Fox Valley religion notes
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.
Epworth UMC: At Epworth United Methodist Church in Elgin, Palm Sunday, often referred to as Passion Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week, which concludes on Easter Sunday. The services for this year's Holy Week are open and inviting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m. Good Friday and 7, 8:30 and 11 a.m. Easter Sunday. They invite all those in the community to come and join their examination of the sacrifice and celebration of Holy Week and Easter. The church is at 37W040 Highland Ave., Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-5400 or visit epworthumcelgin.org.
Kneseth Israel: A carnival to celebrate Purim will be held at 10:45 a.m. Sunday. The carnival will include a costume parade, talent show, lunch and games. This week's Torah portion is Va'Yikra. 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. 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." On Thursday, the Purim celebration begins at 6 p.m. Join a fun service with spirited megillah reading a Purimspiel, or Purim play -- and hamantaschen. Just wait until you see what modern political figure is portraying Haman this year; he's a most appropriate villain. This week's Torah portion is Vayikra, teaching the importance of bearing witness to injustice. For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org
Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee, will worship at 6 p.m. Saturday, and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday. This Saturday's worship is a witnessing service, where members of the eighth-grade confirmation class will be sharing their witness and testimony of faith, combining their messages with hymn singing and a devotional message by the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf based on Matthew 21:1-11 called "Just the Donkey." The message for Sunday's services will be given by the Rev. Bruce Meissner, based on Matthew 21:12-13 titled "Only Jesus Can." Holy Communion this Sunday will be celebrated at both the 8 and 10:45 a.m. services. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m.
The Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services are at 10:30 a.m. and 7 and 9 p.m. with Thursday's worship including Holy Communion at all three services and the Good Friday evening services both special Tenebrae services ("services of shadows and darkness"). Easter Sunday services will be at 6 a.m. for the "Sonrise" service and 8 and 10:45 a.m. for the Easter Festival services. Special music at the Easter 6 and 8 a.m. services will be offered by Immanuel's Brass Ensemble and Sacred Choir with the 10:45 a.m. service including a mixture of horns and song leaders with traditional hymns and praise songs. Youth will be serving an Easter breakfast between all three services. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.
Calvary Lutheran: Calvary Lutheran Church, 535 N. McLean Blvd. in Elgin, will celebrate Palm Sunday with Divine Service and Holy Communion at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Maundy Thursday service will be at 7 p.m. with a service of the Word and Sacrament. Good Friday services will be at 1 p.m. with a service of readings, and 7 p.m. with a Tenebrae service. Easter Sunday services will be held at 8 and 10:30 a.m. March 23 with Holy Communion celebrated at both services. For details, call (847) 741-5433 or visit www.clce.org.
First UMC-West Dundee: On Palm Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents this week's theme is "He Emptied Himself" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Matthew 21:1-11; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11 and Matthew 26:14-27:66. Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through high school at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.
The 13th annual Palm Sunday Festival, the final presentation in the Dundee and Elgin Area Lenten Recital Series, will be Sunday at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, routes 31 and 72 in West Dundee. The prelude begins at 3:35 p.m. and the program includes the talents of 100 singers from 16 area churches, two handbell choirs, a brass ensemble and clergy from eight area churches. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.
First UMC-Elgin: On Palm Sunday, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison gives the message at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin. The subject will be "Follow the Leader." Special music will be provided by the children's choirs, directed by Laura Johnson, and the adult Cathedral Choir under the direction of John Slawson.
The First United Methodist Players will present a short drama, "Tombs by Mathias," at the 10 a.m. service and at the Praise Worship service at 6 p.m. Sunday. Featured players this Sunday are Bob Brooks, Terry Benchley and Jeff Benchley. 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 start at 8 a.m. For details, call (847) 741-0038, ext. 102 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.
St. John: On Palm Sunday, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Passionate Compassion," based on Isaiah 50:4-9a, 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.
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 p.m. and Tenebrae service at 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. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.
