April 2025 Newsflash - Celebrating the Journey

Celebrating the Journey

April 2025 Newsflash

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Words from Wang

“Easter Origins and Earthly Delights”

Did you know that Easter actually began as a pagan festival celebrating spring in the Northern Hemisphere, long before the advent of Christianity? Since pre-historic times, people have celebrated the equinoxes and the solstices as sacred times. It was with the advent of Christianity that the Easter period became associated with the resurrection of Christ. And that didn’t officially happen until the 4^th century A.D. (300+years after his death).

Like with the dating of Christ’s birth, the feast days in the new Christian church were attached to well-established ancient pagan festivals. Why, with the theme of new life, it was fitting that spring festivals became connected explicitly to the Christian Easter message – of Jesus having conquered death by being resurrected after his crucifixion.

In most countries in Europe, the name for Easter is derived from the Jewish festival of Passover. In Greek, the festival is called Pascha, and is where we get the concept of the Paschal Lamb (connecting us with the idea of Christ being the sacrificial lamb that was slain).

But in English-speaking countries, and in Germany, Easter takes its name from a pagan goddess from Anglo-Saxon England. That pagan goddess’ name is "Eostre.” She was the goddess of spring (even described as the goddess of fertility) thus the reason why her feast is attached to the vernal/spring equinox. It comes as no surprise that rabbits and hares are also associated with fertility and were symbols linked to the goddess Eostre.

Many of the pagan customs associated with the celebration of spring eventually became absorbed within Christianity as symbols of the resurrection of Jesus. It seemed natural then that eggs, as a symbol of new life, became associated with the resurrection story; in essence, that nature was coming to life again, a welcome sight after having to endure the chill of a long and dark winter season.

Remember in Sunday school as kids when we got to plant a seed in a Styrofoam cup? Remember the anticipation of seeing the first sprout and, if lucky, to watch the sprout grow into a seedling and then into a full plant and eventually bloom. It’s true that, along with bunnies and eggs, the planting of spring seeds has always provided believers with a wonderful analogy for the Easter story. The symbolism is profound as we reflect on life from death, hope from hopelessness, joy from sorrow, and promise from disbelief.

And it’s always a double blessing when one of the Sundays included in the Easter season is the one that gives us the opportunity to make a beautiful connection with the annual observance of “Earth Day.” May you have a blessed Easter - but don’t forget the passion story that precedes it with the last supper, the betrayal, the trial, and the agony of the cross.

See ya’ in church,

Pastor Bob

175th Anniversary Celebration

As we continue to celebrate 175 years of serving the Community and our God, here are the exiting events for April and May.

Sunday, April 13th at 10:00 a.m. Our Palm Sunday Service will begin with our youth leading the Congregation in waving palms and shouting Hosanna!

April 17th at 7:30 p.m. One of our most beautiful service of the year is Maundy Thursday, when we remember the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples. We will have a living portrayal of the last supper, Jesus in Gethsemane, Jesus being arrested in the Garden, and Jesus taking the cross to die for our sins. A very meaningful service with communion, living portrayals, and beautiful music.

April 18th at 7:30 p.m. is our Good Friday Service. The church is in darkness as we observe the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. We end the service nailing nails to the cross.

Sunday, April 20th at 10:00 a.m. Come and celebrate Our Risen Lord! Special music with soloists, Senior Choir, and our Bell Choir make for a very joyous Sunday!

Saturday, May 12th at 9:00 a.m. the Men’s Fellowship will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast to be enjoyed by he whole church family! Come enjoy great food and fellowship.

Virtual Lenten Devotions

Virtual Lenten Devotions by the Pastor

Upon release the week after Ash Wednesday, it was decided to appropriately dub these as “Lenten Time Outs.” With busy schedules and so many different commitments, we are offering a ten-minute reflection of a traditional church hymn; offering the back story as well as a singing of the hymn.

Continuing through Palm Sunday, each week (Wednesday or Thursday releases) Pastor Bob has been pre-recording a devotion for viewing at one’s leisure. They are being posted on the church website, Facebook page, YouTube, and sent via email as an attachment. We trust this will continue to be a meaningful way for all to observe Lent this year.

