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.

McHenry County Jewish Congregation: On Tuesday at noon, the McHenry County Jewish Congregation will begin the study of Pirke Avot, the Ethics of the Sages, during its weekly "Lunch and Learn" series. Each Tuesday, Rabbi Maralee Gordon leads a discussion of some aspect of Jewish teachings. Lunch is served. There is no cost.

At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, the MCJC Book Club will discuss "The Yiddish Policeman's Union," a novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon. Non-members are invited to take part in the discussion.

MCJC will be celebrating Chanukah with a community education session and party on Dec. 9 beginning at 9 a.m. The party will feature games, art and traditional Chanukah foods, including latkes (potato pancakes) made from potatoes grown in the MCJC vegetable garden.

MCJC is still accepting registrations for membership and its religious school for the year. Instruction on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings is offered to students in second through eighth grade. Sunday-only instruction is provided to children in kindergarten and first grade and high school. For information on membership or a registration packet, call (815) 455-1810. Adult education programming is offered on Sunday mornings and throughout the week as well. Each Tuesday at noon, Rabbi Maralee Gordon holds a "Lunch and Learn Torah Study."

MCJC holds Shabbat services at 6:30 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 8617 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake. Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Maralee Gordon and are free and open to everyone. This is the only Conservative Jewish congregation in McHenry County. Interfaith families are welcome. It is located on Ridgefield Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake, accessible from Route 14. For information, call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.

First Congregational: This Sunday, guest minister Rev. Dan Hinckley will preach at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The sermon is titled "Jesus, Image of the Invisible God." The Instrumental Group will play in both services and the Genesis Bells will play in the second. The Sunday school children will continue learning about the story of the 10 lepers, focusing on the one who was thankful. The Knit/Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday. On Dec 1 at 9 a.m., the junior and senior high groups will meet at the church for the annual Hanging of the Greens. Afterwards, the group will head to downtown Chicago, returning at around 6 p.m. Newcomers are invited to join in the festivities. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Save Yourself and Us," based on Luke 23:27-43, 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. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

Living Waters: On Christ The King 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.

God's Groupies Sunday School for fifth- to eighth-graders is participating in the unit on "Following Jesus."

Sunday school, Kids Klub, is at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. They are in the "Good News" Christmas rotation, and preparing for the Christmas pageant. Regular attendance is very helpful so the kids learn their parts and music.

Adult forum meets at 9:15 a.m. Sundays and they are exploring "Giving To God," an inspirational look at becoming more thankful and generous. 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 Salvation Army Adopt-a-Family program tags will be available at the church through Sunday, with gifts due Dec. 2. They are looking to adopt seven to eight families in need, and they also will be trying to help a family in Tennessee. Further details are available at the church.

On Dec. 9, the Christmas Party potluck supper will be at 5 p.m. Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with good conversation and food. Bring a dish to share for this Christmas buffet.

Parents and children, infant to fifth grade, are welcome to Niagara Smalls at the church for activities from 5 to 6 p.m. and pizza dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The theme will be "God Made Jesus/God Made Me" on Dec. 12. Call (815) 455-2424 or visit www. livingwaterschurch.com.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach 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. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Sunday school and nursery care are available at both services.

A support group for prayers for encouragement and solid fitness, "Weighty Matters," will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Citizens Bank.

Shepherd Voices will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at Citizens Bank. On Sunday, Shepherd of the Prairie's "Homeless Helpers" will assist the homeless shelter program in Crystal Lake at Bethany Lutheran Church. The group will leave at 5:45 p.m. from the church office. A sign-up sheet will be on the Welcome Table.

The confirmation class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Citizens Bank.

"SOTP W-4" will hold its first retreat meeting at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church office. Prairie Ringers will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Citizens Bank. If you are interested in the St. Olaf Christmas Festival, visit to www.stolaf.edu/ christmasfest for tickets and details. Broadcasting of The festival will be broadcast at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at South Barrington 30, Niles Showplace and Lincolnshire Stadium 20 Plus Imax Theater. The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

Faith Community: On Sunday, the Rev. Bruce Cole will talk about "Surviving the Holidays, Part Four -- The Reason for the Season" 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 "Friends" Bible study meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Century 21 office on Route 31 in Algonquin. Adult Bible studies are offered Wednesdays. At 9 a.m., study the text for the upcoming Sunday. At 7:30 p.m., study the book of Acts. The church will hold a Christmas Centerpiece Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 1. For details, call the church at (224) 560-6501.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, presents "Oh, No, Iraq and Iran" at the 10:45 a.m. service. The Rev. Dan Larsen will speak about what appears to be an impending war with Iran. Members who attend will have an opportunity to present their own views. Church school students will remain at worship until after Sue McCowin's children's story and then go to religious education class. For details, call (815) 338-0731 or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Reign of Christ Sunday, the Rev. Arn Schaper will preach at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Worship is at 9 and 10:45 a.m.