First Congregational: The glory of Palm Sunday will begin with a chapel service at 8:15 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. At 10:15 a.m., a procession with palms will be lead by the handbell choir into the sanctuary. As the bells ring, the Sanctuary Choir and Sunday school children will follow, all with palms. The Rev. Paris N. Donehoo will preach at both services on the topic "Picnics in the Olive Grove." "Christians, Join and Sing" will be rung by the handbell choir, and anthems, "Hosanna to the Son of David" by Victoria and "Christ, Be Thine the Glory" by Heinrich Schutz, will be sung by the Sanctuary Choir.
Adult Christian Formation is held between services after a 9:15 a.m. breakfast. Mark's Gospel will continue to challenge notions of what discipleship might be. "Controversial Conversations with Carl" takes a look at federal entitlements.
"Tuesdays with Jesus" will meet for the last time this Lenten season from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. "Disciple's Joy: Six Practices for Spiritual Growth" has been the guide.
At 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday, the sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated in the sanctuary. A dramatic presentation of the Last Supper will be enacted and the ancient Tenebrae service, the Service of Shadows, will be observed. The last concert of the 2008 Lenten season will be performed at noon on Good Friday. This is a high point of the year for the Sanctuary Choir and soloists. They will sing "St. Matthew Passion" by Heinrich Schutz. Breakfast will start at 7:30 a.m. and continue throughout the morning. Celebration worship will be held at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. For details, call (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.
Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline will present the sermon, "Who Is This?" at the 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The Adult Choir will provide special music.
The adult elective class celebrating the 300th anniversary of the Church of the Brethren will meet at 10:45 a.m. during the church school hour to continue the theme "Piecing Together the Brethren Way," exploring critical themes of Brethren history. The Parents' Coffee Klatsch will continue to meet during the church school hour with guest presenter Sue Reid to explore parenting techniques.
The Spring Love Feast will be held at 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday. Witness for Peace vigil will be at 11 a.m. March 22 at the Otter Creek Shopping Center. 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 will be "The Praise of Benjamin," inspired by Psalm 68:24-26. The Male Chorus will provide the music for both services.
The Couples Ministry will meet at 4:30 p.m. today. 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.
Second Baptist will host the Elgin Citywide Interfaith Good Friday service at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose facility. The service is hosted by the African-American Christian Minister Alliance and the Pastor Prayer Group. The program will consist of three guest speakers and powerful moving music performances. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.
First Congregational: On the Palm Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim senior pastor, presents the theme, "After the Parade," based on Isaiah 43:1-7, at 8 and 10:15 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. A palm processional, led by the children and choirs, will precede the services.
The Third Sunday Benevolence Offering will be donated to "One Great Hour of Sharing." Sunday's Ministry of Music at 8 a.m. will be by the Joy Ringers; and "What Have We Done" and "Hosanna, Rejoice and Sing!" by the Chancel Choir. The 10:15 a.m. service will feature songs by the Praise Singers and the Chancel Choir.
Children are invited to the 10:15 a.m. service with their parents. After the KidsOwn Worship message, children age 3 through sixth grade may attend KidsOwn Worship. The theme will be "Crowds Welcome Jesus to Jerusalem" based on the Bible story in Psalm 118:19-29 and Matthew 21:1-11: It is good to praise Jesus.
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. PADS of Elgin Inc. provides safe shelter, support services and advocacy to homeless individuals in Dundee, Elgin and Hanover townships. Four volunteers, 18 and older, are needed to provide staffing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at PADS, 1730 Berkley St. in Elgin. Sign up by calling the church office.
A Tenebrae Service will be held at 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday with Longbottom. The Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with accompanist Linda Gilmore, will lead the music for this service. Holy Communion will be celebrated. The sanctuary will be open for prayer from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Good Friday. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.
Country Covenant: On Sunday, the Mark Harder's message will be "Bringing My World to Christ" at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. Children's Sunday school meets during the 9:30 a.m. service in the church basement. Childcare is also available during the service.
Yarns and Needles meet Monday at 7 p.m. Bring your projects or come learn a new craft. Maundy Thursday service will be at 7 p.m. with the Batavia Covenant Church. Good Friday service will be at 7 p.m. at Country Covenant Church. For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit www.countrycov.org.
King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe Palm Sunday with the theme "What is Your Attitude?" based on Philippians 2:5.
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 is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.