Lake Co. religion notes and events

To have your information included, e-mail it each week by noon Tuesday to faith@dailyherald.com, fax it to (847) 680-0189 or mail to Religion listings, 1795 N. Butterfield Road, Suite 100, Libertyville, IL 60048.

Anshe Tikvah: At 7 p.m. Monday, adult education with Rob Jury is offered -- "Sex in the Text in the Talmud." Come and learn the story of Rabbi Kahanah and his zeal for learning. This is not a story you learned in Hebrew school. R.S.V.P. at (847) 917-7726. Also, a Shabbat service will be offered on Friday at the "Life Care Center," 103 Shelter Road, Lincolnshire. www.anshetikvah.org.

Catholic high schools across the Archdiocese of Chicago will administer their annual placement tests for all eighth-grade students at 8 a.m. today.

Catholic, public or private school students who are interested in attending archdiocesan high schools this coming fall should report to the high school they wish to attend to take the test, and bring two No. 2 pencils and a check or money order for the $25 exam fee made payable to the school. Test results will be mailed to students Feb. 15.

Area high schools participating include St. Viator, 1213 E. Oakton St., Arlington Heights; Carmel, one Carmel Pkwy., Mundelein; Notre Dame, 7655 W. Dempster St, Niles; St. Martin de Porres, 515 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan.

Congregation Or Shalom: A dinner club, open to all synagogue members over 21 years old, continues starting today. The theme is soups and salads. Any member who wants to share good food and good company, favorite dishes and recipes is welcome to participate. For more information, contact miah@psc-usa.com. Located at 21 Hawthorn Parkway in Vernon Hills, Or Shalom is a Reform Jewish congregation. For additional information on Congregation Or Shalom and upcoming events, call (847) 362-1948 or visit the Web site, www.orshalomlc.org.

• January worship services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Jan. 25. Saturday morning services will be held today, Jan. 19 and 26.

• A book club will be reviewing two books -- one in January and one in April, at Hawthorn Lakes. At 7 p.m. Jan. 20, the group will review "Marc Chagall" by author Jonathan Wilson, who portrays the life and career of this remarkable artist, showing how his work reflects both a nostalgia for a vanished past as well as life in the early 20th century.

On April 6, from 9 to 10:15 a.m., the group will review "Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky. This is a book that was published more than 60 years after the author's death at Auschwitz. The book illustrates life under Nazi occupation.

• A family retreat is a special event scheduled for Feb. 1-3. In addition to singing marathons, food, games and other activities will be an adult study session.

• Starting in February, a special Thursday morning series called "Cooking with the Rabbi," continues, Feb. 14 and 28, March 13, and on April 3 and 17, from 10 to 11:15 a.m. The only pre-requisites for this course are an $18 fee and a desire to have fun cooking.

Grace Lutheran Church: "Growing with Grace" children's program will be accepting applications for their "Terrific Two's" and their new "Tremendous Three's" programs beginning Feb. 4. The Terrific Two's Program is for children turning 2 years old by Sept. 1. For more information on this program, contact Beth Zupkus at (847) 367-7050 or visit www.aboutgracelutheran.org.

Grace Lutheran Church also introduces its Growing with Grace Tremendous Three's program. Grace Lutheran Church in Libertyville is offering a new nondenominational preschool program for the 2008-2009 school year. This program is for children turning 3 years old by Sept. 1. Open registration will begin Feb. 4th. For more information, contact Sarah McAuliffe at (847) 367-7050 or visit www.aboutgracelutheran.org.

Grace Lutheran Church is located at 501 Valley Park Drive in Libertyville.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church: At 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, members of Holy Cross and their guests will present a child-friendly musical titled "Amahl and the Night Visitors."

Written by Gian-Carlo Menotti, an Italian composer who died in 2007, the work was written and will be sung in English. It is the most performed musical work of its kind in the world because it is so simple.

The church is at 29700 N. St. Mary's Road in Libertyville. For details, visit www.holycrosschurch.org.

• Celebration! Childcare Center will be collecting canned food for Cool Food Pantry during the month of January.

During the month, the students of Celebration! Childcare Center will build a Can Castle with the donations. The center invites the community to leave any canned items at the door. The castle's progress may be viewed through the window of the center. For details, call Kathy at (847) 367-6208.

• Holy Cross invites women to join them from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 26 in "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha's World," a one-day women's retreat. This retreat will meet in the gathering space of the church to make slipper socks. Bring two balls of Wool Ease Thick & Quick or bulky weight yarn and size 10½ double-pointed knitting needles or N-13 gauge crochet hook. The cost is $10 to cover lunch. For details or to register, call Nancy Davis at (847) 680-6802.

• The 2008-2009 registration for Mom's Morning Out begins in February. Mom's Morning Out is a special preschool program designed for 2-year-olds. Registration forms may be obtained in mid-January in the church office. For details, call Lisa Valentine at (847) 367-4060.

