Gospel fest: The gospel and music fest, "Giving Thanks" will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at Bethesda Church, 454 Hickory Place in Elgin. It will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin. It will feature local choirs, praise dancers, drill teams and the Larkin Family of Chicago. An offering will be accepted. For details, call (847) 608-5017 or visit boysandgirlsclubofelgin.org.

Documentary: "Rethink Afghanistan," the 2009 film by Robert Greenwald, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. Admission is free. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. There will be a discussion after the film. Co-Sponsors of the event are the Witness Ministry Group of Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren and Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice. For information, call (847) 742-6602.

Holiday in the Halls: St. Thomas More School annual craft fair and bake sale, "Holiday in the Halls" will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. The event will be held at the school, 1625 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. There will be more than 80 booths. For information, contact Laura Przybylski at (847) 888-4363.

Turkey dinner: The United Methodist Women of the Burlington United Methodist Church invite you to their annual turkey dinner. The all-you-can-eat dinner will be served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the church, 195 W. Center St., Burlington. Carryouts will be available from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. during the dinner. The popular homemade menu features roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, gravy, cranberries, green beans, and many types of pies and cakes. Proceeds from this dinner help support the programs of the United Methodist Church in Burlington. Bring your friends and neighbors for this annual tradition of good food. Admission is $10 or $4 for children, age 6-12. For details, call (847) 683-3535.

"Lost Boys": Join Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee, as they meet Samuel Garang Mayuol and William Mou and learn about "Lost Boys Rebuilding Southern Sudan" at 7 p.m. Saturday Nov. 7. These young men have dedicated their lives to their homeland while inspiring people through stories of perseverance, forgiveness and hope. It is sponsored by Dorcas Society. Child care will be provided. Sudan's long civil war and genocide began in 1983. It left thousands of orphans in its wake. These "Lost Boys" traveled thousands of miles on foot, overcoming death and devastation. They became Kenyan refugees. Many years later, the United States brought a group of them here to settle. The mission is to raise funds to build schools, dig freshwater wells, educate people about the impact of war and the possibilities of hope. Visit hopeforariang.org or rebuildingsouthernsudan.org. If you would like to contribute to the building of schools or the digging of freshwater wells, make your check payable to Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church - memo line, "Lost Boys." Funds will be shared equally between the two projects. For details, call (847) 428-4477.

Spirit of Life Chorus: Spirit of Life Chorus, founded and directed by David Barth, will perform at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Visit spiritoflifechorus.com for details and concert dates.

Kristallnacht: Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St. in Elgin, invites the community to a special presentation of "Kristallnacht - The Night of Broken Glass" at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9. This free slide show & commentary will commemorate the fateful night in Jewish history during the 1938 riots in Berlin, when over 200 synagogues were destroyed. Call (847) 741-5656 for information.

Honoring veterans: The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road in McHenry, invites everyone to a special Mass honoring all veterans, their families and friends at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11. You need not be a veteran or Catholic to attend. All are welcome. A reception will follow compliments of the Catholic Order of Foresters. For details, call (815) 385-5673.

Pork and Kraut Dinner: The St. John's Men's Club will host the 42nd annual Pork and Kraut Dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $10 for adults, $4 for kids, age 6 to 12. Children, age 5 and younger, get in free. St. John's Lutheran Church is at 300 Jefferson St. in downtown Algonquin. For tickets, call (847) 658-6010 or (847) 658-7005. Tickets for this dinner must be purchased in advance and often sell out.

"Late Nite Catechism": The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road in McHenry, presents "Late Nite Catechism - 'Til Death Do Us Part" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13. Need some advice on your marriage? She's got a boatload! Sister is back in full force as your fieisty marriage counselor in "Til Death Do Us Part." Order your tickets now as they will sell out fast. Tickets are $25 each and $20 for seniors, age 60 and older. Tickets are available for advance purchase at the parish office and the parish bookstore. Tickets will also be available at the door. Popcorn and beverages will be available during the show. For information, call (815) 385-5673.

