Notes on Religion

To submit items, e-mail faith@dailyherald.com, or send fax to (847) 427-1301.

Adult education

Cathy Anderson will lead a discussion of the book "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen as part of Prince of Peace's Adult Education at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Prince of Peace UMC, 1400 Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village. For details, call (847) 439-0668 or visit princeofpeaceumc.org.

Children, teens

JCC Maccabi Chicago, a JCC of Chicago program that provides athletic, social and cultural experiences to Jewish teens ages 13 to 16, announces plans for the 2008 JCC Maccabi Games.

All interested athletes and families are invited to attend an information night to learn more about this summer's Games in Akron, Ohio, Aug 10-15, and Detroit, Mich., Aug. 17-22. An information night will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook.

JCC Maccabi Chicago plans to send a delegation of 25 athletes and five coaches to Akron, Ohio, to compete in boys and girls soccer and bowling. Representing JCC Maccabi Chicago in Detroit, Mich., will be 115 athletes and 25 coaches competing in boys baseball, girls softball, boys and girls basketball, in-line hockey, swimming, tennis, track & field, dance, table tennis, bowling and golf.

Tryouts for the 2008 JCC Maccabi Chicago teams will take place in February and March. For details, call Allan Bogan at (847) 412.4253 or visit www.gomaccabi.org.

Working with the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, the children of Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, raised funds to gift farm animals to families around the world who are in need.

The Sunday school children began their project in the beginning of November and continued through Advent. During that time, they learned about the countries that would be receiving these animals. The Sunday school children collected $624.98, with an additional $261.51 raised by the preschool children and the Thrivent matching funds for a total of $1,739.48.

Family

St. Raymond de Penafort Church in Mount Prospect will host Friday night fish frys for during the Lenten season from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 22 and March 14 in the school cafeteria, Elmhurst Avenue at Milburn Street.

Both eat-in and carry-out meals consisting of fresh perch, cheese pizza, French fries, corn, coleslaw, salad, dessert and lemonade will be featured.

The cost is $8. for adults and $5 for children older than 2. There will be special price of $7 for seniors during the 5 to 6 p.m. hour. A donation-only bar will also be available for beer and soda.

For details, call (847) 253-8600

Prince of Peace in Elk Grove Village will present "Growing in Christ," a series of programs Wednesday nights during Lent through March 12.

These programs are designed for the entire family. From 5:45 to 6:30 p.m., a simple meal will be offered in Fellowship Hall. The meal will be followed with each week's discussion of the movie "Chocolate for Lent" in the sanctuary from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

While the adults study group is in the sanctuary, the youth and children enjoy opportunities for learning and growing prepared just for them. Each week the children, 3 years old through fifth grade, will spend time with crafts, activities and share a prayer time to prepare them for the Lenten season. The nursery will be available for the very young.

For details, call (847) 439-0668 or visit princeofpeaceumc.org. The church is at the intersection of Arlington Heights Road and Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village.

St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 S. Wille, Mount Prospect, invites all to attend a Lenten series titled "Come all you people." Services are every Wednesday during Lent at 5 p.m. (kid-friendly) and 7 p.m. A soup supper will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Fundraisers

A Chili Cook-Off will be at 5:30 p.m. today at the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary, 606 W. Golf. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children. A raffle and silent auction will also be held during the Cook-Off. All proceeds will be used to send a team of 27 to Matamoros, Mexico, for the ninth annual Mexico Mission. In Mexico, the Mission Team will sponsor a free medical clinic, teach Bible school, and do construction. For details, call (847) 259-2568.

St. Raymond de Penafort Parish, 301 S. I-Oka, Mount Prospect, is planning its Spring Gala -- The Spirit of Giving for 6:30 p.m. April 25 at the Woodfield Hyatt in Schaumburg. Tickets cost $85/person. An Overnight Stay Package is available for $109. The event features dinner, dancing and an auction. For information, call (847) 253-8600.

St. Hilary's Episcopal Church, 307 W. Hintz Road, Prospect Heights, is planning a Fair Trade Sale on at 11 a.m. Sunday. Vendors at the event will be Divine Chocolate and World Shoppe (crafts, stationery, jewelry and decorative gifts), and Bishop's Blend coffee gift baskets. All are invited. For more information, call (847) 537-0590 or (847) 520-3141 or e-mail Rector@sthilaryecusa.com.

Lectures, seminars

Become trained in higher applications of Reiki, the ancient art of natural healing. Through meditation and the use of chakras, Reiki Master Teacher Katherine Anderson will show you advanced methods of healing, including healing from a distance, hand placement and procedure for doing healing work on others.

You will learn about healing symbols and receive more in-depth chakra information. Students completing this class will receive a Reiki II Attunement and Certificate of Completion. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. The fee is $125.

Prerequisite: Reiki I. It's ok if you took the class with someone else, as long as you have received a level I attunement.

