Religion--Special Events
Quilters Fall Fest: First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin, will host a Quilters Fall Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Hand-quilted spreads, runners, and baby quilts will be for sale. All quilt items are made by the Methodists Quilters. Admission is free and tea and baked goods will be available. For details, call (847) 741-0038.
Life Chain: On Oct. 7, hundreds of Christians and their clergy will line the sidewalks along the intersection of routes 31 and 72 in West Dundee in solidarity with more than 1,200 Life Chains across the U.S. and Canada. The peaceful hour-long event will be held at 2:30 p.m. Participants will quietly pray for an end to abortions, while holding up signs opposing abortions. The signs will be available near the west parking lot of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, near routes 72 and 31. Interested individuals whose churches are not planning to participate can call (847) 622-1235 to be assigned a host-church area. Elderly or disabled participants are welcome to bring wheelchairs or folding chairs. Small children are welcome with parental supervision. For details, call (847) 622-1235.
LSSI head to speak at Huntley church: On Oct. 7, Fred Aigner, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services, will be the guest speaker at both services 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. It also will be Grafton Township Food Pantry Day. Aigner was elected president/CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois in 1997. Founded in 1867, LSSI is a statewide not-for-profit social service agency of the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Its services include counseling, mental health programs, substance abuse treatment, residential treatment for children and adolescents, early childhood education and child care services, programs for adults and children with developmental disabilities, foster care and adoption, housing and services for older adults and individuals with disabilities, nursing care, and programs for prisoners and their families.
Faith communities gather Oct. 8: Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, Christian and other religious communities of the north suburban area will share an evening of interfaith fellowship and reflection on Oct. 8 in Crystal Lake. Communities across the country are participating in a fast from food all day, and a "fast" from violence (TV, etc.). This fast occurs during Ramadan when Muslims already are refraining from food and drink until sunset. People of all faith traditions are invited to come together at the end of the day to "open the fast" with an intergenerational potluck dinner and the sharing of traditions. (The "opening of the fast" is called "iftar" in Islamic tradition.) The interfaith gathering and potluck for the North suburban area will begin promptly at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. at the Four Colonies Club House, 680 Cress Creek Lane at St. Andrews Lane, off Barlina Road in Crystal Lake. The North suburban area includes Woodstock, McHenry, Crystal Lake, Cary, Fox River Grove, Algonquin, Barrington, Lake Zurich, and more.Families and children are welcomed to this potluck. Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Native Americans and others will offer brief presentations. The event is free, but donations will be accepted to defray the costs. People of all faiths and congregations are invited to participate in the fast and the gathering, and to bring a dish to share. Beverages, plates, cups and eating utensils will be provided. People are asked not to bring dishes containing pork, shellfish or alcohol. Vegetarian dishes are welcomed. It would be helpful if people can label the ingredients in their dishes. While reservations are not required, RSVPs are encouraged. Call First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake at (815) 459-6010 to indicate attendance. For information, call the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones at the same number.
Blessing of Animals: On Oct. 8, Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley will sponsor a Blessing of the Animals at 11 a.m. at the Betsy Warrington Pavilion, the shelter off Lois Lane in Deicke Park in Huntley. It is open and free to all well-behaved animals who are accompanied by at least one adult. They will celebrate and give thanks to God's creation. The animals will receive an individual blessing. All are welcome to the event. All animals need to be properly attended to at all times during the blessing. Feel free to get acquainted with other pets and caregivers.
Under the Broom Tree: Administer Justice will host "Under the Broom Tree," an event to encourage pastors, provide information on Administer Justice and raise funds for the nonprofit organization. The free breakfast will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 10. The event features Dwayne Hanon, founder and executive director of Broom Tree Ministries. The program includes the presentation of the Barnabas Award to a local pastor or church for encouragement and outstanding service to the poor in the Fox Valley.Hanon formed Broom Tree Ministries in 1996 after a clear calling to provide free spiritual retreats to pastors and their spouses. Since 1996, Dwayne and his wife, Rita, have hosted more than 3,000 guests from 35 states, 10 countries and 92 denominations. "Under the Broom Tree" will take place at the Lindner Center at Judson University, 1151 N. State St., Elgin. The event is for pastors and their spouses and is free. For information on sponsorship or to register for the event, contact Leah Geocaris at lgeocaris@administerjustice.org or (847) 844-1100, ext. 16.
Heart Beat: "Heart Beat," a charitable, luncheon, concert and festival of tables, will take place at 11 a.m. Oct. 13 at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 525 Church Road in Elgin. Attended by over 400 people, this event will feature a performance by award-winning Christian recording artist Mark Harris. Guest speaker, Constantine Mavroudis, head of Children's Memorial cardiac surgery and founder of the Hellenic Heart Program, will discuss his many achievements and success stories. Raffle prizes include a $1,000.00 gift certificate to Woodfield Mall plus many other valuable prizes. Proceeds to benefit Children's Memorial Hospital Cardiac Surgery, Hellenic Heart Program, in partnership with The Philoptochos Society of St. Sophia. Event hosted by The Philoptochos Society of St. Sophia, an organization dedicated to philanthropy on a local and national level. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For tickets or details, visit www.heartbeatevents.org or call (847) 62-HEART (43278). This is by reservation only.
Fashion show, luncheon: Highland Christian Academy will host a fashion show and luncheon at noon Oct. 13 at Villa Olivia Country Club, off Route 20 in Bartlett. The event is open to the public. Christopher Banks, Buckle, and the Children's Place in Spring Hill Mall are providing clothing for the fashion show. Clothing will be modeled by students and parents. A silent auction will take place during the event. The menu selections include a choice of either chicken Caesar salad or turkey croissant with soup, rolls, dessert and beverages. A children's menu is available for children age 8 and younger. Tickets are $20 per person or $10 for children, up to age 8. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 10 by calling (847) 741-6629, ext. 10 or e-mailing leslee@ thehighlandconnection.com. All proceeds benefit Highland Christian Academy, a private Christian school and affiliated with Highland Fellowship Church for 23 years.
Faith in Action: The Faith in Action board will hold its annual meeting at 4 p.m. Oct. 15 at the St. Thomas Church Pastoral Center, 272 King St. in Crystal Lake. The public is invited to attend. Faith in Action programs are coalitions of local religious congregations, health care providers, community organizations and individual volunteers who work together to provide those ages 60 and older with non-medical assistance to help them maintain independence. There are 33 active Faith in Action programs in Illinois. Faith in Action of McHenry County is based in Crystal Lake and has been serving McHenry County seniors since 1998. Faith in Action volunteers provide services for seniors who require assistance to remain in their homes. These activities include: grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, cooking, light homework and yard work, running errands and providing companionship. To receive a copy of this year's Faith in Action annual report or to find out how to receive Faith in Action services or become a Faith in Action volunteer, call Rhonda Anderson at (815) 455-3813 or e-mail Rhonda@fiamchenrycounty.org.
Prayer for peace: On Oct. 15, a prayer service for peace in the Middle East will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 Main St. in Barrington. The service includes reading from the Bible, music, and prayers for peace in the Middle East. After the service, there will be a presentation "What is daily life like for the ordinary Palestinian?" by Ed and Marilyn Thompson. The Thompsons traveled with a group from Chicago to the Holy Land in April 2007 and since have become advocates for the plight of Palestinian people. For details, call (847) 381-0243 or visit www.elca.org/middleeast.