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Celebrating the Journey
August 2025 Newsflash
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“One in the Spirit”
I remind you of the covenant that we share with our parent denomination, the United Church Christ. Those of us who are devoted to the polity, doctrine, witness, and practices of the UCC, often find ourselves trapped in the difficult position of having to maintain a “neutral” stance with the many difficult societal and religious issues. I trust you understand the challenges we preachers and teachers of the word often face - and how we are sometimes accused of being too “radical” or that we’re getting “too political.”
The way I see it is that there are basically four types of sermons. The first is what I like to call Cotton Candy Sermons: all fluff, sugar coated, and containing very little substance.
Another classification would be Teaching Sermons. Teaching Sermons often explain the context of the biblical text, offer a lot of background and back story to the text, and are more like bible study but with a theme and a “moral of the story;” and can utilize colorful illustrations.
Then there are the Pastoral Sermons. Pastoral Sermons help people feel comforted, affirmed, and hopeful - and usually deal with human emotions and everyday anxieties. Difficult issues (i.e. violence, oppression, depravity, injustice) can be raised but then are simply grieved, lamented, or made light of. Pastoral Sermons typically seek to avoid controversial matters and always promote unity and instill hope. Pastoral Sermons can, as we often say, be used to comfort the afflicted.
And then there are the sometimes-dreaded Prophetic Sermons. Aligning with the prophets of old and even Jesus himself, those inspired to preach Prophetic Sermons do so to call out certain injustices being committed on people (especially the marginalized) and against God’s creation. The Prophetic Sermons are often about holding accountable those responsible for said injustices and are grounded in scriptures that seek to promote a more just and equitable society. Prophetic Sermons are often considered “too political” despite every attempt by the preacher to focus the message on what is best and right for the betterment of humankind and the world in which we exist. Prophetic Sermons can, as we often say, be used to afflict the comfortable.
It goes without saying that many people come to church to escape the countless stressors of life and don’t want to be confronted with sermons that challenge them or make them feel uncomfortable. I get that. I really do. For 35 years it has been my intent to seek a balance and provide sermons that cover the broad spectrum of issues, but most importantly, to help people relate God’s word to their daily lives.
However, I will, from time to time, be inspired to preach a prophetic sermon - but will seek to do so with a level of integrity and respect for the views of all. So, please don’t say that “the pastor is dividing the church with his sermons.”
Because the division in our society and even in our congregation has nothing to do with a particular sermon. And if we can't come to the table and respectfully discuss controversial matters, then we're simply denying ourselves the important opportunity to fully be the church. I think, in the end, we would realize that we all want the same thing. Please know that I always welcome open and honest dialogue and want people to have the courage to come to me with their questions or concerns – anytime! Just not ten minutes before Sunday morning worship!
I hope that in our remaining time together that we can find ways to celebrate the common ground and shared vision of peace, justice, and unconditional love; that we are united by the one spirit that guides us in our mutual journey.
See ya’ in church.
Pastor Bob
| | A Word From The Transition Team | | |
Transition Team Update
Many of you participated in the town hall meeting last month where we used the Let’s Talk Church design to engage in times of introspection to look back and celebrate where we’ve been, inspiration to define the here and now, and innovation to consider where God is leading us. Three questions anchored our discussion: Who are we?; Who is our neighbor?; and Who is God calling us to become?
Through Pastor Bob’s leadership we considered our methods (building, budget, etc.), and then how to move to missions (what we’re called to do). Our church has always stretched towards improving missions. The more we think about it, the easier it is to move in that direction.
It is important to consider these aspects of our unique congregation so that we have guidance for who to call as our settled pastor. They can help us move forward more effectively when we have clearly identified the direction we believe we are being led by God.
The transition team meets again this week to decide next steps.
We are also working toward forming a pastoral search committee. If you are interested, application forms for members to complete are now available from the Church Office. You can also consider who else would be good on the committee and give them a form or give us your suggestion.
Your Transition Team,
Pastor Bob Wang Jim Erion
Michelle Tarosas Nancy Kneip
Bill Hellyer
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General Synod Report
We have been home from Synod for nearly 2 weeks, and are anxious to tell everyone all about it! The bad news is, we haven’t found a Sunday in August to schedule something after a worship service until the 31st. That, of course, is good news from the viewpoint of an active church! So please plan to join us to hear more and get your questions answered.
The main topic to bring back is the Resolutions which were passed and which will dictate the focus of the United Church of Christ over the next three years. The hope is that we as a congregation can choose a couple of these as mission or other actions in the near future. These can be found on ucc.org under All Things General Synod 35 (scroll down to the orange boxes). While in this, take a look at worship or Plenaries if you’d like.
Here is a list by title of the resolutions. Online, there is a summary first, then the detailed description.
