Fox Valley religion special events

Flag retirement: On Sunday, join Boy Scout Troop 128 at 9:30 a.m. for the 11th annual flag retirement at Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W040 Highland Ave. in Elgin. The goal is to respectfully dispose of flags that are no longer serviceable. Anyone is welcome to bring in their worn flags for a proper retirement. Call Scout Master Keith Paskiewicz at (847) 420-1730 for details on many other scouting events.

Fun Fair: On Sunday, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in West Dundee will host a Fun Fair from noon to 2 p.m. in the church parking lot, 401 W. Main St. They will have free food, hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn from the church youth and free food and activities from area vendors including Buffalo Wild Wings, Jamba Juice, Olive Garden, Masi's Restaurant, Chili's Restaurant, Opulence Salon and other area vendors. Soda and water will also be for sale. Music will be provided by the Messengers Band during the fun fair. There will be fun activities before the Dundee Township Memorial Day Parade at 2 p.m. For details, call (847) 426-7311.

Cookie Lift: The Cookie Lift Project of Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church will sponsor a float in the Woodstock Memorial Day Parade on Monday to support the troops in Iraq. The next shipment will be the Dog Days of Summer boxes that will include non-aerosol items to help them cope with the heat: eye drops, saline nasal spray, SPF-30 or higher sunblock lotion, anti-itch cream/powder, bug towelletes, flavor packets for bottled water, gum, hard candy and gel insoles. Parade watchers can donate items as we walk along the route. In keeping with the Dog Days theme, we will be passing out biscuits for the dogs on the parade route. People wishing to donate can bring items or money for postage to the church at 8505 Church St. in Ridgefield, just north of McHenry County College. Call 815 459-1132, e-mail cookielift@rclpc.org, or visit www.rclpc.org for details.

Rummage sale: The annual rummage sale will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 31. at Epworth United Methodist Church, Randall Road and Highland Avenue in Elgin. More than 50 families participate and items include furniture, home accessories, clothing, toys, perennials and plants. Proceeds from the annual yard sale help fund Epworth UMC in the many community-based service projects and plans for the upcoming year. Rain or shine, all are welcome! Hot dogs and snacks will be available too. For information, call Epworth UMC at (847) 931-5400.

Blessing of Motorcycles: On May 31, First Congregational Church will host its first "Blessing of the Motorcycles" at 2 p.m. in its parking lot at 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Individual motorcycles along with their riders and passengers will be included in prayers of thanksgiving and safety to be offered by the church's senior minister, Rev. Budd Friend-Jones. This is a free event, open to all. Bottles of water will be given to re-hydrate attendants as they ride off into what everyone hopes will be a safe and blessed riding season. For information, call Amy Barry at (815) 459-6010 or e-mail amy@fcc-cl.org.

New worship at Barrington UMC: Starting June 8 through Labor Day, Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road in Barrington, will have Sunday worship at 8 and 9:30 a.m. There will be children's church after the children's message at the 9:30 a.m. service for all preschoolers (age 3 and up) through fourth-graders. Professional nursery care for infants and toddlers is available at both services. All are welcome. For details, call (847) 836-5540 or visit the church's Web site at www.BarringtonUMC.com.

Highland Summer Adventures: Beginning May 22, a new summer day camp program, "Highland Summer Adventures" will be offered at Highland Christian Academy in Elgin. The program, open to children from preschool 3 through sixth grade, will offer both full-time and part-time child care options (6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.) through Aug. 15. Creative weekly themes have been chosen to provide a summer adventure of art, music, creative learning and exploration with separate tracks for younger and older children. Each week will include age appropriate activities and fun as well as flexible extended childcare options. For information, call Pam Backey, preschool and administrative director, at (847) 741-5530, ext. 17 or download a registration form at www.highlandsummer.com. Highland Christian Academy, a private Christian school and a ministry of Highland Fellowship Church, is 2250 W. Highland Ave., half-mile east of Randall Road in Elgin. It offers classes for children in preschool (age 3) through eighth grade. Its mission is to partner with parents to provide a nurturing, Christ-centered education, developing the whole child in areas of character, values, academic excellence and physical soundness.

St. Mary kicks off gala: To kick off the "Gala on Gifford" church fun fair, a bingo night will be held June 6 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 397 Fulton St., Elgin. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. with games beginning at 7 p.m. There will be two $250 jackpots. Participants must be 18 years and older.

