Notes on religion in Fox Valley

Notes on religion To include your church in the free listings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, fax to (847) 608-0849, or mail to 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin IL 60123.

Tikkun Olam: Congregation Tikkun Olam will hold a Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. All are welcome to attend. Anyone who is not on the congregation's mailing list, but who wishes to receive the annual membership packet and religious school registration information should call the congregation as soon as possible since the packets will be mailed shortly. Congregation Tikkun Olam, a Reform congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, welcomes interfaith families and those who may wish to return to their Jewish roots. For details on the congregation, its religious school, adult and other programs, or to order a membership packet, visit the Web site at www.tikkun-olam.org or call (815) 334-7110.

New Life Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Massaro, youth pastor, will bring the second part of a sermon titled "Sit, Walk, Stand" from the fourth chapter of Ephesians, at the 10:30 a.m. service at New Life Baptist Church, 9228 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills. Refreshments and fellowship are served at 9 a.m. Sunday school for all ages is at 9:15 a.m. Infant and child care are available during the morning worship service with children's church available for children age 4 through second grade.

The church youth are participating in "Ignite Chicago" from noon until 10 p.m. today at Alexian Fields in Schaumburg. Church members play coed softball at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Sunset Park in Lake in the Hills and a prayer and Bible study time is scheduled at 7 p.m. each Wednesday at the church.

The church women are invited to learn faux painting at 3 p.m. Monday at the church. Supplies will be furnished; wear old clothes. The park play group and vacation Bible school puppeteers will meet together at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1 at Randall Oaks Park on Randall Road in West Dundee. The puppeteers will perform and the group will hand out invitations to vacation Bible school.

A quarterly church cleaning day is scheduled for July 28. All members are encouraged to come help. The quarterly business meeting will be held Aug. 5, after the morning worship service.

Plans are being made for this year's vacation Bible school. From 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 6-10, the children will learn about the theme, "Rescue Zone! Saved by God's Power." All children, ages 4-11, are invited to attend this great week filled with Bible stories, crafts, skits, refreshments, puppets, music, and recreation. For details, call (847) 458-9726 or visit www.newlifebaptist-il.com.

First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Walter Thyng's sermon will be "Forward or Backward?," based on Luke 10:38-42, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 Main St., Huntley. The theme is, "Times may have changed, but there is still truth in the saying, 'Put the horse before the cart'." The Men's Quartet will sing. Sunday school aged children will enjoy a video.

The annual Faye's Pork Chop Barbecue will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. July 28 on the grassy lot at the corner of Main and Myrtle streets. Tickets are $10, and will be $11 after Wednesday.

Tickets are available from Huntley Collision, Huntley Travel, as well as the church's craft booth from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays on Church Street across from the square. Or call the church office at (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Have You Seen the Lord?" at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin.

Adult Bible class is at 8 a.m. Sunday. There is no Sunday school until Sept. 9. Coffee and fellowship follows the Sunday services on the second Sunday of each month.

The Mission Resale Shop, located on Washington Street, is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gifts and good quality used clothing, and small household items can be purchased at reasonable prices. Donations are gratefully appreciated, and proceeds benefit mission work locally and afar. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

Living Waters: On Sunday, the Rev. Michael E. Thomas will preach at Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1808 Miller Road, Crystal Lake. Traditional service is held at 8 a.m. Sunday, followed by contemporary services at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.

Registration for the fall Sunday school, Kids Klub, is under way. The Sunday classes are held at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. beginning in late September. The date will be announced later.

Niagara Smalls will offers its summer program, "Park It." They welcome parents and children, infant to fifth grade, to meet on Wednesday afternoons at area parks for playtime and fellowship. The next event will be at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Kelliher Park, 800 Square Barn Road in Algonquin. "Park It" will continue at various parks through Aug. 15.

The vacation Bible school, "Avalanche Ranch" will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday with a snack provided or from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with light supper provided. Enrollment per session is limited to 100 kindergarten to sixth-graders and 30 for children, age 3 to pre-kindergarten. They must be potty-trained with no diapers. The programs offers lively songs and skits, creative crafts, games, and Bible stories. Call (815) 455-2424 or visit www. livingwaterschurch.com.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley. Worship is at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12015 E. Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Nursery care is available. Bible Basics, led by Nancy Ramirez, will meet from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 29 at Citizens Bank.

