Notes on Religion

E-mail DuPageFaith@dailyherald.com or fax items to (630) 955-0895.

Today

Temple B'nai Israel will hold High Holiday services beginning at 6:45 p.m. Sept. 12 at the temple, 400 N. Edgelawn Drive, Aurora. A dinner is available for those responding by today. Services continue at 9 a.m. Sept. 13 and 14, and Yom Kippur services are at 6:45 p.m. Sept. 21 and 9 a.m. Sept. 22. For details, visit www.temple-bnai-israel.org or call (630) 892-2450.

Sunday

The Rev. Steven Ziegler has been appointed to serve as the new senior pastor effective today at First United Methodist Church and the First Congregational Church, both of West Chicago. His first service will be at 10 a.m. Sunday at the First United Methodist Church, 643 E. Washington St., West Chicago. For details, call (630) 231-3344. S

Christ the King Parish Center will feature the Ortorio "Song of Songs," directed by Joel Everett, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the church, 1501 S. Main St., Lombard. For details, e-mail Joel at musicformovies@aol.com or call (630) 915-4449.

Lombard Assembly of God will feature guest speakers at services at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the church, 447 W. North Ave., Lombard. Speakers include David Redmond Sunday, Barry Shepherd Sept. 9, Bill Anagnos Sept. 16 and 30 and Dan Biegler Sept. 23. For details, call (630) 629-3388.

St. John United Church of Christ will celebrate a German-language service at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at the church, 1190 Olesen Drive, Naperville. The Rev. Wolf D. Knappe will lead the service. The church will hold Rally Day Sept. 9. For details, call (630) 355-5208.

Harvest Bible Chapel will continue its sermon series, Leave It at the High School, at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday at the church, Glenbard South High School, 23W200 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn. For details, call (630) 281-4800.

Tuesday

New Beginnings, a nondenominational, self-help group for those experiencing separation, divorce, death of a spouse or loss of a significant relationship, meets at 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Road, Naperville. For details, visit www.newbeginningsil.com or e-mail cml525@gmail.com.

St. Luke Lutheran Church in Itasca will hold a support group for people who have been diagnosed with cancer at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church, 410 S. Rush St., Itasca. For details, call the Rev. Alex Duff at (630) 773-0396.

Wednesday

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church will offer a 12-week Alpha program from 6:30 to 9:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 5 to Nov. 31, at the church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.

A Lehavree prayer service will be from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 10.

For details or to register, visit www.stapostle.org or call (630) 355-8980.

Grace Church of DuPage will begin its weekly AWANA program for children ages 3 years through sixth grade from 6:55 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 27W344 Galusha Ave., Warrenville.

A Back to School family picnic and fun fair will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 for the community, and a men's and women's golf tournament will be Sept. 24 at Cress Creek Golf Club in Naperville.

For details or to register, visit www.gracechurchofdupage.org or call (630) 393-7344.

The DuPage Center of Religious Science meets at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays at Royal Glen Office Complex, 1200 Roosevelt Road, Suite 140, Glen Ellyn. For details, visit www.dupagechurch.org or call (630) 495-6626.

Thursday

River Valley Community Church's Singles FOCUS, Fellowship of Christians United in Spirit, meets beginning with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the River Valley Café, 1655 Bowman Drive, Aurora. The program is at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Andy Morgan.

Church services are at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at 801 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. For details, visit www.rivervalleycommunity.org or call (630) 907-2992.

Faithful Living for Dummies, a weekly Bible study about the Book of Sirach, meets from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. and 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays through June 5 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Parish, 36 N. Ellsworth, Naperville. The fee is $6. For details, call Christine Kancewick at (630) 718-2154.

First Presbyterian Church Glen Ellyn will present Beth Moore's DVD Bible study for women, "Jesus, The One and Only," from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Thursdays at the church, 550 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. Child care is provided.

