Religion notes

Your faith

To have your information included, e-mail it each week by noon Tuesday to faith@dailyherald.com, fax it to (847) 680-0189 or mail it to Religion listings, 1795 N. Butterfield Road, Suite 100, Libertyville, IL 60048.

Anshe Tikvah: Megillah Reading and Purim Celebration will be at 7 p.m. Thursday. A Wine and Cheese Reception will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, with a Shabbat Purim Service at 7 p.m. Call (847) 917-7726 for locations.

• A Purim Celebration with the residents of Brentwood North Health Care in Deerfield will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday. For more information, call (847) 917-7726 or visit www.anshetikvah.org.

Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): The church at 1970 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire, will offer an Easter egg hunt and carnival from 2 to 4 p.m. March 22. All students in fifth grade and under are welcome to attend. For details, call (847) 945-8824 or visit www.ccclincolnshire.org.

Congregation Or Shalom: Today, adults can try a progressive rummy game called Pisha Paysha. Starting at 7:30 p.m., it will be held at a private home and reservations will be required. It promises to be a free, fun evening.

Congregation Or Shalom is at 21 Hawthorn Parkway in Vernon Hills. For information on Congregation Or Shalom and upcoming events, call (847) 362-1948 or visit www.orshalomlc.org.

• A Purim Carnival will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sunday, followed by a Purim service starting at 7 p.m. Thursday.

• Cooking with the Rabbi, continues, taking place from 10 to 11:15 a.m. April 3 and 17, The only prerequisites for this course are an $18 fee and a desire to have fun cooking.

• The synagogue-based book club will resume April 6 from 9 to 10:15 a.m., and from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Hawthorn Lakes. The book being discussed will be "Suite Francaise" by Irene Nemirovsky.

• On April 12, Rabbi Scott Looper, who has been the spiritual leader of Or Shalom since 1995, will be feted at a special event at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. The evening will feature dinner, dancing and a silent auction.

• On April 13, a field trip will offer a chance to explore the South Side of Chicago with Dr. Irving Cutler. A fee of $25 covers the entire trip, including the bus ride.

For additional information regarding any of these programs or other upcoming events, call Congregation Or Shalom at (847) 362-1948 or visit the synagogue's Web site, www.orshalomlc.org.

The First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville: The church is holding its eighth annual Triple Treasure Auction from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. today at the church and Monopoly is the theme for the night. Both silent and live auctions will be held. Appetizers, refreshments and dinner will be served. The church is located at 219 Maple in Libertyville. Tickets are available by calling (847) 362-2174. Adult tickets are $25 and children's tickets are no longer be available. All proceeds benefit the church's many charitable missions.

Grace Lutheran Church: • Grace Lutheran Church's "Growing with Grace" Children's program is accepting applications for their "Terrific Two's" and their new "Tremendous Three's" programs. The Terrific Two's Program is for children turning 2 years old by Sept. 1. For more information on this program, contact Beth Zupkus at (847) 367-7050, terrifictwos@earthlink.net or visit www.aboutgracelutheran.org.

Grace Lutheran Church introduces its Growing with Grace "Tremendous Three's" program, a new non-denominational preschool program for the 2008-2009 school year. This program is for children turning 3 years old by Sept. 1. For more information, contact Sarah McAuliffe at (847) 367-7050, tremendousthrees@earthlink.net or visit www.aboutgracelutheran.org.

Grace Lutheran Church is on 501 Valley Park Drive, Libertyville. For more information, visit the Web site at www.aboutgracelutheran.org or call (847) 367-7050.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church: The 2008-2009 registration for Mom's Morning Out has begun. Mom's Morning Out is a special preschool program designed for 2-year-olds. Registration forms may be obtained in the church office. For details, call Lisa Valentine at (847) 367-4060.

The church is at 29700 N. St. Mary's Road in Libertyville. For more information, visit www.holycrosschurch.org.

• Brent Allan will bring his "Wacky and Wild Comedy Magic Show" today to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville. The show is being presented by the church's Early Childhood Ministries to benefit its Playground Update Project. Reduced-cost advance tickets and family passes are available. For details, call Mindy Doss at (847) 367-4367.

• "Taste Worship," led by Peder Eide, a national Christian singer/songwriter and speaker, will be offered from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Taste Worship invites youth in fourth grade through high school accompanied by a parent, and adults. (847) 367-4060.

• CrossWays Preschool's open registration is in progress. Crossways Preschool serves children who are 3 and 4 years old by Sept. 1. Traditional classes are held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Additional options for 4-year olds include Lunch Bunch and Science Sensation. Lunch Bunch extends the school day until 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, and provides additional large motor activity, socialization and planned activities. Science Sensation is an enrichment program that provides in-depth, age-appropriate and an exciting science and math experience one morning a week. For more information, call Mindy Doss at (847) 367-4060.