A study of "The Life You've Always Wanted," by Rev. John Ortberg will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 7 at Citizens Bank.

The Huntley Park District and the church are hosting a blood drive from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Huntley Park District Building. A new member meeting will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 12 at Citizens Bank community room. New members will be received into membership on Aug. 19.

The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

Faith Community: On Sunday, the sermon will be "Who Are You Avoiding?," based on Luke 10:25-37, at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through middle school.

An adult Bible study is offered at 9 a.m. Wednesdays. Adult volleyball is offered through mid-August at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Child care will be provided. Registrations are being taken for vacation Bible school which will be held the mornings of July 30-Aug. 3. Pick up a form at church or call the office for information at (224) 569-6501. Or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.

Unitarian church: This Sunday, the "Coming of Age" program for junior high school age students will be the topic at 10:45 a.m. at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock. Rob Balboa, Scott Brix and Diane Martzel, adult advisors to the Coming of Age group, will explain the program and describe their experiences, including leading a pilgrimage to Boston, spiritual home of Unitarian Universalism. Summer worship services are held in the basement Helen Wright Room. Dress is informal. Childcare is available for infants and toddlers. For details, call (815) 338-0731 or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth group will speak about their mission trip experience at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. An informal hymn sing is at 9:45 a.m. Vacation Bible school participants will sing a song from this summer's program. Summer Sunday storytime is for preschoolers, age 3 and older, and kindergartners during the service. After the meeting, coffee and doughnuts will be served in the fellowship hall.

On Sunday, FCC's Enrichment Ministry will sponsor First Forum, a weekly discussion of issues of common concern, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The topic of this week's meeting is "The Children of Abraham."

From 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Walk and Talk group gathers in the library and then takes off to walk in a near-by park. In case of inclement weather, they will walk in the church building. On Wednesday, the Junior Fellowship youth group for sixth to eighth grade will meet at the water park in Woodstock from 5:30 to 8 p.m. On Wednesday, the church's Mature Singles Club will attend the "Senior Luau" at 5:30 p.m. at Crystal Lake Main Beach. On Thursday, the Moms Time Out group will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Vickie's Place in McHenry. On July 28, the men's fellowship group will travel to the Wedel's farm in Wisconsin for the day. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or FCCCrystalLake.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Kendall Koenig looks at a time for serving and a time for being still with the Lord in his sermon, "To Be Still or To Serve" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The Scripture reading for the sermon is based on "Luke 10:38-42. Worship services are held at 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:45, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The new member class, "Starting the Journey," is offered from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Architect drawings will be presented to the congregation July 28-29 for the planned ministry center on the land at Sleepy Hollow Road and Longmeadow Parkway.

The Kingdom Weekend Reunion will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 4 at Gages Lake.

The Summer Jam for incoming sixth- to eighth-graders is held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Openings are available in the Summer Evening Handbell/Chime Camp for age 7 to adult. The camp runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 20-24. Registration fee is $30. Vacation Bible school for preschool through fifth grade has openings in the afternoon session only. Register in the Welcome Center at the church. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, worship is at 8 and 10 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. Starting this Sunday through August, Liturgy Training for the Evangelical Lutheran Church Setting 6 will be from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Summer Sunday school at 10 a.m. for children, preschool through fourth grade.

The 11th annual Christmas in July focus continues. Outreaches focuses are: Global Outreach -- the ELCA Health Kits and School Supplies for children in Tanzania; Crystal Lake Food Pantry; Home of the Sparrow; PADS site at Bethany; and Transitional Living Services in Hebron.

Taize Worship will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. On July 30, the food pantry workers will be Bethany volunteers. Bookers at Borders meets at 7 p.m. July 30 at Borders bookstore. This month's book selection is "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.