Spaghetti supper: St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington, will host its annual all-you-can-eat spaghetti supper/bake sale from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14. Carryouts are available. Cost is $5 or $2.50 for ages 6 to 12. For details, call (847) 683-2338.

Focus on Parenting: Join a live simulcast of "Focus On Parenting" from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at Elgin Bible Church, 1580 E. Chicago St., Elgin. Receive encouragement and practical everyday tools from leading parenting experts such as Kevin Leman, Elisa Morgan of MOPS, Larry Fowler of Awana, Mark Holmen, Ron Luce, Phil Vischer, Juli Slattery and Bob Waliszewski. Visit elginBiblechurch.org. For tickets or details, e-mail pleman@fvi.net or call Phil at (847) 404-7909. Preregistration cost is $35 for individuals or $40 at the door. A boxed lunch is also available for $10 additional.

Brunch: The Annual Bells Brunch will be served from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15 at the First Congregational Church, Main and Church streets in Huntley. This popular event is hosted by members of the church's handbell choirs, and includes a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes. Everyone is invited; bring the whole family. Tickets are $7 or $3.50 for children. Tickets may be purchased from bell choir members, the church office, or at the door. No reservations are needed. Proceeds will help fund bell festival trips. For information call (847) 669-3691.

Blood drive: Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St. in Elgin, invites you to its seventh annual community blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 15 in partnership with Heartland Blood Centers. Register online at heartlandbc.org by going to the "Donating" tab, clicking on "Blood Drive Open to the Public" and entering "Elgin." Walk-ins are welcome. Photo I.D. is required. For information, contact CKI Blood Drive Coordinator Paul Glaser at pauljayglaser@sbcglobal.net.

New food pantry: The Larkin Avenue Baptist Church, 1158 Larkin Ave. in Elgin, has opened a new food pantry. More information, including times and eligibility, can be obtained from the church's Web site, labcelgin.org, or calling the church office at (847) 742-5014.

Church joins Angel Food Ministries: St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Road in Hampshire, is now a host site for Angel Food Ministries. It is dedicated to providing food relief to communities throughout the U.S. helping to feed over 500,000 families a month. For $30, a "Signature" food box can be purchased which includes five to six frozen meats, fresh and frozen vegetables, pasta, eggs, and dessert valued at approximately $60. A Signature box feeds a family of four for $4.30 a day for one week or can feed a senior for about a month. Each month's menu is different. In addition, it offers a senior/convenience meal box, an allergen-free food box and several specialty boxes at varying prices offering items such as steaks, chicken, pork, fresh fruits and vegetables. Orders are now being taken for a Thanksgiving box that provides a complete meal for eight people for $36. Delivery will be Thursday, Nov. 19. For details, visit stpetersnorthplato.org or angelfoodministries.com. Orders may be placed online with a debit or credit card, by mail with a check, or in person with cash, check or food stamps (LINK). There are no qualifications, minimums, income restrictions, or applications. Everyone is encouraged to participate. For details, call the church at (847) 464-5721.

Concert fundraiser: A free concert by the band NoBlurr will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 at Highland Fellowship Church, 2250 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin. An offering will be taken with the proceeds benefiting the scholarship fund at Highland Christian Academy. NoBlurr group members Rene LeDesma of Elgin, Camille Eiseman of Crystal Lake, Annie Sander of Crystal Lake and Tom Vitacco of Carpentersville have traveled the globe with Willow Creek Community Church of South Barrington for over 15 years. They have served alongside renowned artists such as Matt Redman, Nicole Nordeman, Darlene Zschech and others. The academy offers affordable rates for parents of children in preschool (age 3) through eighth grade. A needs-based scholarship program is available as well as many incentives for families considering enrollment. Flexible payment schedules are also available. The public is welcome to attend the concert, but seating is limited. For information, visit abouthca.com or call the church at (847) 741-5530. Visit noblurrmusic.com for more details about the band and their schedule.

