Notes on Religion

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Advent programs

Northwest Covenant Church of Mount Prospect invites all to a Santa Lucia Festival on Dec. 1.

Two seatings for "Fika" (a Swedish tradition of "taking coffee" with light snacks and good conversation) will be held in the church's Fellowship Hall to be followed by a musical Lucia program in the sanctuary.

First seating: 9 a.m. Fika and 10 a.m. Lucia program. Second seating: 10:30 a.m. Fika and 11:30 a.m. Lucia program

A mini-boutique, bread and bakery sale will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale: adults: $10; children (5 and under): $6. Call the church office at (847) 255-4671. You may pick up and pay for pre-ordered tickets day of event in the boutique.

"Lighting the Way" with luminaries, a potluck, and a service of lessons and carols, will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at First Presbyterian Church, 302 N. Dunton Ave. in Arlington Heights. For information, visit www.fpcah.org.

St. John United Church of Christ, 308 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, holds it annual Advent Night celebration on the first Sunday of Advent, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m. A free spaghetti dinner, brief worship service, and family craft project are planned. (847) 255-6687. www.churchonthepark.com.

The GriefShare Ministry at Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church invites you to a Holiday Remembrance Service to remember loved ones who have died at 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at the church, 1330 N. Douglas St., Arlington Heights. Contact Eri at (847) 392-4840 for information.

St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, offers midweek Advent services beginning Dec. 5, with services on Dec. 12 and 19. Services are at noon, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (847) 359-4114.

The public is invited to join members of St. John United Church of Christ, 308 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, as they carol by bus to area nursing homes and retirements homes from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16. A free lasagna dinner follows at the church. (847) 255-6687. www.churchonthepark.com.

Children, teens

JCC's "Got Shabbat?" program is filled with fun, food, Havdallah and entertainment featuring ventriloquist Chuck Field. This program is open to the community free of charge and will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Adas Yehuda V'Shoshana, 2548 Jasper Court, Northbrook. It is designed for families with children 4 to 8, but all are welcome.

Children of all ages are invited to a Hanukkah Fun Day from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, 755 Huehl Road. Join in building a huge "Clics" menorah. There also will be moon bounce, face painting, dreidel decorating, refreshments and lots more. Fun for the entire family. Cost is $7 per child. $72 family sponsor. R.S.V.P. to (847) 564-8770.

Senior high students are invited to take part in an annual Appalachia Service Project fundraiser from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 1 at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.

We will bake and package bread to sell Sunday morning in church. Come to help with the bread bake, stay for the fun and games. Friends are always welcome.

The Bread Sale will be from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 2. Support the annual Appalachia Service Project youth work trip. Purchase fresh baked bread to help finance our home repair ministry. Cinnamon bread is $6, white bread is $5. Call the church office at (847) 255-5112 for information or visit www.ahfumc.org.

Call the church office at (847) 255-5112 for information or visit www.ahfumc.org.

"Countdown to Christmas," a Christmas pageant for children and youths featuring a living Advent calendar, will be presented at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 16 at St. John United Church of Christ, 308 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights. The pageant is followed by refreshments, including a birthday cake for Jesus. (847) 255-6687. www.churchonthepark.com.

First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, will present Breakfast with Santa Dec. 1. From 8:30 to 11 a.m. will be a breakfast buffet and from 9 to 11 a.m. will be stories, crafts and photos with Santa. Cost is a food donation for the CEDA pantry. You may stay for as long or as little as you wish. Tickets are available at the church office, (847) 255-5112.

The FAITH Junior High Christmas Party for First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9. We will meet in the home of a church member. Friends are always welcome. Call the church office at (847) 255-5112 for information or visit the Web site, www.ahfumc.org

St. Viator High School, 1213 E. Oakton St., Arlington Heights, will have an open house for prospective students from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday; and 7-9 p.m. April 9. For details, call (847) 392-4050, ext. 256.

The Cheers Sr. High Christmas Party & Alumni Reunion for First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 16.

