Notes on Religion

Wesley UMC: Wesley United Methodist Church, 1070 South St. in Elgin, invites friends and neighbors to Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m.

As part of its annual stewardship program, the church will have an evening service at 6 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 1, 8 and 15. The half-hour church service will be presented as "Open Church" for those wishing to come in and be surrounded by God's love. John Ortberg's DVD small-group program, "God is Closer Than You Think," will be presented in two-shot segments each week, with music and quiet mediation.

The Wesley United Methodist Women will have Cynthia Bland-Bell, a former Christian education director, back for their Wednesday program. She will be displaying and selling handicrafts from Ten Thousand Villages, items made by skilled artisans around the world. The program begins at 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend. For details, call the church at (847) 742-7256.

New Dimensions weight loss counseling and lifestyle management is offered at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays. Certified counselor Sandy Gould can be called at (630) 262-1477 for details about her classes.

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 others. Consult the monthly newsletter which is available at www.ckielgin.org.

This week's Torah portion is Haye Sarah. 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 visit www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers friendly, 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. Adult education classes are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

This week's Torah portion is Chaye Sarah, in which Abraham sends his servant Eliezer to find a righteous wife for his son Isaac. Guests are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.Congregation ShiratShalom.org.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, Immanuel Lutheran Church of East Dundee celebrates the Festival of All Saints, taking time in worship to remember the legacy of gifts God bestows on you through the lives of those who have come before you -- now part of the Church Triumphant in heaven.

A time of remembrance is set apart during the services as they give thanks to God for those He has placed in their lives -- standing in the gap -- drawing them closer to Him.

The Rev. William Yonker shares the message for the weekend services, his message, "Dying to Live," based on Revelation 7:15-17.

"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. This week, the Rev. William Yonker begins a two-week series of messages. During the message, young children are invited to participate in a children's ministry offering called "Faith Factory Plus" 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. The Scripture lessons are Daniel 7: 1-3; 15-18; Psalm 149; Ephesians 1:11-23, and Luke 6:20-31. Sunday school is for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

On All Saints Day, the congregation will remember members, loved ones, and friends who have died in the past year. A Thanksgiving Potluck will be held Nov. 18 after worship. Donations of 12 pounds of frozen turkeys are needed as well as, helpers to cook, serve and clean up. Be sure to sign up. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: A special part of Sunday's service will be the celebration of All Saints Day at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin. The members who have died in the past year will be especially remembered during this part of the service. Holy Communion will be served this week. The Rev. Jonathan Hutchison will give the message, "Wait For It," based on the Scripture in Habakkuk chapters 1 and 2. Special music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir under the direction of John Slawson.

Christian education for children, youth and adults begins at 8:50 a.m. with the youth group meeting at 11:15 a.m. Thank Goodness It's Wednesday meets on Wednesday evenings starting at 5:15 p.m. with a free-will offering meal, followed by a worship service and various study and rehearsal groups. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On All Saints Day, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon "Only One," based on Matthew 5:1-12, 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.

The choirs practice Wednesdays with the voice choir at 6:30 p.m. and bell choir at 7:30 p.m.

TOPS meets at 6 p.m. Mondays. Weight Watchers meet at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. The monthly men's breakfast Bible study is the first Saturday of the month at 7 a.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 "Extending Welcome -- Comfort or Scandal?" at 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The service will include a parent/child dedication.

At 8 a.m. before worship, there will be a special breakfast to express appreciation to the church ushers.

The Seasoned Servants will meet at The Centre of Elgin for a "Clay Day," led by Ken and Gail Azinger, from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 13.

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 sermon will be "It Starts With The Tithe," inspired by Genesis 14:17-24. This will be the first of several sermons throughout the month of November dealing with stewardship. The Male Chorus will render the music at 8 a.m. while the Choral Ensemble will render the music at 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services, while baptisms will take place at the 10:30 a.m. service.

The Healthcare Ministry will sponsor a Healthcare Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. There will be a variety of vendors present. For details, call the church.

Join the Missionary Ministry from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 10 for a Day of Prayer. The prayer will be held in the church's sanctuary. Ministry leaders are encouraged to attend. For details, call the Rev. Janie McCutchen or Denise Holt at the church office.

The Choral Ensemble will host its annual fall concert at 3 p.m. Nov. 11. The concert theme is "All I Want is to Bless Your Name," inspired by Psalms 96:2.

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. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On All Saints' Sunday, the Rev. Richard Nye, transitional pastor, presents the theme "The Good Shepherd," based on John 10:11-18, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m. Holy Communion will be offered.

On this All Saints' Sunday, the church will be remembering the members of the congregation who have died during the past year and give thanks for their lives. The congregation remembers and finds strength in their faith and the faith of all the saints both known to you and known only to God.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 10:15 a.m. service will be "How Beautiful" by 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. Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers age 5 and under from 9 to 11:30 a.m. 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 "Elijah Challenges the Prophets of Baal" based on the Bible story in 1 Kings 18:16-40: God is the one true God.

Middle School Fun Friday will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday. All middle school youth are invited to join them for pizza, a movie, games and a message in the lower level of the church. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

Country Covenant: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Harder's message is "What God Thinks about Hypocrisy," based on Acts 4:3-5, 11, at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. It is the basis of study for the Wednesday evening gathering. 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.

On Monday, the Yarns and Needles group meets at 7 p.m. for an evening of stitching, instruction, and fellowship. Bring your yarn projects and join them.

In November, the church will be studying and discussing "The Church You've Always Longed For." Each Wednesday evening will begin with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. and discussion at 6:30 p.m. 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 All Saints in its church year as they look at the topic "It's Worth It" based on Matthew 5. 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.

First Congregational: On Sunday, First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville, will celebrate All Saints' Sunday. The Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Ephesians 1:11-23. On all Saints' Sunday, the focus tends to be on faithful souls in heaven. This emphasis on the afterlife prevents you from seeing the saints who are alive and working among you. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "The Right to Be a Saint," 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. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Heritage Sunday, the Rev. Arn Schaper will lead the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The church celebrates all members who have been members for 25 years or more. Music will be offered by the Handbell Choirs.

November is Mission Month and the sermons for the month will be focused on mission. Before and after worship, they are having "A Greater Gift Sale," a program of SERRV International. This is an opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price these handcrafted pieces, made by individuals in Third World countries. The Men's Breakfast will be at 8 a.m. Nov. 10. For details, call (847) 658-5308.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Rev. Dan Larsen will ask what the successful Unitarian Universalist "spiritual" church of the future looks like in "The Almost Church" at the 10:45 a.m. service at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. The Adult Choir, under the direction of Tom Steffens, will sing. For details, call (815) 338-0731 or visit www.cucw.org.

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.