The Good $ense, a financial planning course developed by Willow Creek Community Church, will meet at 9:45 a.m. Sundays, Sept. 9 to Oct. 14.

The Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda will perform at 7 p.m. Sept. 13. The concert is free. For details or to register, call (630) 469-2007.

Friday

The Cenacle Retreat with Sister Mary Meegan titled "Female Ancestors of Jesus" will meet Sept. 21-23 at the center, 29W012 Batavia Road, Warrenville. The fee prior to Friday is $175 for a single, $160 for a double. After Sept. 7, add $20.

The interactive retreat for young adults ages 21 to 39 is "Sacred Fun: Hanging with God in Movies, Music and Sports" Sept. 21-23. The fee prior to Sept. 14 is $175 for a single, $160 for a double. After Sept. 14, add $20.

A $40 deposit secures the reservation. For details, call (630) 393-1231.

Community Presbyterian Church's Open Heart Drama will present "Thunder in the Desert: The Gospel of John" at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the church, 1111 E. Madison, Lombard.

Performances will continue at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 9. The show is recommended for ages 6 and older.

Admission and parking are free. Child care is available for free if reserved in advance. For group reservations, call (630) 627-0306.

A new Christian social group for single, divorced and widowed members in the Addison area will begin meeting at 7:30 p.m. Fridays at a local restaurant. The group will plan activities. For details, call (630) 202-0333.

Sept. 8

Wheaton College will present "Songs for Sacred Spaces" by 1978 alumna Sylvia McNair at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 in Pierce Memorial Chapel, Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Tickets are $30, $20 for seniors ages 60 and older. Order tickets online at www.artistseries.org or call (630) 752-5010.

St. Joan of Arc will hold its Ministry Fair before and after all Masses at 4 p.m. Sept. 8 and 7, 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Sept. 9 in the gymnasium, 820 Division St., Lisle. For details, visit www.stjoanlisle.org or call (630) 963-4500.

Immanuel, Peace and St. John's, the United UCC churches of Bensenville, will hold a craft show and flea market from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8, with a rain date of Sept. 15, at St. John's Church, 601 N. Route 83, Bensenville. For details, call (630) 766-3848.

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church's Soul Searchers will begin meeting from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 8 at the church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. The group will discuss "The Roots of Christian Mysticism" by Olivier Clement. For details, call (630) 355-8980.

The Evangelical Covenant Church of Villa Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 8 at the Diplomat West in Elmhurst. The celebration will continue with services at 10:45 a.m. and a luncheon after Sept. 9 at the church, Summit Avenue and Riordan Street, Villa Park. For details or tickets to the Saturday luncheon, call (630) 279-5249.

St. Matthew Church will hold Super Saturday for families beginning with a 5K run and walk at 8 a.m. Sept. 8 at the church, 1555 Glen Ellyn Road, Glendale Heights.

The event includes a carnival and games and rides from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., as well as authentic Mexican and Filipino food. Evening entertainment features Retro Rockets and juggler Andy Head.

Admission is free. For details, call (630) 469-6300.

Congregation Etz Chaim will hold Selichot at 9:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at 1710 S. Highland Ave., Lombard. High Holiday services continue at 8:15 p.m. Sept. 12; 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 13; 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14; 8:15 p.m. Sept. 21; 10 a.m., 1:15 and 3:30 p.m. Sept. 22; and 7 p.m. Sept. 26.

A Sisterhood Tea is from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 9. For details, visit www.congetzchaim.org or call (630) 627-3912.

Saturday Singles has set its calendar for the singles group meeting at Wesley United Methodist Church, 21 E. Franklin, Naperville. Events include a barbecue Sept. 8. For details, call (630) 355-1834.

Sept. 9

First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton will offer its new member class, "Believing, Belonging, Becoming: Preparing to Join the Church," at 9:55 a.m. Sept. 9-30 at the church, 715 N. Carlton, Wheaton.

