Your faith

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Adult education

Boundaries is a program of eight weekly 60-minute classes breaking into six- to eight-member interactive groups beginning Oct. 7 and ending Nov. 25. Registration and payment for the companion workbook is due in the church office no later than Sunday. The Rev. Merrill A. Clark, member of Lutheran Church of the Master, will be the interactive coach for this course. He will be using the text, "Boundaries." by co-authors Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. The program will be at Lutheran Church of the Master, 580 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream. For more information, call (630) 665-3384.

St. Hubert Ministry Center, 729 Grand Canyon, Hoffman Estates, offers a nondenominational job and networking ministry that is free and open to all occupations. The ministry offers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of careering and get in-depth knowledge of career topics from seminars and meetings as well as learn the process of networking. Meetings are held throughout the month at various locations. For a calendar of meetings, call Bob Podgorski at (847) 925-6005.

St. Marcelline Catholic Church welcomes those who are a searching Catholic or who have been away from the church for awhile. No matter how long you have been away, and for whatever reason, we invite you to consider renewing your relationship with the Catholic Church. Join us for informal listening sessions and an update of the Catholic faith facilitated by Catholics formerly adrift. The sessions are conducted in an adult learning environment.. Contact Deacon John at St. Marcelline Catholic Church, 822 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, at (847) 524-4429. Sessions begin at 7:30 p.m. Sept.. 19. Last chance to register is Friday.

Holy Family Parish, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, will offer an ongoing Bible study led by Jim Papandrea, Ph.D., director of Adult Faith Formation. In the 2007-08 year, it will complete the last third of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) including the last week of Jesus' life and the passion narratives.

No experience is necessary. Learn how to read and interpret the Bible and participate in small group discussion of Scriptures. Two class time options are available: Monday evenings (7 to 9 p.m.) or Thursday mornings (9:15 to 11:15 a.m.) starting this week. Nursery care is available Thursday morning. Call the parish office for information, (847) 359-0042.

Children, teens

Sunday School starts Sunday at Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett. Register your children now for the 9:30 a.m. session, which includes special programs for preschoolers, grades K-4, and grades 5-6. Junior and senior high teens can drop in for uplifting and challenging Bible study. Worship services will be at 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m. Find out more at www.livinglordlutheran.org. Download Sunday School registration materials or call (630) 830-3630. Living Lord is located at 1044 Congress Drive on Route 59 just south of Stearns Road.

Family

The Historic Cemetery Walk will present a glimpse of a vibrant farm community long before Streamwood was here. It is presented by the Streamwood Historical Society and Immanuel United Church of Christ and will be from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 16 from at 1500 Old Church Road, Streamwood. There is a $5 fee for individuals and $10 per family. Refreshments will be served. Call (630) 837-0190 for information. www.streamwoodiucc.org

Casa de Luz, a ministry of Willow Creek Community Church, will host Festival de Independencia 2007 from Thursday-Sept. 16. The four-day event is designed as an outreach to the Hispanic community and will offer informational seminars, concerts, an expo of local services and more.

The event begins with an immigration seminar from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Attorney Shirley Sadjadi will provide essential information on living and working in the U.S. While parents attend the seminar, a mini-carnival will be available for children.

On Friday, Expo Ayuda will feature exhibits from local organizations that offer free services such as English as a Second Language classes, family support and more. The expo runs from 5 to 7 p.m., followed by a variety show at 7:30 p.m. Celebrity singer Maria del Sol and soap opera star Maria Sorte will both take part in the show, along with comedians, interviews, and other musicians.

The music continues on Sept. 15, with a concert by Contagious at 8 p.m. The band has a sound similar to Salvador, and has opened for groups including Salvador, Third Day, and Newsboys.

The festival wraps up on Sunday morning, Sept. 16, with Casa de Luz services at 9 and 11:15 a.m. Maria del Sol and Maria Sorte will take part in both services.

Independence Fest takes place at Willow Creek Community Church and all of its events are free. Willow Creek Community Church is located at 67 E. Algonquin Road in South Barrington. For more information, call (847) 765-5000 or visit www.willowcreek.org/casadeluz.

Fundraisers

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church will hold a Bridal Gown and Formal Gown sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at 1116 E Devon Ave., Bartlett All gowns are new, never worn and priced at $50 for bridal and $10 for formal. Cash and checks only will be accepted for payment. Find your perfect wedding gown, bridesmaid gowns, homecoming, prom and party dresses at a bargain price. (630) 837-1166.

