Notes on Religion

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.

New Life Baptist: This Sunday, Sanctity of Life Sunday will be observed at the 10:30 a.m. service at New Life Baptist Church, 9228 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills. Al Pick of Shepherds Baptist Ministries Inc. will be the guest speaker.

Shepherds Home and School in Union Grove, Wis. provides compassionate Christian care and vocational training for adults with mental disabilities. The church will receive a love offering for the Shepherds ministry during the service.

New Life begins each Sunday with a fellowship time at 9 a.m. Sunday school classes for infants, children, youth, and adults begin at 9:15 a.m. The adult class is currently in a study of the New Testament book of Philippians. Child care is available during the morning worship service for infants through 3-year-olds; children's church is held for children, age 4 through second grade.

Several small group Bible study gatherings are held throughout the week. Groups meet each week in Algonquin, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, and Woodstock. Visit the church Web site for the schedule and locations. The church men play basketball each Thursday evening at the church.

The Ladies Night Out group will hold a shower at 7 p.m. Tuesday for the newly renovated church kitchen and nursery. The church's annual business meeting is scheduled for Jan. 27 after the morning worship service and a pot-luck lunch. The annual Super Bowl outreach event takes place the evening of Feb. 3 and the teens are currently registering for the Teen Freeze Out weekend to be held Feb. 8-10 at Lake Ann Baptist Camp in Lake Ann, Mich.

For details, call (847) 458-9726 or visit www.newlifebaptist-il.com.

First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Lloyd Kamps will preach at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley.

The Chancel Choir will sing in both services and the Whitechapel Bells will play in the second. The Sunday school children will begin the theme; "Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead." A rehearsal 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. At approximately 11:30 a.m. Jan. 27, there will be a farewell potluck luncheon for Rev. Walter and Carol Thyng, who retired on Dec. 31 in the fellowship hall. Anyone interested in attending is welcome. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "A Double Take," based on John 1:29-42a, 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.

The first official "Generation Celebration" will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Cosman Center. This gathering will include, pizza, games, music and a DVD Bible study.

On Sunday, the new members will be received into membership during the morning worship.

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

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 at 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Citizens Bank.

Shepherd Voices will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at Citizens Bank.

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. Michael Fish will continue the series, "Imagine, Part 4" with "Are You in a Rut?" 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.

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

A ski trip is planned for Monday to Alpine Valley. Meet at church at 8:30 a.m. and return home at 6 p.m. The cost is $35 for a lift ticket and $55 if rental equipment is needed.

The Silver Saints will meet at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Andy's Family Restaurant in Crystal Lake for lunch and fellowship.

On Tuesday, TOPS meets at 11:30 a.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 study the book of Mark. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.

Preschool registration is currently open for current families and church members. Open registration will begin on Feb. 4. Call Michelle Sullivan at (224) 569-6512 for information

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, welcomes one of its members, Patrick Murfin, to the pulpit at 10:45 a.m.

The service, "Don't Be Alarmed, Ma'am, He's Only Committing Poetry," will feature Murfin's poetry and commentary.

Many of the selections will be drawn from Murfin 2004 collection, "We Build Temples in the Heart," published by Skinner House Books of Boston. Several of his poems from that book and other sources have been used in Unitarian Universalist worship across the country and in Canada, Britain, Australia, and, in Hungarian translation, in Transylvania.

Other poems will be drawn from Murfin's collection in progress and will include observations of nature, commentary on war and social justice, and personal reflections.

The adult choir, under the direction of Tom Steffens, will present the Midwest premiere of "Rainbows are Not Enough," one of Murfin's poems set to music by California choral composer Scott Henderson.

Murfin is a longtime member of the congregation and a social activist as well as a writer. He is best known locally as the on stage host of the Diversity Day Festival held annually on Woodstock Square and as a leading member of the McHenry County Peace Group and other organizations.

He has twice led Poets Against the War public readings in the county and presented a special reader's theater style production of his "Four Hundred Years of Unitarian Universalist Poetry From John Milton to Sylvia Plath" at conferences and academic forums.

Copies of Murfin's book will be available for sale during the social hour after the service.

For details, call (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Bette Zattau, associate minister, will preach will preach at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. At the 10:45 a.m. service, the 100-Voice Choir will sing.

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 Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the church to go to Lazer Extreme in Crystal Lake. They will return to the church at 8:30 p.m.

On Sunday, the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the church to go to Lazer Extreme in Crystal Lake. They will return to the church at 8:30 p.m.

On Monday, the FCC Book Group will meet for discussion of "Love in the Time of Cholera," by Gabriel Garcia Marquez at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the library. Participants are welcome at either meeting.

On Thursday, the "Moms' Time Out" group will meet at 6:30 p.m. at El Burrito in Crystal Lake.

On Friday, the preschool and infant/toddler music classes begin. Call the church office for details.

