March 2025 Newsflash - Celebrating the Journey

Celebrating the Journey

March 2025 Newsflash

*Be sure to click "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" at the bottom of the email

to see the whole Newsletter!*

Words from Wang

“Lent: The Season of Re”

Ash Wednesday (March 5) commemorates the official start to the Lenten season; a season that reminds us about the redeeming power of rebirth, restoration, and renewal. And it all begins with some personal reflection, repentance, recompense, remorse, and even a little reproach from others.

Traditionally, Lent is a time to relinquish and release ourselves from those things that bring us a certain amount of pleasure and enjoyment thus making more room for a little retrospection on life’s priorities; to reevaluate our current practices that we might reconnect with matters of the spirit. This practice of “giving up” or “sacrificing” or “resisting temptation” does allow for some re-calibrating and reorienting, but it isn’t always enough for us to fully experience a sense of the resurrection when we come to the Easter event; something that occurs at the culmination of the Lenten journey.

Of course, the most responsible thing for us to do as “Christian practitioners” is to renegotiate our priorities which can best happen if/when we take time to recess, refresh, recreate (to play), or even recline that we might realign our bodies, minds, and spirits. It means taking time to regenerate, to recreate (make new), to rehabilitate, to reconstruct, to reorganize our lives (likened to a spring house cleaning) that we might reaffirm our faith in a way that can bring amazing and grace filled returns!

In the process we can also identify those places and people where reparation is needed and where, by grace, reconciliation is possible. This can be a painful reality but is the only way to rebuild those relationships and return to a true sense of peace and harmony in our lives at every level, but mostly in our relations with others and the natural world.

Let us therefore, resolve and be resigned to some actual realignment with others and things - that we might rededicate our efforts in seeking renewal and revitalization in all matters under the sun. Let us make this Lenten journey an opportunity for reformation, reaffirming our faith, and for reconditioning our souls. That we may refine our understanding of the teachings of our faith and seek to rebuild and restore all that is good in the world. For this is the season of “re” and we must respond with a sense of integrity. It is our responsibility to make every day of the journey count. For redemption is drawing near.

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 March and April.

Sunday, March 2nd, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. is our Dixieland Service! A long standing tradition when we worship God Dixieland style with fabulous musicians, fun hymns, beads, and more. We hope you can join us!

March 5, 1025 at 7:30 p.m. is our Ash Wednesday Service. We hope you can join us as we begin our Lenten journey of repentance, reflection, and reaffirming our faith.

March 16, 2025 after service from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The Women’s Fellowship invite all church members and guests to join us in the lower level for a prayer walk. There will be multiple stations of activities for prayer and reflection.

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!

March Worship Opportunities

March 2: Transfiguration Sunday/Dixieland Sunday

Scripture: Luke 9:28-36

Sermon Theme: Why So Hush, Hush?

Note: The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be served

March 6th: Ash Wednesday

7:00 p.m. Worship in the Sanctuary

Join us for a quiet, spirit-driven service of contemplation, music, and message.

March 9: The 1st Sunday in Lent

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Sermon Theme: Trials and Temptations

March 16: The 2nd Sunday in Lent

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Sermon Theme: Maternal Instinct

March 23: The 3rd Sunday in Lent

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Sermon Theme: Begging Your Pardon

March 30: The 4th Sunday in Lent

Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Sermon Theme: A Long Way Home

Note: Chocolate-Themed Coffee Hour

Save the Date

Scholarship Applications Available - Saturday, March 1st

1st Sunday Food Pantry Offering - Sunday, March 2nd

Dixieland Sunday - Sunday, March 2nd at 10:00 a.m.

Ash Wednesday Service - Wednesday, March 5th at 7:30 p.m.

Bibles & Brew - Thursday, March 6th at 6:30 p.m.

Men’s Fellowship - Saturday, March 8th at 9:00 a.m.

"Let's Talk Church - Saturday, March 8th 9:00 a..-1:30 p.m.

Spring Ahead, set your clocks ahead one hour - Sunday, March 9th

Girl Scout Sunday - Sunday, March 9th at 10:00 a.m.

