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Adult education
St. Hubert's Ministry Center, 729 Grand Canyon, Hoffman Estates, offers a nondenominational job and networking ministry that is free and open to all occupations. The ministry offers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of careering and get in-depth knowledge of career topics from seminars and meetings as well as learn the process of networking. Meetings are held throughout the month at various locations. For a calendar of meetings, call Bob Podgorski at (847) 925-6005.
The Men's and Women's Monday Night Study Groups at Our Saviour's United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, welcome Advent with a three-part series called "Choosing Christmas" by Andy Stanley of North Point Ministries. The groups will meet in the church sanctuary at 7 p.m. Dec 3, 10, and 17.
Advent programs
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 1116 E Devon Ave, Bartlett, will hold Advent services at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays Dec. 5, 12 and 19. The services will be preceded by soup and sandwich suppers at 5:45 p.m. All are welcome to attend. In addition, a children's Christmas service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 16.
Our Saviour's United Methodist Church will have an outdoor presentation of the Living Nativity at 5 and 6 p.m. Dec. 16. The presentation takes place in a stable-like setting, includes a cast of over 20 youth and adults and includes live animals. Refreshments will be served after each presentation. Be sure to bring a blanket to keep warm. The church is at 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, will offer Advent children's Christmas programs on Wednesdays at 8:10 a.m. chapel and 7 p.m. (led by the schoolchildren and their teachers) on Dec. 5, 12 and at 8:10 a.m. Dec. 18 and 7 p.m. Dec. 19. In addition, a Christmas musical will be presented by the choir, orchestra and actors at 5 p.m. Dec. 15 and at 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 16. (847) 359-1649, www.ilcp.org
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 Dundee Ave., Barrington, will hold a special Advent worship service led by the high school youth at 4 p.m. Dec. 2. The message for this service will be a skit titled, "Are You Ready?" written and directed by Dave Moll, the congregation's coordinator of youth ministry. People of the community are invited to attend this service. For information, call (847) 382-7002.
North Northfield United Methodist Church in Northbrook will offer Wednesday evening Advent gatherings beginning Dec. 5.
The first week the theme is "Simply Seek" to focus on ways to keep the season simple. On Dec. 12, the theme is "Simply Serve," which will involve refurbishing old Bibles for donation and making sandwiches to take to a shelter. On Dec. 19, the focus will be "Simply Still," which will be a type of meditation to prepare for Christmas. A light supper will be served from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the program from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. all three Wednesdays.
People planning to attend the supper are asked to call the church office by the previous Monday.
The church is located at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. For more information, call (847) 272-2250 or visit the church's Web site at www.northnorthfield.org.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will offer midweek Advent services at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19. Following the 11 a.m. worship service, a soup lunch will be served. The evening service will be preceded by dinner at 6 p.m. All are welcome to attend these services.
The annual WELCA Christmas Smorgasborg will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6, followed by entertainment at 8 p.m. The evening will be hosted by the Women of Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELCA). Cat Catalani will perform a holiday concert following dinner. Guests have the option of bringing a dish or paying $10. Reservations must be made by calling the church office at (847) 827-6656.
For information, call the church office at (847) 827-6656.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines, will have midweek Advent services at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 5, 12, and 19; a German Christmas service at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16; and a Choir Advent/Christmas service at 8 a.m. Dec. 23, with Sunday School/Bible classes at 9:15 a.m. and worship service at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, December 16: German Christmas Service, 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 23: Choir Advent/Christmas service, 8 a.m; Sunday School/Bible classes 9:15; worship service: 10:30.
Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 150 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village, will present a Live Nativity at 4, 5, and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. It will feature a drama, choral and live animals with warm refreshments afterward. (847) 437-5897
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.
Dignity Memorial Provider, Ridgewood Memorial Park in Des Plaines, will hold a Celebration of Light Memorial Service for members of the surrounding communities at 6 p.m. Dec. 1. This holiday Memorial Service will be held in the chapel, Swan Lake Mausoleum, 9900 N Milwaukee Ave., Des Plaines.
There will be a food drive along with the service. The food drive is being held through Maine Township Emergency Food Pantry.
