McHenry Co. 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.

New Life Baptist: On Easter Sunday, the Rev. Mark Wood will bring an Easter Sunday message at the 10:30 a.m. service, include special Easter music, at New Life Baptist Church, 9228 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills. An early service, organized and presented by the youth of the church, will be held at 8:30 a.m. Immediately after the early service, breakfast will be served.

New Life begins each Sunday with a fellowship time at 9 a.m. Sunday school classes for infants, children, youth, and adults begin at 9:15 a.m. Child care is available during the morning worship service for infants through 3-year-olds; children's church is held for children, age 4 through second grade.

The two current adult classes are a study of the book of Thessalonians and a new class titled "Effective Bible Study," led by the pastor.

On March 30, New Life will observe its 10th anniversary with a celebration time during morning worship and a lunch after the worship service.

A women's Bible study takes place at 1 p.m. each Wednesday. Several small group Bible study gatherings are held throughout the week. Groups meet each week in Algonquin, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, and Woodstock. The church men play basketball at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the church.

On March 30, New Life will celebrate its 10h anniversary as well as its recent graduation from a mission church to a self-supporting congregation. Norm Nicklas, the North American director for Association of Baptists for World Evangelism, located in Harrisburg, Pa., will be the guest speaker during the morning worship celebration. The association has been New Life's supporting mission agency for the past 10 years. After the celebration service, lunch will be served.

Church women are encouraged to register for Moody's Spring Women's Conference held April 26 at the Moody Church in Chicago. The theme of this year's conference is "Living Hope."

For details, call (847) 458-9726 or visit www.newlifebaptist-il.com.

First Congregational: Easter Sunday will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a sunrise service in the sanctuary at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. It will be followed by a breakfast in the fellowship hall; it is on a freewill donation basis, no reservations are needed.

The Rev. Lloyd Kamps will preach at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services. The Chancel Choir will sing and the Instrumental Group will play in both services. The Sunday school children will have an Easter egg hunt, a craft, and a cooking activity using dough to demonstrate the resurrection of Jesus.

The Knit/Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: On Easter Sunday, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Tears of Sorrow, Tears of Joy: A Weeping Friend," based on John 20:11-18, at the 7 a.m. sunrise service, followed by "Dawn of a New Day," based on Matthew 28:1-10, at 9 and 10:45 a.m. services at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. A breakfast Buffet will be served after the 7 and 9 a.m. services. All worshipers are invited.

The Mission Resale Shop, located on Washington Street, is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gifts and good-quality used clothing, and small household items can be purchased at reasonable prices. Donations are gratefully appreciated, and proceeds benefit mission work locally and afar. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

St. John's Lutheran School offers a day school program for first to eighth grade; all-day kindergarten and morning and afternoon preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Church membership is not required. To register or schedule a school tour, call Principal John Kirchhoff at (847) 658-9311.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Easter Sunday, the sunrise service will be at 6:30 a.m., followed by Easter breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. Reservations are required for the breakfast.

It will be followed by the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley.

Sunday school and nursery care are available at both services.

Music rehearsals are at the Citizens Bank in Huntley: Shepherd's Voices at 7 p.m. Monday; First Service team at 5 p.m. Tuesday; Rejoice (second service team) at 6 p.m. Tuesday; Prairie Chimes choir at 7 p.m. Thursday; and children's choir at 5 p.m. Sunday.

Confirmation resumes Wednesday. New member orientation will be from 3 to 5:30 p.m. April 13 in the church office in the lower level of Citizens Bank. New members will be received April 20.

The Rev. Sue Ellen Grundt will be installed as associate pastor at 10 a.m. April 13. Confirmation classes will resume after Easter.

The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

Faith Community: On Sunday, the Rev. Bruce Cole will celebrate Easter by leading worship based on Scripture from Mark 16:1-8, at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Worship services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available.

On Tuesday, TOPS meets at 11:30 a.m. The "Friends" Bible study meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Century 21 office on Route 31 in Algonquin.

Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, continues its discussion on spiritual goals and practices for Unitarian Universalists at the 10:45 a.m. service.

The topic for this Sunday is "A New Thought." This is the fifth in a series of talks on Unitarian Universalist spiritualist practices by the Rev. Dan Larsen, with a class to follow at 7 p.m. Monday.

The adult choir, led by musical director Tom Steffens, will perform.

Church school students will remain at worship until after Sue McCowin's Children's Story and then go to religious education class.

For details, call (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Easter Sunday, First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake, celebrates Easter Sunday with three worship services. A sunrise service at 7 a.m. will be held in the chapel. The Rev. David Inglis, associate minister, and the church youth will lead the service. Holy Communion will be celebrated. There will be no nursery care or Sunday school at this service. At 9 and 10:45 a.m., the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones, senior minister, will preach in the sanctuary. Nursery care will be available. There will be no Sunday school classes this morning. Lilies and spring blossoms placed in honor of or memory of loved ones will decorate the sanctuary. After the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services, coffee is served in the fellowship hall. On Tuesday, the Great Decisions discussion group will meet at 7 p.m. in the Youth Room.

