Notes on Religion

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel provides a full range of religious and community programs. A youth program is available for sixth grade to high school. In addition, interest groups meet regularly for men, women, seniors, and others. Consult the monthly newsletter which is available at www.ckielgin.org.

Religious school is offered for pre-kindergarten to high school. For details, call the congregation office.

This week's Torah portion is Pekudei. The service is led by Rabbi Jonathan Kohn in prayer and study. Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St. in Elgin. Guests are welcome. CKI believes that each person can participate in the observance of Shabbat through the use of English, Hebrew, and age-appropriate activities. For details, call (847) 741-5656 or visit www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers friendly, participatory Shabbat services, led by Cantor Sarah Alexander, at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays and followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week."

Adult Education classes are held on Thursdays and Saturdays. On Thursday, there will be a class on "Jewish Ritual Observance -- Why Does It Matter?" This week's Torah portion is P'kudei, the final portion of the book of Exodus. Guests are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Yonker will be sharing the message, "Truer Words Were Never Spoken," based on John 11:49-53, at the 8 and 10:45 a.m. services at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee.

The Saturday evening and Sunday 8 a.m. services 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. Holy Communion this weekend will be celebrated at the 10:45 a.m. service. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m.

Immanuel will hold its Lenten midweek worship at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. For the midweek services throughout Lent, the Rev. William Yonker is sharing the messages with a sermon series, "Deep Breaths," leading you in a quieter worship where you listen for God's voice and breathe in His promises. Fellowship lunches will be offered after each morning service in Lent and soup and sandwich suppers, sponsored by the youth ministry at Immanuel, will be served before the evening worship.

March 15-16 marks the beginning of Holy Week and Immanuel will be celebrating Palm Sunday worship. March 15 will be Immanuel's "Witnessing Service" for the eighth-grade confirmation class, and both Palm Sunday services on March 16 will include Holy Communion and special music from ensembles in the music department. For details, call (847) 428-4477.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents this week's theme is "Can These Bones Live?" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11 and John 11:1-45. Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through high school at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

This year's Lenten Organ recitals continues from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. Thursday at St. James Episcopal Church in West Dundee featuring the Rev. Richard Gilbert and Phyllis Connelly. Sunday afternoon recitals are: Sunday at Barrington United Methodist Church featuring Jeff Neufeld. The Sunday recitals are at 3 p.m. March 16 will feature a Palm Sunday Festival Concert at St. Catherine in West Dundee at 4 p.m.

Family Night will be held beginning Wednesday. Bring a food dish to share and your own table settings. After dinner, there will be some activities for the children.

During Lent, the Missions Committee is sponsoring a food collection for FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville. Boxes are available in the narthex and Fireside Room. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, worship has several special elements at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin. Holy Baptism will be celebrated at the 10 a.m. worship service. The Celebration Ringers bell choir will perform "Gethsemane," by Nancy Hascall. The final sermon in a Lenten series will be given by the Rev. Mona Walker, "Extravagant Giving."

Christian education for children, youth and adults begins at 8:50 a.m. The youth group meets at the church at 11:15 a.m. On Easter Sunday, there will be a sunrise service at 6:49 a.m., conducted by the youth group. A pancake breakfast will be served starting at 8 a.m. For details, call (847) 741-0038, ext. 102 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On the Fifth Sunday in Lent, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "It is Prophetable," based on John 11:46-53, at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship will be at 9 a.m. and Sunday school and Bible study at 9:15 a.m.

The Lenten midweek service will be Wednesday with supper at 5 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m. They will use a rotating pulpit again this year and the Lenten theme is "The Body of Christ." Holy Week services include Maundy Thursday worship at 7 p.m. with Holy Communion and the stripping of the altar. Good Friday worship is at 3 and 7 p.m. The Easter Celebration includes Sonrise worship at 6:30 a.m. followed by an Easter breakfast and then a second Easter Celebration at 9 a.m.

The choirs practice Wednesdays with the voice choir at 6:30 p.m. and bell choir at 7:30 p.m.

TOPS meets at 6 p.m. Mondays. Weight Watchers meet at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. The monthly men's breakfast Bible study is the first Saturday of the month at 7 a.m. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: For 31 years, the Jane Hampton Chipman Lenten Organ series has been held at noon each Friday during Lent at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. However, Friday, will see a break with tradition as a vespers musical offering will be held at 8 p.m. in the sanctuary

The Gargoyle Brass with organist Michael Surrat will present music from Rachmaninoff. The Gargoyle Brass ensemble was begun several years ago when a group of brass players were undergraduates at the University of Chicago. The community is welcome. Admission is free at all the Lenten recitals.

On Sunday, the Rev. Paris N. Donehoo continues his series of sermons questioning what deters Christians from achieving discipleship with a sermon titled "I'll Do It Tomorrow." The Chancel Choir will assist in the leading of worship singing "Road to the Lamb" by Frederick Candlyn. The 8:15 a.m. Open Door Service is held in the chapel. At 10:15 a.m., worship is in the sanctuary.

On Sunday afternoon, the movie "Jesus," a 90-minute film will be shown in the fellowship hall for confirmands, their mentors, friends and anyone else who would like to see it. The words of the Gospel of Luke are used to tell the story of the life of Jesus. Everyone is welcome. Call the church if you wish to attend. There will be a pizza lunch at noon. The film will conclude at approximately 2:15 p.m.

