Notes on Religion

First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Walter Thyng's sermon will be "Drowsy Living Costs," based on Luke 16:19-31, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 Main St., Huntley.

The theme is, "Living without looking at the realities of the world around us may be the unforgivable sin." Because this is the fifth Sunday of the month, it will be Family Sunday. During the 9 a.m. service, the Sunday School children will remain in the sanctuary and the children's group will be giving a short skit. At 1 p.m. Wednesday, the Knit/Crochet Group meets. The Thursday Study Group will meet at 10:15 a.m. at the Bernstein's. The church continues to have a craft/baked goods booth open during the farmers market on Saturday mornings on Church Street across from the square. For details, call (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Gain An Excellent Standing," based on 1 Timothy 3:1-13, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. Coffee and fellowship follows the Sunday services on the second Sunday of each month.

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. Donations are gratefully appreciated, and proceeds benefit mission work locally and afar. 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. All students in second and sixth grades will receive a Bible on Sunday during worship. Sunday school, Kids Klub, is at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. Adult forum meets at 9:15 a.m. Sundays. They are looking at ways to discern God's will for ethical issues facing the society and for the personal decisions. Another adult forum, meeting at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, is studying the book of Isaiah.

The high school youth group meets for Bible Study meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday at church. The adult forum meets at 9:15 and 10:45 a.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. Crossroads confirmation classes will begin from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at church. It continues through next May.

A parenting seminar will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 24 with the Rev. Paul Hill, a professor at Luther Seminary and director of the Children's Youth and Family Ministry Initiative. Hill will lead a free parenting workshop on the topic "Understanding Your Adolescent Male Child." 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. Sunday school and nursery care are available at both services.

The Rev. Jim Carr will be leading an adult study at 10:30 a.m. Sundays in October. The study is called "Milk Meateaters." Rev. Carr is writing the study based on 1 Peter 2:2. Topics will be the call, prayer, love and service.

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.

Prairie Points will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Citizens Bank. "Focus Love for Others," led by Rev. Boster, will meet at 6 a.m. Wednesday at the Panera Bread on Randall Road near I-90 expressway. The second group will meet at 10 a.m. at Citizens Bank.

Confirmation class will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Citizens Bank. On Oct. 7, Fred Aigner, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services, will be the guest speaker at both services. It also will be Grafton Township Food Pantry Day. On Oct. 7, there will be a new member gathering from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank. New members will be received into membership on Oct. 14.

On Oct. 7, the church's Homeless Helpers will be helping at the PADS homeless shelter at Bethany Lutheran Church of Crystal Lake. They will leave from the church office at 5:45 p.m. They are currently collecting washcloths, towels and twin bed sheets. Bring all donations to the church office at (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

Carthage College, affiliated with ELCA, will hold programs for high school students, called "Capture Carthage." The dates are Oct. 8, 26 and Nov. 9, 12. This is a program for students who might like the atmosphere of a small college. You may register online at www.carthage-edu/visit.

Faith Community: On Sunday, the Rev. Bruce Cole will deliver the message, "Get in the Game" 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. The children's choir will rehearse at 10 a.m. Sundays.

Awana will be Mondays with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by Kids Club from 6 to 7 p.m.

The middle school "Affirmation of Faith" classes will be Wednesdays 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 goodwill 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. All high school youth are invited to get together to hang out and enjoy fellowship and devotions from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Rev. Dan Larsen will continue his sermon series based on the beloved Unitarian Universalist hymn "Spirit of Life" at the 10:45 a.m. service at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock.

Church school students will lead a Sukkot service celebrating the Jewish harvest festival behind the parsonage building after the service. There also will be a "Stone Soup" potluck lunch. Members and friends are invited to bring cut and prepared vegetables to simmer during regular services, a dish to pass, and a non-perishable contribution to the Woodstock Food Pantry. Many members will be participating in the Woodstock Hunger Walk, which will set off from the Square at 1 p.m. For details, call (815) 338-0731 or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Bette Zattau will bring the message at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Worship is at 9 and 10:45 a.m. At the 9 a.m. service, new members will be welcomed.

Sunday school is 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. At 10:45 a.m. Sunday, the FCC Quarterly Meeting, led by the Enrichment Ministry, will be held in the library.

The Adult Work Tour participants will be collecting aluminum cans to be recycled to raise money for their annual work tours on this, the last Sunday of the month.

At noon Sunday, there will be an information meeting for parents of high school youth participating in the Pilgrim Fellowship. At 1:30 p.m., the group will meet in the church parking lot to leave for their annual canoe trip.

On Wednesday, the Seasons of the Spirit Study Group will begin its fall study at 10 a.m. in the FCC library. Also on Wednesday, at 5:30 p.m., the confirmation class will meet in the youth room.

At noon Thursday, the Women's Fellowship Luncheon and Program will be held in the fellowship hall. This month's program, titled "Traveling the Silk Road: Beijing to Kashgar," is presented by FCC member Barbara Schneider, who will also display textiles and other goodies she has collected from across China.

On Thursday at 7:15 p.m., the church begins its schedule of Taize services in the chapel. These will continue on the first Thursday of each month through February.

At 7 p.m. Friday, the Enrichment Ministry presents the first of its Friday Night at the Movies in the church library. This month's film is "An Inconvenient Truth." For details, call (815) 459-6010 or FCCCrystalLake.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Kendall Koenig continues the sermon series, "Amazing God, Amazing Grace" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. This week, his sermon, "Loving the Unlovable -- Grace Revealed" takes a look at how we all need God's grace and forgiveness. The Scripture reading for his sermon is based on Luke 23:23-43.

