Notes on Religion

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 its High Holy Days services at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. All are welcome to attend. Erev Rosh Hashana will be at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 with the Rosh Hashana service at 10 a.m. Sept. 13. Yom Kippur will start with Kol Nidre at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 and the Yom Kippur morning service at 10 a.m. Sept. 22. The Adult Study Group will meet at 3 p.m. The Yizkor (memorial) and Concluding services will begin at 4:30 p.m. The Havdalah ceremony and pot luck break fast will be immediately after services.

David Gilner, the director of libraries of the four campuses of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, will be returning for the fifth year. Gilner has taught biblical and Judaic studies, lectured, conducted services, and led numerous Bible study groups. In addition, he has been awarded the Donald P. Black prize by the Hebrew Union College for enhancing interfaith dialogue and understanding in the community.

Cantor Jennifer Grubb will again serve as the congregation's cantor. She has been an active performer in the Chicago area including performances for Light Opera Works, the Bailiwick Theater, Magical Starlight Theater, The Savoy-Aires, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and more.

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, visit www.tikkun-olam.org or call (815) 334-7110.

First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Walter Thyng's sermon will be "Giving Satan the Boot," based on Luke 13:10-17, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 Main St., Huntley. The theme is, "God doesn't run an antique shop. When we break something, we don't pay, Christ does." Special music will be a vocal solo by Sandy Ferguson. Sunday school aged children will enjoy a video. For information, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Feeble Arms and Weak Knees," 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 first day of St. John Lutheran School will be Tuesday. Sunday school will hold its Rally Day, returning after summer break, Sept. 9. The fall worship schedule will begin Sept. 9 with services at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

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. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

St. John's Lutheran School offers a day school program for first to eighth grade; all-day kindergarten and morning and afternoon preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Church membership is not required. To register or schedule a school tour, call Principal John Kirchhoff at (847) 658-9311.

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 Sept. 9.

Seasoned Saints for those age 50 or older will have a picnic at 1 p.m. today at the church. Fried chicken will be provided for a small fee. You are asked to bring a side dish to pass and your own drinks. Paper ware and utensils will be provided.

The high school youth group meets for Bible Study meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 5, 19 and Oct. 3 at church. The adult forum will begin on Sept. 9 at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.

Parents and children, infant to fifth grade, are welcome to Niagara Smalls at the church for activities from 5 to 6 p.m. and pizza dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

Introduction to Soccer for 3- to 5-year-olds will meet for 5 weeks from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Wednesdays starting on Sept. 5. Each child should bring a water bottle and a soccer ball. Registration is needed. Fee is $5 to cover costs for supplies.

Crossroads confirmation classes will begin from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at church. It continues through next May.

The church supports the local food pantry and accept donations of nonperishable food on the fourth Sunday of the month. Call (815) 455-2424 or visit www.livingwaterschurch.com.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will give the sermon at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 and 10:30 a.m. services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Nursery care is available. On Tuesday, the Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet at 9:30 a.m. at Citizens Bank. Registration has started for the new Sunday school session. Register online at www.sotp.org. Rally Day will be Sept. 9. Sept. 2 is Grafton Food Pantry Day. Prairie Ringers will resume at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at Citizens Bank.

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 Rev. Michael Fish will lead worship services at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. The sermon will be "Mindset for Mission," based on Luke 14:1, 7-14. 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.

A Gentle Hatha Yoga class for all ages will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays at the church. Advance registration is not required. A good-will donation is accepted.

There will be an Awana leader meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 21. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.

The preschool will host an ice-cream social at 6 p.m. Tuesday for all families that are enrolled for the 2007-08 school year. Preschool registration is now open for the 2007-08 school year. Call Michelle Sullivan at (224) 569-6512 for information

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Rev. Dan Larsen and his wife Pat will host an end of summer service at 10:45 a.m. at their home on near Alden for members and friends of the Congregational Unitarian Church

The theme of the service will be "A Place Just Right" taken from the lyrics of the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts." Participants will also be asked to describe where their "place just right" is in their lives. After the service, Pat Larsen will serve her annual brunch. The Larsen home is just east of Route 47 in Alden on the north side of Route 173. Look for the gray house surrounded by oak trees. Park on the side of the road. For details, call (815) 338-0731 or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. David Inglis, candidate for associate minister of children, youth and families, will preach at the 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. His sermon is titled "Called to Ministry," based on Jeremiah 1:4-10.

Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers to 36 months. Summer Sunday storytime is for preschoolers, age 3 and older, and kindergartners during the service.

On Sunday, a Teacher Information Coffee will be held from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. The upcoming year's lessons, schedules, classroom locations, and FCC's Safe Church policy for volunteers will be reviewed. Anyone interested in teaching Sunday school is welcome to attend. This Sunday, the Adult Work Tour group will be collecting aluminum cans to raise funds for next year's work tour.

On Sunday, both the Junior Fellowship for junior high students and Pilgrim Fellowship for high school students will kick off their year with special activities. JF will have a pot luck dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall. PF will meet at a member's home at 6 p.m. 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. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or FCCCrystalLake.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Kendall Koenig continues the new series on "Noah: Sin, Judgment, Grace" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. This week, the senior pastor's sermon is "Riding Out the Storm" as he looks at how your life is sometimes rocked by what goes on around you. The Scripture reading for his sermon is taken from Genesis 7:11, 8:6-19.

Worship services are held at 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:45, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Blessing of the backpacks or briefcases will be at the 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday worship. Everyone is invited to bring their backpack or briefcase to worship for a blessing. They will give thanks that God goes with you wherever you go as you ask God's blessings upon students and parents beginning their fall schedules.