Nine Lessons & Carols, including benediction and exposition will be offered at 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at St. Julian Eymard Church, 601 E. Biesterfield, Elk Grove Village. Bishop Francis Kane will preside and music will feature the St. Cecilia Choir and St. Julian Eymard adult and children choirs. Tickets on sale for suggested donation of $10. Advertising opportunity available in event program book. Call Paul at (847) 985-8212 for information.
St. Paul Lutheran Church of Mount. Prospect will offer an Advent message series, "Come, Lord Jesus" Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 8, 9:20 and 10:40 a.m. beginning Dec. 1 and 2.
"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.
Advent services will be celebrated at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Dec. 5 with a "Hanging of the Greens." Call (847) 253-4839 for more information.
St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, will present a Live Nativity at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 15 and at 5 p.m. Dec. 16. (847) 359-4114
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.
Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, celebrates the beginning of Advent during worship services, at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 2, with the lighting of the first Advent candle, the sermon message, "A Christmas Genealogy," and Communion. Children will participate in worship service. Visitors are welcome. All are invited to participate in Communion. Check www.CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650 for additional information.
Children, teens
Third-graders at Our Saviour's United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, were recently presented with Bibles, including James Bradford, Zachary Burns, Sydney Davis, Sean DeMore, Quinn Lawrence Donovan, Kelsey Glennon, Jackson Meehan, Meredith Russell, Tracy Schluckbier, Lily Jo Shaw, Logan Smith, Jimmy Sotos, and Andrew Jonathan Walker.
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.
On Dec. 8 the youth group at North Northfield United Methodist Church in Northbrook will travel to Edison Park United Methodist Church in Chicago to see a production of "Godspell."
The church is located at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. For more information, call (847) 272-2250 or visit the church's Web site at www.northnorthfield.org.
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.
High School Youth Group, FYS (Feed Your Spirit), hosts an all-church Holiday Movie Night from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. The event launches family Advent celebrations and everyone is invited to attend. Check www.CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650 for additional information.
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. 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
First United Methodist Church of Palatine, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, will hold Bethlehem Marketplace from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1. Step back to Jesus' time at this family event featuring crafts for children, refreshments at Rachel's Inn, a live Nativity and more. Admission is free. Buy a bag of Roman coins to purchase crafts and food at the market. For information, call (847) 359-1345.
Congregation Beth Judea will present its 5th Annual Family Festival Dec. 24 at the synagogue. The holiday evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a delicious kosher Chinese dinner. The festivities continue at 7 p.m. with a game show and karaoke.
Cost for dinner and concert: adults (13+) $25; youth (6-12) $18; child (2-5) $10. Dinner reservations must be made by December 17.
Cost for the game show and karaoke only: in advance $10; at the door $15.
Congregation Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For further information, contact the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777.
Bethlehem Walk will be held at 4 and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Mount Prospect, in the school gym, 18 S. School St.
Join us as we walk through the streets of Bethlehem with the shepherds, the live animals and the angels in search of the newborn Baby Jesus. This is great for children, but also is a great way for adults to get ready for the coming of our Savior.
A freewill door offering will be taken to help cover costs of the event.
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2007, and Sonshine Preschool will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2008. To celebrate, the church and preschool are hosting an All Ages Sock Hop and Pizza Party from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at 304 W. Palatine Road, Prospect Heights. There is an admission donation of $5 for adults and $2 for children. Pizza and pop will be available to purchase at 1957 prices.
Music from 1950-1960 will be provided by a local DJ and there will be contests and prizes during the event. The community is invited to come and join in for this night of fun for all ages. Tickets can be ordered by calling the church office at (847) 537-4430, before Tuesday.
Proceeds from the celebration will go to support Sonshine Preschool and the new cafe that is planned to be open to the community in 2008. Thrivent Financial will be supporting the event with matching funds. Vitello Pizza of Downers Grove has graciously donated the pizza.
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
St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 250 N. Gary Ave, Carol Stream, will have a Christmas Faire and Live Auction at 11 a.m. Dec. 2. Enjoy brunch, Santa, cookies by the dozen, hostess items and a live auction of baskets appropriate to give as gifts. Brunch tickets are $6 and free for children 5 and under, and are to be reserved by calling (630) 510-0145 by Wednesday.
