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. In keeping with congregation tradition, tickets are not required, however donations are most welcome.

Erev Rosh Hashana will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday with the Rosh Hashana service at 10 a.m. Thursday. 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 discussion 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.

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.

Religious school begins at 9 a.m. Sunday. Classes are offered for students in second through eighth grades. Registration forms are still being accepted. For details, visit www.tikkun-olam.org or call (815) 334-7110.

First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Walter Thyng's sermon will be "Welcome!" based on Matthew 25:31-46, 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. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the Crusader Bells, the handbell choir for fourth to sixth grade will begin their season of practice. Children in the area are invited to join. Previous music experience is not required. The practice lasts 45 minutes. Bells and music are provided. 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.

Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. The Sunday school Rally will be at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Coffee and fellowship follows the Sunday services on the second Sunday of each month.

The fall worship schedule will begin Sunday 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 3 p.m. Gifts and good quality used clothing, and small household items can be purchased at reasonable prices. 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 Sunday.

The high school youth group meets for Bible Study meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 and Oct. 3 at church. The adult forum will begin on Sunday 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. Each child should bring a water bottle and a soccer ball. Registration is needed. Fee is $5 to cover costs for supplies. Call (815) 455-2424 or visit www.livingwaterschurch.com.

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. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Nursery care is available. Rally Day will be Sunday.

Shepherd Voices will resume rehearsals at 7 p.m. Monday at Citizens Bank.

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 expressway. The second group will meet at 10 a.m. at Citizens Bank.

Confirmation classes begin at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19, with a parent/student gathering at Citizens Bank.

"Faith in Film" is back. The visual Bible's production of "Matthew," starring Richard Kiley, will be shown at 12:30 p.m. Sept. 20 in the church office at Citizens Bank.

The convention for Northern Illinois Synod Women of ELCA will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Grace Lutheran Church in Loves Park, near Rockford. Registration fee and sign up is due by Monday. Registration forms are on the Welcome table. All church women are invited.

A new support group for prayers for encouragement and solid fitness, "Weighty Matters," will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays at Citizens Bank. It is led by Carol Lilla and Theresa Molgren. Register at the welcome table or the church office.

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. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through second grade.

A reception-church picnic will follow at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Bring a dish to pass.

Awana starts on Monday with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by Kids Club from 6 to 7 p.m. Register at the door if not already signed up. The middle school "Affirmation of Faith" classes begin on Wednesday with dinner at 5:15 p.m. and classes and small groups at 6 p.m. All youth in middle school are invited to attend.

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.

The "Friends" Bible study meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Century 21 office on Route 31 in Algonquin. They will be studying a Beth Moore series. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Rev. Dan Larsen will lead the congregation in "Celebration" at 10:45 a.m. at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. Religious education director Sue McCowin will lead the children in an African welcome chant before students and teacher proceed to the opening of church school.

Jim Hecht will conclude the congregation's two-year celebration of the centennial of the church building with the dedication of a time capsule to be sealed in a sanctuary wall. The choir, under the direction of Tom Steffens, will sing. The Green Sanctuary Committee will resume serving Fair Trade coffee during the social hour after worship services. For details, call (815) 338-0731 or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will bring the message at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. The fall schedule resumes Sunday with Rally Day. Worship is at 9 and 10:45 a.m. The year's Sunday school teachers and assistants will be dedicated to serve.

A new year of children's ministries programming will resume with Sunday school, offered at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Each Sunday, all children, age 2 through seventh grade, will begin worship with their family. After the children's message, they will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants, and toddlers at each service. Equal Exchange coffee, tea, and chocolate products will be offered for sale in the fellowship hall after each service.

The Junior Fellowship for sixth- to eighth-graders will meet for "Wacky Games" at 4 p.m. Sunday, in the Youth Room. At 6:30 p.m., the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth group will meet in the Youth Room. The topic for the meeting is "Getting to Know You."

During the coming church year, the Alleluia Sound High School Choir will sing during the 10:45 a.m. service and the Vestry Adult Choir at the 9 a.m. service. The four children's choirs are scheduled throughout the year. The seven handbell choirs, directed by bellmaster Toni Gambini and assistant Robin Restrepo will ring at various services. Music director Ann Tucker will direct and coordinate all musical activities. Robin Restrepo will direct the young children's choirs. Special vocalists and instrumentalists also will be featured throughout the year. Barbara Thorsen, Jo Ann Black, and Sandy Doran serve as accompanists on piano and organ. 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.

