friends of Little Home Church should have received a letter and pledge card in the mail. This letter outlines our goals for the upcoming year and invites you to prayerfully consider how you can contribute to the continued growth of our church. Your pledge—whether it is financial or through your volunteer time—helps us gather in worship, grow in spirit, and give back through service, outreach, and community care.
If for any reason you have not received your letter or pledge card, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly or click here to print one. We want to ensure that every member has the opportunity to participate in this important process of shared stewardship and growth.
On Stewardship Sunday, we will gather to present our pledges as an act of faith and commitment. Whether you’re able to join us in person or participate remotely, your involvement is vital to the future of our church community and the ways we continue to grow and give together.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support. We look forward to celebrating the many ways God is working in and through our church as we Gather, Grow, and Give in the year ahead.
With gratitude as we Gather, Grow, and Give,
With gratitude,
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.
The Little Home Church Advent Tea will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 10 am. Ladies, mark your calendars and bring a friend to the Christmas festivities. There will be an RSVP sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall in early to mid-November.
Look for upcoming information on events in 2026!
Cris Kalomiris
Congregational Life Ministry Chair
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As suggested by one of our members, I located and read a copy of the latest by-laws which confirmed that an amendment will need to be passed by the Council and approved by the congregation in order to change the name of the title “Member at Large” to "Advocate." When things settle down I would suggest that we do as required.
The noise level in the Community House continues to be of concern and I understand that KDI Design is aware of the situation and looking into options of ways to alleviate the situation.
At the last Council meeting, our Member-At-Large reported that a couple in our congregation would like to donate a flagpole. The next steps would be to check the regulations of the village, and talk with Allison Brown, our landscape architect regarding placement. Something to be considered.
We've had a very eventful fall thus far—hope all are enjoying it!
If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to bring them to Doug or my attention so we can make our Church Council aware.
Respectfully,
Suzy Moore & Doug Kurtz
Members-at-Large
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Our Outreach Ministry has been busy this past month. We had a group who worked our regular monthly volunteer session packing 411 orders amounting to 10,325 pounds of food! Our next volunteer session is November 15 from 9 am - Noon. The sign-up sheet is in the Parish Hall.
A second group of volunteers served dinner the next day to approximately 60 folks at the Soup Kettle Kitchen run by the Elgin Cooperative Ministries. Food scarcity is focus of our Outreach Ministry and we are humbled at our members (and non-members) commitment to that issue!
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That same weekend, we again gathered to assemble 100 comfort bags for Naomi's House! Naomi's House works with victims of sex trafficking who are often homeless and vulnerable. Naomi House volunteers go out into the community to offer these bags to victims and share what resources are available to them.
Your generosity and commitment to this organization is appreciated.
Andrea Redmond/Mary Fleishmann
Outreach Ministry Chairs
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With the cooler weather, it's time to think about the holidays. 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 the first week in December.
Have fun shopping for T-O-Y-S. Any questions, contact the Church Office.
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ENDOWMENT FUND—Growing Our Legacy | |
All our members received a Planned Giving Survey last month with a request to complete and return the survey to the Endowment Committee. This Survey was intended to help the Committee determine how familiar our congregation was with Planned Giving. Planned giving, also called legacy giving, consists of any gift that members make to the Little Home Church through their financial or estate plans. For members of the Little Home Church, planned giving represents a major opportunity to deepen your relationship with the church and to sustain our ministries for generations to come. When a member makes a planned gift to the Little Home Church or any charitable organization, they ensure their own legacy by supporting the future and making a lasting impact for causes they care about. In many cases, planned giving donors like to make bequests in honor of a loved one to see their family or friends live on through the causes they loved.
Thank you to all our members who have already returned your survey. If you have not yet completed and returned the survey, we have included a link below for your convenience.
Thank you and looking forward to a great return of completed surveys.
The Endowment Committee
Mary Emily Anhalt, Pete Connolly, Mary Harling, Jon Hutchison, Wade Mayer
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If you would like to purchase a poinsettia to help decorate our altar area for Christmas Eve, please click on the link below for the order form and submit to the church office with payment. Order forms will also be in upcoming Sunday bulletins. The plants are available in either red or white and are $15 each. You may pay by cash, check, Venmo or Zelle. You may note if it your plant is in memory or in celebration of a loved one. You may take your plants home after one of the Christmas Eve services. Orders are due by December 3.
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WOMEN'S ADVENT WORSHIP & TEA | |
Save the Date
Saturday l December 6 l 10 am
Ladies, mark your calendars for our annual Women's Advent Worship & Tea. The theme this year is Peace, Love, Joy. The worship service begins at 10 am followed by a Fellowship Tea at 11 am. Sign ups to bring hors d'ouevre or desserts will be coming shortly. Come and share in the spirit of the season and bring a friend!
More information to come!
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A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...
The clouds parted and the sun broke through in time for teams from seven area churches to participate in the annual CROP Walk for Hunger.
Following a short worship service, Little Home Church was the stepping off point.
Initial figures show over $15,000 raised and our Little Home Church goal of $500 was reached!
Thank you to everyone for your support!
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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 November will be held on Thursday, November 6 and 19 at either 8 am or 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—November 13
The November selection is Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange. A follow-up to Tommy Orange's 'There There', Wandering Stars traces the legacies of the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864 and the Carlisle Indian Industrial School through the shattering aftermath of Orvil Red Feather's shooting in There There.
Click here to see the remaining books chosen for 2025.
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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Nov 2 — Emily Miller
Nov 4 — Tim Haben
Nov 5 — Jon Hutchison
Nov 6 — Linda Kurtz
Nov 7 — Bill Knudsen, Ro Montgomery
Nov 8 — Liz Haben
Nov 10 — Ed Kendall
Nov 11 — Dave Hochstetter, Jared Winquist
Nov 12 — Anne Haben
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Nov 14 — Alec Thomas
Nov 15 — Stephen Prang
Nov 16 — Kalloway Casey
Nov 20 — Susie Winquist
Nov 24 — Kathy Haben
Nov 27 — Sullivan Kaska
Nov 28 — Kim Okey
Nov 30 — Jennifer Harmon, Mona Rose
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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 | |
Our Congratulations...
To Anne and Charles Bouchard on the birth of their second grandson, Julian Ellis Bouchard born September 27. Proud parents are George and Leah Bouchard, with big brother Henry!
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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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