Your Faith
To submit items, e-mail faith@dailyherald.com, or send fax to (847) 427-1301.
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. 17.
Advent programs
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 1116 E Devon Ave., Bartlett, will hold Advent services at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, through Dec. 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.
Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett is excited to present an all-ages Christmas Program called "Away in a Manger," at 3 p.m. Dec. 16. Come and experience the real, amazing, Christmas story as told and sung by children. For information, call (630) 830-3630 or visit www.livinglordlutheran.org. Living Lord Church is at 1044 Congress Drive, just south of Stearns Road on Route 59.
Our Saviour's United Methodist Church will hold 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 more than 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.
Living Faith Cathedral Worship Center Church will have its 7th annual Angel Tree Christmas at 4 p.m. Dec 22 at Prince of Peace Church, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. Enjoy storytelling, sing Christmas carols and rejoice in the Lord. For information, call the Rev. Larry S. Bullock at (847) 708-1597 or visit www.livingfaithcwc.com.
Simbang Gabi, a Filipino Advent tradition, will be celebrated Dec. 22 at Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. Mass starts at 6 p.m. and will feature Filipino and American Christmas music. A reception with food and folk dancing will follow at the Social Center. Admission is free. (847) 359-0042.
Christ the King Ev. Lutheran Church (Wisconsin Synod), 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine, will offer midweek Advent song services at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Dec. 19, with parish meals to precede at 6 p.m.
In addition, the church will host Weihnachtsfest, a German Christmas Service, at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 16. This will feature a beautiful German liturgy, followed by a festive gathering of music, food and fun.
(847) 358-0230. www.ByFaithAlone.org
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, will offer Advent children's Christmas programs at 12:30 p.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.
The annual Christmas sing follows the 10 a.m. service Dec. 16 at First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Barrington. Come to the church at 421 E. Main St. and join in singing familiar carols and hymns. Afterward, all are welcome to browse the selection of Bibles, children's books, inspirational CDs and other gift ideas at The Christian Science Reading Room just down Main Street. Special holiday hours after the Christmas sing. Call (847) 381-0939 for information and directions.
St. John United Church of Christ, at 1475 W Algonquin Road (at Roselle Road intersection), Palatine, will have its second Live Nativity outside the church's front entrance at 5 p.m. Dec. 24.
Hope Lutheran Church, Checker and Arlington Heights roads, Long Grove will offer midweek Advent services at 7 p.m. every Wednesday during Advent. The themes are: Dec. 19: "Ask and You Will Receive." Every Sunday during Advent at 11 a.m., Hope will present the an Advent message series: Dec. 16: "A Father's Perspective: The King"; Dec. 23: "God's Perspective: The Savior."
North Northfield United Methodist Church in Northbrook will offer Wednesday evening Advent gatherings.
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 at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. For information, call (847) 272-2250 or visit www.northnorthfield.org.
St. Peter Community Church, 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook, (Pfingsten and Willow roads) will offer several Christmas events. Jesus Birthday Party will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 16. The Children of St. Peter will perform "Bethlehem Inn" at 10 a.m. Dec. 16. Adults and children will go caroling to shut-ins and nursing homes at 4 p.m. Dec. 16 --meet in the back parking lot of St. Peter and carpool with the other carolers. Return to St. Peter for a light supper. Santa comes for a visit to St. Peter at 11 a.m. Dec. 23.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will offer midweek Advent services at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, through Dec. 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.
For information, call the church office at (847) 827-6656.
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines, will offer midweek Advent services at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, through Dec. 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.
Dec. 16: German Christmas Service, 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 23: Choir Advent/Christmas service, 8 a.m.; Sunday School/Bible classes 9:15; worship service: 10:30.
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.
Advent services will be celebrated at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Call (847) 253-4839 for more information.
Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, will offer special services this season: Advent Lessons and Carols Worship led by the Faith Choir and King's Ringers Bell Choir at 10 a.m. Dec. 16; Advent Service with the theme of "Joseph" at 7 p.m. Dec. 19; "Christmas Letters" led by the children of faith at 10 a.m. Dec. 23 in which a grandmother and her grandchildren write letters to the people who were present at the first Christmas and share the responses they receive from those who were there when Christ was born. The early childhood department tells the congregation what the letters of Christmas mean to them.
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
St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, offers midweek Advent services on Wednesdays, through Dec. 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
Christ Lutheran Church will present its Children's Christmas Program "Is It Really Christmas," which tells the true meaning of Christmas, at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 16. Regular services will still be held at 8:30 a.m. (traditional) and 10:30 a.m. (contemporary). The church is located at 41 S. Rohlwing Road in Palatine.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, invites everyone to a Children's Christmas Pageant at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 23.
