McHenry Co. religion events

Alumni reunion: St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School will have an alumni reunion from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today in the school cafeteria, 274 Division St., Elgin. The potluck get-together is for all St. Joseph Elementary School alumni. Bring a dish to share if you can. For details, call Zhennie P. Graf at (224) 805-6317.

Holiday Grief Group: The Larkin Avenue Baptist Church, 1158 Larkin Ave. in Elgin, will host its annual Holiday Grief Group on Mondays through Dec. 10. The sessions will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Each session, which is a stand alone session meaning that people are not required to attend all three sessions, will help individuals who have experienced the death of someone special in their lives to cope in a meaningful way with the holiday season. The third session, on Dec. 10, will be a special memorial service. For information, contact the Rev. Richard Sanders at (847) 742-5014 or pastor@labcelgin.org.

Discussion on health care access: On Monday, the First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake will host a health care access discussion with state Rep. Michael Tryon at 7 p.m. Tyron will be joined by Suzanne Hoban, director of the Family Health Partnership Clinic in Woodstock; Jessica Palys of the Campaign for Better Health Care in Chicago; and Julie Mayer, community outreach manager for Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. They will discuss issues surrounding affordable health care in Illinois. The dialogue will be held in the church fellowship hall, 461 Pierson St. The Rev. Budd Friend-Jones, senior minister, will serve as moderator. The public is invited. There will be no charge.

Christmas Past Sale: First Congregational United Church of Christ will hold a "Christmas Past Sale" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 30 and 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 1 at the church, 30 N. Washington St., Carpentersville. Gently used Christmas decorations, lawn decorations, lights and many items will be available for bargain prices. This sale is being sponsored by the Women's Fellowship of the church to help the FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville.

Holiday Cookie Walk: A Holiday Cookie Walk will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at Cary United Methodist Church, 500 First St., Cary. Get a start on the holidays and choose from a huge selection of cookies at $8 a pound. Proceeds of the sale will be given to local and global missions. It is sponsored by United Methodist Women. For details, call (847) 639-7627 or visit www.caryumc.org.

Christmas Delights: St. John Lutheran Church Ladies Society will hold their annual bazaar, "Christmas Delights," from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road, Burlington. There will be Christmas decorations, crocheted and knitted items, kitchen items, embroidery, quilts, baked goods, and lunch will be available for purchase. For details, call the church at (847) 683-2338.

World AIDS Day: World AIDS Day is Dec. 1. In recognition of the three million people who die each year, and the 6,000 children who are orphaned each day, World Vision-Chicago is hosting a number of events and activities to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic. These events are free and open to the public. Locally, an AIDS Walk for Orphans will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 1 at Family Life Church, 270 E. Chicago Ave., Elgin. Community members will take 6,000 steps, approximately three miles, through Elgin, in solidarity with the 6,000 children who will be orphaned that day by AIDS. For details, call the church at (847) 717-4878. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For information, visit Web site at www.worldvision.org.

New minister starts: On Dec. 1, Dave Inglis, the new associate minister for children, youth and families, will begin his ministry at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. He and his wife, Felicia Moller, are the proud parents of newborn Zachary. They recently moved into their new home in Crystal Lake. Most recently, he served as associate minister at the First Congregational Church in Western Springs and he is involved with the Outdoor Ministries of the Illinois Conference of the UCC. A 2006 graduate from Chicago Theological Seminary, his experience leading youth is extensive, ranging from weekly program leadership to organizing and leading work tours and retreats of up to 80 kids. He has experience leading contemporary worship. In addition, he is trained to deal with domestic violence, dating violence, and is CPR-accredited. He plays the guitar, enjoys the outdoors, reading, movies, and computers. The couple met at the seminary. Felicia is preparing for her own ordination in the Presbyterian Church, USA. Be sure to greet them at church on Dec. 2. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Build A Better World: December is a big month for First Presbyterian Church as they make ready for "Build A Better World Mission Fun Fair" on Dec. 2 after worship. There will be an afternoon filled with games, food, crafts, storytelling and more. The funds from this fundraiser will help support Church World Service and their work with the Lost Boys and the rebuilding of Southern Sudan. For information, call the church office at (847) 742-6365. The church is at 240 Standish St., Elgin. Sunday worship begins at 10:30 a.m. with childcare provided.