Everyone is invited to the fellowship hall for coffee after each service. Equal Exchange coffee and chocolate products will be offered for sale in the fellowship hall after each service.

The Men's Breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. today in the fellowship hall. At 6 p.m., the Easter Vigil begins in the chapel and continues until 6 a.m. on Easter morning.

For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, celebrate the risen Lord with Easter worship at 5 p.m. today and 8, 9:30 and 11 p.m. Sunday at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin.

Special music will be shared during worship that may include Adult Choir, Children's Choir, Adult Handbell Choir, Children's Handbell Choir, Orchestra, Children's Chime Choir & the Good News Praise Band.

Bible Study with the senior pastor at 9 a.m. Wednesdays will resume this week. He will continue the series on different religions and perspectives.

The first bake sale for the Youth Mission Trip to Alamosa, Colo., will be March 29-30.

There are no confirmation/PATH classes during spring break. Students return on April 9. Confirmation/PATH Leaders meet at 6 p.m. April 2.

Caring Partner Training will be offered in April for individuals who hear God's calling to offer a listening ear and comfort to others. The 25-hour training course will equip those interested in helping those in need.

Registration for the women's retreat has begun. The retreat will be held April 19-20 at Lake Delavan Resort, Wis. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

Bethany Lutheran: Easter weekend will start with an Easter Vigil, a service of candlelight, vigil readings, baptism and Holy Communion at 7:30 p.m. today at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake.

On Easter Sunday, worship will begin at 7 a.m. with Holy Communion, followed by Festival Worship with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. The Festival Worship services will include choral music, instrumental music (bells, brass, timpani and organ) and liturgical dance. Child care is available at both the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Easter services. Continental breakfast will be served from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in Luther Hall.

On Friday, Bethany workers serve at the Crystal Lake Food Pantry from 9:30 to 2:30 p.m.

On March 30, the 9 and 10:45 a.m. worship services will include the fifth annual Stephen Ministry Recognition and Service of the Word for Healing.

On March 31 for the Bookers at Bethany, this month's book is "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut.

New member classes begin April 6 at 10:15 a.m.

For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.

Preschool registration for fall 2008 begins this month. Programs are available for 2- to 5-year-olds. For details, call Marcia Baker, preschool director, at (815) 477-7463.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: "Claiming New Life" is the Easter message presented by the Rev. Anne S. Muelleman. Easter is the celebration of the growth and renewal of the Christ consciousness which dwells in all and is revealed when you move away the stones and blocks that keep it hidden from view. Today, you claim that new life. Special musical guest this week is Michelle McClellan. Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service, and children's program and toddler care.

The children's curriculum is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." March lessons relate to the realization step of treatment. Your kids will uncover wholeness and eliminate thoughts of lack and limitation. This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Living Truth."

Those who arrive early will enjoy the meditation at 9:45 a.m. Service location is at the Country Inn and Suites, 600 Tracy Trail in Crystal Lake. For details, call (815) 444-0942 or visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org .

The metaphysical discussion group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the School of Intuitive Arts and Sciences, 314 Northwest Hwy. in Fox River Grove. All are welcome.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Easter Sunday, the Rev. Michelle McNamara will preach at the 8 and 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. Sunday school will be 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. The Senior Choir and the Joyful Sound Handbell Choir will provide music at both services.

The meditation will be based on Matthew 28:1-10, Palm 118:1-2, 14-24 and John 20:1-18.

On Sundays, the Adult Enrichment Class will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Sunday school will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. there is a Bible study with the pastor.

The men's breakfast will be at 8 a.m. April 12. The vacation Bible school will be on June 23-27.

For information, call the church office (847) 658-5308.

Wednesday practice for vocal and handbell choirs includes: Chapel Choir for third through eighth grades from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m.; Cherub Choir for kindergarten through second grades from 5:20 to 5:50 p.m.; Chimers for third through sixth grades from 5:20 to 5:50 p.m.; Joyful Sound Handbell Choir for seventh-grade to adult from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; and Senior Choir from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Shop at the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop, 307 S. Main St. in Algonquin. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The church is handicap accessible at the rear entrance. For details, call (847) 658-5308.

Joy Community: Joy Community Presbyterian Church will celebrate Easter Sunday worship at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. For information, visit www.joycommunity.org or call (847) 515-8800. The church is on Lakewood Road, off Algonquin Road.

McHenry County Jewish Congregation: The McHenry County Jewish Congregation will offer an adult education talk, "Jews and the Environment" at 7:30 p.m. April 1 at the synagogue, by Rabbi Joseph S. Ozarowski, rabbinic chaplain to the Jewish Healing Network of Chicago. The talk is the third in a series of lectures cosponsored by MCJC, The Shalom Group and Congregation Tikkun Olam. Through discussion of Jewish texts, Ozarowski will explore what Judaism says about our responsibility to the environment. There is no charge for the event, which is open to the public. To RSVP, call (815) 455-1810.

