February 2025 Newsflash - Celebrating the Journey

Celebrating the Journey

February 2025 Newsflash

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Words from Wang

“A Goodly Heritage"

In scrolling the Old Testament, you may have come across this subtitle: “A Mik’tam of David.” That particular Hebrew label is attached to Psalm 16 and literally means “the finest gold.” Some scholars suggest that this label was used in order for a text to be able to stand out among/above other texts. So, one way the Hebrews did this might have been to literally craft these words in gold and display them in a prominent place in the temple. Another version of this practice was to interpret the word to mean “to mark or engrave” as to etch in stone; probably on a pillar or monument. In essence, to be preserved for future generations as an everlasting remembrance.

Putting it into the context of our church’s history, how would we show that which has been the “finest gold” of the Congregational Church of Algonquin throughout our 175 years? What has been our legacy to be preserved for future generations as an everlasting remembrance? In other words, what are those “solid gold moments” etched in our memories that have defined us as a faith community (and brick and mortar doesn’t count).

I say to the Lord, you are my God and I have no good apart from you…the Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant place; I have a goodly heritage. (Psalm 16:2, 5-6)

The Psalmist is saying that we have no possession on earth other than a relationship with God; the true treasure of faith; my portion and my cup. Herein lies the very essence of our faith, that the true heart turns away from earthly things and claims God solely as the supreme good, and its only portion.

Consider words and phrases like lot, pleasant place, the boundary lines…catch phrases that continue the metaphor of that “portion” of the heart that chooses and trusts in the Sovereign One. The lines are fallen to me in pleasant places and I have a goodly (Godly) heritage.”

Other translations of the Bible replace “heritage” with “inheritance;” as in “I have a goodly inheritance” which is interesting as we consider our role as stewards of our church. Thus, as part of God’s larger picture and plan for our church forbears, the “lines” by which our inheritance of God’s “estate,” if you will, were drawn and laid out 175 years ago. Today, we are reminded that the torch is being passed; and with it the responsibility to continue the act of preserving, practicing, and promoting that “inheritance” in the same way our Congregational Church forbears did.

We’ve perhaps heard is said that “Humankind and God fit together like two halves of a tally.” Those people who take “the world” as their portion will never be satisfied or will never be able to look at the past with thankfulness. Neither will they be able to look at the present with repose nor into the future with hope. That is why we underscore the fact that “God is the strength of our hearts and our portion forever.” We have this goodly heritage so let us, therefore, celebrate and give thanks to God for all the ways God has blessed and will continue to bless, the Congregational Church of Algonquin, Illinois.

See ya’ in church,

Pastor Bob

Let's Talk Church

SAVE THE DATE:

Let’s Talk Church

March 8th, 2025

9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Congregational Church of Algonquin U.C.C. Presents:

Let’s Talk Church

(A Program for Churches in Transition)

The Congregational Church of Algonquin (U.C.C.) finds itself at a crossroads and is therefore in a unique position to do some serious self-reflection and to prepare for the next phase of our church life. 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.

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 (looking back), inspiration (the here and now), and innovation (what is possible). Input, feedback, and hopes as articulated by church members and staff can be crucial to moving forward in the search for a settled pastor and can provide welcome data in the drafting of a church profile; always returning to the three questions: Who are we? Who’s our neighbor? Who is God calling us to become?

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 (healthy) church that will ultimately be attractive to pastoral candidates.

With that end-goal in mind, we are proposing a series of Saturday retreats. The first one will take place on Saturday, March 8th. We will gather at 9:00 a.m. for fellowship and food, followed with a program led by Pastor Bob, break for lunch, and then wrap things up by 1:30 in the afternoon. Strong participation is crucial to the success of this vital program for the CCA. Note: We will also need a few volunteers to assist with food, etc.

Pre-registration is needed in order to plan the program and food. Please email or call Sherry in the church office to reserve yourself a place no later than March 1st.

Your Transition Team:

Nancy Kneip

Michelle Tarosas

Jim Erion

Bill Hellyer

Pastor Bob Wang

Project Mozayik

The Congregation Church of Algonquin

Welcomes musician and founder

of the Village of Mozayik

Mona Augustin and Candice Welsh

on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

A bit about Mona & Candice’s Organization and how they work

Mozayik 501 (c) 3 was founded in 2014 to support a community of 200 refugee families whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed in the 2010 earthquake in Haiti that killed 150,000 people, most of whom already were living in poverty. We started with a dream of purchasing a piece of land where this community could go and begin rebuilding their lives. The land was purchased, a community center and 2 pit toilets were constructed, and the first family arrived, Father, mother, and 3 young daughters. The girls were enrolled in a nearby school that they could safely walk to.

