Fox Valley religion notes

To submit a listing 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 "A Special Message."

On Sunday, there will be a special 7 p.m. service. The pastor will preach her first sermon in Swahili. Swahili language or Kiswahili language (African language) is a Bantu language. Bantu language is spoken either as a mother tongue or as a fluent second language on the east coast of Africa. Swahili is spoken in an area extending from Lamu Island, Kenya, and Uganda in the north to the southern border of Tanzania in the south. Swahili is spoken by 5,000,000 people as a mother tongue and some 30,000,000 as a second language.

At this special service, the people will demonstrate how unique God is. Feel free to wear clothes that express how unique God made you. You can bring flags to express how unique God made people like you. Many languages will be spoken at this service as the congregation praises God.

Living Water Church is a church of the languages English, Spanish, Polish, French and, after Rev. Forshe's sermon in Swahili, Swahili will become one of the church's main languages as well. All languages are welcome. For details, e-mail livingwaterofelgin@yahoo.com.

Louise Forshe Ministries is separated from the church. Louise Forshe Ministries is a community service.

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. This is the last Sunday of religious school until the fall. For details, call the congregation office.

This week's Torah portion is a special portion for "Behar." 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, a special "Celebration of Worship" will be at the 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday services at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. The services will be a joyful celebration of music and the Word, involving many of the vocal and instrumental music ensembles. Worship is at 6 p.m. Saturday, and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

The Rev. William Yonker, senior pastor, will be sharing the message, "Myth Busters II … Don't Buy the Lie," based on Genesis 1:1 and focusing on the biblical account of creation versus the world view of Darwinism and evolution.

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 Wednesday, the senior pastor will be sharing a message from his series "No Tame Writers Here … Glimpsing the Gospel Writers and the Whys of What They Wrote." 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, "Go and Make Disciples" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Genesis 1:1-2, 4a; Psalm 8:2; 1 Corinthians 13:11-13; and Matthew 28:16-20.

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

Yearning for those famous Hoagies? Well, the youth group is again selling hoagies for $5. Pick-up dates are June 6-7. Support the youth mission trip by buying hoagies.

Mark your calendar for future events including the church picnic on June 8; Kane County Cougar game on June 14 and a concert fundraiser with Holly McNeil June 22. Tickets for the concert are on sale for $15.

Summer vacation Bible school will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 21-25. Registration forms are available at church on the special VBS bulletin board. Questions may be directed at vbsdundee@yahoo.com.

The Missions Committee encourages donations of powder laundry detergent, fabric softener sheets, dish soap, dishwasher powder or liquid, paper plates, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, Clorox wipes, and Clorox Anywhere Hard Surface spray.

Fleece donations of two yards long are welcome in the Fireside box. The fleece will be used to make comfort pillows.

Recycle your old cell phone by dropping it off in the Fireside Room. Also welcome are Campbell's Soup UPC codes for Marcy-Newberry Center in Chicago. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: This Sunday is special at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. The 10 a.m. service will honor high school and college graduates and also those individuals who have assisted in the Christian education classes at the church. The Celebration Ringers and the Cathedral Choir will each provide an anthem at the service. The pastor, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison, will give the message on the topic, "What Are We to Do." Christian education for all ages is at 8:50 a.m. and the youth group meets at 11:15 a.m.

At 4 p.m., there will be a praise service for Larry Pickens, a former First UMC Elgin pastor, who is a candidate for the episcopacy in the United Methodist Church. Election of a bishop will take place this summer. This service will feature choirs from the four United Methodist Churches that Pickens has served as pastor. A reception follows the service. For details, call (847) 741-0038, ext. 102 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Holy Trinity Sunday, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Wise Love" based upon Proverbs 8:22-31, 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. The church will switch to the summer worship schedule May 25. The summer schedule includes one Sunday worship at 9 a.m. and a repeat service Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Wednesday evening service schedule begins on June 4. 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 Trinity Sunday, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will speak on "The Way to Go" at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. This is also Commitment Sunday when the congregation will make their pledges and contributions toward the "Transforming the Church Brick by Brick" renovation project.

The Open Door service starts at 8:15 in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is held in the sanctuary. All three choirs will sing at the 10:15 a.m. service: the Cherub Choir, the Joyful Noise, and the Chancel Choir. The handbell choir also will be ringing. The anthem by the Chancel Choir will be "Christ is Made the Sure Foundation" by Dennis W. Larson. As it is the last Sunday for Sunday school classes until fall, there will be a recognition of teachers.