Cuts for a Cause will be offered on four Mondays -- Sept. 10, 17, 24, and Oct. 1 -- at the Howard Poulin Studio Salon, 235 W. Golf Road, in Schaumburg. The salon will donate 100 percent of haircut (and style) proceeds ($35 per customer) to the kidney fund of a local young woman, Zuleica Arano Estrada.

Zuleica has a rare and deadly kidney disease and needs a new kidney to live. So far, $120,000 of the $150,000 required to have the surgery has been raised. Call the salon at (847) 490-3535 or visit www.livinglordlutheran.org for more information.

Also, if you plan to shop at a Jewel Food Store Monday-Wednesday, consider using a Shop and Share coupon to benefit the fund. Stop by Living Lord Lutheran Church, 1044 Congress Drive, Bartlett, to pick up a coupon, or download one from www.livinglordlutheran.org.

To contribute to Zuleica's kidney fund directly, send donations to the Zuleica Arano Estrada Fund, Account No. 4800394465, Harris Bank Streamwood, 185 W. Irving Park Road, Streamwood, IL 60107.

Immanuel United Church of Christ is looking for crafters for its Old Church Craft & Holiday Fair, which will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20 at 1500 Old Church Road, Streamwood. Call (630) 837-0190 for information or an application. Cost is $40 per booth for crafters. www.streamwoodiucc.org.

Immanuel United Church of Christ is having a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 22. The church is located at 1500 Old Church Road, Streamwood. Come and browse the clean and usable items while enjoying coffee, tea or lemonade for 25 cents per cup. Call (630) 837-0190 for drop-off information. www.streamwoodiucc.org

Christ Community Mennonite Church's annual garage/rummage sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Proceeds to benefit Big Barn Preschool. There will also be an open house for Big Barn Preschool and Gifts of the World gift shop. Call the church office at (847) 895-3654 if you need further information.

Lectures, seminars

Church of the Holy Spirit, 1453 W. Bode Road, Schaumburg, offers English as a Second Language classes Thursday evenings from 7-9 p.m. for 10 weeks beginning this week. There is a $10 registration fee. Beginning through advanced students are welcome to attend. Students may register in person on the night of class. Follow posted signs for room locations. For more information in English or Spanish, call Sister Marianne Supan at (847) 882-7580.

Fr. William Meninger is coming to Holy Family Parish from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 to present a day of enrichment. He will speak about "The Process of Forgiveness." All are welcome. For additional information, call the parish office at (847) 359-0042 or (847) 907-3441. The workshop fee is $15 which includes lunch.

Holy Family Church, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness, will show the award-winning film "Deliver Us From Evil," at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 in Common Ground. This film gives insight into the problem of child sexual abuse, from the experience and eyes of a pedophile who spoke openly about his lifestyle. Oliver O'Grady presents a transparent profile of an individual who "grooms" his victims and their families in an effort to build trust. This film will prepare families to recognize warning signs.

Miscellaneous

Congregation Kneseth Israel is 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 tonight at 9 p.m. with Selichot services. Services will be preceded by a speaker and program. Erev Rosh Hashana services are at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Daily Rosh Hashana services are at 9 a.m. Thursday-Friday. Kol Nidre is at 6 p.m. Sept. 21. Yom Kippur services begin at 9 a.m. Sept. 22.

Religious school for prekindergarten to high school also will begin in early September. For information about the holidays or school contact the congregation office. Shabbat service is at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St., Elgin. Guests are welcome. For details, call (847) 741-5656.

Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, started a new church year. Christian Education is at 9:15 a.m. with classes for all ages, 1 year to 100. "Gather Round" is the fall 2007 theme for youth and children classes with emphasis on the Bible showing that we are a people becoming rather than a people who have arrived. Historical biblical characters represent larger truths, challenging us to pattern our lives around their truths, and discovering in biblical people how we too are becoming people of the one and only God. The adult class begins a study of the Apostle Paul's words to young churches.

Performances

Christian singer/songwriter Peder Eide will bring his energetic show to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. today as part of the church's 50th anniversary celebration.

Eide has captivated teens and the rest of their families with his performances and his songs, including selections from his latest album, "Taste and See." Tickets to the performance cost $10 in advance, or $12 at the door, so order early before they sell out.

For information, or to buy tickets, call the church at (847) 885-7010. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is located at 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg.