The synagogue will host a Jewish Artist Showcase on April 5-6. It will feature the works of area artists for display and sale. The works will include watercolors, pottery, weaving, jewelry and acrylics. The show will open at 8:30 p.m. April 5 with a wine and cheese reception, and will run the following day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The show is free and open to the public. For details, call the MCJC office at (815) 455-1810.

The synagogue will host a Second Night Seder from 6 to 9 p.m. April 20 in observation of Passover. For details, call (815) 455-1810.

Each Tuesday at noon, Rabbi Maralee Gordon holds a "Lunch and Learn Torah Study."

Shabbat services are at 6:30 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 8617 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake. Shabbat services are led by Gordon and are free and open to everyone. This is the only Conservative Jewish congregation in McHenry County. Interfaith families are welcome. It is located on Ridgefield Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake, accessible from Route 14. For information, call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.

Tikkun Olam: Congregation Tikkun Olam's next Shabbat service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock.

Congregation Tikkun Olam, a Reform congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, welcomes interfaith families and those who may wish to return to their Jewish roots.

For details on the congregation, its religious school or adult programs, visit the Web site at www.tikkun-olam.org or call (815) 334-7110.

St. Paul's Anglican Church: At St. Paul's Anglican Church, a traditional Episcopal Church, the Rev. Michael DuCette, deacon in charge, will use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the former First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock. His sermon will be based on the 22nd chapter of the Gospel of John. There will be no Bible study Easter Sunday. The ordination to the priesthood of Deacon Michael DuCette will take place April 5 at the Church of the Apostles in Pewaukee, Wis. Anyone seeking a ride may call the church. St. Paul's Parish is part of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley Anglican Church of America. For details, visit www.acahome.org or call (815) 338-0205.

Mount Hope: Mount Hope United Methodist Church, 1015 W. Broadway Ave., Pistakee Highlands, just north of Johnsburg Road, will hold the following events: Easter Sunday, an Easter continental breakfast at 9 a.m. with the service and Sunday school at 10:15 a.m. For information, call (847) 497-3805.

Bethlehem Lutheran: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 417 W. Main St. in West Dundee, invites the community to Easter worship.

On Holy Saturday, the sanctuary will be open for prayer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Easter Sunday, there will be a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m., Easter breakfast from 7:45 to 10 a.m., festival worship at 9 a.m., and celebration worship at 10:45 a.m.

Weekly Sunday school and Bible classes for all ages will resume again at 9:15 a.m. March 30 and meet regularly every Sunday through Memorial Day. For details, call (847) 426-7311.

St. Peter Lutheran: On Easter Sunday, the Rev. Eric Gawura will lead the sunrise service at 6 a.m., festival service at 8:30 a.m. and family service at 10:30 a.m., all with Holy Communion at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dundee Township. The sermon will be based on "The Lamb of God Who Gives Us Peace." A complete Easter breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits 'n' gravy and pancakes is offered at from 7 to 8:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

St. Peter Church, wheelchair accessible, is on Galligan Road, two miles north of Gilberts, one mile south of Huntley Road. For details, call the church at (847) 428-4054.

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 Tzav. 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. 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."

This week's Torah portion is Tzav, which teaches us about the different kinds of sacrifices which were brought to the Temple. 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 be celebrating Easter this weekend at 6 a.m. (Sonrise), 8 a.m. (traditional Festival) and 10:45 a.m. (celebration service). The Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will be preaching at the Sonrise service with a sermon titled "Get It?" The Rev. William Yonker will preach at the 8 and 10:45 a.m. services with a sermon titled "Holy Rolling Stones." Holy Communion will be celebrated at all three services on Easter and special music offered at all three services from brass ensembles, choirs and a praise ensemble at the 10:45 service.

An Easter breakfast served in Luther Hall, sponsored by the youth of Immanuel, will be offered between all three Easter services, from 7 to 7:45 a.m. and 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First Congregational: On the Easter Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim senior pastor, presents the theme, "Who Will Roll Away The Stone?," based on Mark 16:1-8, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at 8 a.m. will be by the Bells of Dundee, directed by Matthew Prins; and "Hark, Ten Thousand Harps and Voices", "Mary, Mary" and "Hallelujah Chorus" by the Chancel Choir with brass, adult vocal choir directed by Robert Blazek with accompanist Linda Gilmore. The 10:15 a.m. service will feature songs by the Praise Singers: Cheri Blazek, Robert Blazek, Mark Boekenhauer, Sonja Boekenhauer, Linda Gilmore and Sara Tustin; Tempos high school bell choir directed by Linda Gilmore and the Chancel Choir. An Easter egg hunt will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Kids of all ages are welcome to this free to the community event. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

First Congregational: On Easter Sunday, the celebration starts with a continental breakfast from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville.

The Easter Sunday worship starts at 10 a.m. followed by the annual Easter egg hunt for all of the children. For details, call (847) 428-1712.