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.

Elgin Bible Church: Sunday school begins again after a summer break on Sunday at Elgin Bible Church, 1580 E. Chicago St. The year begins with a breakfast starting at 9 a.m. in the lower level of the church. The FaithWeaver Sunday school curriculum will be introduced. It will be used from the preschool age through adult classes. FaithWeaver curriculum equips families to discuss and apply their faith together, day by day. All are welcome to come for breakfast, and stay for the worship service, beginning at 10:15 a.m. The regular Sunday school programs will begin on Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. For information, call (847) 888-1978.

Evangelical Covenant Church: On Sunday, Evangelical Covenant Church of Elgin, 1565 Larkin Ave., will hold its annual Rally Day at 9:15 a.m. to celebrate the beginning of the new Sunday school year.

Beginning this week and running every Wednesday until the end of October, the church is offering "The Good $ense Budget Course" at 7 p.m. Get a new perspective on how to manage your personal finances. Cost is $10 per person, scholarships are available. For details, call the church at (847) 888-2302.

Good Shepherd: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church invites you to join its any of its upcoming groups beginning Sunday.

A new class for people wishing to join the church begins at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Nesler Road and Route 20 Christian Life Center. Appropriately titled "Good Shepherd 101," the class will inform participants about the Lutheran church and welcome new members into the ministry and worship at Good Shepherd.

Also beginning Sunday, a Bible Study will be led by pastoral staff on the Gospel of John. This is an opportunity for those who have never studied the Bible before, as well as for those who are regular Bible students. The group will meet in the coffee area during the 9:30 a.m. service at the Nesler Road location.

Fall Sunday school begins Sunday during the 9:30 a.m. service at the Nesler Road location. All children are welcome to join. Sunday school begins after the special children's sermon during the service. Parents are welcome to walk their child to the classroom, and the classes end at the conclusion of service.

A new six-week Bible study will begin called "Prayer: Connecting With Our Father" at several host homes. These interactive sessions will focus on praying, reaching, caring, and empowering. The sermons each week will reiterate these home Bible studies. For information, e-mail alesh@goodshepherd-elgin.org.

The preschool is also beginning "Playtime with Jesus," a parent and toddler program this year. The program will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Fridays beginning this week. Children must be 2 years old by Sept. 1. It is for up to age 3. Registration is being held. Cost is $10 per session. For details, call grade school at (847) 741-7795 or preschool at (847) 697-4745. Visit www.goodshepherd-elgin.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin begins observance of the High Holy Days. High Holiday services will be led by Rabbi Jonathan Kohn and Cantor Jack Falk.

Rosh Hashana begins at 9 p.m. today with Selichot services. The evening service will be preceded by a speaker and program. Erev Rosh Hashana services are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Daily Rosh Hashana services are 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday. Kol Nidre will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 21. Yom Kippur services begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 22.

Religious school for pre-kindergarten to high school also will begin Sunday. For details about the holidays or school call the congregation office. This week's Torah portion is Nitzavim-Vayelekh. The service is led by Kohn in prayer and study. Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St. in Elgin, 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: 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." They will celebrate the bar mitzvah of Darren Filippo today. 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. Wednesday. Tickets are available now. This week's Torah portion is Nitzavim-Vayeilech, in which Moses passes the leadership of the Jewish people to Joshua. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www. CongregationShiratShalom.org

Bethlehem Lutheran: This weekend, Rally Day will be celebrated at the 10:30 a.m. service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St., West Dundee. Bibles will be presented to students in the third-grade Sunday school class during the 10:30 service. Sunday school, junior confirmation, and adult Bible class all resume this week. "The Mystery Revealed!," based on Colossians 1:21-28, will be the theme for the message shared at the weekend's services.

Celebrate Holy Communion at the 5:30 p.m. Saturday service or the 8 a.m. Sunday service.

A six-week adult inquiry classes will be offered from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, starting this week. Anyone interested in joining the congregation or desiring to learn more about the Lutheran church is welcome to attend.

Questions about the use of the Ministry Center should be addressed to Frank Hewitt, director of parish ministries, at (847) 426-4641.