Regular worship resumes at 7:30, 8:40 and 11 a.m. Sept. 9, with a Catch the Spirit picnic at 3 p.m. Sept. 9. Those attending should sign up before the event.

A new session of classes will be at 9:55 a.m. Sundays, Sept. 9 to Oct. 14, and include parenting classes, the Jewish Holy Days and The Theological Path.

For details, visit www.firstpreswheaton.org or call (630) 668-5147.

Calvary United Pentecostal Church will host its second annual Party in the Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 9 at Highview Park, Addison Road and Lincoln Avenue, Addison. The event will include music, food, beverages, games, a petting zoo, face painting and a prize raffle. For details, call (630) 628-6866.

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church will begin a five-week series, "Meeting Jesus in Pop Culture," from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Sept. 9 at the church, 22W415 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn.

An open house for Sunday school is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 9, with classes beginning at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 23.

The class "Simply Christian" will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Sept. 13, at the church for 10 weeks.

A Seminar on Christian Hospitality will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14 and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 15. The seminar will be taught by Elizabeth Newman, author of "Untamed Hospitality: Welcoming God and Other Strangers. "

For details, visit www.stbarnabas-episcopal.com or call (630) 469-1394.

St. John's Lutheran School and Church will hold a dedication weekend for its new school at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at the church, Maple and Lincoln avenues, Lombard. The event includes tours of the facility at 2 p.m. For details, call (630) 627-2515.

Lutheran Church of the Master will offer Boundaries, an eight-week session of hour- long classes Sundays, Oct. 7 to Nov. 25, at the church, 580 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream. Deadline for registration and payment of workbook fee is Sept. 9. For details, call (630) 665-3384.

Loretto Fest, an open house, is planned from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at Loretto Convent, 1600 Somerset Lane, Wheaton. The event includes games, tours and a jazz band. For details, call (630) 682-9097.

Grace Lutheran Church will hold regular services and a Blessing of the Backpacks at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at the church, 493 Forest Ave., Glen Ellyn. The service is part of Rally Day for students and adults to begin their classes of Bible study for the church year. For details, call (630) 469-1555.

Word of Life Lutheran Church and Preschool will hold its Rally Day during services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sept. 9 at the church, 879 Tudor Drive, Naperville. A picnic is planned with guests to bring a dish to pass. A dunk tank with youth and the Rev. Gary Peterson will benefit the missions. For details, visit www.wordoflife.net or call (630) 355-9655.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church will hold a Worship in the Park with a bilingual service at 11 a.m. Sept. 9 in Reed Keppler Park, National and Arbor streets, West Chicago. A potluck picnic begins at noon with place settings and drinks provided by the church. Guests should bring food, a lawn chair or blanket. For details, call (630) 231-3787.

St. Paul Lutheran Church will hold Rally Day at 9:45 a.m. Sept. 9 at the church, 515 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton. The event is open to all students ages 3 years through eighth grade. A children's worship service is at 11 a.m. For details, visitwww.stpaulwheaton.org or call (630) 668-5951.

The church's Women's Bible Study will begin "Blessed to Follow: The Beatitudes as a Compass for Discipleship from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the church. For details call Pat Pape at (630) 668-8710.

The College Church Concert Series will present a free concert featuring the music of Heitor Villa-Lobos, Brazil's composer, at 3 p.m. Sept. 9 at the church, Seminary Avenue and Washington Street, Wheaton. Donations are accepted. For details, call (630) 668-0878.

First Church of Glen Ellyn will hold its Rally Day at 8:45 a.m. Sept. 9 at the church, 424 Forest at Duane, Glen Ellyn. A Brat and Corn Roast Picnic begins at 12:15 p.m. in the Great Hall. Suggested donation is $5 per adult, $3 per child or $16 per family. For details, visit www.fumcge.org or call (630) 469-3510.

St. Matthew United Church of Christ will hold services at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 9 at the church, 1420 S. Gables Blvd, Wheaton. For details, call (630) 665-1236.