Special services

Celebrate the Joys of Conservative Judaism at Congregation Shirat Shalom in Elgin. Friendly, participatory Shabbat services are led by Cantor Alexander every Saturday at 9:45 a.m., and are followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week."

Adult Education classes are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. A four-week class on Hebrew comprehension will begin Oct. 9. Hebrew school registration is now open for the fall.

Today, we will celebrate the bar mitzvah of Darren Filippo. Egalitarian High Holiday services will begin with Erev Rosh Hashana services at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; tickets are available now.

For information, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

St. Paul's UCC, 220 Division St., Elgin, will have Rally Day Sunday. There will be a special service with Pastor David Ezekiel leading the children as they begin Sunday school. Come and worship, then join in Fellowship Hall for a potluck lunch. For more information, call (847) 742-2854.

Addison Aglow International holds a praise and worship titled "One Hour with Jesus" from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday or the first Monday of the month 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 the Web site at www.aglow.org or call Nancy at (630) 543-3016.

Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates is celebrating its 50th year. The founding rabbi, Rabbi Hillel Gamoran, is coming back to lead high holiday services Thursday. He was instrumental in growing the congregation of over 300 families after leading it for 34 years. If you are not a member of Beth Tikvah, and have not attended high holiday services, you can receive free tickets to this once-in-a-lifetime event. For more information, contact the office at (847) 885-4545, or look at the Web site, www.beth-tikvah.org.

Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates announces the following High Holy Day services and programs: Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. -- High Holiday Workshop: Fighting, Forgiveness and Letting Go; today at 8 p.m. -- Selichot Services and Program, beginning with Havdalah and followed by a program and dessert buffet, concluding with services at 11 p.m.; Wednesday at 8 p.m.-- Erev Rosh Hashana services held at Holy Family Parish in Inverness; and Thursday, at 10 a.m. -- morning Rosh Hashana services held at Holy Family Parish, at 1:30 p.m. -- afternoon Family Preschool Service at Beth Tikvah Congregation, and at 2 p.m. -- Tashlich Service at Highland Lake in Hoffman Estates.

In addition, Friday at 10 a.m. -- 2nd Day Rosh Hashana services held at Beth Tikvah Congregation; Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. --Kol Nidre held at Holy Family Parish in Inverness; Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. -- Yom Kippur morning service at Holy Family Parish, at 2:30 p.m. -- Afternoon Family Preschool Service held at Beth Tikvah Congregation, at 3:30 p.m. -- Afternoon Service, Yizkor and Neilah followed by a Break the Fast.

Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church, 1600 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, will offer a new emergent worship gathering called "6:33" starting Sunday at 6:33 p.m. It will provide interactive, cutting edge worship experiences and will be led by Ember Days worship band. In addition, regular services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. (847) 882-6116

Michael Franzese will be the guest speaker this weekend at Willow Creek Community Church. As an ex-Mafia prince with New York's powerful Columbo family, Michael was the most financially successful mobster since Al Capone -- until he turned his back on the mob and walked away from a Mafia death sentence.

Willow Creek holds three identical services each weekend. Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 9 and 11:15 a.m. Willow Creek Community Church is located at 67 E. Algonquin Road in South Barrington.

For information visit www.willowcreek.org or call (847) 765-5000.

Women's programs

The Ladies of St. Marcelline, 822 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, invite all members of the community to attend the next "Women at the Well" session. Women at the Well is a program cosponsored with the parish and Alexian Brothers Hospital Network. Our next scheduled evening is Sept. 20. It is held in the parish's Family Room where a light meal is provided. Following the meal, attendees will hear a presentation titled "The Colleen Willard Story." Colleen was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and multiple health problems. She was wheelchair bound and in constant, severe pain. As her health deteriorated, she surrendered to the will of God, and, made pilgrimage to Medjugorje. The evening begins at 7 p.m. in the parish Family Room. A donation of $7 is requested of each woman to help fund the program. Call (847) 524-4429 to make a reservation.

Holy Family Parish, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, will offer Community on Wednesday Sept. 19 with an evening of prayer, learning and conversation. Special guest speaker Leslie Bennetts will present "The Feminine Mistake, Are We Giving Up Too Much?" at 7 p.m. This will be of special interest to women of all ages.

Leslie Bennetts is the author of "The Feminine Mistake, Are We Giving Up Too Much?" a controversial, provocative investigation of the risks of economic dependency and the benefits of work for women. For additional information, call the parish office at (847) 359-0042 or (847) 907-3441.