Immanuel United Church of Christ, 1500 Old Church Road, Streamwood, will offer a holiday cookie walk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8. Cookies will be sold by the pound. Call (630) 837-0190 for information. www.streamwoodiucc.org
Good Shepherd United Methodist Women's 19th Annual Cookie Walk and Craft Fair will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at 751 W. Army Trail Road, Bartlett. The church is located ¾ mile east of Route 59 and 2 miles west of County Farm Road. A wide variety of home-baked cookies sold by the box and handcrafted items will be featured. Proceeds support mission projects. Lots of parking, free admission and handicap accessible. For information, call Debbie France, (630) 213-0479 or Ann Townsend (630) 289-8174.
The Knights of Columbus Council 8699, from Bartlett, has launched its annual Keep Christ in Christmas fundraiser, featuring handcrafted ceramic ornaments, hand-worked wooden outdoor Nativity sets and Nativity car magnets. Proceeds benefit local charities including the Clare Woods Academy in Bartlett, the Fox Valley Pregnancy Center in South Elgin, Mission Tanzania, Boy Scouts of America, and the Special Olympics. Christmas ornaments, Nativity sets, and Nativity car magnets are now available for sale on the Knights new Web store: www.kofc8699.org .
The prices are: Nativity car magnets for $3.95; ceramic ornaments for $4.95; and outdoor wooden Nativity sets for $69.95.
Knights of Columbus Council 8699 is based at St. Peter Damian Catholic Church in Bartlett.
St. Paul United Church of Barrington will host its first Nativity Walk and Home Products Fair from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 6; 4-9 p.m. Dec. 7; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8; and Dec. 9 after worship service at 10:30 a.m.
Start the Advent season by enjoying the wide variety of Nativity scenes on display, several of which will be available for bidding through a silent auction. Holiday shopping opportunities will include Longaberger Baskets, Tupperware and Mary Kay products. At the Book Sale, partnered with Anderson Book Store of Naperville, you'll find a great variety of gift books for all ages. And you'll be able to stock up on wonderful holiday treats at the Bake Sale.
Admission is $5 per adult; $2.50 for kids ages 12-18. St Paul is at 401 E. Main in Barrington. For information, call (847) 381-0460, or visit stpauluccbarrington.org.
The Presbyterian Women of the Presbyterian Church of Palatine on the corner of Palatine and Rohlwing Roads will offer a Cookie Walk Dec. 1. Beautiful and delicious home-baked holiday cookies are sold by the box. Doors open at 9 a.m.; the sale starts at 9:30 a.m. All proceeds go to mission projects, many of which are local.
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.
St. John's Episcopal Church will host its second annual Cookie Walk, featuring Christmas cookies, poinsettias and other holiday items for sale, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at the church, 200 N. Main St., Mount Prospect.
The members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Des Plaines, invite the Des Plaines community to a benefit chili supper for medical and continuing therapy expenses of church member Bob Lumpp. The supper will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 on the lower level of the church at 855 Lee St. Lumpp sustained multiple injuries in an auto-pedestrian accident Oct. 29 as he was walking to his car after participating in a home Bible study meeting. After undergoing surgical and medical treatment at Lutheran General Hospital, he has begun extensive therapy treatments at Ballard Care Center.
The chili for the supper will be from Pastor Richard Mau's not-so-secret recipe, which he says can be adapted to serve six or 60 or 600, although the latter has never been tried. The menu will also feature homemade desserts. For information, tickets, reservations and monetary donations, call the church office at (847) 824-3652. Matching funds for the event have been applied for from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, will sponsor a "Taco Fiesta" Dinner from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 to raise funds to send some members to Juarez, Mexico, for Casas por Cristo (Homes for Christ).
The meal will be catered by El Sombero in Mount Prospect. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. All proceeds will go toward the trip. The Northwest Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will match funds up to $1,000 from the event. Come eat, and enjoy, and help the mission trip. (847) 255-8700.
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.
Hanukkah
Celebrate the Joys of Conservative Judaism at Congregation Shirat Shalom in Elgin. Friendly, participatory Shabbat services are led by Cantor Alexander every Saturday at 9:45 a.m., and are followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week."
Tot Shabbat services, for children of all ages, are on the third Friday of the month.