New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lake Zurich: After more than six years of planning and preparation, New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lake Zurich, 910 S. Old Rand Road, will break ground at 9 a.m. Sunday, for phase I of a two-phase building addition.

This phase includes site work and a 4,000-square-foot educational complex at a cost of about $1 million. Architect Allen Belli of Belli and Belli, Wheeling, developed a master plan for the property and designed both phases of the building addition. The contractor for Phase I is Efraim Carlson & Son General Contractors of Libertyville, Illinois.

The congregation expects that the addition, scheduled to be completed by September, will allow more space for Sunday School, Bible classes and meetings. The new addition will provide a ground-level entryway into the facility. The Tree of Life Lutheran Preschool, which began in 2001, will relocate from the lower level of the existing building into a permanent classroom in the complex, and there are plans for an all-day kindergarten with before- and after-school care.

New Life is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. They hope to begin phase II of the addition, a large multipurpose room/gymnasium as soon as their financial obligations for phase I are satisfied.

All are welcome to attend the groundbreaking service, which will be held regardless of the weather. Come early for coffee, hot chocolate and pastries, served in the church's lower level from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Immediately following the 9 a.m. groundbreaking service, New Life's Palm Sunday worship service will be held in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Pastor Andrew Bauer at (847) 438-5018 or www.newlife-wels.org.

• Wondering how you are going to get everything ready for the company that's arriving on Easter Sunday, while at the same time entertaining the kids? New Life Ev. Lutheran Church presents a one-day vacation Bible school titled, "Easter for Kids," from 1-4 p.m. March 22. Parents can drop off their kids for an afternoon of learning about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Activities will include learning the Easter story, Easter crafts, planting five take-home gardens, songs, video, and a snack. Parents can then return at 4 p.m. to pick up their child/children.

"Easter for Kids" is offered at no cost to participants. To register, visit www.newlife-wels.org and select "Easter for Kids Registration." Parents may also register by phone at (847) 438-5018. "Easter for Kids" is open for children 4-year-old preschool through eighth grade.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church: The church has begun a study on Paul's Letter to the Romans. The Rev. Mark Selbo is leading the group, which meets on Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend. The church is located at 10 S. Lake St., Mundelein.

• St. Andrew Quilters continue to meet each Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m.-noon. The quilts are made for Lutheran World Relief and sent to all parts of the world where their warmth and love are needed. Helping hands and/or material is welcomed.

St. Ignatius Episcopal Church: Father Tim Squier will be installed as the new priest of St. Ignatius Episcopal church in Antioch at 3 p.m. April 12 Squier, 37, is married to Chris, and has two children. He originally was from Iowa but now comes from Evanston where he served as assistant at St. Mark's. The newly elected bishop will oversee the Mass. A dinner will follow.

St. John Lutheran School: Open registration is under way. St. John offers half-day and full-day preschool (starting as young as 2½ years old) and kindergarten, as well as education for first through eighth grade. The school's full day preschool and kindergarten offers an alternative care option. The school offers extended before- and after-school care, holiday care and a summer program. A reduced registration fee is offered to parents registering now through April 1. St. John also offers reduced tuition rates to active military families.

Registration packets can be picked up at the school, 501 W. Park Ave., Libertyville. (847) 367-1441. www.stjohnslib.com.

St. Joseph Catholic Church: The church at 121 E. Maple Ave., Libertyville, will offer a Mass of Remembrance for Children of all ages at 7:30 p.m. April 1. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the liturgy in the church narthex. Reservations not necessary. (847) 362-2073

St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church: The church in Mundelein is hosting Dr. Scott Hahn for a one-day speaking event March 29.

A former Presbyterian minister who once spoke against the Catholic faith, Hahn is now a professor of theology and Scripture at Franciscan University. He is a prolific Roman Catholic author who speaks at numerous national and international events.

Conference doors open at 9:45 am for check-in and fellowship. Hahn will present three sessions beginning at 10:30 am. The conference will conclude with a book signing around 3:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 and are available while supplies last. Registration forms are available at www.stmaryfc.org or you may register online at www.events.org/scotthahnatsma .

The church is at 22333 W. Erhart Road, Mundelein. For more information, e-mail scotthahnatsma@yahoo.com or call Jennifer Pepping at (224) 622-5448.

St. Matthew Lutheran Church: The workshop "Smart Discipline -- A Program for Parents" will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. April 2 at the church, 24500 North Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods. (847) 438-7709 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or (847) 207-1397 after 3 p.m. and on weekends.

