Fox Valley religion notes and events

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.

"Coping with Grief": Community United Methodist Church offers a program on "Coping with Grief" from 9 to 11:30 a.m. today at the church, 400 W. Spring St., South Elgin. It will include a question-and-answer period. Admission is free and all are welcome. For details, call (847) 931-0563.

Huntley church starts new service: At 5 p.m. today, the First Congregational Church of Huntley will hold its second contemporary worship service. This is a new venture for the church and a similar service is planned for the second Saturday of each month through spring. This refreshing approach to worship includes modern praise music and a relaxed atmosphere. This month's theme is "Prayer." The worship team includes John and Lynne Kern, Vickie and Harry Choin, Dave Dillenbeck, Ron Darnell and Sheri Storer. Tim Robison will give the sermon. Nursery care will be provided for those too young to participate. The church is at Main and Church streets in downtown Huntley. For information, call (847) 669-3691.

"Our Grief Journey": St. John Lutheran Church in Elgin will host a five-week program, "Our Grief Journey" from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays, starting Monday. The group will meet at the church annex, 101 N. Spring St. Enter through the Division Street door. The class will help those who have experienced the death of a loved one. It is a place where one can express their feelings of loss in a safe atmosphere and help them work through the grieving process and provide information for coping. It will be sponsored by St. John's Evangelism Board and the board of parish education. It will be led by parish staff from Provena St. Joseph Hospital. The program is open to everyone in the community. For details or to confirm attendance, call Nancy Koukas at (847) 742-2479 or Linda Hertel at (847) 888-1258.

Concert celebrating music director: St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church will present a special Winter Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their music director, Fergal King. Fergal and Breda King will be joined by choirs and musicians of the church as well as other guest musicians who will perform selections from King's 20-year career as a composer of contemporary sacred music. King's music is published in Ireland, Britain and the U.S. He and his wife, Breda, have released three CDs of their music over the past number of years. The Kings, who grew up in Ireland, moved to Algonquin 10 years ago to work as musicians and music ministers in the area. The church is at 111 S. Hubbard St. in Algonquin. For details, call (847) 658-7625 or visit www.stmargaretmary.org.

Seminar with Josh Young: Morning Star Church welcomes Josh Young for a special worship seminar at 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Jan. 20. Young leads worship at the North Shore Bridge Christian Fellowship and travels throughout the U.S. leading worship at conferences and worship events. In April 2005, he released his debut album, "Under Your Shadow," and in August 2006. He released his second album, "Closer." His songs have found their way into the local church and abroad. For details, visit www.joshyoungonline.com. There is no charge for these meetings. The church is at 41W350 Powers Road, just north of the I-90 Route 47 exit in Huntley. For details, call Maria at (847) 669-9800, ext. 111 or visit www.morningstarwoc.org/events.

"An Evening With Our Blessed Mother": On Jan. 22, Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road in Inverness, will host "An Evening With Our Blessed Mother" at 6 p.m. Since June 1981, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, has been appearing daily to a group of young people in a remote village in Yugoslavia called Medjugorje. The Blessed Virgin Mary identified herself as the "Queen of Peace." Her basic message is one of promoting prayer, fasting, conversion, peace and reconciliation. Of the six visionaries that Our Lady appeared to over 25 years ago, three of them receive visits from Our Lady at various times throughout the year, three of them, over 25 years later, still receive visits from the Blessed Virgin Mary every day. One of them, Ivan Dragicevic, has accepted an invitation to visit Holy Family Catholic Community on Jan. 22. More than 40 million pilgrims have been to Medjugorje since Our Lady starting appearing there over 25 years ago, including priests, bishops and cardinals. Our Blessed Mother, the Queen of Peace, is scheduled to appear and speak with Ivan on Jan. 22, while he is here at Holy Family Catholic Community. All are welcome to come and be present at this apparition. The recitation of five decades of the Rosary at 6 p.m. and about 6:40 p.m., Dragicevic will speak with Our Blessed Mother. After this apparition, the recitation of the Rosary will continue with Holy Mass at 7 p.m. and Ivan Dragicevic will give his testimony of Our Lady's message at 8 p.m. For details, call (847) 304-4846 or (847) 359-7533.

"Science of the Mind": Beginning Jan. 23, the McHenry County Church of Religious Science is offering a special four-week "Introduction class to Science of Mind," the philosophy of religious science. This class will be held at the Rev. Anne Muelleman's home in Cary on a "love offering" basis. The course takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on four consecutive Wednesdays, Jan. 23 to Feb. 13 plus a six-hour Saturday workshop on Feb. 17. This basic class will cover the paradigm, philosophy and practical application of religious science in your daily life. A "SOM 300 Practitioner" class also begins in January. This class is being offered from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays beginning Jan. 14. To register for this class, students must have completed SOM 1 and SOM 2 plus interview with the pastor. This "300" class is 32 weeks followed by a 7-month Practicum. For details, call (815) 444-0942 or www.rscgc.org/McHenry.