Fair Trade Sunday - Sunday, March 9th

Women’s Bunco - Friday, March 4th at 6:00 p.m.

Women’s Fellowship Prayer Walk - Sunday, March 16th at 11:00 a.m.

Easter Flower Orders Due - Tuesday, March 18th

Newsletter Deadline - Wednesday, March 19th

Women’s Retreat - Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23rd

5th Sunday Special Offering (Hurricane Relief Fund) - Sunday, March 30th

Movies & Munchies - Sunday, March 30th at 11:30 a.m.

Coffee Talks with Pastor Bob - Wednesday’s 3 p.m. at Riverbottom Ice Cream Co.

Let's Talk Church

Let’s Talk Church

March 8th, 2025

9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Deadline to RSVP is March 2nd

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

Let’s Talk Church

(A Program for Churches in Transition)

Plans are being finalized for this worthy gathering which will be complete with some thought-provoking presentations and exercises, time for Q and A, small group discussions, and even a board game called “How to Grow Church.” The end-goal in this transitional 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.

Note: We still need some assistance with food, etc.

Please email or call Sherry in the church office or sign the clipboard to reserve yourself a place no later than March 2.

Your Transition Team:

Nancy Kneip

Michell Tarosas

Jim Erion

Bill Hellyer

Pastor Bob Wang

Thank You

1934 Melrose St

Madison WI 53704

EIN: 47-3872669

Algonquin Congregational Church

Attention: Pastor Bob Wang

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the entire village of Mozayik, Haiti, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the warm and welcoming reception that Mona, Nathalie, and I received this past Sunday. Sharing Mona’s music and telling the story of the Village of Mozayik was truly a joy, and experiences like these energize and inspire us to continue this important work.

We deeply appreciate your engagement, generosity, and interest in our mission. Thanks to your kindness, we raised a total of $1,400 for Mozayik. These funds will be instrumental in restarting the village bakery, which had been temporarily halted due to a scarcity of raw materials. Your contributions will help purchase essential supplies such as gas for the generator, oil, and flour, as well as provide starting wages for the dedicated individuals working there.

We are especially excited that a new, ambitious team of young university graduates will be leading this effort. They are eager to manage and grow this small business, bringing fresh hope and opportunity to the next generation.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Your support makes a real and lasting impact.

With gratitude,

Mona Augustin

Candice Welsh

Nathalie Antoine

This and That

Virtual Lenten Devotions by the Pastor

With busy schedules and so many different commitments, it’s difficult to schedule a traditional Lenten program that suits everyone. With that reality, Pastor Bob has offered to conduct virtual Lenten devotions throughout the season of Lent. Each week (Wednesday or Thursday releases) Pastor will pre-record a ten-minute devotion for viewing at one’s leisure. They will be posted on the church website, FB page, YouTube, and sent via email as an attachment. The first one will be available on or around March 12 (the week after Ash Wednesday). We trust this will be a meaningful way for all to observe Lent this year.

Movie and Munchies

Sunday, March 30th

11:30 a.m.

There might be only a handful of Hollywood movies that take place during the season of Lent. The 2000 romance film Chocalat, is one notable example. Chocolat is based on the 1999 novel (Joanne Harris) with the same name. It tells the story of Vianne Rocher, played by Juliette Binoche, who arrives in the fictional French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her six-year-old daughter, Anouk. Shortly after she arrives, much to the dismay of the town bureaucrat, at the beginning of the season of Lent, she celebrates the grand opening of her small chocolaterie. Soon, she and her chocolate have a direct influence on the lives of the townspeople of this repressed French Catholic community in different and interesting ways.

There are several themes that develop during the film; abstention, discipline, tradition, temptation, confession, domestic abuse, classism, sexism, paganism, tolerance, imagination, and of course, love. The film certainly lends itself to some lively discussion (facilitated by Pastor Bob) as we consider our more modern interpretations of the annual rituals and practices of our faith as well as our theological understanding of Easter and the rites of spring.

Aside from Juliette Binoche’s award-winning performance, the star-studded cast includes Alfred Molina, Johnny Depp, Judi Dench, and Carrie-Anne Moss.

