McHenry Co. Notes on Religion

Notes on religion To include your church in the free listings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com or fax to (847) 608-0849.

McHenry County Jewish Congregation: The McHenry County Jewish Congregation is hosting an adult education series, led by MCJC congregants, to explore 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.

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. The synagogue is 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 Sunday. 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. Lloyd Kamps will lead the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley.

A retired minister in the United Church of Christ, he is an active member of the Huntley congregation. He is filling in after the Dec. 31 retirement of the Rev. Walter Thyng.

The Chancel Choir will sing at both services. The Crusader Bells will play at the first service.

The Sunday school children will begin studying Psalm 8, celebrating God's miraculous works and praising him for creation.

For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "The Brightness of His Dawn," based on Isaiah 60:1-6, 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, 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.

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.

Sunday is Grafton Food Pantry collection day.

A New Year Blessing Open House will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Grudt home.

The Prairie Prayer Team will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday at Citizens Bank.

On Tuesday, a book study of "The Red Tent" Anita Diamant's novel which examines the wives and concubines of Jacob from the Old Testament, will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sign up at the Welcome Table.

The confirmation class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Citizens Bank with pizza at 6 p.m.

"Sparkplugs" for Christians who like classic cars, will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Cosman Center.

Prairie Ringers chime choir will meet at 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Citizens Bank.

Lay Shepherds will meet at 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

A new member class will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 13 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 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. Michael Fish's message will be "Imagine, Part 2: A Sign for All Seekers" at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Worship services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. 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.

Awana will be Mondays with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by Kids Club from 6 to 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, TOPS meets at 11:30 a.m. and a Fun Movement Exercise Class will be offered at 7 p.m. The "Friends" Bible study meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Century 21 office on Route 31 in Algonquin.

Adult Bible studies are offered Wednesdays. At 9 a.m., study the text for the upcoming Sunday. At 7:30 p.m., they will begin a new series

The middle school "Affirmation of Faith" classes will be Wednesdays with dinner at 5:15 p.m. and classes and small groups at 6 p.m. All youth in middle school are invited to attend.

The high school youth meet at 7 p.m. Thursdays.

The Men of Faith will hold their fellowship/breakfast meeting at 8 a.m. Jan. 12 at the Old Country Buffet in Crystal Lake. All men of faith and their sons are welcome.

Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Dave Inglis, associate minister, will preach at the 10 a.m. service at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake.

There will be no Sunday school classes or nursery care available.

Various choirs begin rehearsals this week. Visit the Web site or call the church office for dates and times.

On Thursday, the "Living the Questions" class will meet at 7 p.m. The topic for the session is "Paul: A Passion for Christ." The class will be repeated at 9 a.m. Jan. 12.

On Thursday, a Taize worship service will be held at 7:15 p.m. in the chapel.

On Friday, the Enrichment Ministry presents "Friday Night at the Movies," at 7 p.m. in the church library. The title is to be announced. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Kendall Koenig begins a new sermon series, "The Light Goes Out, The World Catches a Glimpse" with "The Nations Come" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The Scripture reading for the sermon is taken from Matthew 2:1-12.

Worship services are held at 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:45, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Adult Bible study with the pastor resumes at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Welcome Center.

A new "Bible Study Adventure" for adults begins from 4:45 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Confirmation classes resume on Wednesday at 5 and 7 p.m. for all sixth- to eighth-graders. Preschool children will receive their Bibles on Jan. 19-20.

The Senior High Ski Trip to Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort will be Jan. 20-21. Registration and consent forms can be picked up in the Welcome Center at the church.

Divorce Care Small Group will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, beginning Jan. 21 and continues through March 10. This small group is for anyone going through the struggle of divorce. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

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. The Christmas/Epiphany program, "On the 13th Day of Christmas," will be at 3 p.m. Sunday. Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m. Child care is available at the 9 and 10:45 a.m.

Confirmation classes resume for the winter quarter on Wednesday. Students will be studying the Old Testament. SPARCS Movie Night for junior high youth will be at 7 p.m. Friday.

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 the nation of Tanzania in Africa.

Registration is under way for the annual women's retreat on Jan. 25-26 at the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center in the central Illinois community of Oregon. 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: This January, the Rev. Anne S. Muelleman will use modern animated films to illustrate the basic spiritual principles taught in Science of Mind at the McHenry County Church of Religious Science.

Come Sunday for "Are You Happy?" The congregation begins the new year by exploring several Truth Principles as they are illustrated in the wonderful new animated movie, "Happy Feet." Guest music will be by Tricia Alexander.

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 new fall curriculum is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." January's lessons to the realization step of treatment. Your kids will uncover wholeness and eliminate thoughts of lack and limitation. This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Knowing Truth of Love." The children's program is prepared to handle toddlers, with parental support.

The Spiritual Entrepreneur Business Networking group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce office, 427 Virginia St. 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. Sunday school will be 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. The meditation will be based on Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12.

On Jan. 27, there will be a congregational meeting after the 10 a.m. service. There also will be a luncheon after the meeting. 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: This week's Torah portion is Vaera at Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin. 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. For details, call (847) 741-5656 or visit www.ckielgin.org.

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. This week's Torah portion is Sh'mot, the first portion of Exodus, where a king arises in Egypt "who knew not Joseph," and the Israelites are enslaved. 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, after lunch. All are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www. Congregation ShiratShalom.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on Scripture from Matthew 2:1-12 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Even as the beloved story of the Magi is a story full of both fear and joy, so your life as a believer, as a follower of Christ, is also full of joy and fear. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

First Congregational: On Epiphany Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim senior pastor, presents the theme, "Picking Up The Pieces," based on Luke 6:12-19, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated. The Habitat for Humanity workday will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 12 at 1203 Sycamore in Lake in the Hills Homes are built primarily through volunteer construction labor which helps keep the cost of the homes affordable for buyers. Volunteer to help by contacting Charles Mensik at (847) 428-1988. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

Unitarian church: On Jan. 13, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, continues its two-part sermon series titled "Two Sides of the Same Coin" at 10:45 a.m.

In Part 2, "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?," the Rev. Dan Larsen will speak on one of the ways that you offer power and love to others, the Direct Assistance Program. Tom Dincecco, the director of DAP, will speak along with the pastor.

Church school students will remain at worship until after the children's story and then go to religious education class. For details, call (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org or visit www.cucw.org.