McHenry Co. religion notes
Notes on religion To include your church in the free listings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, fax to (847) 608-0849, or mail to 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin IL 60123.
McHenry County Jewish Congregation: The McHenry County Jewish Congregation is hosting an adult education series, led by MCJC congregants, exploring Jewish ethical teachings as they relate to us today.
Dale Morton will lead a discussion on "Jewish Business Ethics" on Jan. 17, attorney Rob Perbohner will discuss "Jewish Legal Ethics" on Feb. 7, and physician Dr. Jonathan Kaufman will explore "Jewish Medical Ethics" on March 6. All three sessions will be held at 7 p.m. at the synagogue. The series is free and open to non-members.
The Jewish Book Club will be discussing "Lost in Translation: A Life in a New Language" by Eva Hoffman. The group's next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at MCJC.
The synagogue will host a Jewish Artist Showcase in April. They are inviting area artists to participate in the art show and sale. The art could include watercolor, pottery, weaving, jewelry, acrylics and others. For details, e-mail Elaine Kadakia at ekadakia@yahoo.com.
The synagogue is still accepting registrations for membership and its religious school for the year. Instruction on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings is offered to students in second through eighth grade. Sunday-only instruction is provided to children in kindergarten and first grade and high school. For information on membership or a registration packet, call (815) 455-1810.
The synagogue has a gift shop with a wide array of Jewish-themed gift and holiday supplies that is open during religious school hours.
Shabbat services are at 6:30 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 8617 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake. Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Maralee Gordon and are free and open to everyone. This is the only Conservative Jewish congregation in McHenry County. Interfaith families are welcome. It is located on Ridgefield Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake, accessible from Route 14. For information, call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.
Tikkun Olam: Congregation Tikkun Olam is still enrolling new students in its religious school classes for the spring semester which begins on Jan. 6. Classes are offered for students in second grade through high school on alternate Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at the Crystal Lake Pathways Montessori School.
Congregation Tikkun Olam, a Reform congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, welcomes interfaith families and those who may wish to return to their Jewish roots.
School registration packets and other information on this Jewish Reform congregation, its services and adult programs, can be found on the congregation's Web site at www.tikkun-olam.org or call (815) 334-7110.
First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Walter Thyng's sermon will be "The Mystery of Ministry" at the 10 a.m. service at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley.
This will be the final worship service to be led by the pastor before his retirement. Rev. Thyng and his wife, Carol, have been with the church since November 2001. The Chancel Choir will sing and Lynne and John Kern will provide special music. The Sunday school children will watch a Christmas video. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.
St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "You Are in the Will," based on Galatians 4:4-7, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Sunday school at 10:30 a.m.
Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. A supervised nursery is offered at the 10:30 a.m. service. Coffee and fellowship follows the Sunday services on the second Sunday of each month.
The Mission Resale Shop is closed today. It will re-open after the New Year. The Mission Resale Shop, located on Washington Street, is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gifts and good quality used clothing, and small household items can be purchased at reasonable prices. Donations are gratefully appreciated, and proceeds benefit mission work locally and afar. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.
St. John's Lutheran School offers a day school program for first to eighth grade; all-day kindergarten and morning and afternoon preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Church membership is not required. To register or schedule a school tour, call Principal John Kirchhoff at (847) 658-9311.
Living Waters: On Sunday, the Rev. Michael E. Thomas leads worship at Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1808 Miller Road, Crystal Lake. Traditional service is held at 8 a.m. Sunday, followed by contemporary services at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.
Sunday school, Kids Klub, is at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. They are in the "Good News" Christmas rotation, and preparing for the Christmas pageant.
God's Groupies Sunday School for fifth- to eighth-graders is participating in the unit on "Following Jesus."
Adult forum meets at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. The high school youth group meets for Bible Study meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday at church.
Parents and children, infant to fifth grade, are welcome to Niagara Smalls at the church for activities from 5 to 6 p.m. and pizza dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. On Jan. 16, the theme is "Family of God," followed by "God Loves Me" on Feb. 13, "He Is Risen" on March 12, and "Learn to Stretch and Reach for God" on April 19.