Advent Vespers Service: First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elgin invites you to its fourth annual Advent Vespers Service at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 in the church sanctuary, 256 E. Chicago St. It will feature performances by the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Cherub Choir, Joyful Noise and Fox Valley Trio. The liturgy will be led by the Revs. Paris Donehoo and Lois A. Bucher. A free will offering will benefit PADS of Elgin. Child care will be provided. For information, call (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

45th anniversary at Trinity: On Dec. 2, Trinity United Methodist Church of Carpentersville invites members, former members, friends and neighbors to a special celebration at 10 a.m. The church will be celebrating its 45th anniversary since the chartering of the church in 1962, when services were held in the gym at Lakeview Junior High School. The church will celebrate its history with a slide show of old photos of the church and its members, and United Methodist Pastor Rich Rubietta from Grayslake will lead a special musical service of worship. After the service, a holiday dinner will be given in the fellowship hall. A Resource Table will be available to purchase books and order CDs/cassettes. For information, call the church office at (847) 426-1627.

Family Christmas concert: First Congregational Church will host its family Christmas concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. The FCC Music Department presents "And All The Stars Looked Down," featuring works by Victoria, Wilberg, Whitacre and Rutter. Audience members will hear familiar carols, "Good Christian Friends Rejoice," "Fum, Fum, Fum" and the men singing "Mary Had A Baby." The handbell choir will ring "Infant Holy," "Stille Nacht" and "Wassail Song." Favorites such as Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" and "Happy Holiday" will close the concert. Joining the Vestry Adult Choir and Jubilate Adult Handbell Choir is the Alleluia Sound Choir. For information, call (815) 459-6010 or visit FCCCrystalLake.org.

Wassail Concert: All four handbell choirs will give their annual Wassail Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 in the fellowship hall at the First Congregational Church, Main and Church streets in Huntley. The choirs include ringers from fourth grade through adults. The evening of celebration and fun, which begins with band music, includes lively handbell performances of Christmas music and pop selections, as well as singing-along. Light refreshments will be served; a free-will offering will be taken. Everyone is invited to join in the joy of the season. For information, call (847) 669-3691.

A Night in Bethlehem: Discover what it was like to be in Bethlehem when Jesus was born at the Bethlehem Village at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. At "A Night in Bethlehem," you will be invited to visit the Census Taker; play an authentic game; have a snack; explore the village marketplace; or work with Bethlehem's shop owners and craftspeople. All ages are invited. Participants will be part of one of the multi-age tribes of Israel. The gathering will begin at 1 p.m. Dec. 2 and the village gates will close at 3:30 p.m. Call (815) 459-2690 to let them know you're coming. Calling ahead will help bypass much of the registration process when you arrive for giving you even more time to enjoy the shops and activities. For information, call the church office at (815) 459-2690.

Jingle Jazz: First Congregational Church of Dundee presents "Jingle Jazz," a concert of jazz Christmas tunes featuring the Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage, at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 in the sanctuary of the church, 900 S. Eighth St. (Route 31 and Angle Tarn), West Dundee. A free will offering will be taken. These talented high school jazz musicians from DuPage and Kane counties are directed by Robert Blazek. It is a nationally recognized jazz group that has played in New York at the Essentially Ellington Festival with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. Established in 1999, its mission is to assemble, by audition, the top high school jazz talent and combine their skills in the performance of jazz music literature. Visit the Web site at www.yjed.com. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

Hanukkah celebration: Congregation Tikkun Olam's annual family Hanukkah party will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Nunda Township Hall, 3510 Bay Road, Crystal Lake. Nonmembers and interfaith families are welcome. RSVPs are required to (815) 334-7110. The evening will begin with a community menorah lighting and brief Shabbat service, followed by a dairy potluck dinner complete with latkes. Attendees should bring their own menorahs with candles for this fourth night of Hanukkah and a salad, side dish or dessert to share. In the spirit of "tikkun olam," attendees are also asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and/or nonperishable food items for the local food pantry. For information on the congregation, its religious school or adult programs, call (815) 334-7110 or visit www.tikkun-olam.org.

