Staff Page

    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

Hi, I’m Ashley Hrynko, and I serve as the Office Manager here at the Congregational Church of Algonquin.  It’s a joy and an honor to have the opportunity to serve a church community that truly values individuals as well as faith and spiritual growth.

A little about me. I grew up in southern Wisconsin and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Edgewood College (now Edgewood University) in Madison. Shortly after graduation, I moved to Illinois and married Bill, my husband of 15 years. In 2017, I graduated from Robert Morris University (IL) with a Master of Business Administration degree.

We have been blessed with two children, Patrick and Natalie, who keep us on our toes as they learn and grow. Additionally, our family includes two rescue cats – Rosie and Smudge, a rescue dog – Daisy, and four fish.

Outside of church, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and crafting with resin.

One Bible verse I hold close to my heart is Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Thanks for stopping by our site – I’d love to meet you in person sometime!