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Advent programs

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.

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.

St. Peter Community Church, 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook, (Pfingsten and Willow roads) will offer several Christmas events. Santa comes for a visit to St. Peter at 11 a.m. Dec. 23.

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines, will offer 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.

Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, will offer "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.

Children, teens

Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, invites everyone to a Children's Christmas Pageant at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 23.

Northbrook Congregation Ezra Habonim, 2095 Landwehr Road in Northbrook, which has its own religious school for children starting at age 3 through Hebrew High School, also offers educational programs to adults at the synagogue through Rabbi Yehoshua Karsh of the TorahLearning Center (TLC).

In addition, NCEH also offers space to the Russian Jewish Community through programs coordinated by Rabbi Eliezer Dimarksi. The name of Rabbi Dimarsky's school is the Heritage Family School.

For further information about Northbrook Congregation Ezra Habonim, call (847) 480-1680 or check the Web site, www.nceh.org.

Family

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.

Fundraisers

Congregation Beth Judea cordially all to its second annual Viva Las Long Grove, an evening of gaming tables, live auction, silent auction and fun Feb. 9.

For further information, contact Lisa Neiman, Beth Judea's executive director at the synagogue office (847) 634-0777.

Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

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 details, call Gene and Eileen Farrell at (847) 843-1975.

The course "Kabbalah -- Exploring Jewish Mysticism" will be taught by Rabbi Robert Gamer at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. All classes meet at 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 15, 22 and 29 and Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Call the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 for further information.

The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea will be offering a class at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 16 to Feb. 20, titled "Understanding Prayer." The classes will be led by Norm Kurtz of the BJ Men's Club and are open to all.

Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. For further information, contact the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Norm.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will host a Beginner's Workshop lead by Judy Frazin at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. This program is designed to help answer the question: "How do I get started researching my family?" For additional information, visit http://www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or phone (312) 666-0100.

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.

Basic Buddhism Classes are offered the first Sunday of every month at Rissho Kosei Kai Buddhist Church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. The next class will be Jan. 6. All are welcome to attend the 10 a.m. service, followed by hoza (discussion) and Buddhism class. The topic will be "The Four Noble Truths." (847) 394-0809.

Queen of the Rosary Ministry Center, 680 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, will hold a six-week series, "Catholics Returning Home" at 7:30 p.m., beginning Monday, Jan. 7. Sessions are for non-practicing Catholics who are seeking answers about returning to the church. There will be informal sharing and an update of the Catholic faith. For details, call Rick Kaiser at (847) 439-1898.

St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, will offer "New Life! @ Saint Peter," which will introduce participants to the basics of the Christian faith from the Lutheran perspective or serve as a refresher, as well as connect people to the life and ministry at St. Peter. Classes starting Jan. 8. Contact Pastor Greiner, Bruce Rudi, principal, or Karen Kogler at (847) 259-4114.

Men's fellowship

The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea is going to the United Center Feb. 12 to watch the Chicago Bulls take on the New Orleans Hornets. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Cost is $30 per ticket. For further information, leave a message for Men's Club Program Chairman Fred Rabinowitz at the synagogue office, (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village, welcomes all men high school age and up to their next "Men's Breakfast" at 8 a.m. Jan. 5. Youth pastor Jeremiah Clapper will be sharing.

There is no cost, but a goodwill offering will be taken. The church is located just south of Alexian Brothers Medical Center. Come have a good breakfast and hear the word of God before you get busy. Call (847) 593-8337 or check our Web site at www.elkgrovebaptistchurch.org for information and/or directions to the church.

Miscellaneous

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 to 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:

• A life-size Creche will be displayed in an outdoor worship area approximately 50 feet from the parking lot through Dec. 23.

• 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.

• Winter Break Bible School: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, December 28 and Friday, January 4. Children of all ages welcome to come and celebrate the season through singing special songs, Bible stories, treats, crafts and fun games. There is no charge for this program.

For information on any of the programs, call (847) 998-1946.