Ten years later, as we welcome the year 2025 the village of Mozayik has grown to a population of 60. We now have 33 children enrolled in school. 20 families live on the land and are growing gardens, raising goats and chickens, there are 16 single family homes, a well, composting toilets, a small medical clinic, and a bakery. This community has faced many challenges during the past 10 years, but life is better, safer and there is hope for a better future. We invite you to learn more about Village Mozayik, Haiti. Hear stories of hardship and growth about a small community that refused to give up. Musician, Community Leader and Founder of Mozayik, Mona Augustin will be performing and presenting on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the Congregational Church of Algonquin during the 10:00 a.m. Worship Service and also after the Worship Service. Uniquely Haitian artwork will also be displayed and available for purchase as well as Mozayik merchandise. Mona will also be performing at the Riverbottom Coffee and Ice Cream Shop on Saturday, February 22, 2025 (time tba).

These events aim to warm and inspire the light that is within all of us to live in harmony with our neighbors in need. Our mission is to empower the community of Village Mozayik to achieve their dream and human right to live in a place of peace and well-being. We do this by providing stable housing, opportunities for income, access to basic medical care, and education for children. The current civil war in Haiti has forced our organization to pivot our goals a bit. We remain steadfast in providing housing, and jobs, as well as access to health care and education, however we are now faced with receiving an influx of refugees fleeing the capital city of port au prince where gang violence is causing immeasurable problems for civilians. All projects happening at Mozayik village are the dreams and visions of the community members at Mozayik. It doesn’t matter what we, as foreigners think or believe about their initiatives. As long as they are willing to do the work of designing and implementing their projects, structures and businesses, we feel it best to encourage and support those initiatives. They strategize. They come up with ideas. They create. They build. It’s vital. It’s life-affirming for these very capable people that they are able to put their minds and their skillsets to use in creating and expanding upon their own ideas of what it means to be and create a community. Throughout the many years that we’ve been partnering in this way with these people, we’ve seen a unique kind of growth occurring among them. It’s the type of growth that happens when we don’t lead but rather, simply engage them in their own pursuits. This means that the residents get to feel everything that is involved in their own development processes: the hard work, the frustrations involved in getting a project to completion, the steps and time involved in the process, and the final satisfaction of their own accomplishments. They are not dependent on foreigners to be there doing work for them. They are the creators of their own community. We are important yes, but as real partners, and as sideline support.

February Worship Opportunities

February 2: The 4th Sunday after Epiphany

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15

Sermon Theme: The Refugees

Note: The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be served

Rev. Dave Strang, Preaching

February 9: The 5th Sunday after Epiphany

(175th Anniversary Celebration)

Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-25

Sermon Theme: Like the Days of a Tree

February 16: The 6th Sunday after Epiphany

Scripture: Luke 6:17-26

Sermon Theme: The Woes of Privilege

February 23: The 7th Sunday after Epiphany

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

Sermon Theme: Beyond Good Measures

Special Guests: Mona Augustin & Candice Welsh

Save the Date

1st Sunday Food Pantry Offering - February 2nd

Senior Game Afternoon - February 5th at 12:30 p.m.

Yarn Works - Starts February 6th at 10:00 a.m., will meet every Thursday

Men’s Fellowship - February 8th at 9 a.m.

175th Anniversary Celebration - February 8th at 10:00 a.m.

Fair Trade Sunday - January 12th after Worship

Women's Fellowship - February 13th at 6:30 p.m.

Women’s Bunco - February 14th at 6 p.m.

Newsletter Deadline - February 19th

Mona Augustin - February 23rd at 10:00 a.m.

Coffee Talks with Pastor Bob - Every Wednesday 3 at p.m.

175th Anniversary Celebration

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am with them” -Matthew 18:20

A group of men and women decided to meet February 9, 1850 in the home of Ambrose Dodd on Main Street in downtown Algonquin to form The Congregational Church of Algonquin. From meeting in homes, and then a rented room above a blacksmith shop, to our current location (constructed in 1867 and then dedicated in 1868), one thing has remained the same: we have always been a safe place for worship and a cornerstone for serving our community.

In addition to worship, our church was the place to watch silent movies and even basketball games! Although we no longer host live sporting events in the sanctuary, we continue to provide space for numerous community groups of all ages.

And like the Fox River that flows through our town, as our community has grown and changed over the past 175 years, we have remained constant; diligent in our missions and faith to continue serving God and our community.

We invite you to celebrate our past and look forward to our future with a birthday celebration on Sunday, February 9th, 2025 at our 10:00 a.m. worship service with special music by a Brass Quintet and our Senior Choir followed by a potluck luncheon in our Fellowship Hall.

We will continue celebrating our 175th Anniversary throughout the year with special events and gatherings. We are excited to celebrate this incredible milestone with our church family and community.

March 2, 2025 10:00 a.m. A long tradition at the church when we worship God

Dixieland style with some fabulous musicians!

March 5, 1025 7:30 p.m. Our Ash Wednesday Service is a beautiful service of

repentance.

March 2025 A prayer walk led by the Women’s Fellowship, a reflective event that

promises to be a meaningful experience.

April 2025 Brings Holy Week services and our family Easter Event with crafts, story,

snacks and a BIG egg hunt!

April 13, 2025 10:00 a.m. Our Palm Sunday Service with the youth leading the

congregation in waving palms and shouting Hosanna!

