Lake Co. religion notes

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Certification and open house: Faith Lutheran School received a Certificate of Recognition of Nonpublic Elementary Schools from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) for the 2009-2010 school year. This means that Faith Lutheran has demonstrated that it is following the policies and guidelines established by the state for nonpublic schools. An open house at Faith Lutheran will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3. The public is invited. Faith Lutheran School is located at 1275 Main St. in Antioch. The school provides a full day preschool through eighth grade Christian education.

Jan. 22Respect Life: Marking the 37th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision to legalize abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy, the Archdiocese of Chicago's Respect Life Office will be participating in events and activities that focus on offering prayers and actions to ensure that every human being is valued and protected from the moment of conception until natural death. St. Joseph Church, 114 N. Lincoln Ave., Round Lake, will have Rosary for Life at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22. St. Joseph, 121 E. Maple St., Libertyville, will have a Vigil for Life from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, in the church. It will include the Stations of the Cross, the rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Further information, (847) 362-6863. St. Paul the Apostle, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee, will have Holy Hour for Life, 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, in the day chapel. Call Rosie Smyth, (847) 231-6084.Jan. 23Saint Damien: Get your tickets now to see Saint Damien come to life as Wayne Messmer assumes the title role of Damien in the award-winning one-man show "Damien," by Aldyth Morris. The show is currently playing in the Northwest suburbs at the Chapel Theater in Winnetka, Pine and Lincoln. The next shows are at 8 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 23, and Feb. 27. Two charities benefit from performances of "Damien": The Glycogen Storage Disease Program team at the University of Florida at the Messmers' request, on behalf of their granddaughter; and Stauros U.S.A., a locally based, national nonprofit organization committed to helping people find meaning, hope and peace in the midst of suffering. Tickets are $20. Call: (888) 736-7552. For information about the play, visit www.damienplay.org.Jan. 24Celebration of Service: The Interfaith Chaplaincy Services Inc. is closing its doors effective Jan. 31. A Celebration of Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at United Methodist Church of Libertyville. Interfaith Chaplaincy Services has served Lake County citizens in need for 46 years, including providing spiritual care and religious support for frail elderly residents of Winchester House. Congregations and volunteers willing to provide religious activities and spiritual support for residents of Winchester House should contact activities director Mary Purnell at (847) 377-7225.Ecumenical Prayer Service: The 10th annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Chicago Ecumenical Prayer Service will be held at Community Church of Wilmette, 1020 Forest Ave., Wilmette at 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24. The service will be followed by a reception. Leaders of nearly 20 Christian churches will participate in the service, which is open to all. The Rev. Dr. Zina Jacque, pastor of Community Church of Barrington, will preach on the 2010 theme, "You Are Witnesses of These Things" (Luke 24:48).Anniversary celebration: Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda, will celebrate its 50th anniversary Sunday, Jan. 24, at all services. Come dressed as you (or your elders) did in the 1960s. Concert: North Shore Unitarian Church welcomes award-winning soprano Susanna Phillips at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, 2100 Half Day Road, Deerfield. This event is free, however, donations will be accepted for the artist. Reception to follow concert.Jan. 29Choir concert: The renowned Chicago Children's Choir will join in song at Temple Jeremiah's Shabbat Shira Service at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29, at the synagogue, 937 Happ Road, Northfield.Jan. 31Author: Maggie Anton, author of the best-selling "Rashi's Daughters," will speak about the latest book in her trilogy, "Rachel: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France" at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. Inquiry class: A new member inquiry class will be from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda. One session only. Lunch and child care included. Call the Rev. Dawn Mass at (847) 526-1075.Schedule change: Grace Lutheran Church, 501 Valley Park Drive, Libertyville will have only a 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, Jan. 31. Call (847) 367-7050 or visit gracelutheranlibertyville.org.Feb. 5Tot Shabbat: Celebrate Shabbat with your preschooler. A Tot Shabbat service will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Children and their families are invited to join Rabbi Paul Cohen and Cantor Amy Zussman on the bima for songs, storytelling and blessings. The program is held at Temple Jeremiah's newly renovated, handicapped accessible sanctuary at 937 Happ Road, Northfield. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact the school office at (847) 441-0202 or school@templejeremiah.org or visit www.templejeremiah.org.Feb. 14Celebration of Marriage: Enjoy a potluck dinner for married couples at 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda. If you wish, bring wedding photos and other memorabilia to share. Call church office to register, (847) 526-1075.Feb. 17Ash Wednesday: St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, 2101 E. Route 173, Antioch, has six Masses scheduled for Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. Distribution of ashes will take place during the scheduled Masses: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (847) 395-3474.Feb. 20Shabbat Yeladim: Celebrate Shabbat with your preschooler to third-grader at Shabbat Yeladim at 10 a.m., Sat., Feb. 20, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. Education Director Dr. Anne Lidsky and Cantor Amy Zussman will lead this worship program, which includes songs, storytelling, crafts, snacks