Religion -- services

To submit a listing, e-mail tricity@dailyherald.com.

Jewish

Celebrate the joys of conservative Judaism at Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road near Elgin.

Participatory Shabbat services are held at 9:45 a.m. every Saturday, followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a Torah discussion focusing on the "parsha of the week."

The Hanukkah bazaar will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday.

The first Hanukkah candle will be lit Tuesday and the family Hanukkah program will be held at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9.

Guests are always welcome. For information, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

Lutheran

The choir will present "Carols and Lullabies: Christmas in the Southwest" by Conrad Susa at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. worship services Sunday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1145 N. Fifth Ave., St. Charles.

Based on 10 Spanish carols, the story of the journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus is accompanied by harp, guitar, marimba and xylophone.

Call (630) 584-2199.

• The annual service of Lessons and Carols will be at 3 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 in the sanctuary of Immanuel Lutheran Church, 950 Hart Road, Batavia.

Music for Advent and Christmas will be presented by two adult and two children's choirs, a hand bell choir and instrumentalists. Those attending are invited to participate in the singing of Advent hymns and Christmas carols.

The identical free programs are organized by music director Sharon Dalpini, who directs several choirs. An offering will be received. The public is invited.

Call (630) 879-7163.

Non-denominational

A Taize prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the New England Congregational Church, 406 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora.

People of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox heritages are welcome.

The service includes Scripture reading, musical mantras, silence and candle lighting.

Adriana Pickens of Naperville will be the prayer leader.

For information, or to request a free flier with a calendar and directions, call Innermission at (630) 879-3225 and leave a message.

Congregational

The chancel choir of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Geneva will present "Holy Night of Miracles," a cantata of hope written by Lloyd Larson, during the 10 a.m. service Dec. 16. The church is at Hamilton and Fourth streets in Geneva.

Larson brings the message of Advent and the miracle of Christ's birth together through original music as well as traditional carols.

The choir is directed by Karen Howard and accompanied by organist Patricia Alcorn. There will be refreshments and fellowship following the service.

For information, call the church at (630) 232-7143.

Presbyterian

Christmas Eve worship services will be at 3, 5 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, 227 East Side Drive in Geneva (one block north of Route 38).

Each service includes lessons, carols and candle lighting.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be observed at 10:30 p.m.

Call (630) 232-7448 or visit www.fvpres.com.

Catholic

St. Gall Church at 120 W. Shannon St. (at Route 47) in Elburn has scheduled services for the Advent season and Christmas.

St. Gall will observe the feast of the immaculate conception with masses at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. Dec. 8.

The feast commemorates the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin.

An Advent penance service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. The service consists of brief prayers and an examination of conscience. Parishioners may receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

The church will hold two Christmas Eve masses at 4 p.m. Dec. 24. The Rev. Karl Ganss will preside at mass in the parish hall and the Rev. William Etheredge of Aurora Central Catholic High School will officiate at a mass in the church sanctuary.

There will be a 6 p.m. mass with carols and a 10 p.m. mass with music provided by the choir in the sanctuary.

Christmas Day masses are at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

For information, call the church at (630) 365-6030.