Today we will celebrate the bat mitzvah of Tali Ilani. Services will be held off site at the Marriott Chicago Northwest in Hoffman Estates.
The first Hanukkah candle is lit on Tuesday night, Dec. 4. Our Family Hanukkah program will be held at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9. R.S.V.P. to Sue by Dec. 3.
Adult Education classes are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
For more information, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org. Congregation Shirat Shalom is at 30W509 Shoe Factory Road, Elgin.
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 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.
Am Chai, serving the Northwest suburbs will be holding its Hanukkah service at 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Devonshire 1515 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates. Rabbi Tillman will be officating. For more information, call (847) 604-4060. E-mail infoamchai.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great Plains Zen Center will hold an Introduction to Zen Practice Workshop Dec. 15 at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church, 1025 N Smith Road, Palatine.
The workshop covers a brief history of Zen Buddhism, the aims of meditation practice, and basic, practical information including how to do zazen (Zen meditation), how to practice at home and throughout the day, the aims of practice, and opportunities for additional practice offered at GPZC.
The workshop will run from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., followed by an informal lunch. The cost for the workshop is $25 per person (free for repeating participants). Visit greatplainszen.org/workshops to register, or call (847) 274-4793.
Author John Ruane will give a talk titled "The Value of Growing Up Catholic" at noon Dec. 1 at The Christian Shop, 325 E. Dundee Road, Palatine.
Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, will host Community on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Dec. 12, with guest speaker Robert McClory. The topic is "The Push for Restorationism: What's Behind the Latin Mass?" Join in this evening of discussion. For information, call (847) 359-0042.
Touchstones is sponsoring a workshop called "Practicing Gratitude: A Fresh Perspective on a Timely Topic" from 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in Room 101 of the Glenview Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave in Glenview.
Shirley Paulson, a Christian Science practitioner, will offer an informative and interactive workshop, sharing concepts and practices of gratitude from a Christian Science perspective. The workshop is free, but there is a suggested donation of $15.
Go to www.mytouchstones.org for details and directions, or call (866) 568-7152.
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.
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
Our Saviour's United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg is looking for names and addresses of former friends and members of the congregation for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration in March 2008. Please contact Sandy Marcks at sjmarcks@ameritech.net with this information.
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.
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.
The North Northfield United Methodist Church, at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook, is gathering gifts for the less fortunate. Gifts for an "Angel Tree" will be collected through Dec. 16 for prisoners' families. The gifts will be delivered during a Christmas party hosted by Faith Community Baptist Church in Chicago Dec. 16.
Mittens, caps, scarves, slippers and socks will also be collected through Dec. 16 in a "Mitten Teepee" for Children of the Harvest, an organization serving children of the Spirit Lake Nation in North Dakota, where a congregation team spent a week in mission this past summer. A second Mitten Tree will also collect donations through Jan. 15 for local children at the Mark Twain School in Wheeling.
For more information, call (847) 272-2250 or visit the church's Web site at www.northnorthfield.org.
The Rev. Matthew K. Weber will be installed at 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at First Baptist Church of Park Ridge, 1266 N. Northwest Highway. Dr. Jerry Cain, president of Judson University, will preach. (847) 692-6101.
Life Community Church, 1500 E. Central Road, Mount Prospect, will offer a Karaoke Coffee House for the community the last Friday of each month through June 27. Hours for the Friday night karaoke are 7:30 to 10 p.m. with a 15-minute break. There is a library of 2,500 songs available including pop, classic rock, country, oldies and more. Coffee and dessert are available at no cost (tipping is acceptable). For information, call (847) 296-3242.
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.
DivorceCare Support Group meets at 7 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 10 at Arlington Evangelist Church, 1330 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights. For more information, contact the church at (847) 392-4840 or e-mail Jan Craddock at jan11181@comcast.net.
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, is one of three Illinois churches recently named a recipient of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois 2007's Ministry of Hope Award, which recognizes an outstanding congregation that provides leadership in supporting the ministry of LSSI and other ministries in the community.
LSSI, a social services agency headquartered in Des Plaines, presents the Ministry of Hope Award annually to one congregation in each of the three ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) synods in Illinois.