The children of Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines, will celebrate A Birthday Party for Jesus at 9:15 a.m. Dec. 16. Gifts brought by the children will be unwrapped toys for the children of the Chicago Uptown Ministry.
Following the party, the children will assemble in the church sanctuary to present their Christmas program, "Christmas Night Fair and Bright -- Jesus Born for Us" during the 10:30 a.m. worship service.
The Christmas program by the students of Immanuel Lutheran School, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines, will take place at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 19 during the midweek worship services.
"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.
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 information or visit www.ahfumc.org.
Family
The community is invited to a special family event Dec. 16 at Kingswood United Methodist Church, 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove, to celebrate the Christmas season. Come learn about Christmas traditions around the world with stories and songs.
The festivities begin with caroling from 6-6:30 p.m. Then at 6:30 p.m. join in the sanctuary for a live re-enactment of the Nativity story along with special Christmas musical performances by the children's choir, Glory Fingers Puppet Team, Praise Band and a host of singers. (847) 398-0770, www.kingswoodumc.com.
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 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 on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For information, call the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777.
Mount. Prospect Bible Church, 505 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect, will present "Jesus Born This Day," its annual Christmas Program, music and drama of the Christmas Story at 7 p.m. Dec. 16. Free admission. Bring your family and friends for a heartwarming drama of Jesus' birthday.
Children, their families and friends of all ages are invited to spend "A Night in Bethlehem," Dec. 15 at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. Everyone at the event will have a chance to see, taste, touch and feel what life was like in Bethlehem on the night that Jesus was born. Dinner will be served. Guests will hear festive music, wander through a marketplace, encounter a census taker, meet shepherds -- hear the incredible Christmas story.
Festivities start at 3 p.m. for children ages 4 years and older. Families and friends are invited to join the party at 5:15 p.m. for dinner and storytelling. Visitors are welcome. Call (847) 392-6650 for information and to reserve a space in this Holy Land Experience.
Fundraisers
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.
Immanuel Lutheran Church at 1166 E. Devon Ave., Bartlett, will sponsor a pancake breakfast from 10:45 a.m.-noon Dec. 16. Proceeds will go to support the Voice of Care ministry for the disabled and handicapped in the area. The public is invited. This is a fundraiser and Thrivent will match the profits.
Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine, is sponsoring on Dec. 15 the Living Nativity Pageant at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on the church lawn. For information, call (847) 397-4372.
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 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 information or visit www.ahfumc.org.
Lectures, seminars
St. Marcelline Catholic Church welcomes those who are Catholic who have been away from the church for awhile. Join for informal listening sessions and an update of the Catholic faith facilitated by Catholics formerly adrift. The sessions are conducted in an adult learning environment. Contact Deacon John at St. Marcelline Catholic Church, 822 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, at (847) 524-4429 or at jzeller@stmarcelline.com.
Sessions begin at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 3. Register now.
St. Hubert's in Hoffman Estates will begin a series called Catholics Returning Home on six consecutive evenings beginning at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 in the Parish Ministry Center, 729 Grand Canyon St.. These sessions are for nonpracticing Catholics who are seeking answers to questions about returning to the church. There will be informal sharing and an update of the Catholic faith and the church. For more details, call Gene and Eileen Farrell at (847) 843-1975.
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 the Web site greatplainszen.org/workshops to register, or call (847) 274-4793.
The Board of Jewish Education of Metropolitan Chicago (BJE) offers a program to help young parents master the challenge of parenting Jewish children.
New classes are being offered at several locations within the Chicago-area Jewish community. Parents of preschool children, of all levels of knowledge or observance, are welcome. Classes are held at Anshe Emet Synagogue in Chicago, Beth Emet the Free Synagogue in Evanston, and BJE in Northbrook. For information and class schedules, call Paula Spitz at (847) 291-7788, ext. 1321 or visit www.bjechicago.org.
Miscellaneous
"The Advent of Jesus: What it Means Today" will be presented at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 16 on WNDZ, 750 AM. Listen to interview with people of prayer, who have found the Christmas message renews and regenerates afresh. Tune in half an hour earlier to the same station to hear "God the Preserver of Man," the Bible lesson which forms the core of this Sunday's worship service in all area Christian Science churches. Visit www.chicagospirituality.com for the location of a nearby church, or call 1-800-222-6793 for additional information.