On Jan. 26, the men's fellowship breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

On Feb. 3, the Rev. Dave Inglis will be installed as the new associate minister for children, youth and families during both morning services. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the Kendall Koenig continues the sermon series, "The Light Goes Out, The World Catches a Glimpse" with "The First are Drawn" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The Scripture reading for the sermon is taken from John 1:29-42.

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 meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays through March 1 at the church.

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 will look at "Preparing for the Drug-Free Years." This week, parents with children in preschool through high school will receive ideas on how to help your child stay drug-free throughout their school days.

Preschool children will receive their Bibles this weekend. 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. Erik Zingelman, associate pastor, 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 the 9 and 10:45 a.m.

"The Light of God" hymn festival, led by led by organist John A. Behnke, will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at Bethany Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake.

The Service of Word for Healing will be at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services on Jan. 27. The first-grade milestone on Jan. 27 is "Praying the Lord's Prayer."

The Senior Breakfast Club meets at 8:30 a.m. Monday at the Colonial Restaurant in Crystal Lake. The guest speaker will be Carolyn Wahl sharing about her recent trip to Tanzania, Africa.

The annual women's retreat will be Jan. 25-26 at the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center, Oregon, Ill. This year's theme is "Exploring Ways to Re-balance Your Life."

The Guest Who's Coming to Dinner is planned for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26.

The Guest Who's Coming to Dinner is planned for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26.

The Bookers @ Bethany meets at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at the church. The book for January is "Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All" by Allan Gurganus.

The Taize worship will be at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31.

The annual SOUPer Bowl Sunday with youth collecting dollars for hunger will be Feb. 3.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 6 with services at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. 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, Rev. Anne S. Muelleman explores the animated film, "Shrek" to illustrate the basic spiritual principles taught in Science of Mind. Discover how to put back the sparkle and zest to all areas in your life in "Taming the Green Monster." 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 "Crystal Clear." The children's program is prepared to handle toddlers, with parental support.

The Metaphysical discussion group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at The School of Intuitive Arts and Sciences. How about an instantaneous demonstration, this month's topic is about "Creating Something from Nothing." The School for Intuitive Arts and Sciences is at 314 Northwest Hwy. in Fox River Grove. All are welcome. For details, call (815) 444-0942 or www. newthoughtmchenry.org.

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 49:1-7, Psalms 40:1-11, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 and John 1:29-42. Music will be offered by the Senior 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 (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.

St. Paul's Anglican Church: At St. Paul's Anglican Church, a traditional Episcopal Church, the Rev. Michael DuCette, deacon in charge, will use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the former First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock.

The deacon's sermon will be based on the 22nd chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. This Sunday is called "Septuagesima," or the third Sunday before Lent.

The Bible Study group will meet from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. They are studying the book of John, 6th chapter. The annual meeting will be held Jan. 27 after the coffee hour.

St. Paul's Parish is part of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley Anglican Church of America. For details, visit www.acahome.org or call (815) 459-2044.

First Congregational: On Sunday, First Congregational United Church of Christ invites you to join them for a special service of worship honoring the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

The congregation will be worshipping with the sister congregation, New Generation, which meets in First Congregational's Memorial Hall at 29 N. Grove St. in Carpentersville. This special service of worship will meet at 11 a.m. Handicap accessibility is available entering through First Congregational's Fellowship Hall at 30 N. Washington St. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

Immanuel Lutheran: On Sunday, the Rev. Gregg Bowen will be sharing the message, "Not a One," 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 6 p.m. Saturday and the Sunday 8 a.m. services, which 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. Phillip Baerwolf begins a two-week sermon series of messages. During the message, young children are invited to participate in a children's ministry offering called "Faith Factory +" which takes place in Luther Hall, adjacent to the sanctuary.

In February, Immanuel begins its midweek Lenten services, with a traditional service at 10 a.m. and a blended service at 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season Feb. 6 with services at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the service will be held at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Isaiah 47:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 and John 1:29-42. Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through high school 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 Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim senior pastor, presents the theme, "That They May All Be One," based on Ephesians 2:11-22, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m. Sunday's Ministry of Music will feature Rise Jones, spiritual singer.

In January, the Local Mission Ministry will be collecting cans of soup for FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville. Donate one or two cans to make someone's winter a little warmer.

Order a hoagie sandwich, Dundee Scots "secret" recipe for Super Bowl on Feb. 3. Support the Chancel Choir 2008 fundraiser and place your order before Jan. 28 by calling the church office. The cost is $5 per sandwich. It will be available for pick-up on Feb. 2 at 10:30 a.m.

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 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 provided.

Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers age 5 and under from 9 to 11:30 a.m. 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 "Peter and Andrew Meet Jesus," based on the Bible story in John 1:35-42: Jesus is the Lamb of God.

The church council chat will take place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.