For details, call (847) 426-7311 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays or visit www.bethlehemdundee.org.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will be sharing the message, "Trembling and Rejoicing," based on Psalm 119:161-162, at 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee.

The Saturday evening and the 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. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." The service, held in the sanctuary, is piano-led and is an informal non-liturgical worship style with a music blend of favorite hymns and songs of praise. This Wednesday's message will be given by the Rev. William Yonker, as he shares his sermons series titled "Right Where We Belong … Entering the Heart of Jesus." This week's message is based on Romans 12:1-2, called "Confrontation." For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

Calvary Lutheran: On Sunday, the Board of Evangelism is celebrating Friendship Sunday at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Calvary Lutheran Church, 535 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin. This is an opportunity for people in the community to visit Calvary. There will be a coffee hour between services. This Sunday at 9:15 a.m. Calvary begins another year of teaching children the grace of God in Christ. The adult and youth Bible study, conducted by the Rev. Mark Bestul, will focus on what Lutherans, believe, teach and confess. This class will be from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. For details, call (874) 741-5433 or visit www.calvarylutheranelgin.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "How is God Shaping Us Today?" at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Jeremiah 18:1-11; Psalm 139; Philemon 1-21, 15-16 and Luke 14:25-33.

Summer Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

The Youth Group will have their planning meeting at Laser Extreme in Crystal Lake from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. The entire year will be planned along with some lunch and fun after. The cost is $18 for food and 2 games of laser tag. 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.

The second annual Potato Sale will be held during Heritage Fest in Dundee Sept. 14-16. The United Methodist Women will have their annual rummage sale Sept. 28-29. The annual Hobo Show will be Oct. 27. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Homecoming Sunday, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison's message is "I Don't Like Verse 33," using the Scripture, Luke 14:25-33, at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. There will be special vocal music featuring the Cathedral Choir under the direction of John Slawson.

Christian education workers will be recognized for their year-round contribution and Bibles will be given to third-graders during the service at 10 a.m. Christian education for children, youth and adults begins at 8:50 a.m. with the youth group meeting at 11:15 a.m. A dramatic presentation by Confetti Productions will be a part of the 10 a.m. service Sept. 16. The presentation is "One Pastor's Wife's Saturday," written by Jeff Barker, Iowa's Professor of the Year for 2006. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Loren Krout will preach at 9 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. The fall schedule begins Sept. 16 with Sunday worship at 8 and 10:30 a.m. a Sunday School Rally. Fellowship will be at 9 a.m. and Sunday school and Bible Study at 9:15 a.m.

The choirs will begin practice Wednesday with the voice choir at 6:30 p.m. and bell choir at 7:30 p.m. Octoberfest will take place Sept. 22. The church will host a blood drive from 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17. TOPS meets at 6 p.m. Mondays. Weight Watchers meet at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Paris N. Donehoo celebrates the beginning of the church year with the sermon "Change the Wind" at First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St. in Elgin. The Chancel Choir will sing "Hymn of Praise to the Creator" by Eric Thiman as they assist in the leading of worship. Sunday school students will join in the "Rally Day" celebration with the release of balloons at the end of the 10:15 a.m. service. After that everyone is invited to fellowship hall for Sunday sundaes.

The Ministry of Christian Education is scheduling self-contained classes for pre-­kindergarten and kindergarten. They will have Bible stories and arts and crafts. First- to fourth-graders will have Bible stories appropriate to their levels, and they will rotate into such activities as art, crafts, godly play, exploration, or drama. Fifth- and sixth-graders have their schedules and seventh-graders wilt start a study of the Old Testament as their preparation for confirmation. Eighth-graders will study the New Testament in Sunday school as the second year of confirmation preparation, though evening or late afternoon classes will be the formal confirmation study.

What's your memory of the voices of the Gospel writers? Adult Christian Formation will be offered at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday starting with breakfast. Each Sunday in September will be another look at one of the Four Gospels accompanied by Donehoo's special Power Point presentation. Numerous parking, including a multi-level municipal lot, is within a block of the church. For details, call (847) 741-4045 or visit the Web site at www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. He will preach the final part of the four-part series from the book of Numbers titled "The Challenge of Change," based on Number 13:26. The Male Chorus will render the music for the both services.