The soup lunch and supper will follow Ash Wednesday services on Feb. 6 at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The church supports the local food pantry and accept donations of nonperishable food on the fourth Sunday of the month. Call (815) 455-2424 or visit www.livingwaterschurch.com
Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach at both services at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 and 10:30 a.m. services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service.
Sunday school and nursery care are available at both services.
The Prairie Prayer Team will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday at Citizens Bank.
The 2008 sign-up sheets for the flower chart and coffee ministry, are ready on the Welcome Table for your sign up.
The church's bridge games will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at MidAmerica Bank, 13300 Route 47 in Huntley.
A "Happy Epiphany" open house will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Grudts' home.
The next Shepherd of the Prairie bridge game will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at MidAmerica Bank.
Prairie Points Quilters resumes from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 15 at Citizens Bank. After the holidays, the regular dates will be the first and third Tuesdays of the month. This quilting group is open to the whole community and all are welcomed to come and quilt.
Shepherd of the Prairie Members Photo Directory is ready to be picked up at the Welcome Table; only one per family.
The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.
Faith Community: On Sunday, the Rev. Bruce Cole will lead worship at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Worship services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through second grade.
There will be no adult Bible studies or youth classes this week.
Kids are invited to a birthday party for Jesus from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday.
Preschool registration is now open for the 2007-08 school year. Call Michelle Sullivan at (224) 569-6512 for information
Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.
Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, will close out 2007 with an informal worship at 10:45 a.m.
Carol Alfus will lead the gathering in the church basement, which will give the congregation an opportunity to share cookies, coffeecake and conversation. Attendees will play a game called "Life Stories" where they share stories about important events and people in their lives and how they are influenced by them.
For details, call (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org or visit www.cucw.org.
First Congregational: On Sunday, Rev. Bette Zattau and the Young Adult Alumni group will lead the 10 a.m. only service at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake.
There will be no Sunday school classes, but nursery care will be available.
On Thursday, a Taize worship service will be held at 7:15 p.m. in the chapel. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.
Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, the Rev. Harold J. Hoekstra will share the message at 7:45, 9 and 10:45 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. Holy Communion will be celebrated at all services.
Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m. There will be no Sunday school on Sunday. Child care is available at the 9 and 10:45 a.m.
The Christmas/Epiphany program, "On the 13th Day of Christmas," will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 6.
Confirmation classes resume for the winter quarter on Jan. 9. Students will be studying the Old Testament.
SPARCS Movie Night for junior high youth will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 11.
Milestone Sundays in January include: Jan. 13, second grade, "My Baptism Revisited;" and Jan. 27, first grade, "Praying the Lord's Prayer."
The Outreach Ministry in January is Meals on Wheels. Bethany members will be delivering meals the weeks of Jan. 14 and 21.
The elementary retreat, "Walking Wet," is planned for Jan. 18-19 at Lutherdale Bible Camp in Elkhorn, Wis.
"The Light of God" hymn festival, led by led by organist John A. Behnke, will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 20. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake.
The family tobogganing outing at Lutherdale Bible Camp will be noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 20.
The Senior Breakfast Club meets at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at the Colonial Restaurant in Crystal Lake. The guest speaker will be Carolyn Wahl sharing about her recent trip to Tanzania, Africa.
Registration is under way for the annual women's retreat on Jan. 25-26 at the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center, Oregon, Ill. This year's theme is "Exploring Ways to Re-balance Your Life."
For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.
McHenry County Church of Religious Science: As the year comes to a close, the McHenry County Church of Religious Science will focus on the magic that the month of December and Christmas holidays bring. Discover the magic and wonder in your life. The Rev. Anne S. Muelleman will discuss "The Greatest Magic of All."
Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday celebration service, and children's program at the Country Inn and Suites, 600 Tracy Trail in Crystal Lake. If you arrive early there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m.
The current curriculum is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." Your kids will develop an understanding that "Love is What I Am." This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Love Just Keeps Going." The children's program is prepared to handle toddlers, with parental support.
For details, call (815) 444-0942 or www.rscgc.org/McHenry.
Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, the Rev. Michelle McNamara will preach at 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The meditation will be based on Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148, Hebrews 2:10-18 and Matthew 2:13-23.
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Program will be held Tuesdays, Jan. 29 through Feb. 26. The God and Me Program for first through third grade will be from 4 to 5 p.m. The God and Family program for fourth and fifth grade will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The times for the God and Church program for sixth through eighth grade will be announced later. For information, call the church office (847) 658-5308.
Shop at the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop, 307 S. Main St. in Algonquin. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The church is handicap accessible at the rear entrance. For details, call (847) 658-5308.
Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel provides a full range of religious and community programs. A youth program is available for sixth grade to high school. In addition, interest groups meet regularly for men, women, seniors, and others. Consult the monthly newsletter which is available at www.ckielgin.org.
This week's Torah portion is Shemot. The service is led by Rabbi Jonathan Kohn in prayer and study. Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St. in 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. For details, call (847) 741-5656.
Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers friendly, participatory Shabbat services, led by Cantor Sarah Alexander, at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays and followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week."
This week's Torah portion is Va-era, where God makes himself known to Moses by name. Adult education classes are held on Thursdays and Saturdays. A class on "Believing in G-d" will be held at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 19, immediately after lunch. Guests are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org
Immanuel Lutheran: On Jan. 6, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee, will have cantata celebration services of music and the Word at the 8 and 10:45 a.m. worship with special music from the vocal, instrumental and handbell ensembles of Immanuel's music program. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org. See what is new in worship, listen to recent sermons, find out what is happening at the church or the day school program, or send a question or comment that might allow the church to better connect with you.
First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Steven Mindrup leads worship at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10-18 and Matthew 2:13-23. Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through high school at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.
The Mitten Tree in the Fireside Room welcomes donations of hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for children of area elementary schools. Recycle a cell phone by dropping it off in the Fireside Room. Also FISH Food Pantry donations are welcome as well as Campbell's Soup UPC codes. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.
St. John: On Sunday, the First Sunday after Christmas, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Christmas Joy," based on Colossians 3:12-17, at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship will be at 9 a.m. and Sunday school and Bible study at 9:15 a.m. The choirs practice Wednesdays with the voice choir at 6:30 p.m. and bell choir at 7:30 p.m. TOPS meets at 6 p.m. Mondays. Weight Watchers meet at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. The monthly men's breakfast Bible study is the first Saturday of the month at 7 a.m. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.
Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will bring the message at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The message will be "I'm Tired of Living Like a Lunatic," inspired by Matthew 17:14-20.
The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Combined Choir will render the music for the 10:30 a.m. service.
New Year's Eve Watch Service celebration will begin at 10 p.m. The theme for this year's celebration is "A New Day Has Begun!" This celebration of Watch Services -- also known as Freedom's Eve -- in black communities can be traced back to Dec. 31, 1862. President Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation -- the promise that all slaves of the Confederate States were legally free -- set the stage for this yearly celebration. The slaves gathered at the churches awaiting the strike of midnight. On Jan. 1, 1863, when the slaves received news of their freedom, they prayed and fell to their knees giving thanks to God.
This week, Bible study will begin at noon followed by Wonderful Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. Bus and childcare services are available. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.
First Congregational: On this Farewell Sunday to the Rev. Richard Nye, transitional pastor, the theme will be "The Message of the Candles," based on Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 2:8-14, at the 8 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee.
Sunday's Ministry of Music will feature Roy Hansen on trumpet, "Trumpeting in the New Year," with accompanist Linda Gilmore.
Education for all ages takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sundays. Programs offered include Sunday school for children age 3 through eighth grade and adult teaching. Nursery care is available for those age 5 and under from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Children should be signed in and out.
A farewell reception will follow the services in the narthex hosted by the church council in honor of the pastor.
Children are invited to go to the Sunday 10:15 a.m. service with their parents. After the KidsOwn Worship message, children age 3 through sixth grade may attend KidsOwn Worship, a special children's church designed especially for them. The theme will be "Foreign Visitors Worship Jesus," based on the Bible story in Matthew 2:1-12: Everyone needs Jesus. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.