Religion--Special Events
Pork chop sandwich dinner: St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Hampshire will host its annual pork chop sandwich dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the church, 43W301 Plank Road, a quarter mile east of Route 47. The menu includes their famous pork chop sandwich, grilled sweet corn, and homemade pie slices. Pricing is a la carte. Indoor/outdoor dining and carry-outs are available. For information, call (847) 464-5721.
Griffin school taking registration: Griffin Christian School, a ministry of Fox Valley Baptist Church, is now accepting enrollments in all grades for the 2007-08 school year. The school, 16N562 Vista Lane in East Dundee, is for preschool through 12th grade. The school offers a full, Bible-based academic schedule, along with classes in art, music, computer skills, gym, and foreign languages. After-school care is also available. Classes will start on Aug. 23. This fall, the school will be introducing a new preschool program for 3- and 4-year- olds. Parents will be able to choose between a two-day or five-day program, featuring early learning activities with a low student-to-teacher ratio. The middle and high school program uses a technology based, individualized program, utilizing the latest in computer technology to assist in the learning process and prepare our students for the modern collegiate experience. For several of their subjects, the middle and high school use an online curriculum with real time assistance, where each student can complete their subjects with lessons specifically tailored to their needs. For information, or to visit the school, call (847) 428-5413 or visit griffinchristianschool.org.
Avalanche Ranch at Trinity: Trinity United Methodist Church, 1647 Ravine Lane in Carpentersville, will hold a vacation Bible School on Friday through Aug. 26. Children, age 6 to 12, are invited to participate in "Avalanche Ranch," a wild ride through God's Word. Join the herd and enjoy games, activities, swimming, sleepover lock-in, campfire and Bible stories. For details, call Susan Anderson at (847) 426-1627 or e-mail trin_umc@sbcglobal.net.
Church hosts open house for families: The Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Ave. in Elgin, is hosting an open house for all neighborhood families from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 25. The church would like to introduce parents and children to their children's program for this fall. There will be food, games, craft activities, music and more for all who come. For details, call (847) 888-2302.
Sunday school program starts at St. Hugh: On Aug. 26, St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church in Elgin will kick off Sunday school for preschool through fifth grade during the 10 a.m. service. This year, they will be using Group Publishing's "Living Inside Out: Where Kids Dare to Live Their Faith!" The church is at Randall Road and Highland Avenue in Elgin. For details, call the Rev. Heather Ann Martinez at (847) 695-7695.
Awana starts at Fox Valley Baptist: Fox Valley Baptist Church, 16N562 Vista Lane in East Dundee, will resume its Awana program on Aug. 29. The program will meet at 6:25 p.m. Wednesdays until mid-May. There will be an early registration night at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Awana is a fun club for kids and preteens that includes Bible stories and instruction, games, awards, and special events throughout the club year, such as a Fall Fun Fair and a "Grand Prix," which is similar to the Cub Scouts' Pinewood Derby. There are clubs for 3-year-olds to eighth grade. For details, call (847) 428-5413 or visit foxvalleybaptist.org.
Immanuel offers extended care: Immanuel Lutheran School of East Dundee is opening an extended care program for school families and members of the congregation. Introducing this program is essential to the parents of Immanuel. It will augment the school environment by offering time for students to play, complete homework, create crafts, or rest. The program will fluctuate between structured time and free time for students whose parents want a larger family style care for their children before and after school. For preschool and kindergarten, there will be more time for activities, rest, and story times during the day. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session. Parents may register their children for regular care or occasional use based on availability of space. The registration fee is $50 per student and is nonrefundable. Unlike most day care centers, Immanuel will not require parents to contract for long periods of time. Regular care will be offered in increments of two-week periods. Parents will be asked to submit payment two weeks in advance of the care time they will require. The charge for "regular" care is $4 an hour. While parents will pay for the two weeks time in advance they will be able to modify the time required each time they renew moving forward. They will not be required to pay for time scheduled off in advance. Occasional care is also offered at $5 per hour. This option presents an opportunity to have children cared for during times when busy schedules prevent home care. This program is open to students who are among the student population of Immanuel and for members of Immanuel's congregation who attend area schools. The school is now accepting applications for the 2007-08 school year. For information, call (847) 428-1010. It is at Route 72 and Van Buren in East Dundee.
Outdoor service, pet blessing: Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road in Algonquin, will hold outdoor worship services at 5 p.m. Sept. 1 and 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sept. 2. There will be a blessing of the animals at this outdoor worship service focusing on God's gift of animals, the natural world, and our responsibilities as caretakers of God's creation. All pets are welcome in cages or on leashes, but no aggressive animals. Stuffed animals are also welcome. For details, call (847) 658-9250.
First Presbyterian's outdoor worship, picnic: First Presbyterian Church will hold its annual outdoor worship and picnic at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 9 at the Wing Park band shell, 1000 Wing St., Elgin. Folk artist Peg Lehman will once again participate in the worship service. All are welcome. Park bench seating and picnic tables are available for your use. You are encouraged to bring your table service, a dish to pass, lawn games and sports equipment. The Worship and Sacraments Committee will provide beverages and fried chicken. For details, call Ruth, office manager, at (847) 742-6365. Summer worship is at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at the church, 240 Standish St., Elgin. For details, visit the Web site at www.fpce.org.
Awana Cubbie program: Fox Valley Church, 37W073 Huntley Road in West Dundee is currently enrolling 3- to 4-year-olds and pre-kindergarten 5-year-olds for its Awana Cubbie program. It is held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 11 and runs through the first Tuesday in May. Children will enjoy Bible time, crafts, songs, games and more. A book and vest will need to be purchased for $9 each, as well as $1 per week for dues. For details, call the church office (847) 844-1010 or stop by to fill out a registration form.
Heart Beat: "Heart Beat," a charitable, luncheon, concert and festival of tables, will take place at 11 a.m. Oct. 13 at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 525 Church Road in Elgin. Attended by over 400 people, this event will feature a performance by award-winning Christian recording artist Mark Harris. Guest speaker, Constantine Mavroudis, head of Children's Memorial cardiac surgery and founder of the Hellenic Heart Program, will discuss his many achievements and success stories. Proceeds to benefit Children's Memorial Hospital Cardiac Surgery, Hellenic Heart Program, in partnership with The Philoptochos Society of St. Sophia. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For tickets or details, visit www.heartbeatevents.org or call (847) 62-HEART (43278). This is by reservation only.