· Motion of Penn West, Penn Central, Pennsylvania Southeast, and Penn Northeast
Conferences to Join Together to Form the Keystone Conference
· Resolution on Full Communion Relationship Between the United Church of Christ and Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland
· Resolution on Full Communion Relationship Between the United Church of Christ and Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Puerto Rico
· The Small Town and Rural Coalition of the United Church of Christ Requests to Be Recognized as a Formal Group
RESOLUTIONS OF WITNESS
· A Declaration of Support for Philippine Human Rights
· Faithful Stewardship of Our Whole Lives and Advocacy for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Faith Communities Through Interfaith Collaboration
· Recognition of the Continually-Evolving Language of Mental Health
· A Response to Christian Persecution in India
LATE ARRIVING RESOLUTIONS OF WITNESS
· Responding to the Federal Government’s Attack on Immigrants, Migrants, and refugees
· Calling The United Church of Christ to Oppose the 2025 Immigration Rollbacks and Support Immigrants, Refugees, and Pacific Island Communities, while Amplifying Antiracist Work On Behalf of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in Response to the Current
Socio-Political Backlash (submitted by COREM)
· In Support of Restoration of Full Funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
· In Support of Restoration of Full Funding and Autonomy for the Voice of America Declaration for an End to Genocide in Palestine
Submitted by Dennis and Nancy Kneip
| | August Worship Opportunities | | |
August 3: The 8th Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-17
Sermon Theme: Thou Shalt Not Deviate
Note: The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be served.
August 10: The 9th Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Sermon Theme: Seeing the Invisible
August 17: The 10th Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture: Luke 12:49-56
Sermon Theme: Forecasting More Than the Weather
August 24: The 11th Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture: Luke 13:10-17
Sermon Theme: Sabbath Works
August 31: The 12th Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture: Luke 14:1, 7-14
Sermon Theme: The Table of Friendship and Love
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COFFEE TALKS w/PASTOR BOB WEDNESDAYS at 3PM
| | CCA's Third Annual Picnic | | | | |
BIBLES AND BREW
Thursday, August 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th at 6:00 PM at
Towne Park
Bring a chair and your drink of choice. We will meet under the oak tree right across the bridge.
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SENIOR AFTERNOON OF GAMES
August 6th at 12:30 PM
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!
| | Missions, Ministries & More | | | | |
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.
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SPAM-A-LOT
When is Spam not Spam?
When it's in a can, helping your fellow man!
Wynn Ann has made a connection with a rebuilding community in the Philippines. Since Covid, they rely on Spam as an easy food to ship and eat. Their community is also in need of other things such as clothes and school supplies but currently we will try to collect at least 50 cans of Spam!
WE ARE GIVING YOU PERMISSION TO SPAM A LOT!!!
There will be a box in the coat room for our collection!
Thank you everyone for your help!
Maybe ask your neighbors to pick up a few cans too!
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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 are collection bins by the back door and in the coat room. For more information about the program, you can visit their website: gotsneakers.com.
For June, we had 24 pairs of shoes displaced from landfill. A third bag of shoes was sent in on 7/8/25.
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The Ministry of Christian Education is organizing an all-church field trip to Hoo Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center in Durand, IL (just west of Rockford). The day will include a talk and tour of their facility, lunch together at their outdoor amphitheater, followed by a nature-themed concert by Pastor Bob.
In a nutshell, Hoo Haven is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing sick, injured, and orphaned North American wildlife, and to educating individuals on the importance of conserving Mother Earth to maintain the land, clean and beautiful for all. For more information about Hoo Haven please visit their website (hoohaven.org). FYI: Karen and Steve Herdklotz, the owners, are members of the UCC church in Rockton, IL where Pastor Bob served a few years ago.
The present plan is to depart from the church at 8:30 a.m. and caravan to Hoo Haven (some may choose to simply meet us there). Our tour and talk will happen at 11:00. A brown-bag lunch will be at noon (bring your own lunch), followed by the concert. Our end time is TBD but will take place sometime in the middle of the afternoon.
Anyone, any age, interested in joining us should notify Ahley in the church office or sign up on the clipboard outside the sanctuary. Please include your cell phone and email so that we can provide any last-minute updates, etc. Deadline to register is August 17th. Come one, come all for a fantastic day together mingling with some of God’s most amazing critters.
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BIRTHDAYS
8/2 Dick Roggeveen
8/5 Gary Tipps
8/5 Greg Tipps
8/5Jeff Jolitz
8/8 Kris Panzloff
8/13 Barbara Weitz
8/17 Kurt Boyer
8/17 Kay Boyer
8/17 Janet Aggen
8/18 Charles Jolitz
8/19 Jayne Scheske
8/20 Dave Carris
8/22 Patricia Thime
8/23 Loren Twarling
8/25 Warren Dahn
8/29 David Aggen
ANNIVERSARIES
8/3 Jennifer & Jim Jazwinski
8/10 Greg & Beverly Tipps
8/10 Jean & William Hertel
8/15 Robert & Anna Benjamin
8/25 David & Janet Aggen
8/25 Bruce & Cathy Thorne
8/31 Brent & Courtney Thorne
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Office Hours
Regular office hours are
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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Carol Briggs
Lynne Carlson
Fred Ekstrom
Nancy Ekstrom
Gary Gray
Pat Hemmingsen
Janet Kelley
Pat Kramer
Dick Roggeveen
Judy Stauffer
Rick Stauffer
Sue Kreibich
If you would like someone's address to send a card, please contact the Church Office
| | Congregational Church of Algonquin | 109 Washington Street | Algonquin, IL 60102 US | | | | |