Faith World Outreach, 6N100 Route 59, Bartlett, is partnering with Angel Food Ministries to provide groceries to those in need. For $25, a family in need receives a box of quality groceries, both fresh and frozen items. For information, call Faith World Outreach at (630) 830-0193 or go to www.angelfoodministries.com.
Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett, will offer the following programs. They are free and open to the public. For information, call (630) 213-0100.
• Dec. 28, 7 p.m.: The Tapestry Chorus of Immanual United Church of Christ in Streamwood will perform a Christmas Cantata, "Journey of Hope" by Camp Kirkland and Tom Fettke. This 18-voice chorus is led by Music Director Tina Anderson.
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.
New Beginnings formally of St. Hubert's Church is now moving and will be having its Monday evening meetings at St. Mathew's Church, 1001 Schaumburg Road (in the Hughes Center), Schaumburg. Contacts: Joan Neville at (847) 397-9643 or Bob Maczko at (847) 537-2517.
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 public is invited to a Game Night, sponsored by Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church's Rainbow Friends, from 7-10 p.m. Jan. 5. The event, to be held at the church, is designed to allow participants time to get to know a variety of different people and to affirm Countryside's values of celebrating all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation.
This will be an evening of board and card games along with refreshments. There is no charge for the event, but participants are asked to bring a snack to share, as well as make reservations by calling (847) 660-6077 or e-mailing susandeluca@comcast.
Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine, between Northwest Highway and Dundee. Directions may be obtained at www.ccuu.org or by phoning (847) 359-8440.
St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, will hold the following programs during December:
The Sunday School Christmas Program, "Joy to the World," will be presented at both the 8:30 and 10 a.m. services Dec. 16.
• A life-size Creche will be displayed in an outdoor worship area approximately 50 feet from the parking lot Dec. 16-23.
• Christmas Vacation Bible School, "The True Meaning of Christmas," for children of all ages will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 21 will offer three hours of learning fun and special activities. There is no charge and snacks are included.
• Christmas Jubilee from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Dec. 22 for adults and children of all ages. Meet Santa from 4:30 to 5 p.m., meet the Baby Jesus from 5 to 5:30 p.m. and sing Christmas songs from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Hot drinks and Christmas treats will be provided. Special music presented by the Brass Quartet from Glenbrook South High School.
• Family Movie Night featuring "The Nativity Story," (recent release) will be shown on a high quality projection system from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 23. Open to all ages, includes pizza, snacks and refreshments.
• A Christmas Brunch, noon to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 25, is offered for anyone looking for a free meal and/or some Christmas Day fellowship. Sponsored by St. Philip's Meal Kitchen Crew. Santa may even show up. To make a reservation (not required, but preferred), call (847) 998-1946.
For information on any of the programs, call (847) 998-1946.
St Joseph the Worker Church and the First Korean United Methodist Church of Wheeling recently partnered with the Knights of Columbus Council #4837 to provide over 100 needy area families with Thanksgiving turkeys and food baskets.
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 information, call (847) 272-2250 or visit northnorthfield.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 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 send e-mail addressed to Jan Craddock at jan11181@comcast.net.
Performances
Quest Theatre Ensemble will present "Blue Nativity" at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. The 30-minute show includes 10 puppeteers, playing 28 larger than life puppets, as well as, a singer who narrates with folk songs and Christmas carols, accompanied by a guitarist. The score composed of original songs and traditional carols tells the story as if encountering it for the first time. For information, call (847) 895-3654
The Village Church of Barrington presents "The Journey," a Christmas musical for the entire family, at 7 p.m. Dec. 15. Reserve your tickets today by calling (847) 381-5221. The Village Church of Barrington is at 1600 E. Main St., Barrington.
"Repeat the Sounding Joy" Christmas Concert will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at Grace Lutheran Church, 1624 E. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. Take time that day to come and hear music of the season, sing carols, and enjoy a fabulous reception. (847) 824-7408.
North Northfield United Methodist Church in Northbrook will present a Christmas play with an intergenerational cast during the 10 a.m. service Dec. 23. The public is invited to attend the service at the church, which celebrated its 170th anniversary this year and is at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. For information, call (847) 272-2250 or visit www.northnorthfield.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.
A "Glory of Christmas" concert 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. 16. A broad spectrum of music will be performed, with John Rutter's "Gloria" as the featured work.
New songs and favorite carols are woven together with the spoken Word in "A New Birth … A New Beginning," a sacred Christmas concert to be performed at 10:15 a.m. Dec. 16 by select instrumentalists and vocalists as well as the adult choir of the First Baptist Church of Arlington Heights. The concert will take place at the church, 1211 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. No reservations or tickets are required. The free concert is open to the public. For information, call (847) 392-1712 or visit www.fbcah.org.