Call (630) 289-9258 to register or for more information.

Basic Buddhism Study continues at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. The next session will be from 10:45-11:15 a.m. Sunday. For details, call John Schuh at (773) 551-9041.

Have you ever wondered about who you were in a past life? Have you experienced déjà vu? Do you have questions regarding reincarnation?

Come to the Reincarnation/Past Life Regression Workshop at 1 p.m. Feb. 17 at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. The workshop will be facilitated by Board Certified Hypnotherapist Laurie Geschrey. The suggested offering is $45. Call (847) 297-0997 to register.

Join the Rev. Russ Sorensen for an exciting and inspirational look at the history and development of the Unity Movement. Sorensen is eminently qualified to be your guide with his unsurpassed knowledge of Unity's history and his clear understanding of its guiding principles.

More than a history class or a stroll down memory lane, this class is about life-changing ideas that will transform your life. Using real life examples presented in a clear, concise and sometimes humorous way, Sorensen brings to life both the lives and teachings of Unity's cofounders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. You will also have the opportunity to view some items from Sorensen's extensive collection of historical Unity and New Thought artifacts.

For those interested, the class is also offered for SEE credit. The class begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 and extends through March 18. The class is being presented at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road in Des Plaines. Call (847) 297-0997 or visit the Web site: www.unityprospers.com for more information.

The Rev. Patty Pipia will be facilitating a Prayer Workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 23.

Learn to harness the unlimited power and potential of effective prayer in your own life. Learn to open communication between yourself and your Higher Power. Learn about the small, still voice and entering into your sacred inner chamber.

Unity Northwest is at 259 E. Central Road in Des Plaines. Call (847) 297-0997 to register or if you have questions.

Men's fellowship

Queen of the Rosary Men's Club will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in the gymnasium of the school, 690 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village, for fellowship, games, refreshments and other activities.

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.

St. Peter Community Church will be participating in a health screening Thursday at St. Peter Community Church, 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook. There will be screening for stroke, abdominal aortic aneurisms, arterial disease and osteoporosis. There is a minimal charge for these screenings and an appointment is required. For an appointment, call (800) 324-1851.

The screenings are completely painless, non-invasive and require 10 minutes or less each to complete. The complete Wellness Package is $129.

For details, call: (847) 272-2246.

Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect is taking up the task of providing food to starving children around the world. Along with an organization called Feed My Starving Children, they will host a food packing event Feb. 16 and 17.

Their goal is to provide 150,000 nutritious meals made up of soy, rice and other nutrients for children in other countries. Over 700 volunteers have already signed up to scoop, measure and pack the necessary ingredients to prepare for shipping to countries that have the greatest need.

The packing event will take place at AMI Bearings, Inc. in Mount Prospect. For more information or to volunteer, call St. Paul Lutheran Church at (847) 255-0332.

Northbrook Congregation Ezra Habonim holds monthly movie nights. On Thursday nights, Congregation Ezra Habonim shows films of interest to the Jewish community. The films, which are in Hebrew with English subtitles, are shown at the synagogue at 2095 Landwehr Road in Northbrook.

Admission to each film is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Some of the films will highlight subjects that may be geared for adult audiences.

Upcoming films are: "Forgiveness" at 7:30 p.m. May 15.

For information, visit the Web site at www.nceh.org or call the synagogue office at (847) 480-1690.

St Nicholas Episcopal Church opens its Supplemental Food Pantry from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 to the hungry of Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.

Bags of groceries are given to anyone in need, with no eligibility requirement. The church is at 1072 Ridge Ave, in Elk Grove Village.

For details, call (847) 439-2067 or visit www.onebreadonebody.org.

Performances

St. Emily Church, 1400 E. Central Road, Mount Prospect, will present a free musical program, "The Song of Mark," at 3 p.m. Sunday. This contemporary oratorio by Marty Haugen presents a selection of songs telling the stories of Jesus' ministry from the Jordan River to the empty tomb. The concert features all of St. Emily's choirs and cantors and will be enjoyable for all ages. For details, call (847) 824-5049.

Come join a night of music and desserts from 7-10 p.m. Feb. 17 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 S. Wille, Mount Prospect. Costs are $5 for adults and $3 for children. Proceeds will help sponsor youth activities.

Seniors

Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village, invites all seniors to its senior luncheons on the third Friday of every other month at 11:30 a.m. Bring a dish to share or just bring yourself and enjoy some good conversation and fellowship.

Special services

Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village, has announced the 2008 Lenten worship service schedule: 6 p.m. dinner and 7 p.m. Lenten service Feb. 13, 20 and 27, and March 5 and 12. (847) 437-2666.

Wednesday evening Lenten Services will be held weekly at the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary, 606 W. Golf, Feb. 13, 20, and 27, and March 2 and 9. A simple supper will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by worship at 7:30 p.m. This year's Lenten Drama Series is titled "Living Lent: The Animals Tell the Story." For details, call (847) 259-2568.

