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.

Living Water Church: On Sunday, the Rev. Louise Forshe will bring the message at the 7 and 10:30 a.m. services at Living Water Church, 601 Hill Ave. in Elgin. Her bilingual message in English and Spanish will be on ""Who is Jesus?"

All are welcome, especially if you don't have a church home. Living Water Church is a church of languages -- English, Spanish, Polish, French and all others. It is a church where you can praise the Lord in your native language. All languages are welcome.

Louise Forshe Ministries is separated from the church. Louise Forshe Ministries is a community service. For details, e-mail livingwaterofelgin@yahoo.com.

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 a special one, for "Kedoshim." 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.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, seminarian James Glowinski will share a message, "The Lion's Roar," based on 1 Peter 5:6, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. Worship is at 6 p.m. Saturday, and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Holy Communion this Sunday will be celebrated at both the Saturday and 8 a.m. services.

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. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." The service, held in the sanctuary, is piano-led and is an informal non-liturgical worship style with a music blend of favorite hymns and songs of praise.

This week, the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf continues the two-part sermon series, "A Major Look at a Minor Prophet (Jonah)." This week's message is called "Gets You Really Lost." During the message, young children are invited to participate in a children's ministry offering called "Faith Factory +" which takes place in Luther Hall, adjacent to the sanctuary.

On May 13, Immanuel will host the 70-member Augsburg College Choir at 7 p.m. for a concert in the church sanctuary. Free admission; a door offering will be collected to support the college's spring tour. All are invited to attend this special night of choral music.

For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org. See what is new in worship, listen to recent sermons, find out what is happening at the church or the day school program, or send a question or comment that might allow the church to better connect with you.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "You Will Receive Power" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1 and Luke 24.

Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through high school at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

For more information, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

St. John: On the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Confirmation Sunday, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Legacy," based on Psalm 78:5-8, 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.

Quilters meet at 9 a.m. Mondays. 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 pinochle club meets the last Friday of each month at 7 p.m. 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: On Sunday, the Rev. Paris N. Donehoo will preach on "Playing Catch-Up." using texts from the New Testament, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The Open Door Service begins at 8:15 a.m. in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is in the sanctuary. The Sanctuary Choir and the Handbell Choir will assist in the leading of worship at the 10:15 a.m. service.

Adult Christian Formation is held between services after a 9 a.m. breakfast. Child care is available. At 9:15 a.m. the in-depth study of the Gospel of Mark. The class is open to anyone and no biblical expertise is necessary. A second option is Carl Flaks leading "Controversial Conversations with Carl." This week's discussion will be on the economic stimulus package that is Washington's proposal to stem the current financial woes of the U.S. This lively group welcomes all to the library to talk about the issues. Child care is available for all classes. Parking lots are nearby as well as a municipal parking garage. 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, "The Voice that Leads to Life" at the 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.

The service will include a time for teacher appreciation. There will be a potluck at noon as part of the recognition of teachers. There will be a congregational business meeting at 1 p.m. The Spirited Sisters will meet at 6 p.m.

There will be a bicycle ride, sponsored by the Nurture Ministry Group and led by John Lengle, at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

There will be a Mother's Day Concert at 3 p.m. May 11, at the church to benefit the Community Crisis 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, "You Don't Know My Name," inspired by Genesis 35:16-18, for the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin.

The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service and the Choral Ensemble will sing at 10:30 a.m.

The pastor is personally inviting all youth to attend church this Sunday to hear this powerful message. Holy Communion will be observed during both services while baptisms will take place during the 10:30 a.m. service.

On Wednesday, Bible study will begin at noon followed by Wonderful Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. Second Baptist will begin studying "Experiencing God," written by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King.

The Young Adult Ministry in conjunction with the Youth Ministry invites all to "Moments Pass. Consequences last. Sex … it's worth the wait." This is a workshop geared for students in seventh to 12th grade. The workshop will be held May 17. Attend this life changing to learn the truth about sex. Through this workshop, one will learn the spirituality of sex, the benefits of abstinence, and the consequences of premarital sex. Call the church for details.

The Couples Ministry next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 17. The discussion topic will be "Developing Mutual Sexual Fulfillment." The meeting will be held in the fellowship hall. All couples are encouraged to attend.

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 Seventh Sunday of Easter, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, senior intentional interim pastor, will present the sermon, "One," based on John 1:1-18, at the 8 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Holy Communion will be offered.

The first Sunday of each month is set aside for donations of non-perishable food items for FISH Food Pantry and/or size 5 and 6 diapers for the Community Crisis Center. These gifts will help those less fortunate in the area.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at 10:15 a.m. will feature songs by the Praise Singers: Cheri Blazek, Robert Blazek, Mark Boekenhauer, Sonja Boekenhauer, Linda Gilmore and Sara Tustin; the Bells of Dundee, directed by Matthew Prins; and "This Little Light" by the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist.

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. Children should be signed in and out.

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 "Paul Explains Christians' Relationship With Christ" based on the Bible story in Ephesians 1:15-2:10: We are God's workmanship.

The church has been invited by HOMES Inc. (Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service) to help repair homes July 12-19 in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. There is room for 24 volunteers to work hard, touch a life, be moved and have fun. Basic tools are welcome and no previous experience is required. Workers must be high school age. Call the church office to volunteer or attend the next meetings at 7 p.m. May 7 and June 4 in the church library.

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.

FROG (Families Relying On God) Friday will meet at 6:30 p.m. May 9 in God's Big Backyard at the church. Bring a friend and join them for a celebration of Mothers with pizza, games, a festive craft and a special devotional. Bring a 3- or 4-inch head-shot photo of each of your children for the craft. This month, they will learn why Mothers are a gift from God. Kids of all ages are welcome. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Country Covenant: On Sunday, Greg Applequist will lead the message, "Faithfulness," 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.

This Wednesday, the Young Couples Evening meets at 6:30 p.m. in the church basement. There will also be a Prayer Evening meeting in the sanctuary at the same time.

May 17 is the annual fundraiser for children's camp at Covenant Harbor. Faye's pork chop or chicken dinners will be $10 per ticket. There also will be a bake sale at the church. Dinners can be pre-ordered or available as drop-in from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Carry-out or eat at the church. Many activities for adults and children are planned.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe the ascension of Christ, as well as observe the rite of confirmation at the 10:45 a.m. service.

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.

Join the "Equipping to Share" workshop from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 17. Learn how to be a better witness of your faith. The $10 registration fee covers lunch and materials. Call for details.

The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.