The Jubilate Ringers Bell Choir begins rehearsals at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and the Vestry Choir begins rehearsals at 8 p.m. On Thursday, a study series, "Living the Questions: Confirmation Revisited for Adults" continues at 7 p.m. The first week's topic is "Taking the Bible Seriously."

Also at 7 p.m. in the library, those interested in membership at FCC are invited to an information class about the United Church of Christ and First Congregational Church. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or FCCCrystalLake.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. The Scripture reading for his sermon is based on John 8:1-11.

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 kickoff. Programs for all children's music and confirmation/PATH for youth in sixth to eighth grade begin this week. Adult ministries also begin.

All parents and students are required to attend Information Night for the PATH/Confirmation at 7 p.m. Wednesday. This is for all sixth- to eighth-graders. Register by Sunday for confirmation.

Adult choir begins at 7 p.m. Thursday in the sanctuary.

The Men's Quarterly dinner will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 21. The dinner is an old-fashioned steak fry. This dinner is open to all men, their sons, fathers, neighbors and friends. The cost is $10. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, the Rev. Harold J. Hoekstra will preach at 7:45, 9 and 10:45 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. Rally Day kicks off the fall worship. Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m.

Child care is available at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. Summer Sunday school at 10 a.m. for children, preschool through fourth grade.

Highlights for the morning include: the installation of the Faith Quest Sunday school staff; the celebration of the 3-year-old Milestone, "Starting Sunday school" and sending the children to Sunday school.

On Sunday, the Senior High Youth will meet for Pizza Night from 4 to 6 p.m. and the Junior High Youth will have their fall planning meeting from 4 to 6 p.m. Officers will be elected and the calendar of activities for the first half of the year will be chosen.

Confirmation classes begin at 4:30 or 7 p.m. Wednesday. Milestones will be celebrated. The seventh-grade Milestone, Beginning Confirmation, will be at 9 a.m. Sept. 16. The eighth-grade Milestone, Celebration of Discipleship, will meet at 9 a.m. Sept. 30.

Habitat for Humanity project will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 15.

The Crystal Lake Food Pantry is staffed by Bethany workers from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 17. The Senior Ministry Group meets at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 17 at the Colonial Restaurant, Crystal Lake. Chaplin Marilyn Hendricks will share about the Hospice program. DivorceCare begins a new session at 7:30 p.m. Monday. GriefShare begins a new session at 7 p.m. Monday. Registration is not necessary, but helpful in ordering materials. For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: September's theme at The McHenry County Church of Religious Science, a Center for Spiritual Evolution is returning to their roots by deepening their faith in this life-transforming belief system. The Rev. Anne Muelleman's topic is "Recommitting to Learning," let yourself be inspired by understanding how work can be playful. Music by Gary Plazyk and Amy Beth will feature hammer dulcimer, concertina and more.

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. The new fall curriculum, is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." The lessons for September will focus on "Knowing God." This month's topic for kindergarten through fifth is "Love is All That Is." Your kids will develop an awesome awareness of God's loving presence in all that is. The children's program is prepared to handle toddlers.

"Hallelujah POOL-za Party" takes place immediately following the service. They will have use of the pool and Grant Room all afternoon. Bring your suits and towels, dress comfortably to sit pool side and visit with friends. The church will be providing all the hot dogs and buns you can eat. However, if you would like something else to go with your wieners (chips, salads, drinks etc) sign up at church.

Sunday service is at 10 a.m. at the Country Inn and Suites, 600 Tracy Trail in Crystal Lake. For details, call (815) 444-0942 or www.rscgc.org/McHenry.

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. The message is based on Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalms 139:1-6, 13-18, Philemon 1-21 and Luke 14:25-33. 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. The Brian Sirchio Concert will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 23. Registration for the "Beach" program, which begins Sept. 23, will be Sunday and Sept. 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: 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. 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. For details, call (847) 741-5656 or www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road, 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." They will celebrate the bar mitzvah of Darren Filippo today. 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," where Moses passes the leadership of the Jewish people on 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.

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.

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, 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.

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. 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. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

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. 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, 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.

For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.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.