Good Shepherd school: Good Shepherd Lutheran School is accepting applications for the 2008-09 school year for preschool through eighth grade. Preschool and kindergarten both offer full-day options, and both locations offer after-school care. Good Shepherd strives to meet the individual needs of children in the classroom and provides a wide variety of learning experiences. The Van Street Location houses kindergarten and grades first through eighth, and the preschool is at the Nesler Road Christian Life Center. For details, visit www.goodshepherd-elgin.org, or call the school at (847) 741-7795.

New Creations Preschool: New Creations Preschool begins registration for the 2008-09 school year.Classes are forming for 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Cost is $185 per month. Or class from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday is for $130 per month. There is a $75 non-refundable registration fee. The child-to-teacher ratio is 20 to 2. New Creations Preschool is extending their class length from 2.5 hours to 3 hours to enhance the children's learning experience. Registration is beginning now. For information or to schedule an appointment to visit the preschool, call the director, Penny Ball at (847) 931-5088.

Griffin School accepting enrollment: Griffin Christian School, a ministry of Fox Valley Baptist Church, is now accepting enrollments in all grades for the 2008-09 school year. The school, located at 16N562 Vista Lane in East Dundee, is for preschool through 12th grade. The school offers a full, Bible-based academic schedule, along with classes in art, music, computer skills, gym and several foreign languages. After-school care is also available. The preschool program is for both 3- and 4-year-olds. Parents will be able to choose between a two-day or a five-day program, either mornings or full day. The kindergarten program is either mornings or full day. Both programs feature early learning activities with a low student-to-teacher ratio, and include phonics-based reading instruction. The elementary program is a multi-age class, but with traditional classroom instruction and a phonics-based reading program. The middle and high school programs use a technology-based, individualized program, utilizing the latest in computer technology to assist in the learning process and prepare students for the modern collegiate experience. For several of their subjects, the middle and high schools use an online curriculum with real-time assistance, where each student can complete their subjects with lessons specifically tailored to their needs. Traditional classroom instruction in several subjects is also included. For details, or to make an appointment to visit the school, call (847) 428-5413 or visit griffinchristianschool.org.

Women's retreat: Bethlehem Lutheran Church will host a women's retreat "FootPrints of Faith" from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 7 at the church, 401 W. Main St. in West Dundee. There will be a continental breakfast and lunch provided. The cost is $40 per person. There will be a speaker to help women grow in Christ. This event is open to all Christian women in the area. Invite your friends and come to be refreshed and renewed in Christ. Tickets may be purchased by calling the office (847) 426-7311. Bethlehem Lutheran Church offers services at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Bible classes for all ages are on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. All persons interested in bi-weekly, in-home Bible studies should call the church office for details. Bethlehem is an exciting, growing, changing church and would open our doors to all persons who are interested in learning of the saving love of Christ Jesus.

Family kite fly: First Congregational Church of Dundee invites the community, kids and adults to come out to a family kite fly. The kites will fill the sky on June 8 at 10:30 a.m. on the west lawn of the church. Basic kites will be provided or bring your own. Prizes will be awarded. There will be plenty of family fun on the ground while the kites are airborne. Hot dogs, chips, pop and ice cream will be served free of charge. Come for some high flying fun at "The Church on the Hill." The church is at 900 S. Eighth St. (Route 31 and Angle Tarn), West Dundee. For details, call First Congregational Church of Dundee at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit the Web site at www.fccdundee.com.

Prophetic meeting: On June 8, join Morning Star Church in Huntley for a special prophetic meeting featuring Jeremy Lopez at 10 a.m. Lopez is founder and president of Identity Network International, an apostolic and prophetic resource Web site, and has prophesied to thousands of people from all walks of life. He releases the prophetic word of God everywhere he goes. He ministers with a revelational, prophetic teaching gift that brings a freshness of the word of the Lord to the body of Christ. He teaches the principle that we are positioned in heavenly places and are called to minister out of that realm. He holds a doctorate of divinity degree. He is the author of the book, "The Power of the Prophetic Spirit" and has more than 28 teaching CDs. Morning Star Church is at 41W350 Powers Road just north of the I-90 Route 47 exit in Huntley. For details about this event or the church, call (847) 669-9800 or visit www.morningstarwoc.org.

Camps at Good Shepherd: Good Shepherd is offering two-week camps throughout the summer. The camps will run June 9-20, July 7-18 and July 21-Aug. 1 and are for all ages preschool through sixth grade. A variety of topics are available to choose from including arts and music, soccer, volleyball and "Exploring Our World." Before- and after-school care also will be available. For details, visit www.goodshepherd-elgin.org, or call the preschool office at (847) 697-4745. Good Shepherd Lutheran School is accepting applications for the 2008-09 school year for preschool through eighth grade. Preschool and kindergarten both offer full-day options, and both locations offer after-school care. Good Shepherd strives to meet the individual needs of children in the classroom and provides a wide variety of learning experiences. The Van Street location houses kindergarten and first through eighth grade. The preschool is at the Nesler Road Christian Life Center. For details, visit the Web site at www.goodshepherd-elgin.org, or call the school at (847) 741-7795.