Seniors
A traditional Christmas carol sing-along will be featured during the Senior Fellowship potluck lunch at noon Dec. 18 at North Northfield United Methodist Church.
Donna Drewes, formerly the church organist and a former Northbrook resident, will provide accompaniment on piano. The public is invited to attend, and to bring a friend and a dish to pass.
The "Senior" group is all-inclusive, so persons attending don't need to qualify as a "senior" to come and enjoy the lunch, fellowship, and singing.
The event will be held at the church, which celebrated its 170th anniversary this year and 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, 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
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.
Celebrate the Joys of Conservative Judaism at Congregation Shirat Shalom in Elgin. Friendly, participatory Shabbat services are held every Saturday at 9:45am, and are followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week".
Guests are always welcome. For information, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.
St. Marcelline Catholic Church announces the resumption of weekly exposition and adoration of the blessed sacrament. These are held each Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Family Room Chapel. 822 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 524-4429.
Church of the Cross Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 475 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates, will offer "Blue Christmas," a special service for those who have trouble celebrating Christmas due to a death in the family or other troubles, at 7 p.m. Dec. 16.
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.
The Longest Night Worship Service will be held at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 21 at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Barrington.
The holiday season for many people can actually be the least happy time of year. This year the winter solstice, the longest night, will be a time for a special service of healing open to the community. The church is at 909 E. Main St. (Lake-Cook Road and Eastern Avenue).
Questions? Contact the church office at (847) 381-0243 or at office@churchofatonement.org.
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 will offer a "Longest Night" service at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 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 at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. For nformation, call (847) 272-2250 or visit northnorthfield.org.
Park Ridge Community Church will hold a service of comfort and hope at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21. The service is open to anyone in the community who may be experiencing the loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, financial insecurity, or sadness remembering Christmases past.
All are welcome to join this service of comfort and hope during the height of the Christmas season at Park Ridge Community Church, 100 S. Courtland Ave., Park Ridge.
For more information on church services and programs, contact the PRCC office at (847) 823-3164 or see www.parkridgecommunitychurch.org.
The annual German Christmas service at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16 will provide unique worship opportunities at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines. The Rev. James Kellerman, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Chicago, will officiate at the all-German service of carols, lessons, and a homily. Everyone familiar with the German language is welcome.
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 information.
St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, will present children's Christmas services at noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 19; 7 p.m. Dec. 20; with Communion at 6 p.m. Dec. 22; and Advent Lessons and Carols at 8 and 9:30 a.m. Dec. 23.
First Presbyterian Church, 302 N. Dunton Ave. in Arlington Heights, will hold a "Blue Christmas" service on at 7 p.m. Dec. 18 around the fireplace in the church parlor. It is for anyone who is feeling "blue" during this holiday season, especially those who are grieving or suffering for any reason. There will be music, readings, and candle lighting in a supportive environment.
Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows, is using "Christmas in the Meadows" as its current worship theme. On Dec. 16, D.B. Antrim, pastor of family ministries will speak on the subject of "A Family Christmas Celebration" at a single worship service at 10:30 a.m.
The Adventure Club (4 years old through sixth grade) also meets at 10:30 a.m. Two adult classes, Children's Church (grades one through six) and the Student Ministries class (grades seven through 12) meet at 9 a.m. Also, an opportunity for informal fellowship will be available from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the main lobby.
The AWANA Christmas program will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 20. Call (847) 255-8764 for more information.
Women's programs
Women of all ages (high school on up) are invited to the sixth annual Women's Winter Retreat from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 26 at Living Lord Lutheran Church. The theme for the day is "Celebrate!" Attendees will share fun, good food, inspiring music and messages, and spiritual nurturing. For more information and registration, visit www.livinglordlutheran.org or call the church office at (630) 830-3630. Registration ($25, or $10 for students) includes a continental breakfast and a light lunch and is due by Jan. 6. Living Lord Church is located at 1044 Congress Drive, just south of Stearns Road on Route 59.
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.
The Presbyterian Women's circles of the Presbyterian Church in Palatine will be meeting at various times during the day and evening Dec. 19 for Bible study and fellowship. Babysitting is available. All women are invited and encouraged to attend. The church is located at 800 E. Palatine Road. Call the church office at (847) 358-4650 for details.
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. Call the church at (847) 593-8337 and leave a message for Laurel Hult or Kaylene Contri for information or to make a (suggested) reservation.