Notes on Religion

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.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin continues its services for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will be held at 9 a.m. today, with Yizkor said at approximately 11:45 a.m. Religious school for pre-kindergarten to high school began. For information about the holidays or school, contact the congregation office.

This week's Torah portion is Shabbat Yom Kippur. The service is led by Rabbi Jonathan 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." 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 for Yom Kippur conclude with a communal break fast meal today.

After the High Holidays, the congregation will celebrate the Festival of Booths, the holiday of Sukkot. Join them for the Family Shabbat Service and "Pizza in the Hut" on Friday. Cost for dinner is $5 per person. Call to R.S.V.P. by Sunday. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com. Visit www.Congregation ShiratShalom.org.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, guest preacher the Rev. Jock Ficken will be sharing a message "Room to Grow," based on Matthew 25:14-19, 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. The Rev. Don Bojens will be sharing a sermon series "Sufficiency of God's Word." This week's message is based on John 14:1-6, called "When You're Down." For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Jeremiah 8: 18-9:1; Psalm 79: 1-9; 1 Timothy 2:1-7 and Luke 16:1-13. Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

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. Art & Soul Ministry will meet at 4 p.m. Sunday. 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 Sunday, the Rev. Mona Walker will be giving the message, "On Having a Generous Spirit," based on Luke 16:1-13, at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. There will be special music featuring the Cathedral Choir under the direction of John Slawson and the Celebration Ringers under the direction of Jonathan Besancon.

Christian education for children, youth and adults begins at 8:50 a.m. with the youth group meeting at 11:15 a.m. The praise worship service, "Get Hooked on the Lord" will be held at 6 p.m. at the church. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "The Lord Stoops Down to Lift You Up," based on Psalm 113, at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington.

Fellowship will be at 9 a.m. and Sunday school and Bible Study at 9:15 a.m. Octoberfest will take place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

The choirs practice Wednesdays with the voice choir at 6:30 p.m. and bell choir at 7:30 p.m. The Generational Mothers mini-conference will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 29.

TOPS meets at 6 p.m. Mondays. Weight Watchers meet at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. The pinochle club meets the last Friday of each month at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline's sermon will be "Empowered by the Spirit" at 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. This is one of three sermons using the 300th Anniversary theme of Church of the Brethren. At noon today, the Stewardship Formation Ministry Group is sponsoring a two-hour workshop by Don Fecher on the "ABCs of Life Planning."

The Lunch Bunch will meet at noon Sunday at Panera Bread on Randall Road. The Caregiver Resource and Support Group will meet at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the lounge and continue every other Monday.

The Tweeners are planning a mini-golf outing for 3:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at Birdies & Eagles in South Elgin.

The Agape Singers will begin their fall practice schedule on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. This is open for students from seventh to 12th grades.

Members of the congregation are preparing for the annual CROP Walk on Oct. 21 at 1:30 p.m.

The Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice and the church's Witness Ministry Group invite members of the community to the Kimball Street bridge at 5 p.m. each Wednesday for vigil to encourage peace and an end to violence. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.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. The pastor will preach "Faith, Stronger than Doubt," derived from the 28th chapter of Matthew. The Praise and Worship Leaders will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Choral Ensemble will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service.

The Male Chorus will host its annual fall concert at 6 p.m. today. All are welcome.

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. Mid-day Bible study begins at noon on Wednesday followed by evening Bible Study starting at 7 p.m. SBC is studying the Book of Revelation. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Richard Nye, transitional pastor, presents the theme "Stories That Transform Us -- Joseph" based on Job 33, at First Congregational Church of Dundee, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 8 a.m. service will be by the Reverberations bell choir directed by Kristy Warnke. Music at 10:15 a.m. will be provided by the Bells of Dundee, directed by Kristy Warnke; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with accompanist Linda Gilmore.

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 "Absalom Rebels and Is Defeated" based on the Bible story in 2 Samuel 15:1-12, 17:1-12 and 18:1-18: "We honor God by putting him first."

Confirmation for eighth-grade youth will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Bells of Dundee will participate in Westminster Presbyterian Church's Concert Series at 3 p.m. This program will be held in the church sanctuary and the public is invited to attend this special concert which promises to provide a wide variety of music for all ages. There will be a free will offering and a reception for everyone will follow the concert. Westminster Presbyterian Church is at 2700 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

Country Covenant: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Harder's message is titled "Parable of the Shrewd Manager," based on Luke 16:1-13, at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. Sunday evening also will have a gathering for a hymn sing at 7 p.m. Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation and study.

Children's Sunday school meets during the 9:30 a.m. service. Childcare is also available during the service.

Beginning in October, the church will be studying and discussing Daniel Lupton's book titled "I Like Church But …" This will be an eight-week course that will begin each week with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. and discussion at 6:30 p.m. The book is available for $5, and a small journal of questions also can be ordered. This series is designed for adults, children, and students with appropriate books available for each age group. All are welcome to come and participate. For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit Web site www.countrycov.org.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe the 17th Sunday after Pentecost in the church year as they look at the topic, "Are You a Clay Pot?," based on 2 Corinthians 4:7-12.

The blended service is at 6 p.m. Saturday, traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sunday with a contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band. Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. along with a special educational program for children called Kingdom Kids.

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.