Church to host flea market, craft fair: King of Glory Lutheran Church will host the second annual Flea Market, Craft and Collectibles Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 14, rain or shine. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available, so come shop at one of more than 40 vendors to find unusual items and hidden treasures. The church is at 36W720 Hopps Road, off Randall Road in Elgin. For details, call Donna Peddy at (847) 742-8699.

Rain Forest VBS: Vacation Bible school has been announced at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. This year's theme is "Rain Forest Adventure," focusing on participants' time, talents, treasure and commitment to preserving God's beautiful Earth. To introduce the program this year, the church displayed an 8-foot by 12-foot camel during the children's message. It will run from 9 a.m. to noon June 16-19, with a family program June 19. The cost is $25 per child with a maximum of $75 per family. Register online through the CE page of the Web site at www.fcc-cl.org or call the church office at (815) 459-6010.

Vacation Bible school: St. John's Lutheran Church and School in downtown Algonquin will offer "God's Big Backyard" vacation Bible school. The adventure starts each day at the Backyard Bash. The backyard buddies (Stan, Cooper, Alex and Nick) discover how much fun service can be. Each day, activities include crafts, stories, snacks, games and lots of fun. The Backyard Bash will be from 9 a.m. to noon each day June 23-27. The program will kick off each morning in the church, 300 Jefferson St. in downtown Algonquin (just one block west of Route 31). The program is open to children of all faiths and ages 3 through completion of fifth grade. Registration is strongly encouraged. To register or simply receive details, call the church office at (847) 658-9300.

Power Lab VBS: First Congregational Church in West Dundee invites children to "Power Lab: Discover Jesus' Miraculous Power!" The research and testing will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon June 23-27. Get ready for an adventure, following Jesus as he heals, helps and gives power to people who need him. Power Lab is fizzing with fun for kids, teenagers and adults. They will explore God's Word. Each day your children will be a part of Bible adventures that they can see, hear, touch and even taste. Wacky Works Crafts, Daily Challenges that apply Bible truths to everyday life, team building Hyperspeed Games, lively Bible songs and tasty Test Tube treats are just a few of the Power Lab activities that help faith grow into real life. The vacation Bible school is for children age 3 through fifth grade. School age kids should sign up for the grade they are currently completing. Register online at www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/fccdundee. Registration is limited. The deadline is June 13 or when space is filled. The cost is $30 per student or $70 for families of three or more and includes a collection of five adorable Bible Buddies, a T-shirt and a Sing andPlay Music CD for each family when you register. As a thank you for parents who volunteer, nursery care is available for any other children, age 2 and younger. To be a part of the fun, go to the Web site and visit the volunteer box on your child(ren)'s Participant Registration form and complete a Volunteer Registration form as well. The church is at 900 S. Eighth St. (Route 31 and Angle Tarn), West Dundee. For details, call the church at (847) 426-2161 ext. 204 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Power Lab VBS: Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee invites the community to mark their calendars the fourth week in June for vacation Bible school. Normally, Immanuel host VBS on the third week in June but changed their schedule to accommodate the later release of Community Unit District 300 schools. It will take place June 23-27. This year, Immanuel will be using Group Publishing's "Power Lab, Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power" material to teach children biblical truths. Power Lab doesn't rely on traditional teaching methods; rather kids will experience Bible stories in powerful, life-changing ways. Each day children will take part in fun Bible learning they can see, hear, touch, and even taste. Bible Point crafts, team-building games, and lively Bible songs are just a few of the Power Lab activities that help children apply what they learn into real life. The children also will participate in a hands-on mission project called Operation Kid-to-Kid that involves nearly a million other children across North America. Older children will be out in the community serving others for the week of June 23-27. "Last year, we introduced service projects for kids in the fifth and sixth grade. We are hoping to have them working again this summer," stated David Meier, VBS director. Meier estimates that Immanuel hosts more than 200 children during VBS and more than 70 volunteers. The program begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at noon. Registration will open in mid-April. Immanuel accepts children from the ages of 3 to 12 and welcomes all in the community to join in this fun week. There is no registration fee. A donation of $25 per child for the entire week is encouraged. The church is at 310 E. Main St. For details, call the church office at (847) 428-4477.