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Intentional Interim Pastor

Formally, I am the Rev. Robert Wang – but try to say that ten times fast and your tongue will certainly get tangled.  So, let’s keep it simple and establish a comfortable and informal relationship – just call me Pastor Bob, P Bob, or if you really want to be daring, just call me PB.

            A few things about me.  I grew up in northern Ohio and earned a music degree from Mount Union College and taught music for five years before enrolling in seminary.  I met my Judy, my wife of 35 years, while attending Chicago Theological Seminary where we were married. I have served churches in Illinois, Ohio, and for 20 years in Wisconsin, with our home base being in Bristol, WI.

We have a 32-year-old son, Josh, who is working full-time in music ministries with Catholic parishes in the Twin Cities, and who (with his wife, Evy) gave us our first grandchild on 9.4.24, Allen Joseph.  We also have a 29-year-old daughter, Mollie, who after completing her doctorate in Occupational Therapy has been working as a traveling OT, just finishing in Denver, and will be soon heading to southern California for her next post. And we have an eight-year-old Boston Terrier named Karl.  Most of you know that Judy is also a pastor and is currently serving as the interim pastor of St. John UCC in Arlington Heights.

            My favorite task as a minister is leading worship and preaching, often with my six stringed sidekick, Taylor (my preferred brand of acoustic guitar).  A few of my hobbies, aside from music, I enjoy woodworking, horticulture, model railroading, camping, canoeing, biking, hiking, and browsing antique malls.

            I think it goes without saying that I am very happy to have the opportunity to serve as interim pastor of the Congregational Church of Algonquin; the very congregation where I began my ministry 35 years ago.  And how fitting that I will celebrate my 35^th anniversary of ordination in the United Church of Christ during the CCA’s 175^th year as a local church in Algonquin, Illinois.

            I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you in the coming weeks and months as we work together through a challenging transition and as we prayerfully consider what new thing God may be doing in preparation for a settled pastor.  May God’s richest blessings be upon you as we forge a new path for mission and ministry in Algonquin, IL.  See ya’ in church.  Pastor Bob