Enjoy a relaxed evening of sharing food and stories as our alumni return from college. We will meet in the home of a church member. Don't forget to bring your white elephant gift. Friends are always welcome. Call the church office at (847) 255-5112 for additional information or visit the Web site, www.ahfumc.org

Family

The community is invited to join local dignitaries for a grand menorah lighting ceremony at Northbrook's largest menorah from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at the corner of Dundee and Huehl roads. Enjoy latkes, jelly doughnuts, chocolate Hanukkah 'gelt', dreidels, song and joy. Free admission.

A Lights & Miracles Hanukkah Service and Songfest will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 30 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire.

Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue will celebrate the story of Hanukkah through music and drama at the annual family-friendly Lights & Miracles Hannukah Service and Songfest. Shir Hadash's adult, teen and children's choirs will perform and lead a sing-along of seasonal songs and fun.

The highlight of the evening will be Shir Hadash's traditional glowstick dance. A homemade latke cook-off will be featured at the conclusion of the service.

The event is free and open to the public. Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Friendship Circle of Illinois invites children with special needs and their families to a special Hanukkah Extravaganza from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Chabad of Northbrook, 755 Huehl Road (corner Dundee Road), Northbrook. It will offer fun for the whole family: including candle dipping, creating your own menorah with "K'nex," Hanukkah sand art, decorating holiday cookies, moon bounce, hot dog dinner, hot latkes, live music, and much more.

To volunteer for this event, or to ensure we have a teen volunteer for your child call (847) 833-6843 or e-mail: rsvp@thefriendshipcircle.net.

First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, will offer an Advent Adventure Dec. 2. From 4 to 4:45 p.m. will be a Christmas Carol Sing in the sanctuary; from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. craft workshops and labyrinth; and dinner at 5:45 p.m. Dinner tickets cost $7 for adults; $5 for children ages 3 to 11 and $25 for a family. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

All are welcome to attend. Call (847) 255-5112 for additional information or visit www.ahfumc.org.

Fundraisers

The Sisterhood of Beth Tikvah Congregation, 300 Hillcrest Blvd. in Hoffman Estates, will host its annual Hanukkah Bazaar beginning Sunday. The bazaar will be open Sunday through Dec. 9. It will be open during regular religious school hours on Sundays and Tuesdays during those dates. Daily hours are: Sundays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Dec. 2 until 3 p.m.), closed Sunday; Tuesdays: 4-8:30 p.m. The general public is invited to shop at the bazaar. For information, call the temple office, (847) 885-4545.

Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine, is sponsoring two Christmas holiday events. A Cookie Walk will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 8. Homemade cookies will be sold for $8 per pound. Gift wrapping will also be available for a freewill offering. On Dec. 15, the Living Nativity Pageant will be held at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on the church lawn. For information, call (847) 397-4372.

First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, will participate in the ChildServ Holiday Gift Project.

Stop by the church office to pick up a needy child's gift wish list. All gifts are due back to the church by Dec. 2 for delivery to ChildServ no later than Dec. 4. Questions can be directed to Roylene Gallas at: rwg5@comcast.net or by phone at (847) 222-1071. You may also call the church office, (847) 255-5112 for additional information or visit www.ahfumc.org.

The FAITH Jr. High Cookie Bake will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Youth Center kitchen (lower level) of First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave.

Bake cookies to be delivered to homebound members of the church. Bring your premixed cookie dough to take part in this junior high tradition. Friends are always welcome. Call the church office at (847) 255-5112 for additional information or visit the Web site, www.ahfumc.org.

Contribute individual $5 gift certificates for McDonald's, Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, Starbucks, etc., movie gift cards, thermal underwear or gloves for stockings for PADS guests at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.

In addition, food is collected for the area needy and distributed by CEDA Food Pantry. Bring canned and nonperishable goods every first Sunday of the month. Or you may drop them off in the church office any day of the week.

Call (847) 255-5112 for additional information or visit www.ahfumc.org.

Lectures, seminars

A discussion and book signing with Maggie Anton, author of "Rashi's Daughters" will be at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Beth Tikvah Congregation, 300 Hillcrest Blvd., Hoffman Estates.

For information, contact Ilene Lanin-Kettering at randyk2500@aol.com or (847) 372-6427.

