McHenry County 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.

McHenry County Jewish Congregation: On May 18, the McHenry County Jewish Congregation will be hosting its host its annual meeting and Religious School year-end picnic from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

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

The religious school offers two-day a week on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Instruction is offered to students in second to eighth grade, and Sunday-only instruction is provided to children in kindergarten and first grade and high school. For information on membership or a registration packet, call (815) 455-1810.

The synagogue operates a gift shop offering a wide array of Jewish-themed gift and holiday supplies that is open during religious school hours.

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.

First Congregational: At 5 p.m. today, the monthly contemporary service will be held in the sanctuary of First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. In addition to praise and worship music, an Agape Meal will be shared. The Rev. Michelle McNamara will be the speaker.

This Sunday, McNamara's sermon will be "Spoken or Heard?," based on Acts 2:1-21, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services. It is both Mother's Day and Pentecost Sunday. It is also the day to collect a mission offering for the Light Center in Union, which specializes in animal-assisted programming for challenged and at-risk youth; and it is Pack-a-Sack Sunday, which focuses on donating items for the Grafton Township Food Pantry. Special needs are: canned tomatoes and corn, pasta/noodles, cereal and Jell-O.

The Sunday AMs, the junior and senior high bell choir, will play in both services.

The Sunday school children will continue the topic called "The Great Commission," learning what it means to spread the gospel in this day and age. Sunday school children are encouraged to come dressed for pictures.

The Women's Circle will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the Emory home. The Knit/Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church. On Friday the confirmands will take a trip to the Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates.

For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691 or visit www.firsthuntley.org.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "What Does This Mean?" based on Acts 2:1-21, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Sunday school is at 10:30 a.m. Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. A supervised nursery is offered at the 10:30 a.m. service. Coffee and fellowship follows the Sunday services.

There will be an Ascension Day worship at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1 with Pastor Stroup officiating.

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 Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach at both services at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Sunday school and nursery care are available at both services.

Music rehearsals are at the Citizens Bank in Huntley: Shepherd Voices will meet at 7 p.m. Monday and Prairie Ringers Chime Choir will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

The book group will meet at 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday to discuss "Unashamed" at Citizens Bank.

Christians who like "Classic Cars" will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Cosman Center.

Confirmation meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday with pizza at 6 p.m.

May 18 will be the last day for Sunday school till the fall session starts. On that Sunday, it also will be teacher recognition day. Registration for the 2008-09 Sunday school will be available online in the near future.

Senior Shepherds will be touring Morkes Chocolate Shop on May 21. Lunch will follow at Mimi's Cafe. Sign up at the Welcome Table.

Sign-up for vacation Bible school has begun. The program will be from June 16-20 at Mackeben Elementary School in Algonquin.

The "W4" ladies will hold a luncheon June 12 at Wallleye Grill. Sign up at the Welcome Table.

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 lead worship at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through second grade. The high school group is off this week.

Alcoholics Anonymous holds a weekly "closed" meeting at noon Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Mondays. 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.

Middle school classes are now on summer break.

Adult Bible studies are offered Wednesdays. At 9 a.m., study the text for the upcoming Sunday. At 7:30 p.m., they will study the book of Mark.

The Men of Faith will meet for fellowship and breakfast at 8 a.m. today at the Old Country Buffet in Crystal Lake. All men of faith and their sons are welcome.

Ladies Bunco will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday. If you are interested in learning more about the church and how to become involved, join "Faith v.1" at 11:45 a.m. May 17. You will receive information about our ministries and connection points for every age.

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

Preschool registration is now open. Call Michelle Sullivan at (224) 569-6512 for information or a tour.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, will honor mothers at its Mother's Day service at 10:45 a.m.

The Rev. Dan Larsen will speak about Mother's Day. Mothers and children will have the opportunity to light a candle for each other.

The Men's Chorus, led by musical director Tom Steffens, will perform for the mothers in the congregation.

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 Pentecost Sunday, the Rev. Bette Zattau, associate minister, will preach at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. At 9 a.m., the Vestry Choir will sing "Hold Me, Rock Me," a piece adapted from a traditional spiritual. At 10:45 a.m., the Alleluia Sound Choir will sing "Rhythm of Life."

Sunday school is offered at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Each Sunday, all children, age 2 through seventh grade, will begin worship with their family. After the children's message, they will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants, and toddlers at each service.