On Sundays breakfast is served at 9:15 a.m. in the fellowship hall and followed by an in-depth study of the Gospel of Mark. All are welcome to be a part of this study. Each week is a complete lesson in itself. Also at 9:15 a.m., Stepping Stones will meet to see the video "Families Coping with Mental Illness." Family members dealing with a relative having schizophrenia or bipolar disorder will be especially grateful to see this tape. All are welcome.

Donehoo and his wife, Penny, will host a pilgrimage to Israel this summer, June 12-22. Time is running out to sign up, so call the church office to indicate your interest. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline will present the sermon, "Finding Our Calling in the Midst of Uncertainty" at the 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The worship will include a special offering for One Great Hour of Sharing, and the junior high youth will collect food donations for the Elgin Interfaith Food Pantry. The church school hour beginning at 10:45 a.m. will continue an adult elective series and children's classes on the theme, "Piecing Together the Brethren Way," which explores Church of the Brethren history as part of the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Brethren.

The Coffee Klatsch will meet during the church school hour for refreshments and informal conversation on parenting. Sue Reid, a guest presenter from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, will be meeting with the group from Sunday to April 13. The Lenten meditation series continues from 6:45 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, led by David Doudt. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will bring the message for the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The sermon is "The Praise of Benjamin," inspired by Psalms 68:24-26. The sermon completes the two part series on the blessings bestowed upon Benjamin, Joseph's younger brother. The Chorale Ensemble will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the T.E. Bedford Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service.

The Healthcare Ministry invites you to come and participate in a healthcare seminar at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The topic will be "How to care for your immune system." The guest speaker will be certified nutritionist Sheila Wilkins.

The Couples Ministry will meet at 4:30 p.m. March 15. The topic for discussion will be "Developing a Positive Response to Anger." All couples are invited and encouraged to attend.

On Wednesday, Bible study will begin at noon followed by Wonderful Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. Bus and childcare services are available. Second Baptist is at 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On the Fifth Sunday in Lent, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim senior pastor, presents the theme, "Crossing the River Deep," based on Isaiah 43:1-7, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at 8 a.m. will be by Chancel Chimers, sixth- through eighth-grade bell choir directed by Linda Gilmore. The 10:15 a.m. worship will feature songs by the Praise Singers: Cheri Blazek, Robert Blazek, Mark Boekenhauer, Sonja Boekenhauer, Linda Gilmore and Sara Tustin; and "Carry Me Home" and "Be Not Afraid" by the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with accompanist Linda Gilmore.

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 Longbottom. Explore Mark and encounter the oldest gospel witness to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers age 5 and under from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Coffee and fellowship time will follow the services in the narthex hosted by the Hospitality Team.

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 "Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead," based on the Bible story in John 11:1-45: Jesus has power over death.

The Senior High Youth will meet for Movie Night from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the youth room. All are welcome.

The Women's Bible Study meets at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays. The study is based on the book, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver. Study materials will be available. Join them in finding intimacy with God in the busyness of life.

God's Kitchen is a Lenten Family Dinner Series that continues through Wednesday. The meals will be prepared in the church kitchen and served buffet style in the narthex. A free will offering will be taken. Come gather in God's Kitchen.

Lenten Study continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Longbottom leads the study of "The Little Book of Letting Go" by Hugh Prather. According to Prather, letting go is the bottom-line key to happiness. In the book, he offers a simple three-step process for shedding prejudices, preconceptions and prejudgments and facing each moment with openness and enthusiasm. Nursery care is provided.

FROG (Families Relying On God) Friday will meet at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Bring a friend and join them for a family Easter party including pizza, games, a festive craft and a special Easter devotional. This month, they celebrate God's gift of New Life in Christ. Kids of all ages are welcome to come enjoy this Friday night family fun. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

Country Covenant: On Sunday, the Mark Harder's message continues the Wednesday study topic "Walking Across the Room" at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin.

Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation and study. Children's Sunday school meets during the 9:30 a.m. service in the church basement. Childcare is also available during the service.

Wednesday's study group will begin at 6 p.m. with a light supper. At 6:30 p.m., the discussion about sharing the love and becoming friends to others in and out of the Christian "comfort" zones continues. For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit Web site www.countrycov.org.

King of Glory: This week they will observe the fifth Sunday in Lent as they welcome Hicham Chehab who will share his ministry among those in the Muslim community. The blended service is at 6 p.m. Saturday, traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sunday with a contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band.

Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. along with a special educational program for children called Kingdom Kids.

The church also offers various mid-week educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds during the school year, and youth programs for various age groups.

The Wednesday Lenten service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on Scripture on John 11:1-45 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Jesus finds Lazarus in a tomb, and challenges his friends to think outside the grave.

Holy Week starts March 16 with a Procession of Palms during the 10 a.m. service. A Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service will be at 7 p.m. March 20. On Good Friday, March 21, the church sanctuary will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. for visitors to come in for a personal time of prayer and self-reflection. The Easter Sunday celebration starts with a continental breakfast from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Worship starts at 10 a.m. followed by the annual Easter Egg hunt for all of the children. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available. For details, call (847) 428-1712.