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights has a commitment to social justice and ministry that is a fundamental part of the congregation's mission and identity. The congregation is in its 18th year of hosting a PADS (Public Access to Deliver Shelter) site on Saturday nights from October through April. Its newest ministry is the Green Team, which promotes environmental activities such as recycling, and also hosted the Synod's Greening Congregations workshop this year. The church also has an older adult ministry that links with Harper College's Life-Long Learning Program, and offers a Stephen Ministry program, which enables trained congregation members to provide compassionate listening to other congregation members in need of support, as well as a support group for military families.
Performances
The Spirit of Life Chorus announces the following concerts as part of its Fall Concert Series:
• 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.
Our Saviour's United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, will present "The Many Sounds of Christmas IV," a variety concert of sacred and secular holiday favorites at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2. The concert is presented free of charge and the public is invited to attend.
Covenant Church of Schaumburg, 301 N. Meacham Road, Schaumburg, will present Christmas Choral Concert and Lucia Festival of Lights at 7 p.m. Dec. 9. Admission is free. Swedish Christmas boutique and bake sale will be available after the program. (847) 605-8334
The Village Church of Barrington presents "The Journey," a Christmas musical for the entire family, at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 15. Reserve your tickets today by calling (847) 381-5221. The Village Church of Barrington is at 1600 E. Main St., Barrington.
Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village, welcomes all to "The Glory of Christmas," the 2007 Christmas musical and dessert theater, at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2.
Presented by the Elk Grove Baptist Church Choir, the program also features The McDance Company under the direction of Rebecca McCarthy. Saturday's performance will also feature guest harpist Jane Klecka. Tickets are $10 each, with seniors 60+ and students at $7. Group rates are available.
For further information, call the church at (847) 593-8337. Tickets are also available online at www.elkgrovebaptistchurch.org.
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1111 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, will host a special holiday concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 2. "Sounds of the Season" will be presented by the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band, conducted by music director Howard M. Green and associate conductor Allison Rikickas. The 70 members of the band are from nearly every walk and stage of life. The concert is free and the public is invited. A freewill offering will be taken to help defray the band's costs. Following the concert, hors d'oeuvres will be served in Fellowship Hall. For information, call (847) 537-4353.
The Mount Prospect Community Band presents its annual holiday concert at 4 p.m. Dec. 2 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect. This concert, titled "Christmas Spirit," will feature a variety of familiar holiday melodies and favorite carols performed in sparkling arrangements that feature the concert band. The concert finale will be Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, and the audience is invited to sing-along. There is also a rumor that Santa Claus will make an appearance with a treat for the children. This program is sponsored by the Trinity Fine Arts Committee as well as the band's permanent sponsor, the Mount Prospect Park District.
In conjunction, the Trinity United Methodist Women are holding a "Christmas Cookie Walk" starting at 3 p.m. in the narthex. Choose your own assortment from a variety of homemade Christmas cookies which will be for sale by the pound. For further information, contact Trinity United Methodist Church at (847) 439-0950 or see www.trinitymp.org.
Community Presbyterian Church in Mount Prospect will present a holiday program called the Living Christmas Tree. The program will run for three evenings--Dec. 7-9 -- at 7 p.m. each night. Admission is free, with a freewill offering that benefits local philanthropies and missions abroad in Romania and the Dominican Republic.
Community Presbyterian Church is at 407 N. Main St. (corner of Route 83/Main and Gregory) in Mount Prospect. www.cpchurch.org.
Bring your voice, an instrument, and/or your friends to a Christmas Sing-A-Long at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 16.
You are invited to share your musical talent in solo, ensemble, or instrumental performance, or just come as a listener. Enjoy carols from around the world, performed in many different ways. Plan on brown-bagging lunch.
If you would like to perform or have other suggestions, call Ellen Zethmayr-Lolakos at (847) 427-1727 or (708) 579-0787. Freewill offering.
The Innkeepers Tale, a Christmas Musical, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 and at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 9 at Christian Life Church, 400 E. Gregory St., Mount Prospect. A freewill offering will be taken. Call (847) 259-3090 for information.
A special "Messiah" event and dinner will take place from 5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. There will be a lecture, a lasagna dinner, followed by a Messiah sing-along. Tickets for the dinner cost $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children ages 4-13. Of course there will be Christmas cookies for dessert. For more information contact Don Mead or Jim Valentine at (847) 255-8700.
