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Celebrating the Journey
September 2025 Newsflash
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to see the whole Newsletter!*
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We Need to Be Concerned!”
As a pastor of a mainline Protestant church, it is my duty to raise concern over what’s happening in our country with our religious “freedoms.” For years, faith leaders have cautioned us about the dangers of mixing religion and politics and how that could impact us at every level. Sadly, we have reached the point where the lines are being blurred (even ignored) when it comes to the separation of church and state - and it’s rooted in Christian Nationalism. (begin quote)
Christian Nationalism is a political ideology, not a theological conviction. It wraps itself in Christian language but consistently contradicts not only the very teachings of Christ but its own conventions. Its fruit is not faithfulness, but hypocrisy.
Christian Nationalism claims to speak on behalf of all Christianity, but really only speaks for itself. There are numerous different Christian sects within our country that have their own unique theology and interpretations of the Bible. What Christian nationalists advocate is a neo-evangelical Christianity, which is largely white, very patriarchal, and advocates a fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible and thus excludes the majority of other Christian sects (including us in the UCC) from its definition of “true Christianity.”
Christian Nationalism claims Christ as King while actually just taking his name in vain in order to worship wealth, nationalism, and political power. It speaks the name of Jesus but mimics the values of empire: power, dominance, profit, and exclusion. It bears more resemblance to Rome than the kingdom of God. Christian Nationalism betrays Christ by making Caesar and the empire the Messiah. Christian Nationalism accepts the temptation from Satan that Jesus rejected in the wilderness, to have power over earthly kingdoms.
At its core, Christian Nationalism is not Christianity, it is idolatry dressed in religious language. It uses the cross as a political symbol while denying its sacrificial love. It confuses dominance with discipleship, and it harms both church and society by replacing the gospel with a counterfeit religion rooted in fear, arrogance, control, and supremacy.
So, to be clear, opposing Christian Nationalism is not about disagreeing politically, it’s about guarding the integrity of the faith. Because just as we’ve seen all throughout history, whenever Christianity is reduced to a tool of power, it always abandons Jesus and loses its soul.
(Just a few excerpts from a longer post by Rev. Benjamin Cremer).
If it’s not yet clear why I’m sharing this then the next quote should make it clear why I think we need to be concerned. A journalist by the name of Peter Wehner warns about an idolatrous fusion of religion and politics that blatantly ignores the core message of the Bible.
He states:
“When the Christian faith is politicized, churches become repositories not of grace but of grievances, places where tribal identities are reinforced, where fears are nurtured, and where aggression and nastiness are sacralized. This result is not only wounding the nation; it’s having a devastating impact on the Christian faith.”
Wehner concludes that all this should prompt us to reclaim our essential calling as disciples – “to share the love of Jesus in all we say and do. There’s no better time to remember that Jesus didn’t call us to agree with one another on every issue – he called us to care for one another in acts of compassion and to deal mercifully even with those who are hard to love. This modeling of a grace-filled beloved community nourishes souls and invites people to live in the life-giving ways of Christ.”
See ya’ in church.
Pastor Bob
| | A Word From The Transition Team | | |
We are grateful to all those who considered being on the search committee as we move forward in the search for a settled pastor. We are especially happy that six members actually took their consideration to the next level and submitted a form bearing their name and who prayerfully answered the questions on the form.
The transition team was happy to facilitate this process and on August 24th presented the list of names to the council for their approval. The council unanimously endorsed the list of candidates and recently shared it with the congregation in a special email.
They are Liz Albandia, Bill Hellyer, Denny Kneip, Dan Reebel, Michelle Tarosas, and Heather Wilson. The word is that they will have their first meeting on August 28 and will then be meeting with Rev. Shernell Edney Stilly on September 16 to begin the process. Our ongoing support as a congregation is crucial to a successful outcome so let’s keep them in our prayers as they embark upon this important journey on our behalf.
What’s Next?
Even though the search committee will be beginning their work, our work as a transition team will not end just yet. So, our next Let’s Talk Church themed event will actually take place during worship on September 28. And all we’re going to say about that is come with an open mind to help us further explore and consider what our future may look and feel like if we are willing to let the spirit move us; or what has been dubbed “fresh expressions.”