April Worship Opportunities

April 6: The 5^th Sunday in Lent

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Sermon Theme: Living in the Mary-Moment

Note: The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be served

April 13: Palm Sunday

Scripture: Mark 11:1-11

Sermon Theme: Everyone Loves A Parade

April 17: Maundy Thursday

7:30 Worship in the Sanctuary

April 18: Good Friday

7:30 Worship in the Sanctuary

April 20: Easter Sunday

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Sermon Theme: By Our Love

April 27: The 2^nd Sunday of Easter

Scripture: TBD

Sermon Theme: TBD

Save the Date

Senior Game Afternoon - Wednesday, April 2nd at 12:30 p.m.

Bibles & Brew - Thursday, April 3rd at 6:30 p.m.

1st Sunday Food Pantry Offering - Sunday, April 6th

Women’s Bunco - Friday, April 11th at 6:00 p.m.

Men’s Fellowship - Saturday, April 12th 9:00 a.m.

Palm Sunday - Sunday, April 13th at 10:00 a.m.

Fair Trade Sunday - Sunday, April 13th

Maundy Thursday Service - Thursday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m.

Good Friday Service - Friday, April 18th at 7:30 p.m.

Newsletter Deadline - Saturday, April 19th

Easter Sunday Service - Sunday, April 20th at 10:00 a.m.

No Coffee Talks with Pastor Bob - Wednesday, April 23rd

Coffee Talks with Pastor Bob - Wednesday’s 3:00 p.m.

Easter Flowers

Dave & Deb Carriss

Fred & Nancy Ekstrom

In Celebration of their Children, Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren

Richard & Barb Elke

In Memory of their Parents

Dennis & Nancy Kneip

In Memory of Val Williams

Wendy MacCarthy

In Celebration of her Grandchildren

In Memory of Con MacCarthy

Sal & Pat Maggio

In Celebration of our Family

Art & Peg Nesser

In Memory of Their Parents

Bob & Judy Wang

In Celebration of the Privilege of Serving CCA

In Memory of John & Grethen Wang

Camp Recognition Sunday

Camp Sunday is MAY 4TH

Let’s go to camp! Outdoor ministry in the United Church of Christ has always been, and will continue to be, one the most important ways to reach people of all ages with the gospel message. And there’s nothing better than the church camp experience of community; forming friendships that last a lifetime. In the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ, we are blessed with two amazing church camp sites. Pilgrim Park, in Princeton, and Tower Hill, which is actually located in Sawyer, Michigan amidst the amazing sand dunes of eastern Lake Michigan.

But church camp is so much more than nature-centered sites. Outdoor ministry is an extension of our local churches with its vast array of ministry opportunities for all ages and backgrounds. For many, including myself, it is our church camp experiences that have helped to shape the direction of our faith and calling as disciples of Christ. But like so many institutions, our camps need the local church’s support, not just through our dollars, but with camper days. Camper days are the units used to measure the output of camp usage through themed-summer camps, weekend retreats, and day-use programming. But it’s always been the “outcome in faith building and growth” that we can truly measure the impact of our camps and outdoor ministry in general.

This issue of our church newsletter includes highlights of what is being offered during the 2025 camping season. Please take a look and seriously consider helping to increase the camper day count with your involvement. There is, quite literally, something for everyone, not just kids. And please plan on joining us for worship on May 4th when we will celebrate Camp Sunday. There will be camp songs, activities, games, vespers, and s’mores and more. Feel free to come dressed in summer (informal dress) and get ready to celebrate camp (and Earth Day a little early).

Pilgrim Park Camp and Conference Center

“Out of the Ordinary, Into the Sacred”

Our Whole Lives Elementary Facilitator Training, June 6-8, $534

Trainers: Christina Fairman and TBD

A training for adults, 21 and older, who want to offer the Our Whole Lives for Grades K-1 and/or Grades 4-6 at their church and in their communities. Deadline to register is May 6th.

Making Memories (formerly Grandparents & Me Camp) July 7-9,

Ages 4 and up, $255/First Participant and $135/Additional Participants

Directors: Karen Karczewski and Lorri Foockle lead this intergenerational camp for grandparents & grandchildren; parents & children; aunts/uncles & nieces/nephews. ALL are welcome and encouraged to come make memories to last a lifetime.

Spirit Camp July 14-19, youth completing 3^rd-10^th grade, $445/per camper

Lead Staff: Sara Buresh, Diane Hooper and Colleen Rohlman work together to ensure Spirit Camp is a place to make new friends, learn about God and just be yourself! Come join us to find out what the Spirit Camp spirit is all about.

Spirit Tenderfoot Camp, Jul7 17-19, youth completing Kindergarten-3^rd grade, $220/per camper

Director: Terri Kelly invites you to come to camp to meet new friends and make fun memories all while learning about God in our life. A two-night experience with all that camp has to offer!