The Human Concerns Commission and Adult Faith Formation committee of Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Church will welcome Jeanne Bishop, an advocate for forgiveness and opponent of the death penalty, to speak on her personal journey of faith through this issue. Bishop will be speaking at Our Lady of the Brook Parish at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at in the Worship Center. Her topic will be "The Spirituality of Forgiveness." The church is at 3700 Dundee Road in Northbrook, just east of Sanders Road. For information, call the parish office at (847) 272-5686 or visit www.olbparish.org.

The Home Educators Loving Parents (H.E.L.P.) homeschool support group announces that Kristi Boss, director of the Christian Leaders Educational Center, will present a talk about homeschooling children from high school through college.

The presentation will be Tuesday at the Elk Grove Village Library, 1001 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. The doors open for the presentation at 7 p.m. The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. and last until 9 p.m. This presentation is intended for adults and child care is not provided (children may sit next to their parents at the meeting).

A Free Depression and Anxiety Disorders Workshop will be offered from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7 at Cardinal Drive Church of Christ, 2300 Cardinal Drive, Rolling Meadows. This seminar will benefit those who are dealing with depression and anxiety, as well as their family and friends. Register at Cardinal Drive Web site: cdfamily.org (847) 259-2995.

St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, will start a congregation-wide spiritual growth campaign titled "The Spirituality of the Cross" running through Sunday; including guest speaker Dr. Joel Biermann, a professor at Concordia Seminary and an expert on the topic of "Vocation" today-Sunday. Also the author of "The Spirituality of the Cross," Dr. Gene Edward Veith, will be on hand for a very special "Night with the Author" Sunday.

Men's fellowship

The new men's group, "59 Minutes for Men," will meet from 8-8:59 a.m. Dec. 8 at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, in the Youth Center (lower level). Light breakfast included. All are welcome, no charge. Call (847) 255-5112 for additional information or visit www.ahfumc.org.

Miscellaneous

Catholic talk radio, as broadcast on Relevant Radio, can now be heard throughout Chicago and the suburbs on WNTD 950 AM, Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. This programming includes the hour-long Catholic Community of Faith, which airs Monday through Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. The program is produced by the Archdiocese of Chicago's Radio and TV office in their downtown Chicago studios. Listeners are encouraged to call in during the live broadcasts of the Catholic Community of Faith at (312) 751-1979 with their comments and questions.

Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with activities through April 2008. On Dec. 30, Bethel is having a Confirmation Class Reunion Breakfast. If you are a former confirmand or member and would like information about the reunion or any of the 50th celebration activities, call the Bethel church office at (847) 397-4372.

The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea will hold its annual blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday in the Social Hall of the synagogue on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. The blood drive is being held at this time due to the severe shortage of blood during the Thanksgiving holiday.

A photo ID is required when you fill out paperwork. Bring a state ID or driver's license and make sure to eat before you arrive. Refreshments will be provided by Shalom Kosher Bakery and Life Source.

Call the Beth Judea office at (847) 634-0777 to make an appointment.

The Web site www.ChabadNorthbrook.com/chanukah is a local gateway to the world's premier Hanukkah site, chock full of streaming video, games, how-to guides, and much more. Popular highlights include: information about hundreds of Hanukkah events around the globe, extensive video and stills of menorah lightings around the world and great holiday recipes.

Also available from the site is historical and religious information about the holiday. The site is designed for all ages and educational levels, from young children to scholars, and offers a day-by-day guide to celebrating the eight-day holiday.

Northbrook Congregation Ezra Habonim holds monthly movie nights. On Thursday nights, Congregation Ezra Habonim shows films of interest to the Jewish community. The films, which are in Hebrew with English subtitles, are shown at the synagogue at 2095 Landwehr Road in Northbrook.

Admission to each film is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Some of the films will highlight subjects that may be geared for adult audiences.

Upcoming films are: "Someone to Run With" at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17; "Mortgage" at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2; and "Forgiveness" at 7:30 p.m. May 15.

For information, visit the Web site at www.nceh.org or call the synagogue office at (847) 480-1690.

First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., offers a Holy Wanderers program.

On Dec. 4 they will visit Art and Faith of the Creche, Loyola University Museum of Art. Included is breakfast, exhibit and Christmas shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Depart from church parking lot by van at 8:30 a.m., return about 4:45 p.m. Van transportation: $15. Free admission on Tuesdays at the museum. Breakfast (on your own tab) at The Oak Tree Restaurant, 900 N. Michigan Ave., Bloomingdale Building (sixth level), overlooking the Magnificent Mile. Shopping as you choose.