Celebration of sacred music: A celebration of sacred music by eight Barrington churches is coming to Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road at 7 p.m. Jan. 27. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The massed choir anthems will be"Old Hundredth Psalm Tune" by Ralph Vaughan Williams; "Greater Love Hath No Man" by Ireland; "Arise, King Jesus" by Parker/Lantz; "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by Wilhousky; and "Come to the Water" by Foley. Funding for the massed choir music and other incidental expenses was made possible by a grant award from the Barrington Area Community Foundation.

Shaun Groves performs in Elgin: Continuing its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Elgin will welcome host Dove Award nominee, Shaun Groves in concert at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at the church. Groves defies simple labels. An insightful songwriter, his musical peers nominated him for Songwriter of the Year solely on the strength of his 2001 debut, "Invitation to Eavesdrop." The lanky Texas native followed the critically acclaimed debut with the easy-alternative "Twilight" in 2003. It was followed in 2005 by "White Flag," which reflected his recent study of the Sermon of the Mount and the Beatitudes. In 2007, he released "One Night in Knoxville," a live CD recorded. The concert is free. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit Grove's ministry. The church is at 2700 W. Highland Ave. For details, call (847) 695-0311.

Order your Super Bowl hoagie: The Chancel Choir of First Congregational Church of Dundee is offering Super Bowl Sunday hoagie sandwiches for sale as a fundraiser. The cost of each hoagie is $5. Sandwiches, made according to the Dundee Scots "secret" recipe, will be available for pickup on Feb. 2 after 10:30 a.m. Order deadline is Jan. 27. The church is at 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. For details or to place your sandwich order, call the church office at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit the Web site at www.dundeefcc.org.

Good Shepherd: On Sunday, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will begin several different classes at its Nesler Road and Route 20 Christian Life Center in Elgin.

Beginning Sunday, "Good Shepherd 101," a class that provides an introduction or review of Lutheran teachings and prepares people for membership, will be held at 11 a.m. and continue for seven to eight Sunday mornings. For details, e-mail the church office at choffice@ goodshepherd-elgin.org.

A small group for those who are grieving also will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, especially for people suffering the loss of a loved one. This small group is for anyone, not only members of Good Shepherd. To enroll, e-mail rpollock@ goodshepherd-elgin.org.

A Sunday Bible study on the Book of Genesis also will begin at 7 p.m. Sunday and continue indefinitely. The study will deal with topics such as evolution, the flood, and will follow God's choice of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. To join the Bible study, e-mail rpollock@ goodshepherd-elgin.org.

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 "Bo." 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 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. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week." The next Tot Shabbat service for children of all ages will be at 6 p.m. Friday.

This week's Torah portion is "Bo," in which God hardens the heart of Pharaoh, who refuses to free the Israelites.

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.

Shabbat services at 7 p.m. Jan. 25 will be followed by a Tu Bish'vat Seder, celebrating the New Year of Trees, as the mystics did in Safed. All are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www. CongregationShiratShalom.org

Immanuel Lutheran: On Sunday, the Rev. Bruce Meissner will be sharing the message, "Dedicated to Service," at the 8 and 10:45 a.m. services at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the 10:45 a.m.

The Saturday evening and Sunday morning 8 a.m. services are traditional with organ, hymns and liturgy. The Sunday 10:45 a.m. service is a contemporary service of worship and praise featuring worship leaders and a worship ensemble. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." The service, held in the sanctuary, is piano-led and is an informal non-liturgical worship style with a music blend of favorite hymns and songs of praise. This week, the Rev. William Yonker will be sharing the first in the sermon series, "Being a Deliberate Disciple." This week's message is called "Living an Intentional Christian Life." During the message, young children are invited to participate in a children's ministry offering called "Faith Factory +" in Luther Hall, adjacent to the sanctuary. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the first youth-led service will be held at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43 and Matthew 3:13-17. Leading the worship is another way that the youth can show their love to serve Jesus Christ and the church congregation as well. The sermon will be "You're Never Too Young (or Old) to Serve." Sunday school is at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

The church is again selling hoagies for Super Bowl Sunday to help fund this year's youth mission trip. The original Dundee Scots recipe is used to make these sandwiches. Each sandwich is $5. Place your order by Jan. 27 by calling (847) 836-6347. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison will give the sermon, "God's Promise," at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin.

Special music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir, under the direction of John Slawson. A praise worship service, "Get Hooked … on the Lord," will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday. Kathy Long will be giving the message, "Connecting With God," using the Scripture reference from Isaiah 42:5-9.