You are invited to "Love Elgin." Second Baptist will participate in a citywide outreach event today. They will join churches from across the city to show the love of Christ through acts of kindness. Second Baptist will distribute back-to-school care packages at the Clifford Court housing complex. Later in the day the volunteers, along with the Second Baptist Choral Ensemble, will join in with other participating churches for a closing worship service at the Wing Park Band Shell from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Register for the Couples Retreat, sponsored by the CUPS ministry. The retreat is scheduled for Sept. 14-15. See the Rev. Andrew Love for details.

All women are invited to the church's annual women's conference on Oct. 12-14. The conference theme is "We're Better Than That", derived from Genesis 16:8. Call the church for details and to register for the conference. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Rally Day, the Rev. Richard Nye, transitional pastor, presents the theme "Time to Celebrate," based on Psalm 100, 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 at the 10:15 a.m. service will be "We Have One Faith" and "Celebration Psalm" by the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with accompanist Linda Mallers.

Education for all ages takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sundays. Programs offered include Sunday school for children age 3 through eighth grade and adult teaching.

Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers age 5 and under from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Children should be signed in and out. Coffee and fellowship time will follow the services in the narthex hosted by the Hospitality Team.

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. The theme will be "David Is Merciful to Mephibosheth," based on the Bible story in 2 Samuel 9:1-13: "God is kind." For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe the 15th Sunday after Pentecost in the church year as the congregation looks at the topic, "Useful Saints," based on Philemon 1-21. Traditional-style worship is at 8:15 a.m. Sunday with a contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band. In addition, the Saturday 6 p.m. service will resume on Sept. 15.

Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. along with a special educational program for children called Kingdom Kids which will start again on Sunday.

The church also offers various mid-week educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds during the school year, and youth programs for various age groups.

The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will join in the Season of Change Festival at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St., Carpentersville.

Sunday school classes start at 9 a.m. After the worship, there will be a special musical guest Larry Rossi. Through inspirational songs and stories from his personal life, he hopes to help each listener at least to begin to uncover what God may have in mind for each of them. Then, after worship service, the church invites you to stay for lunch, games and prizes, in celebration of this "Season of Change." The church is hosting a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 15. Dinner includes spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, garden salad, choice of beverage, and dessert. Dinner tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Walter Thyng's sermon will be "Welcome!" at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 Main St., Huntley. The theme is, "Welcoming the Sunday school children and teachers as they begin a new season." This is Rally Day. After the children leave for their class areas, they will be treated to a mini-carnival with apple bobbing, bucket toss, pie throwing, a fishing game and fun prizes for them. Each booth will be tied into a Christian theme. For information, call (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "The Useless Made Useful," at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. The Sunday school Rally will be at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Kendall Koenig's sermon "Grace: A Second Chance" shows the heart of Jesus, the heart of God revealed at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. Worship services are held at 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:45, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

The "Rally Day: Fall Ministries Kick-Off" is this weekend. Children who attended the church's summer camp are asked to wear their favorite T-shirt to worship at the 5 p.m. Saturday or 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services as they celebrate the fall kick-off. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Homecoming Sunday, the Rev. Howard Self will lead the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. Sunday school will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Music will be offered by the Senior Choir and the Joyful Sound Handbell Choir. There will be an all-church picnic at noon following the worship service. Everyone is invited and asked to bring a dish. For details, call (847) 658-5308.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach 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. Rally Day will be Sunday.

Prairie Ringers will resume rehearsals at 7 p.m. Thursday at Citizens Bank. Christians Who Like Classic Cars will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Cosman Center. "Focus Love for Others," led by Boster, will again begin meeting weekly Wednesday. The gathering will be at 6 a.m. at the Panera Bread on Randall Road near I-90. The second group will meet at 10 a.m. 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. Bruce Cole will be installed as the new senior pastor at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Worship services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. A reception-church picnic will follow at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Bring a dish to pass. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.