Call the church office for information, (847) 255-5112, or view the Web site www.ahfumc.org

Faith & Fiction, a book club for the religious and irreligious alike is held at the First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1803 E. Euclid Ave. Upcoming titles are "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen Jan. 20. There is no fee to attend.

For more information, call the church office at (847) 255-5112 or visit www.ahfumc.org.

Performances

The Spirit of Life Chorus announces the following concerts as part of its Fall Concert Series:

• Sunday, 4:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Master, 580 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream, (630) 665-3384.

• Dec. 2, 4:30 p.m., St. Walter Catholic Church, 201 W. Maple Ave., Roselle, (630) 894-2461.

For more information, visit www.spiritoflifechorus.org.

Two "Glory of Christmas" concerts will be performed by the Chancel Choir, Chamber Singers and Orchestra at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., beginning at 4 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16. A broad spectrum of music will be performed, with John Rutter's "Gloria" as the featured work.

"Light of the Stable" is the theme of the four-choir, orchestra, and worship team concerts to be presented by Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7; at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 8; and at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Tickets are free and a limit of eight per person may be picked up in the narthex of the church, at 1330 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights, on Sunday mornings or from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the church office. Sunday worship services are at 8, 9:30, and 11 a.m. with traditional services in the sanctuary and contemporary services in the gym. For information, visit www.ahefc.org or call (847) 392-4840.

A special musical presentation of "Nativity" as arranged and orchestrated by Mark Hayes and of "Holiday Moods Suite 3" arranged by Jeff Tyzik will be performed by the Congregational United Church of Christ Choir, 1001 Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, during worship services, at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9. A soulful celebration of "Hallelujah" from Handel's Messiah will conclude the choral presentation.

Christmas Luncheon follows at 11:30 a.m. Public is invited to attend the luncheon and this choral celebration and to enjoy the artistry of the choir under director Al Engram and accompanist Norreen Klemens. Check www.CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650 for additional information and to sign up for the luncheon.

Enjoy noontime organ concerts played on First Presbyterian Church's 45-rank Schantz organ. They will be performed on Wednesdays from 12:10 to 12:45 p.m. Wednesday and Dec. 5 at the church, 302 N. Dunton Ave. in Arlington Heights. For information, visit www.fpcah.org.

Seniors

LAFF (Life After Fifty-Five), the senior group of Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates, is having its annual Hanukkah party at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at the temple. Bring a new $5 gift for the Holiday Auction. There is a charge of $5 per member and $8 for guests for the dinner. A wonderful treat will be Cantorial Soloist Ilana Axel leading in Hanukkah songs. For additional information, call Leora at (847) 359-0439.

Special services

The Beth Judea Youth Department will host a Shabbat Dinner and Service for the members of the various youth groups (Kadinkers, Kadima and USY) and their families Friday. All congregants are cordially welcome to attend.

The dinner begins at 6 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service.

Cost of the dinner: adult (12 years and older) $18; 6 to 11 years old $10; 5 years old and younger $5. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

Please contact Aaron at the synagogue office (847) 634-0777, ext. 114, for further information. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

Shabbat worship services are offered at 7:30 p.m. Fridays (Kabbalat Shabbat) and at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Birthdays and anniversaries will be recognized at the first Friday night service of the month. Daily minyan services are: Mondays at 6:15 a.m.; Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 9 a.m.

Tot Shabbat services are held in the main sanctuary of the synagogue at 6:30 p.m. on the second Friday of every month. Gan Shabbat services are held every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Beit HaMidrash on the Religious School level.

Nonmembers of Beth Judea are invited to attend services. For information, call the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777.

Women's programs

Caryn Bark, entertainer and author of the novel "Mittelschmerz" will speak about her book at Northbrook Congregation Ezra Habonim's Sisterhood Book Club meeting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10. The book club will review this "laugh-out-loud comic romance."

Copies of the book are available in the NCEH gift shop. Northbrook Congregation Ezra Habonim is at 2095 Landwehr Road in Northbrook. For information, call (847) 480-1690.