April 17, 2025 7:30 p.m. One of our most beautiful services of the year is Maundy

Thursday, when we remember the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples. We have

a living portrayal of the last supper, Jesus in Gethsemane, being arrested by the

Roman guards, and taking the cross to die for our sins. We end with nailing nails to

the cross.

April 18, 2025 7:30 p.m. Our Good Friday Service. The church is in darkness and candle

light shines as we observe the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary.

April 20, 2025 10:00 a.m. Come and celebrate Our Risen Lord! Special music make this

a very joyous Sunday!

May 10, 2025 9:000 a.m. The Men’s Fellowship will host a Pancake Breakfast enjoyed

by the whole church family and guests.

June TBD We are going to do a “Feed the Community Event!” There will be tents,

music, and a free hot dog meal for anyone in the community who will donate food

for the ALITH Food Pantry. Let’s give back together!

July 26, 2025 11:00 am is the Algonquin Founder’s Day Parade. Help us design and build

the best float in town, then join us as we walk in the parade!

August 2025 We will have our church Picnic and a special gathering for singing beloved

hymns together.

September 7, 2025 Brings our Fall Kick-Off Sunday with bubbles, fellowship, and the

best Potluck around!

October 2025 4:00—6:00 p.m. Will bring in some spooky fun as we hand out candy at

our town’s Trick-or-Treat on Main Street event!

October 2025 A community Silent Movie Night, featuring Bev Tipps with live

accompaniment. Jeff Jolitz will also provide a historical presentation about the

church where silent movies were first shown at our church in the 1890’s! Food and

Fun provided!

November 2, 2025 is Heritage Month. At this potluck we will prepare dishes from our

church’s vintage recipe books.

December 2025 Celebrate the Miracle on Main with a Living Nativity.

December 14, 2025 Spread the joy through music with our Christmas Cantata. Enjoy

delicious treats at the cookie sale hosted by the Women’s Fellowship.

December 24, 2025 9:00 p.m. Join us for a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate

the season with our Christmas Eve Service!

December 28, 2025 12:00 p.m. Join us for a midday countdown to ring in the New Year

with the church!

We are excited to celebrate this incredible milestone with our church family

and community!

Check out updates of all of these events at Algonquinucc.org

Events & Classes

SENIOR AFTERNOON OF GAMES - Wednesday, February 5th at 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

will not be meeting for February (no one was requesting to meet during Fellowship hour this month).

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP - Saturday, February 8th 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!

YARN WORKS - Thursday, February 6th at 10:00 a.m.

We are starting a new Yarn Works group. We will meet every Thursday beginning February 6^th from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. No experience necessary, we will teach you. No need to purchase supplies, we have plenty. If interested, sign up in the Narthex or contact the church office.

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP - Thursday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m.

We will discuss the book “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt as well as planning our prayer walk. There is also still room for any that would like to join us on our Women’s Fellowship Retreat “Renew, Refresh, Refocus” on March 21st –23rd.

WOMEN’S BUNCO NIGHT - Friday, February 14th 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. All proceeds go to a charity of the winner’s choice.

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.

TEEN FAITH IN ACTION - Meeting Sunday, February 23rd during worship

We will meet upstairs in Shepherd U. The Teens are working on crafting scripture bookmarks that will be free for congregation members to take home. They will be located in the library.

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.

Missions, Ministries & More

FIRST SUNDAY SPECIAL OFFERING - ALITH Food Pantry - Sunday, February 2nd

The food pantry will take your plastic grocery bags and reuse them for their clients. There is a bin in the coat room for the collection of bags. There is also a list of the most current needs of the pantry’s in the Narthex. 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. "Be a Neighbor, Feed a Neighbor" there continues to be a great need in our community. “Be a Neighbor - Feed a Neighbor”.

FAIR TRADE - Sunday, February 9th 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 BULLETIN BOARD

Please check out the Ministry of Missions Bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall, "Missions Possible". Thanks to Wynn Ann the bulletin board looks great. Please see the various missions our church has participated in, ongoing missions, and future opportunities.

UCC CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE APPEAL 2025

A collection for California Wildfires through United Church of Christ is being taken. Collection containers will be placed at the entry ways on Sunday’s for ongoing donations for the next few weeks.

TURNING POINT IN WOODSTOCK

Ministry of Missions has designated a donation of $500.00 from the Sally Norris Cope Fund to Turning Point in Woodstock. Turning Point is a domestic violence agency with a mission to confront domestic violence in McHenry County.

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.

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

Come all that The Heavenly Attic has to offer. We are a mission of the Congregational Church of Algonquin. Shopping here always benefits a good cause.

CCA SCHOLARSHIPS - Applications Due April 1

The Endowment Committee is pleased to open annual scholarship applications to qualifying students. Applications will be available in the Church Office March 1st.

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

· Students graduating high school and beginning

their college studies

· College students continuing their education

· Members of the Congregational Church of

Algonquin

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.

March Newsletter

Submission Deadline:

February 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!