Notes on Religion

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Adult education

Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, will host Community on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Feb. 20, with guest speaker Scott Haltzman, M.D. The topic is "The Secrets of Happily Married Men: Eight Ways to Win Your Wife's Heart."

In most households, women take on the role of relationship manager as they gauge and measure the quality of the relationship. It seems that men, on the other hand, just don't pay that much attention. While they are often wonderfully romantic during the dating phase, men get labeled as "dysfunctional" in relationships once they take their vows. But nothing can be further from the truth. Men care deeply about marriage and making their wives happy. When a man knows how to take a leadership role in the relationship, he can literally save the marriage. He just may not go about it the same way a woman does.

"The Secrets of Happily Married Men" is a step-by-step approach to saving your marriage. It is designed for men by men, but its message is also important for wives to hear.

Join us for this evening of prayer, learning and conversation. For information, call (847) 907-3441.

Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, will host an evening Scripture Study at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 21, 28, March 13, 27.

Pauline A. Viviano, Ph.D., will discuss "The Devil Made Me Do It … The Concept of Satan and the Demonic, and its Evolution Through the Scriptures." The cost is $40.

Viviano is an associate professor of theology at Loyola University of Chicago.

For details or to register, call (847) 907-3441.

The public is invited to a singles potluck social evening, sponsored by Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church's Rainbow Friends, from 7 to 10 p.m. today. The event, to be held at the church, is designed to allow participants time to get to know a variety of different people, and to affirm Countryside's values of celebrating all people regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation.

This will be an evening of socialization and fun, along with food and drink. There is no charge for the event, but participants are asked to bring food to share, using their last names as follows: A-J salad, K-P non-alcoholic beverages and Q-Z snacks or sweets. They are also requested to make reservations by e-mailing likethosecrones@yahoo.com.

Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine. Directions may be obtained at www.ccuu.org or by phoning (847) 359-8440.

Treat your marriage to its own special weekend. Marriage Encounter creates an opportunity for married couples "to meet" one another again, "to renew" their relationship through communication, "to discover" new meaning and joy within their marriages.

This Marriage Encounter weekend will be Feb. 15-17 at St. Thomas of Villanova School, 1141 E. Anderson Drive, Palatine. For details, call John and Donna Breit (847) 359-2870.

Are you looking for ways to grow in your faith and deeply connect it to your life? Adult Ministries at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) in Barrington is offering the following learning opportunities:

Sunday Morning Offerings, 9-10:15 a.m., Bible Study of Romans -- Room 108. This is a 10-week study for all, with no prior Bible study knowledge required. Also, "What's So Amazing About Grace?" will be in the Dining Room. Explore grace at "street level" through the writings of award-winning author Philip Yancey. No preparation needed, workbooks are $12.

On Wednesday evenings, a Women's Evening Study is offered from 6-8:30 p.m. in Parlor or Room 111. Delve into "Women of Worship" by Dee Brestin in this dynamic 10-week study on the Psalms. No prior Bible study knowledge required, and books are $11.

On Thursday mornings, Women of the Word is from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Parlor. This is a study of "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place" by Beth Moore.

On Friday morning, "Breathing Spaces" is offered from 10-10:30 a.m. at Starbuck's inside Dominick's, Lake Zurich. Take time out to reflect and enjoy fellowship.

For more information, contact the church at (847) 836-5540. Visit the church's Web site at: www.BarringtonUMC.com.

Children, teens

Immanuel Lutheran Preschool, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, will host open house from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday. Registration dates are from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday. (847) 359-1990, ext. 115. www.palatinepreschool.org

New Hope Preschool is now accepting registration for the fall for 3- and 4-year-old classes. If you'd like to schedule an appointment or need information, call (847) 359-5482. New Hope Preschool is affiliated with New Hope Community Church, 1023 E. Palatine Road, Palatine.

Christ the King Lutheran Preschool, 100 W Michigan Ave., Palatine, is accepting registrations for the 2008-2009 school year for children ages 2 to 5. The 3- to 5-year-old program is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The 2-year-old program is Tuesday mornings.

A preschool extension (Lunch Bunch) is offered Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m.

For details, contact Valerie Schultz at (847) 358-0230; e-mail preschool@ByFaithAlone.org; or visit www.ByFaithAlone.org.

A preschool open house will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 24.

Family

St. Theresa's Friday Fish Frys will be held from 4:30-7 p.m. this Friday and March 7 in the Lower Dolan Center at St.. Theresa School, 455 N. Benton St., Palatine. Cost is $7, $4 for children under 10. These are hosted by the Knights of Columbus. Proceeds go toward charitable activities. Call (847) 934-4320.

The Neighborhood Ministry of Holy Family Catholic Community in Inverness hosts fish fry evenings that are open to all denominations.

Dates include Feb. 15, 22, 29 and March 7. Dinners are served between 6 and 7 p.m. in the Social Center, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. There is no fee; however, a freewill offering of $5-10 is suggested.

Entertainers such as Jim Papandrea, Phil DeVet, Jeff Poindexter and Suburban Noize will perform. After dinner, all are invited to process to the church to attend the Stations of the Cross at 7:30 p.m., the traditional Lenten devotion.

For details, call Holy Family Catholic Community at (847) 907-3439.

Lectures, seminars

First United Methodist Church of Palatine, under the auspices of the United Methodist Women and the Mission Committee of the church, will host a day filled with information, music, and education regarding the situation in Israel and Palestine Feb. 23.

Featured speakers at "A Day of Understanding" will include Lynn Pollack of Jewish Voice for Peace, a group which "supports the aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians for security and self-determination" and Connie Baker of Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church who will both lead discussion following the showing of the film, "Occupation 101."