On Monday, church council meeting is at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.

On Wednesday, the Seasons of the Spirit Bible study group will meet at 10 a.m. in the library.

On Tuesday, there will be a VBS staff training session held at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

On Thursday, Young at Heart meets at noon at the Crystal Lake Country Club for their luncheon and program. Common Ground meets at 7:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

On Friday, FCC's Men's Retreat at Green Lake Wisconsin begins and continues through the morning of May 18. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Sharon Rogers continues the sermon series, "Our Calling, Our Life: Serving Joyfully" with her sermon, "Touching the Need, Touching God" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The Scripture reading for the sermon is taken from Matthew 25:31-46. The Rev. Kendall Koenig is senior pastor and Rogers is associate pastor.

Confirmation services will be held at 5 p.m. May 17 and 1:30 p.m. May 18 for all eighth-graders who have completed their studies.

Eighth-graders are invited to attend SWAP (Students with a Passion) senior high youth group at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the annex.

Registration for all summer camps is open. "Camp on the Rock" day camp for first through fifth grades runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 23-27. Basketball camp for ages 10-13 runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 29-Aug, 1. Theatre Camp for ages 10-15 runs July 7-18. Auditions for parts will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 26-27. Vacation Bible school for preschool to fifth grade will be held Aug. 4-8 with both morning and afternoon sessions available.

Vacation Bible school leaders will meet at 10 a.m. July 24. For details, call Joanne Weber at (847) 658-9250.

Bethany Lutheran: Pentecost Sunday will be celebrated with Holy Communion at 7:45, 9, and 10:45 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. Highlights include: seven red candles representing the gifts of the Spirit; the reading of Acts 2-1-21 in English and a variety of other languages; and red geraniums decorating the sanctuary in honor of the "living church."

Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m. through May 18. Child care is available at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. The summer Sunday school program begins June 8 through Aug. 24 at 10 a.m.

Session three of "Building Bridges, Tearing Down Walls, Part II" concludes at 10:30 a.m. Sunday with "The Immigrant Experience" and "The Church's Response."

Bethany Arts Series presents the Chicago Brass Band in concert at 3 p.m. May 18 at the church. The 30-piece brass and percussion ensemble will perform traditional brass band music along with jazz, modern and American literature. There is no admission, but a free-will offering will be taken.

Outreach for May includes driving for Meals on Wheels; helping at the Crystal Lake Food Pantry Monday and finishing the Military Care Package project.

Reminder: Summer worship service times are 8:30 and 10 a.m. Memorial Day, May 25 through Labor Day, Aug. 31.

The second annual church garage sale is being planned for June 6-7. Vacation Bible school, "Power Lab" is set for 9 a.m. to noon July 14-18.

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: The McHenry County Church of Religious Science, Center for Spiritual Evolution will offer a Mother's Day celebration and tribute service at its new permanent location in Cary at 204 Spring St., lower level. Special guest musician is Tricia Alexander.

Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service, and children's program and toddler care. If you arrive early, there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m.

The children's curriculum is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." May lessons relate to the Thanksgiving step of spiritual prayer treatment. Your kids will uncover wholeness and eliminate thoughts of lack and limitation. This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Activity of Gratitude."

As a trans-denominational church, all services and activities are open to everyone without obligation. For details, call (847) 516-1950 or visit www. newthoughtmchenry.org .

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, the Rev. Brian Cope will preach at the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St.

The message is based on Acts 2:1-21, Numbers 11:24-30, Psalms 104:24-34, 35b, 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13, Acts 2:1-21 and John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39. The Cherub and Chapel Choirs and the Chimers will provide the music.

Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. there is a Bible study with the pastor.

The Men's Breakfast will be at 8 a.m. today. The leadership meeting for all boards and committees will be from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today. The council meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday. Confirmation Sunday is at 10 a.m. May 25. Summer vacation Bible school will be from 9 a.m. to noon 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.

St. Paul's Anglican Church: At St. Paul's Anglican Church, a traditional Episcopal Church, the Rev. Michael DuCette, vicar, 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.

DuCette's sermon will be based on John 14 as the congregation celebrates Pentecost, commonly known as Whitsunday. The Bible Study group will meet from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. They are studying John 11.

Synod XXIII of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley/Anglican Church in America will be held June 3-5 in Des Moines, Iowa. See Mike Hepperlen for details.

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.