Worship services are held at 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:45, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

On Oct. 6, the Singles Ministry will take a trip to Richardson's Corn Maze in Spring Grove. Meet at the church at 6 p.m. to car pool. Additional information and sign-up is at the church. Cost for evening is $20.

Club 55 for all fifth-grade boys and girls will be meet for the gathering of "Gems & Rocks" on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the annex.

The Light of Christ Bowling League is still forming. Sign -up at the church. Bring in a team or they can get you on a team.

The senior high youth group, SWAP (Students With A Passion) meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the church annex. The Family Oktoberfest at O'Connor's farm will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 27. 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. Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at all services.

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.

On Sunday, the eighth-grade Milestone, "Celebration of Discipleship," will be at 9 a.m. There will be a "Sending Service for Tanzania Mission Trippers" at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services. Eleven folks from Bethany will be leaving Monday to spend two weeks in Tanzania. The fourth annual Ministry Fair is scheduled for Sunday from 10 to 11 a.m. The theme this year is "GPS: God's Paths of Stewardship." Twelve Ministry Paths with over 50 ministry opportunities will be featured. A Pathway Maize will be set up for the children with a special surprise at the end.

Bethany members will be delivering Meals on Wheels the week of Oct. 1-5. Bethany Church serves as the Sunday evening site for PADS beginning at 7 p.m. Oct. 7.

On Oct. 14, the CROP Walk begins at 1 p.m. Members from Bethany will participate in this annual walk for hunger by walking and/or pledging money.

On Oct. 6, the Men's Ministry Breakfast will meet at 7:30 a.m., followed by a baby shower for Vicar Michelle Magee at 10 a.m. From 3 to 5 p.m., the Rev. Brian and Kristin Konkol, the missionaries Bethany sponsors in Guyana, will have a photo presentation and time for questions. On Oct. 7, the Kiutu Parish Partnership Renewal is celebrated during worship. On Oct. 15, instead of breakfast, Bethany's Seniors will travel to the Chicago Botanical Gardens for their fall outing. For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: On Sunday, the Rev. Diane Harmony, author of "5 Gifts for An Abundant Life," will kick off this year's Prosperity Series at the 10 a.m. service at the McHenry County Church of Religious Science. GIFTS is an acronym for five spiritual principles of Abundance: Gratitude, Intentions, Forgiveness, Tithing and Surrender.

Consider being part of one of the six Spiritual Living Circles that will take you on a nine-week journey of "Awakening and Empowerment." The Circles will meet at various hosted locations at various times throughout each of the 9 weeks. Each "5 Gifts Spiritual Living Circle" includes prayer, meditation, sharing, and giving, as well as a variety of experiences such as guided imagery, dialog and creative expression. All materials will be provided with the book purchase of $25. Participants will be asked to play with the practice of tithing 10 percent of their income to the center during the 9-week journey.

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. All services and activities are open to everyone without obligation. Sunday service is at 10 a.m. at the Country Inn and Suites, 600 Tracy Trail in Crystal Lake. Coffee, fellowship and conversation are shared after the service every week. For details, call (815) 444-0942 or www.rscgc.org/McHenry.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On 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 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalms 91:1-6, 14-16, 1 Timothy 6:6-19 and Luke 16:19-31. Sunday school will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Music will be offered by the Senior Choir.

The Beach is a midweek youth program that meets Wednesday evenings. It includes activities, Bible study and a meal for youth from kindergarten through high school. A new member class begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The Teacher/Volunteer Commissioning Sunday will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 7.

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 provides a full range of religious and community programs. A youth program is available for sixth grade to high school. In addition, interest groups meet regularly for men, women, seniors, and in between. Consult the monthly newsletter which is available on its website,www.ckielgin.org.

This week's Torah portion is Shabbat Sukkot. 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. For details, call (847) 741-5656.

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." A four-week class on Hebrew comprehension will begin on Oct. 9. On Oct. 13, a class, "Rosh Chodesh -- 'Just' a Women's Holiday?" will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sh'mini Atzeret services will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday. Simchat Torah services also will be at 7 p.m. Thursday. Join them as they celebrate the joy of Torah on Simchat Torah by unrolling an entire scroll. For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www. CongregationShirat Shalom.org.

Bethlehem Lutheran: This weekend, the 18th Sunday after Pentecost is celebrated in traditional services at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St., West Dundee. At 10:30 a.m. Sunday, they celebrate God's grace in a blended worship. The theme for this week's worship will be "A Whisper or a Brick."

The Bethlehem Women's Guild sponsors the Circuit Lutheran Women's Missionary League fall rally beginning at 9 a.m. today. Representatives of the Lutheran Home will share information about Cherished Place Adult Day Care of West Dundee. The Rev. John Carrier will lead a devotional study. For details, call (847) 426-7311 or visit www.bethlehemdundee.org.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Yonker will be sharing a message "When Wonder Stirs the Heart" at 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are at 9:20 a.m.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." The Rev. Don Bojens will be sharing the sermon, "The Sufficiency of the Gospel." During the message, young children are invited to participate in a children's ministry offering called "Faith Factory+" which takes place in Luther Hall, adjacent to the sanctuary. 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. Sunday school is for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline's sermon will be "Who Doing What Makes Your Heart Sing" at 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.

The Lunch Bunch will meet at noon Sunday at Panera Bread on Randall Road. The Tweeners are planning a mini-golf outing for 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Birdies & Eagles in South Elgin. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jeffrey Bates, program staff pastor, presents the theme "Testing! Testing! Is It Really God Talking?" based on 1 John 4, at First Congregational Church of Dundee, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m. Music at the 10:15 a.m. Praise Service will be by Ben Calhoun, director of church development at Judson University, and his band, The Least of These. The service incorporates music, drama and a timely message in an informal setting.

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

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.