So, plan to join us on the 28th for Back to the Future; the title that Pastor Bob is planning to deliver a thought-provoking message around. And be prepared for a few surprises and some fruitful conversations (it’s all good!).
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Your Transition Team:
Nancy Kniep Michelle Tarosas
Jim Erion Bill Hellyer
Pastor Bob Wang
| | A Word About Our Guest Preacher | | |
Pastor Bob is happy to announce that his grandson, Allen Joseph Wang, is turning one on September 4th. He and Grandma Judy will be celebrating that occasion with his family on September 7th. Pastor Bob was also pleased to learn that his friend and colleague, Kerri Parker, was available and willing to preach in his absence. Below is her stellar biography.
Rev. Dr. Kerri Parker (she/her) has served as the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches since 2017. During her tenure, the Council has become nationally recognized for its leadership in faith-based COVID-19 response, innovative ecumenical vision, and collaborations for racial equity. In 2023, she was honored with the United Church of Christ’s Avery D. Post Ecumenical Award.
Rev. Parker has served as a local church pastor and as an executive with the YWCA . Her wider church involvement includes work with the Christian Unity & Interfaith Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Wisconsin Conference UCC Board, and service as a UCC General Synod Delegate. She preaches and teaches widely around Wisconsin and has co-authored two study-action guides with the Council. She is also a contributor to the book “There’s a Woman in the Pulpit” (Skylight Paths, 2015).
Rev. Parker earned her Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Iliff School of Theology and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Chicago Theological Seminary. Beyond church and family, Rev. Parker’s passions are stories, show tunes, and the pursuit of justice.
| | September Worship Opportunities | | |
September 7: The 13th Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
Sermon Theme: Proclaiming Belovedness
Note: The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be served.
The Rev. Dr. Kerri Parker, preaching
September 14: The 14th Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Sermon Theme: Mercy
September 21: The 15th Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2: 1-7
Sermon Theme: The Next Thing to Godliness
September 28: The 16th Sunday After Pentecost
Scripture: John 12:20-26
Sermon Theme: Back to the Future
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COFFEE TALKS w/PASTOR BOB WEDNESDAYS at 3PM
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On August 17th, we held our third annual Church Picnic at Barbara Key Park. The event was well attended and everyone enjoyed food & fun!
Thank you to all who joined us on our August 23rd visit to “Hoo” Haven Wildlife and Education Center in Durand, IL. Approximately 25 folks of all ages enjoyed the tour and talk lead by the center’s owners and amazing hosts, Karen and Steve Herdklotz.
The group enjoyed fellowship over our picnic lunch and the added bonus of live John Denver music. It was a perfect weather day, and the feedback from attendees was filled with gratitude and awe. We hope this event may have sparked new ideas and opportunities for future engagement.
| | A 501(c)(3) organization ran solely by volunteers, “Hoo” Haven is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing, sick, injured, and orphaned North American Wildlife and to educating individuals about the importance of wildlife conservation. To visit, volunteer, or make a contribution please visit their website: hoohaven.org | | | | |
BIBLES AND BREW
Thursday, September 4th at 6:30 PM at Cucina Bella
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SENIOR AFTERNOON OF GAMES
September 24th 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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Hygiene Kit Donations
The Ministry of Missions is looking for donations of items for hygiene kits that will be available to Algonquin/Lake In The Hills Food Pantry clients. We are looking for donations of toothbrushes, travel sized toothpaste, deodorant, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, and Kleenex. Monetary donations are welcome. A collection box will be in the Coat Room until September 28th.
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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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BIRTHDAYS
9/1 Ann Armato
9/1 Macy Barham
9/4 John Tipps
9/5 Alice Woertendyke
9/6 Kari Carpenter
9/7 Ellen Kuroghlian
9/10 Cole Guenther
9/14 Ella Barham
9/15 Joe Varhula
9/16 Matt Hellyer
9/18 Gary Gray
9/18 Carol Whitney
9/21 Lorelei Elliott
9/22 Jessica Thornsberry
ANNIVERSARIES
9/10 Pat & Sal Maggio
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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
Sue Kreibich
Elsie Fry
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 | | | | |