Illinois Conference Women’s Retreat, October 3-4: Full Retreat $171; Friday & Saturday-Day

Only $116; or Saturday-Day Only $76

A 23-hour get-a-way to relax while engaging God’s Holy Spirit. It’s a time to reconnect with old friends, make new friends and even bring along some friends.

Crafter’s Retreat, December 4-7: $308/double occupancy or $408/single occupancy

What a wonderful time to complete your Christmas projects!

Visit Pilgrim Parks Website

To register for any of these camps click here: Registration

Tower Hill Camp & Retreat Center

“Out of the Ordinary, Into the Sacred”

Climate Justice Camp, June 16-20, intergenerational, $375 / person.

Director: Rev. David Russell encourages faith leaders and families, students and teachers, activists and seekers are encouraged to come together to begin, continue or to go deeper to be the Land Defenders and Water Protectors needed for this time.

HUG Camp, July 6-11, youth completing 4^th-11^th grade, $550 / person.

Directors: Carol Currier-Frighetto and Donna Boyko HUG Camp is a place where God Helps Us Grow memories and friendships that last forever.

HUG Tenderfoot Camp July 9-11, youth completing K-3^rd grade, $330 / person.

Director: Tom March HUG Tenderfoot gives younger campers the opportunity to experience camp in an abbreviated timeframe that is suited for their age group!

Godstock Camp July 20-25, youth completing 3^rd-9^th grade, $550 / a person.

Directors: Jamie Kirscher and Theresa Graben Godstock is a week-long camp where youth can make life-long friendships while connecting with nature and their faith.

Godstock Tenderfoot Camp July 23-25, youth completing K-3^rd grade, $330 / person.

Directors: Cindy and Allen White Campers will engage in activities both with and separate from the larger Godstock campers which will provide a fun and exciting experience for our younger campers.

Visit Tower Hills Website

To register for any of these camps click here: Registration

Groups & Studies

SENIOR AFTERNOON OF GAMES

Wednesday, April 2nd 12:30 p.m.

Do you love playing cards and board games? Why not join your friends at CCA for a fun afternoon of games? Games and snacks will be provided, although you are welcome to bring your favorites. We can't wait to see you!

BIBLES AND BREW

Thursday, April 3rd at 6:30 p.m. at Emmett’s Brewing Company

Joins us for Bibles and Brew at Emmett’s Brewing Company at 128 W. Main St., West Dundee.

WOMEN'S BUNCO NIGHT

Friday, April 11th at 6:00 p.m. - $5.00 entry fee

Join us for a fun-filled, competitive evening of playing Bunco while enjoying wonderful food and benefitting a good cause. Winnings from March were $55 and went to the food pantry.

MEN'S FELLOWSHIP

Saturday, April 12th at 9:00 a.m.

Men’s Fellowship will be meeting in the Fellowship Hall for excellent conversation and a delicious meal. Bring your favorite breakfast dish, or just come to enjoy the good company! Invite a friend!

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP

will not meet in April as the date coincides with Maundy Thursday. We will meet back up in May.

WOMEN'S FELLOWHIP RETREAT

Blessed with sunny skies and a crisp but tolerable breeze a small group of women from our fellowship embarked on a spiritual renewal this past weekend hunting and interpreting God’s gems hidden amongst the Bible and in themselves.

We stayed at the UCC owned Log House operated by the friendly folks at Cedar Valley. A quaint natural setting of rolling hills and farmland accompanied by frolicking llamas made a pleasant impression upon us as we hiked and experienced the natural and man made structures of God, including a small concrete teepee style chapel in which we had an impromptu melodious moment.

This weekend was full of laughter, a few tears, and building and lifting each other up in His name. We are blessed to have this community of strong, spiritual, and ever-learning women within our Congregation.

A huge thanks to Marci Norlund for planning the various Bible study activities and crafts and all the women in attendance for planning and preparing delicious meals and for helping bring materials.

Your Fellow Sister in Christ,

Connie Wodziak

TEEN FAITH IN ACTION

Sunday, April 27th

We will meet upstairs in Shepherd U during worship.

175th anniversary committee

Thursday, April 10th at 6:00 p.m.

The Anniversary Committee will gather to go over the upcoming Easter season activities.

COFFEE TALKS WITH PASTOR BOB

Every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.