Woodridge United Methodist Church will display Cry for Peace, a representation of 4,000 symbols in honor of the fallen American soldiers and those killed in the ongoing war Sept. 9 at the church, 2700 75th St., Woodridge.

The church's outreach committee will sell T-shirts to benefit Comfort for America's Uniformed Services, which is for military personnel recuperating form injuries, during the fall picnic beginning at 11:30 a.m. For details, call (630) 968-6050.

Redeemer Lutheran Church will hold its Rally Day and picnic at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 9 at the church, 345 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst. For details, call (630) 834-1411.

First United Methodist Church will hold its Rally Day at 1:15 p.m. Sept. 9 with a showing of "Happy Feet" at the Tivoli Theater, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Children ages 3 years through sixth grade attending Sunday school at 9:30 and 11 a.m. will receive a movie ticket and refreshment ticket at the church, 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. For details, call (630) 968-7120.

Sept. 10

First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton will offer its ongoing grief recovery program, Beginning Again, at 9:30 a.m. beginning Sept. 10 in the church's living room, 715 N. Carlton, Wheaton. For details or to register, call the Rev. Caryle Wilkie at (630) 668-5147, ext. 13.

St. John's Episcopal Church will offer Precept Upon Precept, Bible study of the book of Ephesians, from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 10 or 9 to 11:15 a.m. Sept. 12 at the church, 750 W. Aurora Ave., Naperville. The program is in depth and includes homework and discussion. For details, call (630) 355-0467.

Wheaton Bible Church will offer its support group of 12 weeks for children and for parents struggling with changes in their families, including death and divorce, from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays beginning Sept. 10 at the church, Main and Franklin streets, Wheaton.

Treasured Promises is offered for children in kindergarten through eighth grade and includes dinner each week.

DivorceCare for adults will meet at the same time. The program is free, but there is a $15 charge for the DivorceCare workbook.

For details, call Ben Merrill at (630) 588-7175.

Addison Aglow International will hold a praise and worship titled "One Hour with Jesus" from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 10 at Addison Presbyterian Church, 233 N. Mill Road, Addison. The service is open to women, men and teens. Baby-sitting is not available. For details, visit www.aglow.org or call (630) 543-3016.

Voice of Care, offering spiritual care for those with developmental disabilities and their families as part of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, will hold a golf outing Sept. 15 at Fox Valley Country Club, 2500 N. River Road, North Aurora. The fee is $100 for golf, cart, contest and lunch. Deadline to register is Sept. 10. Donations and sponsorships are welcome. For details, call Sara Harms at (630) 690-5443.

Sept. 11

Coffeebreak, a women's interdenominational Bible study, meets at 9:15 a.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 11 at Evangel Baptist Church, 1900 Manchester Road, Wheaton. This year's study will focus on the book of Isaiah. Child care is provided for children ages 6 months to 5 years. For details, call Debby France at (630) 462-7605.

The United Methodist Women of First Church of Glen Ellyn will present "Our Precious Water," an environmental justice discussion, at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at the church, 424 Forest at Duane, Glen Ellyn. For details, call (630) 469-3510.

Sept. 12

Chabad of Naperville will hold Rosh Hashanah services at 9:30 a.m., with Shofar blowing at 11 a.m. Sept. 13 and 14, at 131 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville. A Rosh Hashanah dinner will be Sept. 12.

Yom Kipper services will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 and 9:30 a.m., noon and 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23.

For details, visit www.JewishNaperville.com or call (630) 689-1387.

The Humanists of West Suburban Chicagoland will meet at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, 4S535 Old Naperville Road, Naperville. Featured speaker is Ed Yohnka, director of communications for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois. For details, call Jack Sechrest at (630) 554-8058.