Anglican Chapel of the Holy Cross: The Women's Study group of the chapel will meet after the Wednesday night Holy Week services at about 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at 500 Park Ave. Unit 102, Lake Villa. A book review and discussion about the book, "Two Women of Galilee" by Mary Rourke will be the focus of the evening. Since this will be a revue as well as a discussion, it is not necessary to read the book prior to being part of the study group.

Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church: The "Seven Last Words of Christ" will be performed at 7 p.m. Sunday. This is a moving cantata with soloists singing the seven last words that Jesus said before he died on the cross. The soloists are backed by the Annunciation choir and organist. The cantata ends with a magnificent organ rendition of the earth quaking after Jesus' death.

The church is at 5725 Stearns School Road, Gurnee. For more information, call (847) 336-3730 or visit the Web site at www.annunciationgurnee.org.

Christ Community Church: The Zion Passion Play will be presented March 15-16, 21-22, 28-30 at 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion. Visit the Web site at www.zionpassionplay.org. to order tickets and for mor information or call (847) 746-1411.

Community Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Villa: The church is offering a traditional St. Joseph Day Table to celebrate the birth of St. Joseph today. Tickets to the buffet dinner that will include braided bread, spaghetti with marinara sauce and cream puffs are $5 each.

For more information about events and services, contact the church at (847) 245-3000 or visit the church Web site, www.myholyspirit.org.

A charismatic orthodox Catholic church, Community Church of the Holy Spirit, 25291 W. Lehmann Blvd., is located one block south of Route 132 (Grand Ave) on Route 59.

Congregation Am Echod (Reform): The congregation, 2945 Falling Waters Blvd., Lindenhurst, offers the following Shabbat Service Schedule.

Today: 9 a.m. Study Session with Rabbi Harari, 10 a.m. Shabbat morning service. Bar mitzvah of Patrick Temaner

Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Megillah reading

Friday: 6:30 p.m. Tot Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. Shir L'Shabbat Service -- Am Echod's trademark musical service. Wedding anniversaries for the month of March will be celebrated.

For more information, call (847) 265-1818 or e-mail amechod@amechod.org.

Congregation Or Tikvah: JCC's "Got Shabbat?" will meet from 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 12 at Congregation Or Tikvah, 330 Barron Blvd., Grayslake. The program is filled with fun, food, Havdallah and wacky juggler Andy Head. Projects are designed for families with children 4-8, but all are welcome. Additional parking is available at the Grayslake Middle School. For details, call (847) 412-4225.

Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church: The church is moving to its permanent home in Grayslake in March, after renting in Libertyville. It now has 10 acres at 32475 Alleghany Trail, Grayslake, just south of Belvidere/120 and the train tracks, on the east side.

The first service will be Palm Sunday. Sunday worship is at 10 a.m., Sunday School at 9 a.m.

The senior pastor, Mark Jumper, is a third-generation Presbyterian minister, and retired Navy chaplain. His next sermon series will include Paths of Purpose, and Paths of Prayer. He leads a Tuesday morning group (9:30 - 11 a.m.) studying in depth the book of Revelation. Assistant Pastor Rick Gardiner, Ph.D., teaches a Sunday class known for fascinating topics and energy. (847) 362-7444, www.hopeepc.net.

Open Arms Mission: The mission in Antioch, plans to distribute Easter baskets to children, senior citizens, hospital patients and other food pantries in Lake County.

Open Arms Mission and Lakes Community High School are entering a community service partnership that integrates LCHS administration, staff, students and school organizations into the mission's programs that serve Antioch and Lake Villa township residents in need.

Students and staff will assemble 2,500 Easter baskets to include candy and small gifts, and then deliver them to recipients, including Open Arms Mission, other area food pantries, Winchester House, Nicasa, Garden Quarter day care center, Staben House, A Safe Place, Vista and Condell Hospitals' children's units, Victory Lakes Nursing Home, Avon Township and Rolling Hills Senior Center.

For more information contact the mission, (847) 395-0309.

St. Martin de Porres: The school at 515 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Waukegan, will have an open house for prospective students from 6 to 8 p.m. April 27. For more information, call (847) 244-6895, ext. 225.

St. Mary's Catholic Church: The church at 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, will be the site of the Council of Catholic Nurses of Lake County Bishop's Mass and Luncheon March 29. The Mass will begin at 11 a.m. with luncheon to follow at Country Squire Restaurant, 19133 Route 120, Grayslake. Cost for the event is $24 for members and $30 for non-members. For more information or reservations, call Marion Henderson (847) 548-1309 by Thursday.