Join with friends following worship for a “chocolate-themed” coffee hour and a viewing of the film together. We will break for some lunch food at an appropriate time; something French, perhaps.

Events & Classes

SENIOR AFTERNOON OF GAMES

There will be no Game Day in March. We hope to see you in April!

BIBLES AND BREW - March 6th at 6:30 p.m. at Scorched Earth Brewing Company (203 Berg St., Algonquin)

Bibles and Brew is back! We will meet at Scorched Earth Brewing Company on March 6th. Uncle Sam’s Sandwiches food truck will be parked outside for those wanting a bite to eat with their brew.

MEN'S FELLOWSHIP - Saturday, March 8th at 9:00 a.m.

Men’s Fellowship will be meeting in the Fellowship Hall for excellent conversation and a delicious meal. Also, the attendees of the “Let’s Talk Church” will be joining you for breakfast. So bring your favorite breakfast dish, or just come to enjoy the good company! Invite a friend!

GIRL SCOUT SUNDAY - Sunday, March 9th at the 10:00 a.m. Worship Service

Junior Girl Scout Troop 425 will be participating in Girl Scout Sunday Worship Service by participating as greeters, acolytes, reading their Girl Scout Promise and Law, and helping leading scripture and prayer. Following the service they will be selling Girl Scout cookies in the Fellowship Hall.

WOMEN'S BUNCO NIGHT - Friday, March 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. Winnings from February went to Feed My Starving Children.

TEEN FAITH IN ACTION - Meeting Sunday, March 16th

We will meet upstairs in Shepherd U. TFIA has created bookmarks for members of the congregation. They will be available in the library.

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP PRAYER WALK - Sunday, March 16th following worship

The Women’s Fellowship will host a prayer walk on Sunday, March 16th for all members and guests of the church to participate. This will take place of our regularly scheduled meeting. Contact Connie Wodziak for more information.

WOMEN’S RETREAT - Friday, March 21st - Sunday, March 23rd

This is your last chance to sign-up for the Women’s Fellowship Retreat. We need all final reservations by Sunday, March 2nd. We will meet briefly after the service on Sunday, March 2nd for some final planning.

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.

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, March 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.

FAIR TRADE - Sunday, March 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.

EASTER FLOWERS - Orders Due march 18th

Orders are now being taken for Easter Flowers. Prices range from $13.50-$21.50. Flowers will be displayed on the altar during our Easter morning service and then can be taken home to be enjoyed. If you would like to order flowers, fill out an order form on the table in the narthex and leave it either in the office mailbox or on the secretaries desk. You may also contact the Church Office to place orders.

MINISTRY OF MISSIONS PROJECT IDEAS

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

RECYCLING SNEAKERS

We will be collecting old sneakers to be recycled through a program called "Gotsneakers". The Focus is on athletic style sneakers; running, basketball, training, etc. Non-athletic footwear will not be accepted. There will be a collection box in the coat room during the month of March.

5TH SUNDAY SPECIAL OFFERING COLLECTION - Sunday, March 30th

On Sunday, March 30th we will do a special offering collection for the UCC Hurricane Relief. There is still a need for assistance for hurricane Helene relief in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.

CCA Scholarship - 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

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.

A SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS FROM THE 175TH CELEBRATION COMMITTEE:

Dear Congregation,

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making our recent 175rh celebration such a special occasion. Your presence, participation, and warm spirit truly elevated the day and reminded us of the strong history we share. Special thanks to all who helped plan, set-up, and cleanup on the day. Also a huge shoutout of gratitude to Greg Tipps for arranging the wonderful music, Bill Hellyer for speaking, and to Jeff Jolitz for his preservation and donation of the original church pulpit. Such a neat gift of history.

We are deeply grateful for your continued support and look forward to many more meaningful moments together during the upcoming Lenten and Easter season.

With sincere appreciation,

The 175th Committee:

Connie Wodziak

Jeff Jolitz

Michelle Tarosas

Bob & Anna Benjamin

Pat Maggio

Karen Guenther

Kris Panzloff

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.

April Newsletter

Submission Deadline:

March 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!