Lake Co. religion notes

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: A Wine and Cheese Reception will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, followed by Shabbat service at 7 p.m. All Shabbat worship will meet at Hawthorne School (multipurpose room), 200 Glendale, Wheeling.

On April 13, Dancing Like the Stars, Dinner, Dancing, Entertainment and Silent & Live Auction will be held, featuring music, singing and dancing from "The Smooth Sounds of Vic Flanagan" and The Fred Astaire dancers in a costumed show followed by dance instructions. Cocktails at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Call (847) 917-7726 for information and to purchase tickets.

Anshe Tikvah is at 103 Schelter Road, Lincolnshire. 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. today. 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: 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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: 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. today. 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.

New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lake Zurich is at 910 S. Old Rand Road. (847) 438-5018 or www.newlife-wels.org.

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. Lawrence Episcopal Church: A Quintets Wind Performance to benefit St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, which is celebrating its 100th year in downtown Libertyville, will be held at the church at 3 p.m. April 20. The concert will feature the Chelesti Winds Quintet & the CinqueVenti Quintet -- both are sponsored by the Lake County Chamber Players. This is the first time the LCCP has gotten together to perform as a double woodwind quintet. Tickets for the performance are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

St. Lawrence is at 125 W. Church St. (847) 362-2110 or www.stlawrencechurch.org.

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 N. 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.

The United Methodist Church of Libertyville: The church at 429 Brainerd Ave., Libertyville, will hold a Spring Bellfest Handbell Concert at 5 p.m. April 13. Performing groups include the United Methodist Church Heritage Bells; the Bel Canto Ringers, Vesper Bells and Youth Bells of First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville, and the Random Ringers Community Handbell Ensemble. Freewill offering will be accepted.

Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church: The Knitters Group meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday and a Writers Group meets at 10 a.m. March 29 at the church, 5725 Stearns School Road (corner of Stearns School and Dilleys roads), Gurnee. (847) 336-3730.

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

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 Evan Berliner

Friday: 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service

For 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 to 8, but all are welcome. Additional parking is available at the Grayslake Middle School. For details, call (847) 412-4225.

Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church has moved to its permanent home in Grayslake, after renting in Libertyville its first seven years. The church now has 10 acres at 32475 Allegheny Road, Grayslake, just south of Belvidere/Route 120 and the train tracks, on the east side.

Attend Easter Sunday, or anytime. Sunday worship at 10 a.m. is led by Senior Pastor, Mark Jumper, a third-generation Presbyterian minister, and retired Navy chaplain. At 9 a.m. Assistant Pastor Rick Gardiner teaches a Sunday class. (847) 543-1659, www.hopeepc.net.

Prince of Peace Parish: The parish at 135 S. Milwaukee Ave., Lake Villa, is seeking donations for its annual Rummage Sale Extravaganza. Sale dates are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 12-13; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 14. Now accepting donations for vehicles, electronics, computers, furniture and appliances. Tax forms available. For donation pickups, call (847) 356-6111 or e-mail poprummagesale@yahoo.com. The church is at the corner of routes. 83 and 132.

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.

The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism: The Midwest Region of USY will host its annual concert to benefit youth programs at 7 p.m. April 6 at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road in Highland Park. The concert will feature Comedian Joel Chasnoff and headline the music of Visions, a female vocal trio. Tickets cost $54 and $36, $18 for students and can be purchased online at www.uscj.org/midwest or by calling (847) 714-9130.