Christmas trees: Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W040 Highland Ave. in Elgin, will have fresh-cut Christmas trees available to take home beginning on Saturday, Nov. 28 and Sunday, Nov. 29, and continuing every weekend until Dec. 13. These quality trees come from local growers and come in many shapes, sizes and prices. The trees will be featured in the southeast lot. For details, call (847) 931-5400 or visit epworthumcelgin.org.

Cookie Walk: First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee, will host its ninth annual Cookie Walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. The community is invited to this event. Admission is free. Homemade holiday cookies and candies will be available in many varieties and will be sold by weight. Pick your own specialty holiday cookies from the selection; there is no need to bake this Christmas. A boutique of holiday items and handmade mittens, hats and scarves will also be on sale and the church's cookbook, "A Taste of Heaven," for $5 each. Many of the cookie recipes are included. The church provides financial support to six area organizations in the community serving children, families and singles. All proceeds from Cookie Walk 2009 will be used to fund these charities helping the hungry, the homeless and those in need. For details, call (847) 426-2161 ext. 210 or visit fccdundee.com.

Catholic author visits Huntley: St. Mary Parish, in partnership with Relevant Radio, will welcome Scott Hahn, an influential Catholic theologian and author, for three talks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at the church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. A popular speaker and teacher whose dramatic story of conversion to Catholicism has been the subject of many television and radio interviews, Hahn is a professor of theology and scripture at Franciscan University of Steubenville and is the founder and director of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The first presentation, "First Comes Love," starts at 10:30 a.m. Hahn uses the concept of family to explain Catholic thought about the Trinity. From 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., there will be a lunch break. At 1:30 p.m., Hahn will present "Why Scripture Matters," in which he will discuss what it means (and how) to read Scripture from the heart of the Church. After the break, which takes place from 2:30 to 3 p.m., Hahn will present his last talk, "Reasons to Believe" in which he will offer straightforward responses to common objections to the Catholic faith. Hahn will have a selection of his materials for sale in the narthex (cash or check only) and will be available to answer questions and autograph books. Registration is required. The fee is $15 for all three talks. Registration at the door is $20. To register, call Janet Marmion at (847) 669-3137, ext. 101 or e-mail jmarmionstmary@aol.com. Child care will be provided for each talk. Indicate you intend to use child care when you register.

Christmas Carol Sing: St. James Episcopal Church will be host to a Christmas Carol Sing as part of the Dickens in Dundee celebration at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the church, 516 Washington St., West Dundee. A choir made up of singers from area churches will lead the singing. The concert will include handbells, instrumental music, and brass along with organ and piano accompaniment for the carols. Traditional Christmas carols will include "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Hark! the Herald Angels Sing" and "It Came upon the Midnight Clear." The St. James Handbell Choir will play "Let There Be Peace on Earth" by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson. The community choir will sing "Come and Hear the Joyful Singing," music and choral setting by Hal H. Hopson. There will be a reception after the concert in the Boynton Fellowship Hall. The Rev. Don Frye is the long-term supply priest for St. James and Phyllis Connelly is Director of the choir and St. James Handbell Choir. A free-will offering will be taken. Anyone in the community is invited to sing in the choir. Rehearsals will be at 11:30 a.m. Sundays, Nov. 15-29, and 1:45 p.m. Dec. 6. Call (847) 515-8743 or e-mail slvrshu35@comcast.net to register for singing in the choir.

Christmas puppet show: The HANDS 4 HIM Puppet Team invites you to their annual Christmas puppet show at Elgin Bible Church, 1580 E. Chicago St. This year, the performance is titled "Lukeys in Kalamazookey!" Come and join the fun at this family Christmas celebration and learn how the "Lukeys" lose their beautiful, colored spots. The show will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance. The event is free. All are welcome. For information, call (847) 888-1978.