Join Pastor Bob every Wednesday at the Riverbottom Coffee & Ice Cream Company (301 S. Main St., Algonquin) for coffee and conversation. No Coffee Talks on April 23rd.

SHEPHERD U

The Ministry of Christian Education is looking for assistants to help during the church year. Being an assistant doesn't require any teaching or lesson prep; you're just there to help the teacher and have a great time with our kids. If you'd like to be a part of enhancing young people's worship experience, the sign up for 2025 is up in the Narthex or contact the church office.

Missions, Ministries & More

FIRST SUNDAY SPECAIL OFFERING - ALITH Food Pantry

Sunday, April 6th

"Be a Neighbor, Feed a Neighbor”

There is a list of the pantry's most current needs in the Narthex. Non-perishable food donations can be placed in the shopping cart by the church elevator or dropped off at the pantry at 1113 Pyott Road, Lake in the Hills, IL. There is a drop off on the North side of the building, available 24/7. There continues to be a great need in our community. The food pantry will also take your plastic grocery bags and reuse them for their clients. There is a bin in the coat room for the collection of bags.

FAIR TRADE

Sunday, April 13th Following Worship

When you purchase products that meet Fair Trade standards, not only are you supporting compensating workers with fair wages for their talents and labor, you’re also contributing to protecting the planet. Visit our Fair Trade table in the Fellowship Hall following worship, where you can browse and purchase quality Fair Trade products like coffee and tea. Visit our website or contact Nancy Kneip for more information.

MINISTRY OF MISSIONS PROJECT IDEAS

The Ministry of Missions would appreciate your ideas for mission projects. Please share your ideas with any Missions member or post them on the Missions bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall.

FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN

We would like to plan an outing to Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg in April or May. If you would be interested, please sign up on the interest sheet posted in the Narthex. Friends and family are invited to join our group. The date will be determined once we have an idea of interest.

RECYCLING SNEAKERS

We will continue to collect old sneakers to be recycled through a program called “Gotsneakers”. The focus is on athletic style sneakers (children and adult); running, basketball, training, etc. Non-athletic footwear will not be accepted. There will be a collection box by the back door and in the coat room. For more information about the program you can visit their website at gotsneakers.com.

THE HEAVENLY ATTIC - Open Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As you may know the Heavenly Attic is a mission of the church donating proceeds to local charities. This month the proceeds from the shop go to The Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) which provides year-round recreation activities for people with disabilities. Since 1976, children and adults of all ability levels have enjoyed socializing, building skills and having fun in hundreds of weekly programs, special events, camps and trips each year.

SERVE DURING COFFEE HOUR

We are looking for volunteers to serve during Coffee Hour through the end of the year. There is a sign-up sheet for January through June of 2025 on the bulletin board in the Narthex for those who would like to serve or contact the church office.

VOLUNTEER ON THE PRAIRIE TRAIL!

Join the McHenry County Conservation Foundation to help maintain a small segment of our extensive county trail system! As part of the District's Adopt-A-Trail program, once a month from April–December McHenry County Conservation Foundation volunteers and staff will meet at the Mitchard Way (formerly Meyer Rd) parking lot in Algonquin to help keep a one-mile stretch of the trail free of debris and litter. Take a morning stroll down the Prairie Trail, meet new people, and help beautify the area. Dress for the weather. Gloves and hand sanitizer encouraged. Long-handled trash pickers provided.

The minimum age to volunteer independently is 18, but those under 18 can sign up with adult supervision.

2025 Clean-Up Dates

9:00-11:00 a.m., Saturdays from April - December

April 12

May 10

June 14

July 12

August 9

September 13

October 11

November 8

December 13

To sign-up or for more information, visit their Website

The Family of Ron Martens thanks you for all your kind words, compassion, and prayers during dad’s illness and passing. They were a great comfort to dad and us.

A special thank you to Pastor Wang for the lovely services, Bev Tipps for the lovely music, Sherry Severing for all her assistance, and to all who helped set up, serve, clean up, and provided delicious desserts for the luncheon. Everything was greatly appreciated during this difficult time.

We are truly blessed.

Gods’ Blessings and Love,

Lori Martens

Dawn & Alan Koshiol & Family

Let's Talk Church Follow Up & Highlights

Let’s Talk Church – Follow Up Report and Highlights

The following is a breakdown of our first gathering in March. In addition to this recap of the day, we will be sending out a link to the video recorded opening biblical reflection and keynote address presented by Pastor Bob. Special thanks to the Men’s Fellowship and a few others who helped with the two meals offered the day of the event.