Sedgebrook: The retirement community in Lincolnshire will hold its second annual prayer breakfast in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at the Shoreline Restaurant at Sedgebrook, 800 Audubon Way, Lincolnshire. The event will include music, litany, and fellowship.

The breakfast is open to the public. The featured speaker is Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D. Dr. Smith directs the comprehensive sickle cell/thalassemia program at Children's Memorial Hospital. He is the diocesan bishop of the 14th Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, which includes the states of Kansas, Colorado, and Western Missouri, and in 2004 he was named presiding bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.

Dr. Smith will be joined at the Sedgebrook prayer breakfast by other local clergy, along with state Sen. Terry Link and state Rep. Kathy Ryg.

A complimentary breakfast will be served. The event is free, but registration is required by calling (847) 876-2197.

Messiah Lutheran Church: The church at 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda, is excited to launch a new program introducing children to good health and fitness. Messiah Kids' Club will sponsor "Color Me Health," a creative program that teaches children about healthy food choices and fun exercises through activities, games, songs and crafts. Each month a newsletter will be sent out filled with healthy food tips and other ideas to incorporate good healthy choices for life. For information, call (847) 526-7112 or visit www.messiah-wauconda.org.

United Methodist Church: The church at 429 Brainerd Ave., Libertyville, is holding its annual Books and Brunch Event from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 26. The event will feature special speakers and a book exchange, (bring used books to exchange). Child care will be provided. The event, sponsored by United Methodist Women, is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, call (847) 362-2112 by Wednesday

Chain of Lakes Community Bible Church: The church at 43 W. Grass Lake Road, Lake Villa, will host the inaugural semester of the Chain of Lakes Bible Institute beginning Jan. 21. The purpose of the institute is to provide college-level Bible training in northern Lake County and southern Wisconsin. Currently, four classes will be offered and taught by faculty members of the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. Tuition and fees are kept to a minimum with courses starting at $40 per credit hour. For more information, contact Sarah Abbey at (847) 838-0103.

Congregation Am Echod (Reform): The congregation, 2945 Falling Waters Blvd., Lindenhurst, offers the following Shabbat Service Schedule.

Today: 9 a.m. study session with Rabbi Harari, 10 a.m. Shabbat morning service.

Friday: 6:30 p.m. Tot Shabbat; 7:30 p.m. Shir L'Shabbat Service, Am Echod's trademark musical service. Wedding anniversaries for the month of November will be celebrated.

Jan. 19: 9 a.m. Torah study with Rabbi Harari; 10 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service.

For details, call (847) 265-1818 or e-mail amechod@amechod.org.

Congregation Or Tikvah: Make Saturday afternoon a time to reconnect with your family. JCC's got Shabbat? will be offered from 4-5:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at Or Tikvah, 330 Barron Blvd., Grayslake. It is filled with fun, food, Havdallah and wacky juggler Andy Head. This program is open to the community free. Projects are designed for families with children ages 4-8, but all are welcome. Additional parking is available at the Grayslake Middle School.

Prairie Circle Unitarian Universalist Congregation: Join the Rev. Clare Butterfield, director, Faith in Place, for an exploration of how to speak strongly and authentically from a particular religious position while maintaining the ability to work with those who hold very different views at 9:15 a.m. Sunday at Prairie Circle Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

PCUUC meets each Sunday in the Byron Colby Barn, 1561 Jones Point Road, Grayslake, in the Prairie Crossing community. (847) 604-1908, http://www.prairiecircleuuc.org.

Shepherd of the Lakes Church: Shepherd of the Lakes Church and The Vine Martini & Wine Bar announce that three local Christian performers -- Joey Halbur, Will Kruger and Lisa Weyerhaeuser -- will appear at The Vine from 7-9 p.m. Sunday.

Joey Halbur has performed in the series on a couple of occasions as part of a band called Saved By Grace. He is a prolific songwriter and also performs as a solo act. Will Kruger is a member of The Chapel in Grayslake and has toured nationally, performing a wide range of Christian and secular music. Lisa Weyerhaeuser and her husband Dan, the senior pastor of the Lakeland Evangelical Free Church, live with their growing family in Gurnee. Her CD "Life on Earth" was released last year to great acclaim.

The Vine Music Series offers a wide variety of contemporary Christian musical styles. It is not only meant for Christians, but for music lovers in general. Admission is free. No reservations are required. The Vine is located at 101 Center St. in downtown Grayslake. There is no cover charge or reserved seating. For more information call (847) 543-0900 or e-mail sotl_pr@yahoo.com

St. Andrew Episcopal Church: The church, 31 Park Ave., Grayslake, presents "Elijah's Mantle for Children in Need."