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. After each service, coffee is served in the fellowship hall. The First Forum study group will meet at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the library. On Sunday, the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth group will meet in the Youth Room at 6:30 p.m. to see a movie. On Sunday, the Junior Fellowship youth group will go bowling.

On Monday, state Rep. Mike Tyron, Crystal Lake, will be joined by Suzanne Hoban, director of the Family Health Partnership Clinic in Woodstock, Jessica Palys of the Campaign for Better Health Care, and Julie Mayer, community outreach manager for Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, for a discussion of the issues surrounding affordable health care in Illinois. The dialogue will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The Rev. Budd Friend-Jones, senior minister, will serve as moderator. The public is invited.

On Tuesday, a Heartland Blood Center drive will be held from 2:30 to 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Walk-ins are welcome. Also on Tuesday, the Parenting Teens Today monthly support group will meet at 7 p.m. in the library.

On Wednesday, Seasons of the Spirit Study Group studies at 10 a.m. in the library. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, Erik Zingelman, pastoral associate, will share the message 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. New member transfers will be received during the 10:45 a.m. service.

The World View Mission Market is open. Featured will be items from Greece, Turkey, Africa and the U.S. as well as handcrafted items from Bethany members. Proceeds with benefit Bethany's worldwide missions. Bookers now meets at Bethany. This month's selection is "Close Range: Wyoming Stories", by Annie Proulx will be discussed at 7 p.m. Monday.

The Taize worship will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The Advent season begins with a special opportunity for all ages. It's "Holyland Adventure: Bethlehem Village" from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 2.

Gift wrapping will be at 9 a.m. Dec. 3. The annual Sheltered Village Christmas party is planned for 1 p.m. Dec. 5. The confirmation bake sale will be Dec. 9. Proceeds will be used for the annual PADS party in March.

The congregational holiday potluck will be 6 p.m. Dec. 13. The Cary- Grove wing Choir, under the direction of Rob Boncosky, will present the program. The senior Christmas outing, the Elgin Choral Union at the Elgin Community Center, will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 15. A potluck supper is planned prior to the performance. For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, the Rev. Don Schmidt will lead at the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The message is based on Jeremiah 23:1-6, Luke 1:68-79, Colossians 1:11-20 and Luke 23:33-43. Sunday school will be 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Music will be offered by the Senior Choir. Family Advent Festival will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 2-23. The Christmas Cantata will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 16. 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. For details, call (847) 658-5308.

Kneseth Israel: This week's Torah portion at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin is "Vayishlah." 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 in Elgin, offers Shabbat services, led by Cantor Sarah Alexander, at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays and followed by a community kiddush luncheon. The first Chanukah candle is lit Dec. 4. The Family Hanukkah program will be 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Reservations are due Dec. 3. This week's Torah portion is "Miketz." In this portion, it is Pharaoh who dreams, and Joseph who is able to interpret the dreams. The congregation will read the special Torah portion for Shabbat Chanukah. For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

First Congregational: On Sunday, celebrate Christ the King Sunday with special guest minister Larry Rossi at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Yonker will preach the sermon, "A Hope to Hang On To" at 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. Holy Communion this weekend will be celebrated at the 10:45 service. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "The One Who Keeps it All Together," at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. As part of Dickens in Dundee, make a gingerbread house from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Cost is $5. The Hanging of the Greens service will be held Dec. 2. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

St. John: On Christ the King Sunday, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon "The Great Equalizer" at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. The Ladies "Christmas Delights" Bazaar will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1. 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 "A New Assignment" at the 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The church school hour will feature an electives class called "Spiritual Readers Theater." Participants are asked to bring a piece of spiritual literature to share. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Richard Nye presents the message at the 8 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m. At the 10:15 a.m. praise service, the message will be by the Rev. Jeffrey Bates, acting adult and youth ministries pastor. After the KidsOwn Worship message, children age 3 through sixth grade may attend KidsOwn Worship. The theme will be "Jehoshaphat Trusts God for Victory." For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.