Night of Prayer for Life: On Dec. 8, St. Mary Catholic Church of Elgin will once again take part in the National Night of Prayer for Life from 8 p.m. to midnight at the church, 400 Fulton St., Elgin. This 18th annual Prayer Fest welcomes Christians from across the country to join together. Adoration and Benediction will be led by the Rev. Edward J. Seisser along with Litanies, Rosary and meditation. The hour of unity takes place from 11 p.m. to midnight, uniting churches across the four time zones. For details, call (847) 888-2828.

Birthday Party for Jesus: St. John Lutheran Church hosts a Birthday Party for Jesus from 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 8 in the gymnasium, 115 N. Spring St. in Elgin. Children, age 5 and younger, are invited to the party, which will include songs, stories, games, and crafts, as well as a birthday cake for Jesus. The parents of children will have a special program of their own: "Keeping Stress Out of the Holidays." This program will be led by parent coach Nancy Graham. There is no cost or fee; but, if possible, let them know you are coming so that they can be fully prepared. To make a reservation, call the church office at (847) 741-0814. This program is sponsored by the Board of St. John Lutheran School.

Magnificat breakfast: The Magnificat Ministry to Catholic women will host a Christmas Breakfast from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, Route 31 and Three Oaks Road. The keynote speaker is Carol Razza. Razza is a psychotherapist, full-time faculty member and formation advisor at St. Vincent DePaul Seminary and has worked in private practice for 20 years. She is a much sought after speaker at seminars, conferences, workshops and retreats both nationally and internationally. Her Scripture-based message encourages joyous Christian living. Enjoy a served breakfast, inspirational testimony, and the Festival of Praise Music Ministry. Tickets are $15 and are available at The Little Way Bookstore, 50 Brink St., Crystal Lake; Bookstore of the Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road, McHenry; New Life Christian Bookstore, 15 Crystal Lake Plaza, Crystal Lake, or It Is Written Catholic Books, 2713 W. Algonquin Road, Winding Creek Center, Algonquin. Tickets can be ordered by mail until Dec. 4. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with check to Jacky Faber, 582 Cress Creek Terrace, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Cookie Walk: The annual Cookie Walk will start at 9 a.m. Dec. 8 at Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church, 8505 Church St., Crystal Lake. It will continue until they are sold out. A selection of festive Christmas cookies will be baked from favorite American and European recipes, along with treats for dogs and birds. While shoppers make their selections, church musicians will serenade, complimentary Starbucks coffee and hot cider will be offered, and tables for relaxing and sampling will be available. The church's cookbook, "Beyond the Cookie Walk," featuring many of the cookie recipes, will be available for $12, with the proceeds going to mission projects. For information, call (815) 459-1132 or e-mail office@rclpc.org. Visit www.rclpc.org.

Cookie Walk: First Congregational Church of Dundee will hold its seventh annual Cookie Walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at the church, 900 S. Eighth St., West Dundee. The community is invited to this event. Admission is free. Homemade holiday cookies and candies will be available in many varieties and sold by weight. Pick your own specialty holiday cookies from the selection. The church also will sell its latest cookbook, "A Taste of Heaven," for $6 each or four for $20. Many of the cookie recipes are included. The church provides financial support to six area organizations in the community serving children and families. All proceeds from Cookie Walk 2007 will be used to fund these charities helping the hungry, the homeless and those in need. For details, call First Congregational Church of Dundee at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit the Web site at www.dundeefcc.org.