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 collecting mittens, caps, scarves, slippers and socks for a Mitten Tree. Donations will be collected through Jan. 15 for local children at the Mark Twain School in Wheeling. For information, call (847) 272-2250 or visit northnorthfield.org.

The Compassion Cottage has been moved to the parking lot of St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 S. Wille in Mount Prospect.

The cottage was built by volunteers in Barrington after they visited the Gulf Coast and saw the living conditions people were living in more than two years after Hurricane Katrina.

The church plans to give tours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday and Dec 30; and from 9-11 a.m. Thursday and Friday.

St. Mark has sent three work groups to Mississippi to help with rebuilding. The church will accept monetary donations that will be sent to the Gulf Coast area.

The cottage will be going on a national tour in January to promote awareness of the ongoing need for Katrina victims.

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

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.

Seniors

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 9:45 a.m., 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.

At 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. Dec. 23, services will feature the annual Mary's Sunday Worship service with special music atPrince Of Peace Lutheran (ELCA), 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. (847) 885-7010. www.princeofpeace.net.

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.

Christ The King Evangelical Lutheran Church (Wisconsin Synod), 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine will offer only one service, at 9:30 a.m., Dec. 30. In addition, a prayerful Holy Communion service will be offered at 6:30 p.m. New Year's Eve, Dec. 31; and Epiphany services will be at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Jan. 6, with an international meal to follow at 11:30 a.m. in fellowship hall. For information, call (847) 358-0230 or visit www.ByFaithAlone.org.

Christ Lutheran Church (ELCA) 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine, will have one combined traditional and contemporary service at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 30, featuring a Christmas carol sing. (847) 358-4600

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.

Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Church, 3700 Dundee Road, Northbrook, will offer New Year's Eve Mass at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 and New Year's Day Mass at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 1. (847) 272-5686, www.olbparish.org

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church, 411 N. Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights, will offer New Year's Day Mass at 10 am. Jan. 1. For information, call the church at (847) 255-7452.

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.

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines,s will offer worship services at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Dec. 30 and a New Year's Eve service at 7 p.m. Dec. 31

Join Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road in Des Plaines, at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 for a special Burning Bowl Service.

Probably everyone, at some point in time, has wanted the opportunity to have a new beginning and start over. Unity Northwest Church's annual Burning Bowl Service presents just such an opportunity.

After prayers and personal self-reflection, the Burning Bowl Service uses the symbolism of burning a piece of paper upon which participants have written whatever thoughts, habits, etc., that no longer serve them or their spiritual path. It allows you to symbolically release and let go of that which is keeping you from your highest good. Move into the New Year with a lighter load, and liberated from what might be holding you back.

A freewill offering will be accepted. For more information, call (847) 297-0997.

Christ Church, United Church of Christ, 1492 Henry Ave., Des Plaines, will have a New Year's Eve Service of Meditation with Holy Communion at 6 p.m. Dec. 31. The church building is accessible.

Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, will offer; New Year's Eve Communion service "Yesterday, Today, and Forever" at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. All are invited. Call (847) 253-4839 for information.

The Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, will celebrate the Twelfth Night of Christmas Jan. 5 at a "Where is the Child?" Epiphany Party. Festivities recall the quest of the three Wise Men and their arrival in Bethlehem. Activities begin at 5 p.m. and include a taco bar supper, worship, pinata bashing, and a bonfire. Visitors of all ages are welcome. Check www.CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650 for additional information.

First United Methodist Of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, will have only one service at 10 am. Dec. 30. (847) 255-5112, www.ahfumc.org.

St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, will present children's Christmas services with Communion at 6 p.m. Dec. 22; and Advent Lessons and Carols at 8 and 9:30 a.m. Dec. 23.

St. Peter Lutheran (Missouri Synod), 111 W. Olive, Arlington Heights, will offer a New Year's Eve service at 7 p.m. Dec. 31.

The Church of the Incarnation, 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, invites all to see the church school children and youth group present a special Christmas service at 10:15 a.m. Dec. 23 in the sanctuary. For more information, call (847) 956-1510.

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 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 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.