Little Home Church by the Wayside
OUR MINISTRIES
Christian Education Ministry
We want to enable all people of the church to learn and grow in the spirit of Jesus Christ. This ministry is responsible for:
• Developing & conducting all church school activities, adult education, & youth programs and events
• Management of curriculum & supplies; Teacher recruitment & training
• Educational & service-oriented pilgrimages for middle school youth & adults
Children's Program includes: Sunday School for children in pre-school through 7th grade; Confirmation classes for middle school student; Vacation Bible School in summer; and a traditional Christmas Pageant.
Adult Educational Programs: Weekly Bible Study; Issue forums; Education presentations; Pilgrimages periodically to other cities and social service agencies to strengthen our faith and commitments.
Congregational Life Ministry
We strive to promote Christian fellowship within our congregation by providing opportunities to bond as the Body of Christ. We reach out to members in times of need, lead lay visitation, and coordinate contact and communication with the sick, home-bound, grieving, or those that are otherwise recuperating, to provide transportation, meals, cards, or flowers as needed. The church also conducts a Prayer Chain and Phone Tree during times of special need.
We plan social events, conduct church-related dinners, and support many other individual and ongoing events that provide opportunities for the members of our church to come together for fun and fellowship. In the past, this ministry has sponsored such events as: Chili Cook-Off & Bake-Off; Women's Advent Tea; and special dinners and receptions.
Evangelism Ministry
Our Evangelism Ministry reaches out into the community, encouraging everyone to seek a relationship with God. We bring the church outside the church walls so people can grow in their faith, build caring relationships and serve others. We invite the public to join us in church events, fellowship, and outreach. Our Ministry welcomes new members to the church and fosters a sense of belonging by helping all members get better acquainted to strengthen the bonds of our church family.
Facilities Ministry
We are charged with the care and custody of the properties of the church. We ensure that the physical plant of the church and our other buildings are in good repair and used appropriately to further our ministry to the community. Our buildings are used for worship, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, is a frequent site for weddings, and used by community associations such as the Wayne Art Leauge, Girl Scouts, Wayne DuPage Hunt pony club, the Wayne PTO, the garden club, a women's club, and a community bible study.
Work projects may include interior/exterior painting, repairs and renovations, landscape maintenance of the grounds, and entering into contracts to buy or sell properties on behalf of the church (within guidelines established by the Church Council).
Outreach Ministry
This ministry inspires, enlists, and coordinates the wider mission concerns of the church. Presently, the focus of Outreach is food insecurity and refugee resettlement in addition to human trafficking. This ministry plans and conducts programs that educate the congregation regarding the needs of others and facilitates opportunities to serve. Outreach reviews requests for support and allocates financial and non-financial resources to those causes and missions the church chooses to support.
Not for profit organizations and activites that we support include Exodus World Service for refugee resettlement, Naomi's House, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Neighborhood Food Pantries, the Wayne School partnership for Elgin food bank, the World Food Program, Toys for Tots, prayer shawls for Hands of Hope, CROP Walk and the church wide missions of the United Church of Christ.
Our ministry welcomes and embraces those who are friends of the Little Home C hurch but not necessarily members of our congregation. We are grateful for support. We welcome the participation of all our neighbors and appreciate input as to how we can be of service to our greater community.
Stewardship Ministry
We are responsible for strengthening the church through encouraging members to give of their time, talent and treasure. Our ministry manages the annual stewardship campaign that funds the operating budget, conducts periodic fund drives, and solicits gifts for perpetual and memorial funds. These efforts also include:
• One Great Hour Of Sharing, which supports programs internationally
• Neighbors In Need, which supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States and Puerto Rico
• The Christmas Fund providing financial aid to retired and active ministers who face overwhelming financial demands
Worship & Spiritual Growth Ministry
Worship in our church is planned and supported by this ministry in partnership with the Pastor and the Music Director. We also develope worship beyond the regular Sunday service, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Annual Outdoor Worship, and the Wayne Blessing of the Hounds each fall. Our work includes communion set-up, assigning ushers and pulpit associates, arranging for acolytes, and setting up altar flower arrangements (including Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies).
Music is a highlight of our worship experience and a Music Committee, under the guidance of our Music Director, coordinates both adult and children’s choirs to participate regularly in worship. Guest soloists and performers, from within and outside the congregation, often provide special music and solos throughout the year.
Our ministry also plans events that supplement our worship experience. This includes the Hanging of the Greens, potluck suppers that accompany worship, and various concerts.