"Thank Goodness It's Wednesday" sessions begin with a supper at 5:15 p.m., followed by group studies and rehearsals. The supper and worship session at 6 p.m. are open to all. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Sunday, the Appointing of Our Lord (His Baptism), the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon "Chosen," based on Luke 3:15-22, 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. A blood drive will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday. A free pie from Baker's Square for all who can give. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On the first Sunday after Epiphany, the Rev. Lois Bucher's sermon will speak on "Touched by Grace" at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The chapel service is at 8:15 and the 10:15 a.m. worship is in the sanctuary. The chancel choir will sing "Baptism Carol" by Donald Busarow at the 10:15 a.m. service.

The Joyful Noise and Cherub Choir will begin meeting at their new rehearsal time with choir leader Letty Jocius at 9 a.m. Sundays in the choir room. Children are welcome to join the music program.

Adult Christians are being "formed" at 9:15 a.m. Sundays. Stepping Stones will present Sharon Grant from GROW this Sunday to talk about this new addition to the church's mental health ministry. At the same hour, the Rev. Paris N. Donehoo continues his in-depth Bible study of the Gospel of Mark. Sunday school for youth begins at 10:15 a.m.

Friends Relying on God will meet at 6 p.m. Friday. Junior and senior high youth are welcome to help with FROGs and remain for an overnight lock-in, starting at 8:30 p.m. Bring snacks, a bottle of pop and your sleeping bag. For details, call (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline's sermon will be "Where Will the Journey Take Us?," focusing on Acts 8:26-40, at the 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.

During the church school hour, the first of a two-week series will be held in the fellowship hall. It will focus on "Growing Our Church" and asking the question "How do we extend gracious hospitality by inviting, welcoming, and making space for others to grow with us?" At noon, there will be a luncheon followed by a program to honor and celebrate the Rev. Jeanne Davies, associate pastor, and her ministry in the congregation and to wish her well in her new ministry. At 6 p.m., the Spirited Sisters will meet in room 6 of the third floor.

Also at 6 p.m., the seven-week series "Living the Questions, Part 2" will continue in the fellowship hall. This DVD curriculum is based on the ideas of Marcus Borg, John Shelby Spong, and others. It will be led by Chris Douglas and David Doudt.

The Seasoned Servants will hold a potluck/meeting at 12:30 p.m. Monday in the fellowship hall. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

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 More than Abel," inspired by Genesis 4:1-11.

The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Chorale Ensemble will render the music for the 10:30 a.m. service.

The Young Adult Ministry and the Library Ministry will host a financial seminar as well as a scholarships and grants information session from 9 a.m. to noon today. The financial seminar will cover such topics as understanding your credit score, common myths about credit reporting, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The scholarships and grants session will cover the Free Application for Federal Student Aid process as well as the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Bible study will begin at noon followed by Wonderful Wednesday at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Fourth Grade Bible Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim senior pastor, presents the theme, "Prose, Poetry and Power: A Book That Smokes," based on Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Luke 24:13-35, at 8 and 10:15 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Holy Communion will be celebrated. The fourth-grade class will be studying the Bible together. On Sunday, they are invited to attend the 10:15 a.m. service with their parents where they will receive a new Bible as a gift from the church. The Bibles selected are designed with youth in mind. In addition, each week during 9 a.m. Sunday school they will use their new Bibles to learn the weekly FaithWeaver Bible Point.

In January, the Local Mission Ministry will be collecting cans of soup for FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at 8 a.m. will be a clarinet solo by Scott Mallers. The 10:15 a.m. service will feature "How Great is Our God" by the chancel choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, accompanist; and praise songs led by Cheri Blazek, Robert Blazek, Mark Boekenhauer, Sonja Boekenhauer, Linda Gilmore and Sara Tustin.

Education for all ages takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sundays. Programs offered include Sunday school and adult teaching on the book of Mark. The adult teaching meets from 9 to 10 a.m. The study is led by the Rev. Longbottom. Explore Mark and encounter the oldest gospel witness to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers age 5 and under from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Coffee and fellowship time will follow the services.

Children are invited to go to the Sunday 10:15 a.m. service with their parents. After the message, children age 3 through sixth grade may attend KidsOwn Worship. The theme will be "Jesus Is Baptized" based on the Bible story in Matthew 3:13-17: Jesus is God's son. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe the Baptism of Our Lord as they look at the topic of "Can You Give It Up?," based on Matthew 3:15.

The blended service is at 6 p.m. Saturday, traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sunday with a contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band. Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. along with a special educational program for children called Kingdom Kids.

The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Matthew 3:13-17 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St., Carpentersville. Jesus' baptism was "from heaven," that is, it was a miraculous moment of divine intervention. Most of the really good things that come into our lives come "from heaven." Sunday school at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available. For details, call (847) 428-1712.