and blessings. Everyone is welcome.Feb. 21Matrix: The film, "The Matrix," described a future in which reality, as perceived by humans, is actually a simulated reality known as the Matrix. David Strulowitz, who has immersed himself in the study and teaching of Jewish spirituality, will correlate the storyline in this film to Judaism at the program, "The Matrix: Science Fiction or Jewish Spiritual Reality?" at 10 a.m., Sun., Feb. 21, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. Strulowitz will make analogies between the popular sci-fi film and Judaism's belief in both a physical world and a spiritual realm which we don't perceive with our senses. This program is co-hosted by Temple Jeremiah's Adult Learning Committee and the Dawn Schuman Institute (DSI) and is offered to Temple Jeremiah congregants at no charge, for $10 to DSI members and $15 to non-DSI members. For more information and to R.S.V.P., contact the temple office at (847) 441-5760 or office@templejeremiah.org or visit www.templejeremiah.org.Feb. 22Jewish origins: Are you interested in learning more about the Jewish religion? Temple Jeremiah's Rabbi Paul Cohen, Rabbi Michelle Greenberg and Education Director Dr. Anne Lidsky are offering an overview and introduction to Jewish origins, rituals and beliefs during a series of programs, "Judaism on the Other Foot," at 9 a.m. Mondays, Feb. 22, March 1, March 8 and March 15 at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. Together the class will explore the foundations of Jewish spirituality, Jewish values and the Jewish people. Topics will include theology, lifecycles, ritual and Reform Judaism. The classes will include text study, discussion and lecture-style learning and are open to anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism. Come to any or all four classes. There is no charge, but participants are asked to R.S.V.P. in advance to the temple office at (847) 441-5760 or office@templejeremiah.org.Feb. 28Anniversary celebration: Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda, will celebrate its 50th anniversary Sunday, Feb. 28, at all services. Come dressed as you (or your elders) did in the 1970s. Call Sally Lubeno at (847) 526-9308 for details.Purim: Celebrate Purim on Sunday, Feb. 28, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield to the theme of "Fiddler on the Roof." The fun begins with the temple's 7th Annual Shushan Shuffle 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. Cost is $18 per participant with proceeds benefiting SHALVA, an agency dedicated to preventing domestic abuse. Advance registration is required. At 11 a.m., a talented troupe of Temple Jeremiah staff and board members will present their own rendition of the Purim story, complete with greggers (noisemakers) and a retelling of the Megillah (an account of the events of Purim). At 11:30 a.m., join Tevye, Golde, Motel, Yente and a cast of other colorful characters from "Fiddler on the Roof" for an afternoon of fun including karaoke, moonwalk, carnival games, lunch and treats. Be sure to wear your favorite costume. Proceeds benefit the temple's Youth Department. For more information and to sign up for the Shushan Shuffle, contact the temple office at (847) 441-5760 or office@templejeremiah.org or visit www.templejeremiah.org.March 13Lenten Mission: The Rev. Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem., named one of the most influential religious educators of the 20th Century, will preach a Lenten Mission at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, 2101 E. Route 173, Antioch, The Lenten Mission will begin on Saturday, March 13, at the 4 p.m. Mass and conclude on Wednesday March 17, at 7 p.m. Mission Service and Confessions. The Lenten Mission schedule will begin with preaching at all regularly scheduled Sunday Masses at St. Raphael the Archangel Church on March 13 and 14. Sunday Vigil Masses: 4 and 6 p.m. Sunday Masses: 7, 9 and 11 a.m. Monday, March 15, at 7 p.m. is Lenten Mission Service and Preaching; Tuesday, March 16, 7 p.m., Lenten Mission Service and Preaching; and Wednesday, March 17, at 7 p.m., Lenten Mission Service and Preaching and confessions. (847) 395-3474.OngoingPreschool: Parents Day Out Christian Preschool for ages 2 to 5 is offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Wednesday or Tuesday-Thursday through United Methodist Church of Antioch, 848 Main St., Antioch. For details, call (847) 395-1362.Church activities: Kirk of the Lakes Presbyterian Church, 1500 W. Hawley St. in Mundelein, offers a variety of activities. Photo Club meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Craft Club meets at 9:30 a.m. every Monday. Open gym for basketball is every Saturday at 11 a.m. Women's Bible Study is at 11 a.m. every Friday. Men's Bible study is every Saturday at 8 a.m. For questions, call (847) 949-8670 or visit kirkofthelakes.orgServices in Spanish: Church of the Holy Family/Sagrada Familia (Episcopal) in Lake Villa offers services in Spanish at 5 p.m. Sundays. Sunday Eucharist service in English is at 9 a.m. The church is at 24219 Lehmann Blvd. (847) 356-7722, theholyfamilychurch.com. Thrift Shop is open 9 to noon Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. $2 bag sale last Saturday each month. Donations are welcome.Friday Friends: Friday Friends has been organized within The Kirk of the Lakes Presbyterian Church in Mundelein for the purpose of fun and fellowship. The group meets the second Friday of the month, each time at different members' homes. For details, call (847) 949-8670.Recycling: On the third Sunday of each month, youth will man the recycle bin between services from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and after 11 a.m. Bring your old newspapers, junk mail and catalogs. Youth will be ready to assist with the unloading of your car as you drive up to the bin in the Grace parking lot. The recycle bin is in place on a daily basis. A portion of the cash credits for all paper donations will be used toward a green gift for the community. Grace Lutheran Church is at 501 Valley Park Drive in Libertyville. Visit aboutgracelutheran.org or call (847) 367-7050. For seniors: The senior group, The Primetimers, meets at The Kirk of the Lakes Presbyterian Church in Mundelein the fourth Monday of the month for refreshments, book studies and guest speakers. In addition, the group sometimes attends local plays, historical activities and visits tourist attractions. For details, call (847) 949-8670.