Celebrating the Journey  February 2024 Newsflash *Be sure to click "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" at the bottom of the email to see the whole Newsletter!*

Events & Classes

Bibles & Brew Thursday, February 8 at 6:30 pm Port Edward Restaurant 20 W Algonquin Rd, Algonquin Join us for delicious food, an adult beverage, and a guided conversation about the Scripture’s role in our everyday lives! Bibles & Brew meets on the second Thursday of each month. Please sign up in the Narthex, or let Connie Wodziak know of your interest, no later than February 4 so we can give the restaurant a headcount.

Women's Bunco Night Friday, February 9 at 6 pm $5.00 entry fee Enjoy a fun-filled, competitive evening of playing Bunco while benefitting a good cause, and bring your friends! We will meet in Fellowship Hall. All proceeds go to a charity of the winner’s choice.

Men's Fellowship Saturday, February 10 at 9 am Men’s Fellowship will be meeting in 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! If you would like more information, feel welcome to contact Bob Benjamin.

Dixieland Sunday Sunday, February 11 at 10 am Pull out your Mardi Gras beads for this exciting CCA musical tradition as we get ready to head into the season of Lent! The sanctuary will be filled with the spirited sounds of Dixieland Jazz brought to you by our talented Senior Choir and some of our favorite musical guests. It will be a wonderful time for all, so don’t miss it!

Ash Wednesday Service Wednesday, February 14 at 7:30 pm Join us as we mark the beginning of the Lenten season of preparation, sacrifice, and spiritual reflection. Our Senior Choir will provide meaningful music, and communion will be served.

Women's Fellowship Bible Study Friday, February 16 at 6:30 pm Sweet Treat Potluck Women's Fellowship will have their second Women's Bible Study session on "The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak." This group is meeting on the 16th of each month through May for a total of five sessions, and we will be using the accompanying workbook to guide our study. Even if you missed the first meeting, you are welcome to attend! You can purchase the book here and the workbook here. Bring your favorite sweet treat to share as we discuss the next two chapters of the book! For questions or help ordering study materials, contact Connie Wodziak.

Teen Faith in Action Sunday, February 25 Following Worship TFIA will meet with Pastor Cope at the parsonage after the worship service for fellowship and discussion. Lunch will be provided.

Lenten Bible Study Potluck Wednesdays during Lent at 6 pm First meeting date TBD Gather with Pastor Cope and fellow congregants for a delicious meal and engaging Bible study on Wednesday evenings during Lent. Bring your favorite soup or sandwiches to share. The date of our first meeting is TBD and will be announced at a later time.

Missions, Ministries & More

First Sunday Special Offering Sunday, February 4 We will be receiving our First Sunday Special Offering for the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry. The ALITH Pantry fosters community awareness and support for our neighbors in need by offering clients immediate access to basic food during difficult times.

Fair Trade Sunday, February 11 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 Fellowship Hall following worship, where you can browse and purchase a variety of quality Fair Trade products like coffee and tea. Visit our website or contact Nancy Kneip for more information.

Shepherd University We are still looking for assistants to help our teachers on Sunday mornings. Leading our young people through their Bible lessons is a wonderful way to foster a love of church and faith-based living in future generations. So many of us benefitted from the kindness and tutelage of Sunday School teachers when we were children, so please consider fulfilling that role for the youth of our congregation. Just an hour of your time can make a huge impact on the life of a child. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

Serve During Coffee Hour If you’ve ever enjoyed coffee and fellowship following worship on Sunday, consider volunteering to serve during Coffee Hour. Your fellow congregants will be grateful, and you will feel good for helping out! If you’d like to serve, there is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

Food Pantry Donations Food donations for the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry are greatly appreciated. Up-to-date lists of current pantry needs are available on the table in the Narthex and are also posted around the church. Donations can be left in the grocery cart by the elevator. Please refrain from donating items that are past the “best by” expiration date. Thank you!

Heavenly Attic Open Friday and Saturday 10 am to 4 pm If you or a loved one are in need of medical aid equipment, Heavenly Attic has an excellent selection to choose from. Here are some of the devices currently available to rent: Two shower seats - adjustable for height Walker Wheelchair Portable toilet seat Bed rail for non-hospital bed Two sets of crutches Two quad-canes - adjustable for height While HA is open on Fridays and Saturdays, any congregation member who would like to shop after church on Sunday may contact JoAnn Schindler or Nancy Reebel. January proceeds benefitted the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry.

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.

Save the Date

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!

Click here to see the Church Calendar If you would like to have an event added to the calendar, please call the Church Office at (847) 658-5308 or email at algonquinucc@gmail.com.

Stay Connected

Marcie Nordlund Michelle Tarosas Kathy Dittmann Seth Jolitz Nidia Kulack Kelly Hellyer Harold Knautz Peggy Schwab Mark Pociejewski Andrew Brown Dan Drasler Nolan Pociejewski Everleigh O'Connell Christie Drasler It is with deep sorrow that we report the passing of long-time member Betty Maicke on January 18. There will be a memorial service on Saturday, February 17 with a visitation at 10 am, service at 11 am, and a luncheon to follow. We would also like to extend our condolences to Ann Armato on the passing of her beloved husband Michael at the end of December. Our love and prayers are with her and her family. Office Hours Regular office hours are Monday - Friday 9 am - 2 pm Staff and Leadership Senior Pastor Brian E. Cope Moderator JoAnn Schindler Vice Moderator Bill Hellyer Past Moderator Michelle Tarosas Ministers of Music Bev and Greg Tipps Office Administrator Karen Jesse Treasurer Steve Guenther Social Media and IT Scotty Dunne

Fred and Nancy Ekstrom David and Kathy Kistler Undergoing hospital, rehabilitation, or home recovery Ed Church Rev. Brian Cope Fred Ekstrom Pat Hemmingsen Jeff Jolitz Norm Jolitz Pat Kramer Betty Paldauf Rick Stauffer Thank you, Alice Woertendyke, for memorial donations made in honor of Bob and Rob Woertendyke and in honor of all CCA members who are missed. If you would like someone's address to send a card, please contact the Church Office. Fred and Nancy Ekstrom Gary Gray Pat Hemmingsen Ron Martens Bobbie Reed Rita Whitney Val Williams Stream Worship Services Algonquinucc.org YouTube Facebook