Sept. 13

The Theosophical Society in America is offering a three-day workshop for military personnel and their families for post-traumatic stress disorder Sept. 13-16 at the society, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton. The program will be led by Edward Tick, author of "War and the Soul." Registration fee is $395, excluding meals and rooms. For details, visit www.theosophical.org or call Christine Pomeroy at (800) 669-9425, ext. 350, or e-mail cpomeroy@theosmail.net.

St. Luke Lutheran Church will present the 30-week study of the book of Revelation, "Apocalypsis Jesu Christus," at 7 p.m. Thursdays beginning Sept. 13 at the church, 410 S. Rush St., Itasca. The course also is available on the Internet at www.WAUonline.org. For details, call the Rev. Alex Duff at (630) 773-0396.

Sept. 14

St. Andrew Lutheran Church will hold its golf outing fundraiser at noon Sept. 14 at St. Andrews Golf Course in West Chicago. The event includes dinner and a silent auction. Proceeds will benefit the church's rebuilding fund after the fire in 2005. For details, visit www.standrewlutheran.net or call (630) 231-3787.

Elmhurst Epiphany Lutheran Church will hold its children's clothing and toy and equipment resale from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14 and 8 to 11 a.m. Sept. 15 at the church, 314 W. Vallette, Elmhurst. Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation Camp Jam. For details, e-mail epiphany.resale@comcast.net.

First Presbyterian Church will hold its men's luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 18 at Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream. Tickets are $10, with the reservation deadline at 4 p.m. Sept. 14. For details, visit www.firstpreswheaton.org or call (630) 668-5147.

Sept. 15

Crossroads Restoration Church will offer free practical classes beginning from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 15 at the church, 245 W. Roosevelt Road, Unit 21, West Chicago. Registration is requested by calling (630) 221-0062.

Other classes are Budgeting Made Easy from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 15; crafting from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 13; and resume writing from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 3.

Mentor classes for Stepping Stones, a Christian-based not- -for-profit organization providing transitional housing for abused women and their children, is teaming with Bridge Communities to offer the classes Sept. 15 and 29 at First Presbyterian Church, 500 Anthony St., Glen Ellyn. For details, visit www. bridgecommunities.org or call Diana Eckert at (630) 235-3389.

Ss. Peter and Paul will present a parish retreat, Living Deep in a Shallow World, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 15 at the church, 36 N. Ellsworthy St., Naperville. The focus is How to Live a Mission of Love by Deacon John Green.

Fr. Schoenstene will be the featured speaker about Justice in the Prophets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 20.

For details, call Christine at (630) 718-2154.

A DuPage Concert for Peace, Bands Not Bombs, will be from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Old Town Park, one block west and south of Lake Street and Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale. A Peace Walk and Street Vigil is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. A collection will be taken to support the Midwest Homeless Vets Shelter in Aurora. For details, call Kevin Lindemann at (630) 690-4031.

Outreach Community Ministries' Jubilee Furniture Company will hold a grand reopening at 9 a.m. Sept. 15 at 610 E. North Ave., Carol Stream. The store, which benefits the programs of Outreach, was forced to close after a microburst damaged its building. The store's hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For details, call (630) 337-1467.

Sept. 16

Gary United Methodist Church will hold a community open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 at the church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton. The event will feature the church's $8 million renovation and construction as well as tours of the historic church sanctuary and its collection of stained glass windows. For details, visit the Web site at www.garyunitedmethodist.org or call (630) 668-3100.

The Church of St. Francis will welcome the Rt. Rev. William Downey, regional bishop of the United states, to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. Sept. 16 at the church, 12 W. School St., Villa Park. A reception will follow. For details, visit the Web site at www.stfrancisvillaprk.org or call (630) 834-3320.

A Heifer Hoedown 2007 is from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2105 Manchester Road, Wheaton. The event includes a barbecue dinner, music, line dancing, a farmer's market, silent auction and live llamas and goats. Tickets are $17 per adult, $8 per child ages 5-10 years with a maximum of $55 per family. For details, call (312) 850-3330.