The Congregational United Church of Christ of Algonquin

Let’s Talk Church: Phase 1

Let’s Talk Church is a project designed for the purpose of coming together with fellow church members to engage in a time of introspection, inspiration, and innovation.

Churches in transition are often reminded to simply “trust the process.” These are words that reflect the simple message offered to churches in transition from the leaders of the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ. However, in addition to following the guidelines for pastoral transitions, the CCA finds itself at a crossroads and is therefore in a unique position to do some serious self-reflection and to reexamine our mission and purpose.

As we engage in the process, we have the opportunity, therefore, to prayerfully consider the many ways in which we can be the kind of church that can best serve the people who belong, the community in which we exist, and the wider United Church of Christ. In short, to reflect on how we can best work together with others to become a more just, generous, vibrant, and vital church. The end-goal in this intentional interim period is to work to become a healthy and revitalized faith community and be thus able to attract the best possible candidate to serve as our settled pastor as we live into the next phase of our church life.

Let’s Talk Church 1 - Schedule

9:00 Gather for breakfast and fellowship

9:20 Opening song and prayer (in the sanctuary)

Scripture Reading: John 5:2-9

Reflection: Do You Want to Be Healed?

Song/Prayer: By Our Love

9:30 Keynote Presentation and Discussion: The Church

Reimagined

10:00 Breakout session 1 (half will go with Michelle,

half will go with Nancy)

Grow the Church (Michelle)

Be the Church (Nancy)

11:15 Breakout Session 2 (Reverse from Session 1)

Be the Church (Nancy)

Grow the Church (Michelle)

12:30 Working Lunch

1:00 Discussion and Next Steps

1:30 Closing Prayer (Song: Church Rise Up)

Breakout Sessions

Grow the Church (Led by Michelle T.)

There’s a new game to play your way to church vitality. The “Grow Your Church” board game is for both the boardroom and the dining room table, says the game’s description. In it, players move through a forest setting of deer, bees and acorns, landing on spaces that lead to prompts focused on building relationships within the group and guiding reflection related to the Marks of Faithful and Vital Local Churches (I made copies for each of us). The game is for up to 6 players but can be used in larger groups with each “player” being made up a team that responds to questions with an agreed upon answer (consensus).

The Marks were developed as part of a larger United Church of Christ project focused on creating a Manual on Church (MOC), and they were the inspiration for the game, which officially launched at General Synod 34 (2023) in Indianapolis. The Marks are one of the core parts of the MOC and the game emerged from the MOC working group as a way to make the Marks more accessible and engaging. The Marks are utilized in the process of developing a church profile as well as when a pastoral candidate completes their personal ministerial profile (The Manual on Ministry version: The MARKS OF FAITHFUL AND EFFECTIVE AUTHORIZED MINISTERS in the UCC).

Be the Church (Led by Nancy K.)

Because of the resonance with the “Be the Church” banner across the life of the UCC, we have been working to develop some innovative, adaptable, and concrete resources for congregations. The goal of these resources is to support local churches in embodying more fully each of the “Be the Church” statements within their community contexts.

The first resource—the Be the Church Mission Planning Guide—provides congregations with a process for planning and engaging in this work, as well as assessing and discerning missional directions. Over time, our hope is to develop more detailed resources around strategic planning, realigning church resources for greater missional impact, measuring outcomes, and listening/engaging one’s community to assess needs.

Follow up – possible action items/steps and working groups

More transition team led programs, branding/ marketing, church governance, staffing models, missional programs (be the church), vision statement, asset and property management/vision, UCC identity, full inclusion (ONA?), TOTB (thinking outside the box) and/or others that might come up during the day.

Your Transition Team:

Nancy Kniep

Michelle Tarosas

Jim Erion

Bill Hellyer

Pastor Bob Wang

Looking Ahead: We will talk about options for Let’s Talk Church: Phase 2. There will most likely be a level of carryover from Phase 1, however participation in Phase 2 is not contingent upon folks being present for phase 1. Phase 2 will happen, ideally, in conjunction with the formation of a pastoral search committee which would be best timed at the midpoint of our transitional timeframe (Pastor Bob’s interim period).

Online Giving

If you would like to donate online, please click here. You will find a wide selection of church funds to which you can contribute. Please contact Dennis Kneip with any questions about online giving.

May Newsletter

Submission Deadline:

April 19

If you have an item you would like included in the next Newsletter, please submit it to the Office by emailing algonquinucc@gmail.com no later than this date!