Elijah's Mantle is a community service project with a goal to help families with children in need by supplying gently-used children's clothing. The store is open to everyone from 9 to 11 a.m. the second Saturday of every month at St. Andrew Episcopal Church, Lake and Park streets. There is no cost. Gently-used clothing is available for boys and girls in sizes ranging from infant to size 16. The next store date is today.

Since they rely completely on donated clothing (infant to size 16), the project welcomes current season contributions from individuals and organizations. You can drop off items at the church on the Saturdays when the store is in operation, or arrange other dates by calling the church at (847) 223-2310.

The church also welcomes anyone from the community who might like to join the staff of volunteers to help sort and distribute the children's clothing. Call the church for details.

St. Martin de Porres: The school at 515 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan, will have an open house for prospective students from 6 to 8 p.m. April 27. For information, call (847) 244-6895, ext. 225.

Barrington United Methodist Church: A spectacular celebration of sacred music by eight Barrington churches is coming to Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).

Participating churches include: Atonement Lutheran Church -- Helen Ailabouni, director; Barrington United Methodist Church -- Karen Maxwell; Presbyterian Church of Barrington -- Kirsten Hedegaard; St. Anne Catholic Community -- Rory Cooney; St. Mark Episcopal -- Cory Thompson; St. Matthew Lutheran )-- Cathy Gathman; St. Michael Episcopal Church -- Robert Lind; Salem UMC -- David Hartley.

Featured soloists for the concert are: Kimberly Albrecht, soprano -- BUMC; Colleen Bolthouse, soprano, Atonement; David Hartley, baritone -- SUMC; and Prelude music by Jeffrey Neufeld, organ, BUMC.

Beth Judea: Congregation Beth Judea's Shabbat on Friday will be a chance to think warm while it is still cold outside. The (Jewish) luau will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a 7:30 p.m. Shabbat Service. Cost is dinner: $18 per adult, $8 for children (ages 2-12). Vegetarian meals available. Reservations need to be made by Friday. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

• The Beth Judea Sisterhood will present fun for the whole family with the showing of the 2006 movie "Night at the Museum" at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20. The community is welcome to attend the showing.

The cost is $3 per person with a maximum cost per family of $10; children 2 and under are free. Bring pillows and blankets and friends. Candy, soda and snacks are available at a nominal cost.

For information, call the Beth Judea office at (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Sandra and she will call you back. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

• Congregation Beth Judea will host its second annual Viva Las Long Grove, an evening of gaming tables, live auction, silent auction and fun Feb. 9. There will be appetizers, noshes, beer and wine and dessert at 7 p.m. The gaming tables will open at 7:45 p.m. This is also the time that the poker tournament starts.

Gaming will consist of blackjack, roulette, poker and bingo. There will be blackjack, Texas Hold'em and bingo tournaments for cash prizes. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. There will be an additional entry fee required for the tournaments.

Cost is $45 in advance or $60 at the door. Advance tickets must be purchased by Feb. 2. Admission includes chips for roulette and blackjack and a bingo card. Please call or R.S.V.P. to Beth Judea at (847) 634-0777 or e-mail lneiman@bethjudea.org.

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

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

• The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea will lead Shabbat services at its annual Sisterhood Shabbat at 9:30 a.m. today.

Sisterhood members will lead the service -- from opening the Ark to reading the Haftorah and Torah portion and everything else in-between.

After the service, there will be a kiddush luncheon sponsored by the Sisterhood. For information, contact the synagogue office which is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Call (847) 634-0777 or check Sisterhood's Web page at www.BethJudea.org or e-mail cbjsisterhood@hotmail.com.

Holy Family Catholic Community: The church is sponsoring a day-long Small Christian Community Institute Jan. 26. Three speakers will be presented, and 10 breakout sessions conducted.

The keynote speaker will be Bill Wise, chief compliance and business ethics officer of Analog Devices, Inc. An adjunct faculty member at Boston University and holder of a law degree from Suffolk University, Wise will speak on "The New Evangelization and You: Our role in taking the 'Gospel … to the heart of society.' "

For information, contact Wilma Growney at (847) 428-7468 or wilmagrow@aol.com. Advance registration is encouraged as there is limited seating for each breakout session. Everyone is welcome. Holy Family Church is at 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness.

Moriah Congregation: The congregation at 200 Taub Drive in Deerfield will present the best work of over 50 internationally acclaimed artists from North America and Israel at its 2008 All Judaic Art & Jewelry Fair from 8-11:30 p.m. Feb. 16; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 17; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 18. Adult admission is $10 and covers all three days. For more information, contact Karen P. Walanka, executive director, at (847) 948-5340 or kwalanka@moriahcong.org

St. John's UCC: Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 3 at the church, 1520 McAree Road, Waukegan. The breakfast includes pancakes, sausages, orange juice and coffee. For more information, call (847) 662-6151.