McHenry Co. religion notes and events
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.
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.
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. He resides in Bradford, N.H., with his wife of nine years. For details, visit www.joshyoungonline.com. There is no charge for these meetings. Morning Star 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.
Book club: First Congregational Church offers a book club led by Jenny Lee, a seminarian and church intern. This is a book group for those who like to read and those who want to start reading. Groups meet the third Monday of each month at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. You choose which session to attend. This will be a great opportunity for reading, discussing the work and having fellowship together. In January, the book will be "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, followed in February by "90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life" by Don Piper. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit www.fcccrystallake.org.
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, and three of them 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 will occur at 6 p.m., and at 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 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. Free-will offerings will be accepted. 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 Vaughn-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.
Faith in Action fundraiser dinner: Members of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Crystal Lake and Knights of Columbus, St. Thomas Council 3880 will help Father McCormick organize Faith in Action McHenry County's annual pasta dinner. Faith in Action celebrates 10 years of service to McHenry County with "An Evening in Italy" pasta dinner on Jan. 26 in the Community Center at St. Thomas the Apostle's Oak Street church. This dinner attracts more than 250 guests during its two seatings. Seatings are available at 5:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $10 for adults and $8 for children under 12. Take-out orders are available as well. The evening will include dinner as well as entertainment, and a raffle drawing will be held for a Winter Blossom Package including a two-night stay at a Chicago lakefront condominium, dinner at Trattoria No. 10 and a Winter Blossom quilt. The second prize is a handmade afghan. The cost for the raffle tickets is $1 per ticket or six tickets for $5. Tickets for the dinner and/or the raffle are available through FIAMC at (815) 455-3120. Tickets may also be purchased in Crystal Lake at St. Thomas the Apostle Church or New Life Parable Christian Bookstore and in McHenry at Holy Apostle Church Book Store, McHenry Bank & Trust on Route 31 or the Chamber of Commerce office on Green Street.
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.
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 Thursday, 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 is still accepting registrations for membership in 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.
First Congregational: First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley, will offer a contemporary service at 5 p.m. today. This will be the second service in a new venture; a refreshing approach to worship that includes modern praise music and a relaxed atmosphere.
This Sunday, the Rev. Lloyd Kamps' sermon will ask "Who is in Control?" at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services
The Sunday a.m.'s handbell choir will play in both services. The Sunday school children will continue studying Psalm 8, celebrating God's miraculous works and praising Him for creation.
Rehearsals for this year's "Hobo Show" will begin at 10:30 a.m. for performances on March 8-9. The Knit/Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.
St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "A Matter of Death and Life," based on Romans 6:1-11, 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. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.
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. Kids Klub for preschool to fourth grade is at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. This month, they are learning of the miracles of Jesus. 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 at 7 p.m. Wednesday at church. Parents and children infant to fifth grade are welcome to Niagara Smalls for activities from 5 to 6 p.m. and pizza dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. On Wednesday, the theme is "Family of God." 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. A new member class will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Citizens Bank. On Tuesday, a book study of "The Red Tent" by author Anita Diamant, 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. Prairie Points Quilters resumes from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday 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. The confirmation class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Citizens Bank with pizza at 6 p.m.
Prairie Ringers chime choir will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Citizens Bank.
The Prayer Shawl Knitting Group will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday at Citizens Bank. They will continue to meet on the third Thursday of each month. The Shepherd of the Prairie Homeless Helpers will be serving dinner on Jan. 27 at PADS shelter at Bethany Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake. Sign up today at the Welcome Table. For details, call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.
Faith Community: On Sunday, the Rev. Bruce Cole will continue the series, "Imagine, Part 3" with "A Remote Possibility" 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.
The church will host a new member brunch at 11:30 a.m. Sunday for everyone considering membership. Call the church office to RSVP.
Awana will be Mondays with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by Kids Club from 6 to 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., study the book of Mark. The Ladies Bunco will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.
Preschool registration is now open for current families and church members. Open registration will begin Feb. 4. Call Michelle Sullivan at (224) 569-6512 for information
Unitarian church: On Sunday, 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 or visit www.cucw.org.
First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will preach at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Sunday school is offered at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Each Sunday, all children age 2 through seventh grade will begin worship with their family. After the children's message, they will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants and toddlers at each service. After each service, coffee is served in the fellowship hall.
On Sunday, the first quarter 2008 congregational meeting will be held at noon in the fellowship hall.
On Sunday, the Junior Fellowship middle school youth will meet at 1:30 p.m. at Xtreme Wheels in Crystal Lake. The Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the youth room. On Monday, the church council will meet at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. On Tuesday, the Prayer Shawl group will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the church library. On Thursday, the Young at Heart group will meet at noon in the fellowship hall for their January luncheon and program. The Prelude Orchestra, a group of 15 second- to seventh-graders from the McHenry County Orchestra Association, performs a musical program. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.
Light of Christ: This weekend, Pastor Kendall Koenig continues the sermon series, "The Light Goes Out, The World Catches a Glimpse," with "Our First Glimpse" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The Scripture reading for the sermon is taken from Matthew 3:13-17.
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 is at 9 a.m. in the Welcome Center. Caring Partners is leading a Healthy Living Small Group. The group begins meeting from 10:30 a.m. to noon today at the church. This group will meet every Saturday through March 1.
The "Bible Study Adventure" for adults begins from 4:45 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays at the church. The Family Life Hour at the same time Wednesday will look at "Finding Mindfulness Amidst the Chaos." Learn how to stay focused amid the many challenges of life.
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. 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 Baptism of Our Lord 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. Child care is available at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Milestone Sundays include: Sunday, second grade, "My Baptism Revisited" at the 9 a.m. service; 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 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." The annual SOUPer Bowl Sunday with youth collecting dollars for hunger will be Feb. 3. 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. This week, Muelleman explores the animated film "Finding Nemo" to illustrate the basic spiritual principles taught in Science of Mind. You will discover how spiritual lessons about the personal journey to find themselves abound in this heart-warming movie. Guest music will be by Amy Beth. The church's annual meeting will take place after the service.
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 speak to the realization step of treatment. This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "More than Wishful Thinking." 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. Sunday school will be 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. The meditation will be based on Isaiah 42:1-9 and Matthew 3:13-17. Music will be offered by The Rainbow Chimers and Joyful Sound Handbell Choir.
On Sundays, the Adult Enrichment Class will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Sunday school will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. 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 at (847) 658-5308.