Bethany Preschool will be offering a 2-year-old playgroup this fall. The group will meet Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. For details, call the preschool office at (815) 477-7463.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: The July theme at the McHenry County Church of Religious Science, a Center for Spiritual Evolution is "Sparking the Imagination." The Rev. Muelleman's topic for Sunday is "Opening the Door." You have the power to open the door of possibility in your life. You will call forth the possibility when you open yourself to the impossible becoming possible, and consider a new way to use your imagination. The children's program is prepared to handle toddlers; this month's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Free Will and Inclusivity." Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service, and children's program. If you arrive early there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m. Musical guest this week is Amy Beth. Service is at 10 a.m. at the Country Inn and Suites, 600 Tracy Trail in Crystal Lake. Everyone is welcome. For details, visit www.rscgc.org/McHenry or call (815) 444-0942.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, the Rev. Howard Self will lead the 9:15 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The message is based on Genesis 18:1-10, Psalm 15, Colossians 1:15-28 and Luke 10:38-42. A congregational meeting will be held at 10:15 a.m. Sunday. The youth mission trip will be Aug. 12-15. Market Day will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 16. The confirmation meeting will be at 10:15 a.m. Aug. 19 and 26. The Brian Sirchio Concert will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 23. Shop at the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop, 307 S. Main St. in Algonquin. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The church is handicap accessible at the rear entrance. For details, call (847) 658-5308.

Kneseth Israel: While Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin continues to offer Shabbat observances for all ages, it is also making plans for the High Holy Days and the beginning of religious school. Under the guidance of Rabbi Jonathan Kohn, Sabbath services begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays. This week's Torah portion is "Devarim," which begins the last book of the Torah. CKI believes that each person can participate in the observance of Shabbat through the use of English, Hebrew, and age-appropriate activities.

High Holiday services will be led by Rabbi Kohn and Cantor Jack Kalk. Rosh Hashana begins on the evening of Sept. 12. Religious school for pre-kindergarten to high school also will begin in early September. For information about the holidays or school, call the congregation office.

The service is led by Rabbi Jonathan Kohn in prayer and study. Shabbat services are at 9:30 a.m. today at the synagogue, 330 Division St. For details, call (847) 741-5656 or www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Celebrate the joys of Conservative Judaism at Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road, Elgin. Friendly, participatory Shabbat services are led by Cantor Sarah Alexander at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays and followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week." Adult education classes are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. A class on "Shabbat Z'mirot" will be held at 12:30 p.m. today. A class on "High Holiday Melodies" will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 7. This week's Torah portion is "Devarim," where judges are appointed over the people of Israel. For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

Immanuel Lutheran: The Rev. Bruce Meissner's message asks "How Much?" at the 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday services at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. The Saturday evening and Sunday 8 a.m. services are traditional with organ, hymns and liturgy. The Sunday 10:45 a.m. service is a contemporary service of worship and praise featuring worship leaders and a worship ensemble. Holy Communion this weekend will be celebrated at the 10:45 a.m. service.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." This week, the Rev. Don Bojens is beginning a two-week sermon series, "Stick to God's Plan." This week, his message is "Stay Long Enough for a Miracle." For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the theme will be "Stay Alert! You might be entertaining God!" at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St., Carpentersville. The service will be introducing people who hosted God in their homes, although they are not always aware of God's presence. God comes close to you - even within us, as Paul exclaims. Nursery care is available during the service. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

First UMC West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents scripture lessons from Amos 8:1-12; Psalm 52; Colossians 1:15-28 and Luke 10:38-42, at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The theme for this Sunday's sermon is "Putting Christ First in All Things." Summer Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

Recycle your cell phone by dropping it off in the Fireside Room. Also FISH Food Pantry donations are welcome as well as Campbell's Soup UPC codes. Ice cream will be served outside on the church grounds for those attending the "Movie in the Park" on Friday evenings. Donations will be accepted. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Richard Nye, transitional pastor, presents the theme, "Family Life," based on Luke 10:38-42, at the 8 and 10:15 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St., West Dundee. A spirit-filled praise service is offered the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Children are invited to go to the Sunday 10:15 a.m. service with their parents. After the KidsOwn Worship message, children age 3 through sixth grade may attend KidsOwn Worship, a special children's church designed especially for them, with the Rev. Jeffrey Bates. The theme will be "Saul Makes a Big Mistake," based on I Samuel 13:1-14: God's ways are important. The Renew Service with Holy Communion continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday with the Rev. Jeffrey Bates. Holy Communion will be celebrated. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.