Professor Osvaldo Vena of Garrett Seminary will perform music from his CD, "Still a Dream," which is based on a book of paintings and poems by Jewish and Arab children, "My Shalom, My Peace." His CDs will be available for sale.

"Visiting the Olives" will bring olive oil for tasting, and will sell both the olive oil and soaps made from it.

The day will begin with registration and continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. A lunch will be served, and we will close at 2 p.m. The cost for the day is $10, and reservations are required by Friday. Checks should be made out to Palatine United Methodist Women and mailed to the following address: First United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, IL 60067

For more information, contact Kay Daugherty at (847) 358-2702 .

The public is invited to hear Ahmad Sadri, professor of sociology and chair of Islamic World Studies, speak about his personal experiences in Iran and how conflicting interpretations of Islam shape the current global climate.

The program will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine. A donation of $10 will be collected at the door.

Reservations are appreciated but not required. Contact Colleen Vahey at (847) 359-8440, ext. 4. Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church is at 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine. Directions may be obtained at www.ccuu.org or by calling (847) 359-8440.

Men's fellowship

Rinkey Dinks Christian Men will meet Tuesday at the Palm Court Restaurant, 1912 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights.

The speaker will be the Rev. Bill Cate, associate pastor at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

Cate is married with two adult children and spent 20 years in the Air Force before being called to the ministry.

Miscellaneous

In an effort to seek common ground and greater understanding between neighbors of different faiths, a series of interfaith dialogues have been planned at three distinct houses of worship.

Patterned after "Abraham Salons" suggested by author Bruce Feiler in his book, "Abraham," each community will jointly stage three different discussions focusing on each of the faiths.

The presentations will emphasize the common heritage that began with Abraham, whose story inspires all three of the faiths.

Rabbi Max Weiss of Beth Tikvah Congregation, the Rev. Don Myrom of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and Dr. Khalid Sami of the Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs have announced their congregations will each participate in the events. Each leader will speak on their own faith at another's house of worship.

The series will kick off at 7 p.m. March 8 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, with a presentation by Rabbi Max Weiss. The second event will be at 7 p.m. March 27 at Beth Tikvah Congregation, 300 Hillcrest Blvd., Hoffman Estates, with a presentation by Dr. Khalid Sami on Islam. The third event will take place at 5 p.m. April 12 at the Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs Mosque, 3950 Industrial Drive, Rolling Meadows, with a presentation by the Rev. Don Myrom.

Each meeting will start with a 20-minute presentation by the featured speaker on their faith, followed by comments from the two other faith leaders. There will also be time for questions from the audience. A short dessert fellowship will conclude each evening.

Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, invites everyone to join the annual Evening of Romance Feb. 16. The Rev. Pat Brennan will preside at Mass at 6 p.m. where you will have an opportunity to renew your marriage vows.

Afterward, enjoy a catered dinner, music and dancing with a D.J. The theme for the evening is "The Song Remembers When." Every couple that registers will be asked to request a song for the dance portion of the evening.

The cost is $50 a couple and reservations are needed. Nursery is available. For details, call (847) 907-3441.

Special services

Christ Lutheran Church will hold Wednesday evening services at 7:30 p.m. throughout Lent. CLC is at 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine.

This year's focus will be on "Learning from Jesus: Living Faithfully." Come at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy a light soup supper and feed your body as well as your spirit. A freewill offering will be taken for supper.

For information, call the church office at (847) 358-4600.

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, will offer Lenten programs though March 12 with Lenten dinner of soup and salad from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; confirmation for grades 6 to 8 from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.; Community Builders from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and worship and teaching from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

Christ The King Lutheran Church (Wisconsin Synod), 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine, will hold midweek Lenten services (Evening Prayer) at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

The overall theme for Lent 2008 Wednesdays is "Crossroads: Traveling with Our Savior." Lenten suppers are offered for free 6 p.m. before all services.

For details, call (847) 358-0230 or visit www.ByFaithAlone.org.

A prayer service for peace in the Middle East will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 Main St. in Barrington. The service includes reading from the Bible, music, and prayers for peace in the Middle East.

After the service, Bob Anderson of Barrington will show his video presentation of a recent trip to the Holy Land with members from Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Barrington and Grace Lutheran Church in LaGrange.

The service will continue to be held on the 15th of each month until a just and lasting peace is achieved.

For details, call (847) 381-0243 or visit www.elca.org/middleeast.

Women's programs

Woodfield Women's Connection will hold a baby shower for CARIS, a pregnancy crisis center at Willow Creek Church in South Barrington, from 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Items most needed are disposable diapers sizes 0-2, wipes, baby formula and bottles. R.S.V.P. by Friday to wwconnection@msn.com or call Micky at (847) 490-9881.

This year's worship service was written by the women of Guyana. The theme, "God's Wisdom Provides New Understanding," is especially meaningful to the women of Guyana.

The guest speaker for this service is the Rev. Digna Campanano, staff chaplain for Cardiac Care at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and an ordained clergy in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. Campanano, who hails from the Philippines, has a degree in political science from the University of Pangasinan, Philippines.

All are welcome to attend the service. Free child care will be provided. For details, call Linda Osikowicz at (847) 540-5634.

The Women's Book Group of St Paul United Church of Christ, Barrington, invites all women in the community to join them at their next meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The book we will be discussing is "Searching for God Knows What," by Donald Miller. Written with wit reminiscent of Anne Lamott, the book is about how the Gospel of Jesus explains the human personality. There is no fee to join the group, but please read the book before hand to fully participate. We meet in the library at St Paul, which is located at 401 E. Main St. For information, call (847) 381-0460.