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.
Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village, invites all seniors to its senior luncheons on the third Friday of every other month at 11:30 a.m. Bring a dish to share or just bring yourself and enjoy some good conversation and fellowship.
Special services
Addison Aglow International holds a praise and worship titled "One Hour with Jesus" from 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 3, the first Monday of the month, at Addison Presbyterian Church, 233 N. Mill Road, Addison. The service is open to women, men and teens. Baby-sitting is not available. For details, visit the Web site at www.aglow.org or call Nancy at (630) 543-3016.
Congregation Kneseth Israel holds Shabbat services at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 330 Division St., Elgin. Guests are welcome. CKI believes that each person can participate in the observance of Shabbat through the use of English, Hebrew, and age-appropriate activities.
Religious school for pre-kindergarten to high school is offered. For details, call (847) 741-5656.
St. Marcelline Catholic Church announces the resumption of weekly exposition and adoration of the blessed sacrament. These holy hour are held each Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Exposition occurs when the sacred host is placed in the monstrance for viewing by the faithful. Adoration is when members of the Catholic Church unite in making continuous hours of prayer before the most blessed sacrament. Adoration of the blessed sacrament acknowledges Christ's real presence there as incarnate God. Every man, woman and child can participate by spending time in prayer before the blessed sacrament.
This holy time is held in the St. Marcelline Family Room Chapel at 820 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. Enter using the ramp at the north end of the parking lot. (847) 524-4429.
A prayer service for peace in the Middle East will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 at the 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. Call (847) 381-0243 and www.elca.org/middleeast for more information.
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.
The North Northfield United Methodist Church in Northbrook plans to celebrate the denomination's musical heritage with a Wesley Hymn Fest. The Sunday service at 10 a.m. Dec. 9 will pay tribute to Charles Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism and a prolific hymn-writer. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" are among his better known hymns.
On Dec. 21, a "Longest Night" service will be held at 7:30 p.m. This service is a quiet, meditative place for individuals who are struggling to find the "merry" in Christmas. Those who have lost loved ones, pregnancies, marriages, friendships, jobs or hope are invited to participate in prayer, anointing for healing and candle lighting.
An original production of the Christmas story will be performed during the Sunday service at 10 a.m. Dec. 23. Written by church member Stacey Tipp, the play uses humor to offer a look at the Christmas story from a new angle.
The church is located at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. For more information, call (847) 272-2250 or visit the church's Web site at www.northnorthfield.org.
Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village, offers a signed worship service Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. All are welcome. Call (847) 593-8337 for more information.
Women's programs
"A Special Waiting Time: Advent" is the topic for the Dec. 3 forum meeting of Church Women United in Northwest Cook County.
Presented as a guided meditation, recall and share Advent memories, thoughts and traditions. Give thanks to God for the Advent of the new Covenant and join in some favorite Advent and Christmas carols.
Consider bringing a new baby item (socks, pacifiers, stuffed animals, clothes up to size 2T) for Meadows Community Services for the holidays. Coffee and fellowship begin at 9:15 a.m. at the Christian Church of Arlington Heights, 333 W. Thomas Ave., Arlington Heights. No pre-registration is necessary. For information, contact Gail Radtke at (847) 255-2977.
The Women's Book Group of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Barrington, meets at 10 a.m., the second Tuesday of the month. All women in the community are welcome to come and share in these lively and insightful discussions.
There will be no meeting in December, but Jan. 11, the discussion book will be "Living Buddha, Living Christ" by Thich Nhat Hanh.
There is no fee, but please read the book before the meeting in order to fully participate. St Paul is at 401 E. Main in Barrington. For information, call Pastor Jeanne or Pastor Jana at (847) 381-0460.
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.
Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village, introduces "Fourth Fridays." This ministry for single moms and their children meets on the fourth Friday of each month from October through April. Moms will dine with their children at 6 p.m. and then enjoy dessert and tea as they hear the Good News of Jesus Christ while their children have their own supervised activity/craft time. Come and be pampered. Contact the church at (847) 593-8337 and leave a message for Laurel Hult or Kaylene Contri for more information or to make a (suggested) reservation.