At 9:15 a.m. the in-depth Bible study of the gospel of Mark continues and all are welcome. No biblical expertise is required and breakfast is available along with the study of Mark.

On Thursday, Damaris, the informal women's group, will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Biaggi's Restaurant, 1524 S. Randall Road, Algonquin. All women of the church, and their guests, are welcome.

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.

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 Youth Sunday, the 9:30 a.m. worship will feature the leadership of the youth of the congregation at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. High school and college graduates will be recognized during the service.

Members and friends are invited to walk the labyrinth today. They will meet at the church at 3 p.m. and travel together to the labyrinth.

The Seasoned Servants will make a trip to Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford on Monday, meeting at the church at 9 a.m. for an 11 a.m. tour, followed by lunch at Asian Fusion Restaurant. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will bring the message, "This Just Might Be Your Day!," inspired by 2 Kings 4:1-16, for the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin.

This is part two and conclusion of a series focusing on the power of faith. The Male Chorus will render the music for the both services.

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 today. Attend this life-changing workshop 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. today. The discussion topic will be "Developing Mutual Sexual Fulfillment." The meeting will be held in the fellowship hall. All couples are encouraged to attend.

The Choral Ensemble presents the second annual spring recital. The theme is "My Journey" inspired by Psalms 23. The recital will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. They will begin studying "Experiencing God," written by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Confirmation Sunday, the Rev. Nancy Schatzeder, acting associate pastor for children's ministries, will present the sermon, "Come When You Are Called," based on Samuel 1:3-10, at the 8 and 10:15 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee.

Schatzeder has been an ordained minister since 2002 graduating from Chicago Theological Seminary with a master of divinity degree. She has served as associate pastor for children's ministries and women's concerns at Winnetka Congregational Church for the past five years and also served as a settled minister for one year at St. John's United Church of Christ in Union.

The Third Sunday Benevolence Offering will be donated to "Strengthen the Church," a special mission offering that helps to grow the United Church of Christ.

During the 10:15 a.m. Sunday service, the confirmation class of 2008 will be welcomed into the congregation. The eighth-grade youth include Austin Cassidy, Tyler Gross, McKenzie Krueger, Scott Mallers and Matt Price.

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 Youth Ring 'n Sing Choir, first- through 12th-grade chime, bell and vocal choir directed by Linda Gilmore and Charlotte Norman; and "Living Water, Guiding Spirit" 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 the Rev. 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 Comforts Others in a Storm" based on the Bible story in Acts 27:1-44: God encourages us.

Church Council Chat will take place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

The Senior High Youth will travel to Lombard at 4 p.m. Sunday to play WhirlyBall. The cost is $15 and friends are invited. WhirlyBall is a combination of Jai Lai, basketball, bumper cars and chaos. Call Chad Coe at ext. 202 for details.

First Congregational Church of Dundee serves dinner at the Community Crisis Center in Elgin on a monthly basis. The next meal will be provided Tuesday. If you are interested in cooking, donating food or delivering the meals, call the church office. Some menu items need to be prepared while others can be purchased and dropped off at church. Any help is appreciated by the temporary residents.

PADS of Elgin, Inc. provides safe shelter, support services and advocacy to homeless individuals in Dundee, Elgin and Hanover Townships. Four volunteers, 18 and older, are needed to provide staffing at PADS, 1730 Berkley St. in Elgin, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Sign up by calling the church office.

Girlfriends will meet Thursday to do some "construction" for Vacation Bible school, Power Lab. Call Rev. Schatzeder at ext. 204, if you can lend a hand.

For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Country Covenant: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Harder will lead the message 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.

Today 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. For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit Web site www.countrycov.org.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe the Holy Trinity as they look at the theme "What's So Great About God?"

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. today. Learn how to be a better witness of your faith. The $10 registration fee covers lunch and materials. Call for details.

Starting June 9, join a new worship opportunity called "The Refuge." Connect with God in a different, informal way every Monday at 7 p.m.

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

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on Scripture on Matthew 28:16-20 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Join them as they celebrate "God in three entities, blessed Trinity."

Join the church at its recently renovated handicap-accessible building. It is an open and affirming congregation, welcoming all to their services. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available during the service. For details, call (847) 428-1712.