Religion -- special events
Christmas Past Sale: First Congregational United Church of Christ will hold a "Christmas Past Sale" from 9 a.m. to noon today 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.
A Festival of Nativities: Immanuel Lutheran Church presents "A Festival of Nativities" from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the church, 310 E. Main St. The church presents the second annual event as part of Dickens in Dundee. The church wants to share the true meaning of Christmas with friends and neighbors. Be sure to stop by and see the wonderful displays. A presentation of different nativity scenes by local families will be on display in the Christian Life Center. Discover the many variations on the major theme of Christmas: "God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him will not die but will have eternal life." Stop by the arts and crafts shop for the kids. All items are handmade and available at child friendly prices. Kids can pick out their own gifts; gift wrapping is available. The church also will collect canned goods to help Hurricane Katrina victims. There will be free cookies and hot chocolate available during the event.
Holiday Cookie Walk: A Holiday Cookie Walk will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today 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. today 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 today. 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. today 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.
Healing service: Starting today, the McHenry County Church of Religious Science will offer a monthly healing service at Golden Harvest Health Foods & Holistic Center, 330 N. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Healing services at the church are popular for their uplifting effect with concentrated high vibrational energies revealing spiritual perfection in all areas of our life. The Rev. Anne Muelleman will deliver a short message leaving ample time for prayer, meditation and spiritual mind treatment by she and the church's Professional Practitioners in response to your healing requests. For details, call (815) 444-0942 or www.rscgc.org/McHenry.
New minister starts: On today, 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 Sunday. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.
45th anniversary at Trinity: On Sunday, 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 graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in music and an Illinois Arts Council ArtsTour artist, Rubietta is a songwriter and worship consultant who conducts high-energy, interactive worship experiences which include sing-alongs, original scripture-based songs and stories. A Resource Table will be available to purchase books and order CDs/cassettes. For information, call (847) 426-1627.
Family Christmas concert: First Congregational Church will host its family Christmas concert at 4 p.m. Sunday 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. Come expecting to sing some carols with the choirs as well. Ann Tucker, director of music, and Toni Gambini, bellmaster, direct this year's performance. Joining the Vestry Adult Choir and Jubilate Adult Handbell Choir is the Alleluia Sound Choir. Barb Thorsen and Jo Ann Black will be the accompanists. 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. Sunday 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.
Flag ceremony: The Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus Council 6248 at St Monica Parish in Carpentersville have arranged for a new American flag for the church. The flag was procured by Tri-City Evergreen Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2298. The flag dedication ceremony is being held by VFW Post 2298 at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the flagpole outside the front of St Monica Church. St Monica's old American flag will be retired respectfully by VFW Post 2298. The parish men of Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus Council 6248 host Hospitality Sunday on Sunday at St Monica Hall. There will be free continental breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. They also are providing flag retirement for worn or tattered American flags. If you have a worn or tattered American flag, have it retired properly by the VFW. Bring your tattered American flags to hospitality Sunday at St Monica Hall between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. St Monica Parish and St Monica hall are at 90 N. Kennedy Drive (Route 25) in Carpentersville. For information, call the parish office at (847) 428-2646.
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. Sunday 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. Visit the Web site at www.yjed.com. For details, call First Congregational at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit the Web site at www.dundeefcc.org.
Advent Organ Recital Series: The public is invited to attend the annual Advent Organ Recital Series at the First Congregational Church, Main and Church streets in Huntley. The first recital will be performed at 12:10 p.m. Dec. 7 by Michael Surratt, organist and director of music ministries at the Union Church of Hinsdale. Surratt is past dean of the Fox Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and has played recitals throughout the U.S. and Europe. The recitals are on a free-will offering basis. Refreshments follow each recital in the fellowship hall. The second recital at 12:10 p.m. Dec. 14 will be performed by Vernon Studt, the church's organist. The third recital will be performed by Phyllis Connelly at 12:10 p.m. Dec. 21. Connelly is an organ and piano instructor at McHenry County College and Elgin Community College. For details, call (847) 669-3691.
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.
Taize service: Observe the beginning of the Advent season by attending the Taize service at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 6 at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. Share the spirit of peace and be reminded of the love that was brought forth in the birth of Christ and continues to be emphasized in the real meaning of Christmases through the years. For details, call (815)459-6010.
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.
Magnificat breakfast: he 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.
Blue Christmas: First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake will offer a Blue Christmas Worship Service at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 in the chapel, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. The holiday season is not always joyful and triumphant. Those who have sustained losses during the past year or even longer are welcome to attend for a time of music, spoken word, remembrance, and reflection. Loss of loved ones and friends in death, loss of a job, loss of health, any loss which sadden the heart. Join with the pastors and Stephen Ministry Leaders to receive and bear witness to the comfort God offers during dark times. For details, call (815) 459-6010.
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.
Prayer for peace: On Dec. 15, a prayer service for peace in the Middle East will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 Main St. in Barrington. The service includes reading from the Bible, music, and prayers for peace in the Middle East. The service will continue to be held on the 15th of each month until a just and lasting peace is achieved. The prayer service is part of an ecumenical effort in the U.S. and the world to pray daily until peace comes to the region. All are encouraged to join this prayer vigil. For details, call (847) 381-0243 or visit www.elca.org/middleeast.