Notes on Religion

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

Today

Community Presbyterian Church's Open Heart Drama will present "Thunder in the Desert: The Gospel of John" at 3 and 7:30 p.m. today at the church, 1111 E. Madison, Lombard. Another performance will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. The show lasts about 90 minutes and is recommended for ages 6 and older. Admission and parking are free. Child care is available free if reserved in advance. For group reservations, call (630) 627-0306.

Wheaton College will present "Songs for Sacred Spaces" by 1978 alumna Sylvia McNair at 7 p.m. today in Pierce Memorial Chapel, Washington and Franklin streets, Wheaton. Tickets are $30; $20 for seniors older than 60 and can be ordered online at www.artistseries.org or by calling (630) 752-5010.

Elmhurst College will present "Sing Out for Peace" at noon today on the College Mall, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. The event is sponsored by the Niebuhr Center and National Church Associates.

The event features Jerry Leggett and his Peace Bubble and a performance by the Proverbial Fools. Those attending can pack a picnic lunch and bring a blanket for the music.

For details, visit peacebubble.org

The Theosophical Society in America will hold its annual TheosoFest 2007 at 10:15 a.m. today at the society, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton. The event features speakers, meditation, a labyrinth and drumming. Admission is free and parking is $3. For details, visit www.theosophical.org or call (630) 668-1571.

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. today, with a rain date of Sept. 15, at St. John's Church, 601 N. Route 83, Bensenville. For details, call (630) 766-3848.

The Evangelical Covenant Church of Villa Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary beginning with a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. today at the Diplomat West in Elmhurst. The celebration will continue with services at 10:45 a.m. and a luncheon after on Sunday 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. today at the church, 1555 Glen Ellyn Road, Glendale Heights.

The event includes a carnival, 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. today at 1710 S. Highland Ave., Lombard. High Holiday services continue at 8:15 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Friday; 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. Sunday. For details, visit www.congetzchaim.org or call (630) 627-3912.

Willow Creek Community Church will feature Michael Franzese, an ex-Mafia prince of New York's Columbo family, at services at 5:30 p.m. today and 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sunday at the church, 67 E. Algonquin Road, South Barrington.

A free Festival de Independencia 2007 begins from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday as a seminar on immigration with a carnival for children. Friday includes exhibits of free services from 5 to 7 p.m., with a variety show at 7:30 p.m.

The event continues with a concert at 8 p.m. Sept. 15 and services at 9 and 11:15 a.m. Sept. 16. For details, visit www.willowcreek.org/casadeluz or call (847) 765-5000.

Jim Caviezel, the actor who portrayed Jesus in the movie "The Passion," will speak Sept. 15-16. For details, visit www.willowcreek.org.

Sunday

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

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

A new session of classes will be at 9:55 a.m. Sundays 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. Sunday at Highview Park, Addison Road and Lincoln Avenue, Addison.

The event will include music, food, beverages, games, a petting zoo, face painting, a clown 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," led by author Rodney Clapp from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Sunday at the church, 22W415 Butterfield Road, Glen Ellyn.

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

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

A Seminar on Christian Hospitality will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday 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. Sunday at the church, Maple and Lincoln avenues, Lombard. The event includes tours of the facility open to the community 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 Sunday. For details, call (630) 665-3384.

Loretto Fest, an open house, is planned from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday 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. Sunday 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.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church will hold a Worship in the Park with a bilingual service at 11 a.m. Sunday 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. Sunday 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, visit www.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. Monday 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. Sunday 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. Sunday 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. Sunday at the church, 1420 S. Gables Blvd., Wheaton. For details, call (630) 665-1236.

First United Methodist Church will hold its Rally Day at 1:15 p.m. Sunday 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 the church at (630) 968-7120.

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 Barry Shepherd Sunday, Bill Anagnos Sept. 16 and 30, Dan Biegler Sept. 23. For details, call (630) 629-3388.

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.

Faith United Methodist Church will welcome Erica Skibbie as its new organist and choir director at the 10:45 a.m. Sunday service at the church, 814 S. Finley Road, Lombard. For details, call (630) 627-1039.

First Presbyterian Church Glen Ellyn will offer adult education classes at 9:45 a.m. Sundays through Oct. 14 at the church, 550 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn.

Classes include the Role of Forgiveness, Willow Creek Good $ense Curriculum and Ecclesiastes and the everyday.

Beth Moore's DVD, "Jesus, The One and Only," is from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Thursdays Child care is provided.

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

River Valley Community Church's Singles FOCUS, Fellowship of Christians United in Spirit, will hold a movie night and light meal at 5 p.m. Sunday at River Valley Community Church, 1655 Bowman Drive, Aurora. Church services are at 10 a.m. Sundays.

FOCUS meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays with a light meal at 6:30 p.m. For details, visit ww.rivervalleycommunity.org or call (630) 907-2992.

Monday

First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton will offer its ongoing grief recovery program, Beginning Again, at 9:30 a.m. beginning Monday 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.

Wheaton Bible Church will offer its support group of 12 weeks for children and parents struggling with changes in their families, including death and divorce, from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays beginning Monday 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's praise and worship, "One Hour with Jesus," will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday 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 Nancy at (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 Monday. Donations and sponsorships are welcome. For details, call Sara Harms at (630) 690-5443.

Tuesday

Coffeebreak, a women's interdenominational Bible study, meets at 9:15 a.m. Tuesdays 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. Tuesday at the church, 424 Forest at Duane, Glen Ellyn. For details, call (630) 469-3510.

Wednesday

The Humanists of West Suburban Chicagoland will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 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. He will discuss "Civil Liberties in an Age of Terrorism and Threats of Terrorism."

For details, call Jack Sechrest at (630) 554-8058.

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. Wednesdays 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. A men and women's golf tournament is planned Sept. 24 at Cress Creek Golf Club in Naperville.

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

Calvary Episcopal Church will hold a midweek service at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday preceded by a meal at 6 p.m. at the church, 222 S. Batavia, Ave., Batavia. Regular services resume at 10:15 a.m. Sept. 16. For details, call (630) 879-3378.

Thursday

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

Friday

St. Andrew Lutheran Church will hold its golf outing fundraiser at noon Friday 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. Friday and 8 to 11 a.m. Sept. 15 at the church, 314 W. Vallette, Elmhurst. Only open to adults. 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. Friday. For details, visit www.firstpreswheaton.org or call (630) 668-5147.

The Cenacle Retreat will feature a retreat with Sister Mary Meegan and "Female Ancestors of Jesus" Sept. 21-23 at the center, 29W012 Batavia Road, Warrenville. The fee is $195 for a single, $180 for a double.

The interactive retreat for young adults ages 21-39 is "Sacred Fun: Hanging with God in Movies, Music and Sports" Sept. 21-23. The fee prior to Friday is $175 for a single, $160 for a double. After Friday, add $20. A $40 deposit secures the reservation.

For details, call (630) 393-1231.

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.

The Peace Through Justice Coalition will present Just Views at 7:20 p.m. Friday at the DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, 4S535 Old Naperville Road, Naperville. The topic is Censure and Impeachment Options. For details, call Stephanie Hughes at (630) 420-4233.

Community Christian Church will present the family play "Our Town" at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the church, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville. Additional performances are Sept. 15-16 and 21-23, with Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The performance features WGN radio personality Steve Cochran. Tickets are $15 and available at the door and online at www.communitychristian.org.

Sept. 15

Crossroads Restoration Church will offer free practical classes at the church 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. Ask for location at registration. 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 or to volunteer, visit www. bridgecommunities.org or call Diana Eckert at (630) 235-3389.

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.