St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church will offer the following Lenten programs:

Feb. 25: "Soup & Substance" series featuring "Crockpot full of Forgiveness" by Jim Welch. Soup at 6:30 p.m. and presentation from 7 to 8 p.m.

March 1: "Woman's Spa II" with Dr. Pat Moran from 9 a.m. to noon.

March 12: Lenten Reconciliation Service at 7 p.m. (Regularly scheduled confession is available at 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.)

Feb. 8 - March 14: Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent at 7:30 p.m.

St. Alphonsus is at 411 N. Wheeling Road in Prospect Heights. For details, call (847) 255-7452 or visit www.saintalphonsus.com.

This year's theme for the observation of Lent and Holy Week at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Des Plaines, is "Together in the Word," a synchronized study of passages from Genesis, Exodus and Mark.

Not only will the studies be the theme of the Rev. Richard Mau's Sunday and midweek sermons, but Mau will also lead expanded roundtable discussions on the theme Sunday and Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

As companion for the studies, a calendar of daily readings will be posted on Immanuel's Web site, www.immanueldp.org. The roundtable discussion groups will meet during Lent at 9:15 a.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. Tuesdays and 8 p.m. Wednesdays in the church's Faith Hall.

Worship services are at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Anyone who is interested in taking part in all activities is welcome. For details, call (847) 824-3652. The church is at 855 Lee St., Des Plaines.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will hold midweek Lenten services starting at 11 a.m. Wednesdays, followed by a soup lunch and an evening service at 7 p.m. and preceded by dinner at 6 p.m. The services will be Feb. 13 to March 12. Regular services will be at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Holy Communion is celebrated at all weekend worship services.

Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Church will offer Soup and Bread Suppers at 6 p.m. each Friday during Lent, followed by the Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Our Lady of the Brook is at 3700 Dundee Road in Northbrook. For information, contact the parish office at (847) 272-5686, or go to the parish Web site at www.olbparish.org.

St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Des Plaines, invites the community to attend its Lenten program series beginning this week. The church is at 1095 Thacker St., Des Plaines. For details, call (847) 824-2043.

Evening prayer will be at 6 p.m., followed by a potluck supper at 6:30. The program will begin at 7:15 and conclude at 8 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to share. Vegetarian dishes are very welcome, but not required.

The programs scheduled are: "The Violent Bible" Wednesday; "Kill Them All and Let God Sort Them Out" Feb. 20; "Islam in the Modern World: Jihad or Peace" Feb. 27; "When War is Just" March 5; and "The Compassionate Response to Conflict Resolution" March 12.

Trinity Lutheran Church will offer midweek Lenten services at 11 a.m. Wednesday mornings followed by a soup lunch, and dinner will be held at 6 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. service. Everyone is invited to attend these midweek services in addition to the regular services at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings.

For information, call (847) 827-6656.

On Feb. 27, people from the surrounding area will join together at Unity Northwest Church in Des Plaines at 7 p.m. in order to hold the high watch. They will bring with them their own requests for prayer, and those of their friends and loved ones, and lay those prayers upon the altar of God whereby they will be freed from the concerns of what to do as they abide in the consciousness of all is well.

The healing service will be facilitated by the Rev. Russell Sorensen. Sorensen has a dynamic healing consciousness and will present a powerful service in the blessed and healing environment of Unity Northwest's sanctuary of peace and wholeness. In this environment, all in attendance will be enfolded in and embodied with the healing, prospering, freeing and revealing consciousness of God.

You are invited to join all those assembled in a powerful healing service at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road in Des Plaines. More information can be obtained by calling the church office at (847) 297-0997 or on the church's Web site: www.unityprospers.com.

Please join with us for this incredible healing experience.

Women's programs

"Women's Wellness Day: A Day to Pamper Your Spirit" will be presented Feb. 16 at Queen of the Rosary School, 690 W. Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove Village. The event is sponsored by Queen of the Rosary Health Ministry and Alexian Brothers Hospital Network Parish Nurse Program. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. The keynote presentation, "In Pursuit of Superwoman" by Deb DiSandro, will be at 10:30 a.m. Activities for the day include health screenings, massage and healing touch sessions, enrichment activities and door prizes. The fee is $25, which includes lunch and beverages for the day. For information, contact Diane Tieman, parish nurse, at (847) 437-3905.

The Women United of Des Plaines will celebrate World Day of Prayer at Trinity Lutheran Church at 9:30 a.m. March 7 and conclude with a potluck lunch at 11:30 a.m. Women and men in more than 170 countries and regions will celebrate World Day of Prayer. The annual offering will support the work of World Day of Prayer and help meet the needs of families in regions of turmoil. For details, call Beverly Johnson at (847) 296-5351.