The church's Good News Worship Band, directed by Melody Kuphal, will once again participate in the Lake in the Hills Sunset Festival Parade at 10 a.m. Sept. 1.

Blessing of the Animals at Light of Christ will be Sept. 1-2 during outdoor worship at the 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Blessing of the animals is an outdoor worship that focuses on God's gift of animals, the natural world, and our responsibilities as caretakers of God's creation.

The "Rally Day: Fall Ministries Kick-Off" is Sept. 8-9. Programs for all children's music programs and Confirmation/PATH for youth in sixth to and eighth grade begin that week. Registration for all these ministries has begun. Early registration is appreciated. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, the Rev. Harold J. Hoekstra will preach at 8 and 10 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. A new member information class will be held at 9 a.m.

Child care is available at 10 a.m. Summer Sunday school at 10 a.m. for children, preschool through fourth grade.

On Sunday, a recognition of educators and school year blessing will be held at 8 and 10 a.m. worship. All children are invited for a special "Start of the School Year Blessing". The senior and junior high youth summer barbecue will be at 4 p.m.

Bookers at Borders will meet at 7 p.m. Monday. This month's book is "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time," by Mark Haddon. On Tuesday, all vocal choirs resume their Wednesday practice schedule with the Sonshine Singers at 5 p.m., Jubilation Singers at 6 p.m. and Bethany Choir at 7:30 p.m. The Taize worship will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The Moms Group meets at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

Faith Quest Sunday school registration is now under way for children age 3 by Aug. 31, 2007 through senior high-aged youth. The fall quarter for confirmation resumes on Sept. 9. The topics for both seventh- and eighth-grade youth are the Lord's Prayer. Seventh-graders also will be studying the Sacraments, while the eighth-grade youth will study mission and service. The enrollment in confirmation, the seventh-grade milestone, is set for Sept. 16 at 9 a.m.

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: As children head back to school, you re-institute household routines and schedules that may have become a bit lax during the summer. Just as children need to have a solid routine and educational foundation, so do you need a solid spiritual routine and foundation. This month, the McHenry County Church of Religious Science will be offering a Sunday morning series to educate ourselves in spiritual substance and get back on track with a spiritual routine. The Rev. Anne S. Muelleman's topic is " Treatment� -- Are You Ready to Receive," a simple way to remember and practice positive prayer.

The children's program is prepared to handle toddlers; this week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Unconditional Love and Service." 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.

All parents and interested parties are invited to attend an important meeting after the service this week to introduce them to the Spiritual Practices curriculum they will be using beginning in September. It is wonderful to have toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school children, as well as a growing number of preteens and teens to consider. They need to prepare now to have ample volunteers and instructors for the fall. Julie Ostrow, an improv and comedy laughter expert, will captivate the little ones with "God is in the Giggle", an hour of interactive laughter and giggle exercises.

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. 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: This 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 Isaiah 58:9b-14, Psalms 103:1-8, Hebrews 12:18-29 and Luke 13:10-17.

The confirmation meeting will be at 10:15 a.m. Sunday. The Youth Overnight Campout will be from 5:30 p.m. Sept. 7 to 11 a.m. Sept. 8. Homecoming Sunday will be Sept. 9 with Sunday school from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Worship service is at 10 a.m. The Brian Sirchio Concert will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 23. Registration for the "Beach" program, which begins Sept. 23, will be Sept. 9 and 16. 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: On Sunday, Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St., Elgin, will host an open house and family picnic. Children will be entertained by Ken Schultz, "The Flying Fool." Prospective members are welcome.

While continuing to offer Shabbat observances for all ages, it is also making plans for the High Holy Days and the beginning of religious school. High Holiday services will be led by Rabbi Jonathan Kohn and Cantor Jack Falk. Rosh Hashana begins the evening of Sept. 12. Religious school for pre-kindergarten to high school begins in early September. For details about the holidays or school call the congregation office.

This week's Torah portion is Ki Tetze. The service is led by Kohn in prayer and study. Shabbat services are at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue. Guests are welcome. CKI believes that each person can participate in the observance of Shabbat through the use of English, Hebrew, and age-appropriate activities. For details, call (847) 741-5656 or www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers participatory Shabbat services, 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." A four-week class on Hebrew comprehension will begin on Oct. 9. Hebrew school registration is now open for the fall. Call to learn about the individualized program. Egalitarian High Holiday services will begin with Erev Rosh Hashana service at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12. Tickets are available now. This week's Torah portion is Ki Tetze, where you are taught to treat animals with kindness. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@ gmail.com, or visit www. CongregationShiratShalom. org.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will be sharing the message, "Who Dat?" at 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee.

On Sunday, Immanuel will be celebrating in their contemporary 10:45 a.m. service with a dynamic jazz worship style, including horns, vocal leaders, and rhythm section. Baerwolf's message "Who Dat, Who Dat, Who Dat Gonna Beat Them Saints??" will fit right into the New Orleans style. The music, ranging from contemporary praise to Dixieland will include the worship songs "To God Be the Glory," "Oh, When the Saints," "Days of Elijah," "Rock of Ages," "Down By the Riverside" and "All the Saints Join In." The public is invited to join them -- coming as early as 10:30 a.m. for the pre-service music.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." This Wednesday's message will be given by the Rev. William Yonker. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on Scripture from Hebrews 12:18-29 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St., Carpentersville. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

First Congregational: This week, the Rev. Richard Nye, transitional pastor, presents the theme "Are We Listening?," based on Jeremiah 1:4-10, at First Congregational Church of Dundee, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m. and a spirit-filled praise service the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Sunday's Ministry of Music will be "St. Anthony Chorale" by the family handbell quartet -- Debbie, Samantha, Jason and Alex Clark.

Church Council Chat will take place Sunday at 11:30 a.m. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.