Fox Valley religion notes

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.

Good Shepherd: Would you like to attend a quicker, more relaxed service for the summer? How about learning about God's wish for your life while sitting outdoors on your favorite lawn chair? The church is offering an outdoor service that begins at 7 p.m. Monday and runs throughout the summer. The service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday nights at the Christian Life Center at Nesler Road and Route 20, outside and to the East of the building. For details, e-mail Rev. Pollock at rpollock@goodshepherd-elgin.org or call the Church office at (847) 741-7788.

The church will hold vacation Bible school at its Christian Life Center from 9 a.m. to noon June 23-June 27. All are welcome. To register, e-mail amuich@goodshpeherd-elgin.org or call (847) 697-4745 and ask for Adrienne.

In addition, the church will host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 29. A LifeSource bus will be at the Nesler Road and Route 20 site to take donations. For details, call the church office at (847) 741-7788 or visit www.goodshepherd-elgin.org.

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 prekindergarten 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 "Naso." 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.

Shirt 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." They are currently counting the Omer, eagerly awaiting the holiday of Shavuot, when they celebrate receiving the Torah. Join them at 12:30 p.m. today for a class on Revelation, and then for Shavuot services at 8 a.m. Monday. This week's Torah portion is "Naso," where you learn how one can become a Nazarite. Guests are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Yonker, senior pastor, will be sharing the message, "Getting Back to the Roots of Our Relationships," based on Matthew 9:13, 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. 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. Holy Communion this weekend will be celebrated at the 10:45 a.m. service. 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 nonliturgical worship style with a music blend of favorite hymns and songs of praise. This week, the Rev. Don Bojens is sharing the sermon series, "God Knew Your Name" and Lori Anderson leading the worship. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "Not the Righteous, but Sinners" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 33:1-12; Romans 4:13-15; and Matthew 9:9-13,18-26. Sunday school is held for prekindergarten through high school at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

Sunday is the annual church picnic with a cake walk and a pie contest. The Kane County Cougar game will be June 14. Tickets are on sale for Holly McNeil in concert on June 22. The cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The concert will be a fundraiser for the church. 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: On Sunday, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison gives the message, "Dinner As Usual," based on the scripture, Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. Christian education for all ages is at 8:50 a.m. and the youth group meets at 11:15 a.m. The United Methodist Women are accepting items to be sold at the church rummage sale June 27-28. The items may be brought to the church during the week. The rummage sale will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27 and 9 a.m. to noon June 28. For details, call (847) 741-0038, ext. 102 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Sunday, the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "God Meets His Own Desire," based on Hosea 5:15-6:6, at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. The summer worship schedule includes a 9 a.m. Sunday worship service and a repeat service at 7 p.m. Wednesday. 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 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will speak on "And It Was Good," at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The pastor calls the sermon series, "Ten Essentials" - Bible stories crucial to the journey as Christian disciples. he Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated at 10:15 a.m. The Open Door service starts at 8:15 in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is held in the sanctuary.

On Sunday, those who have expressed an interest in joining the church are invited to meet with Rev. Donehoo and the Rev. Lois A. Bucher after the 10:15 a.m. service in the library. You will get to know the pastors, meet the staff and learn about the church's ministries and programs. Each session lasts no more than an hour, lunch is served. Child care is available, if needed. New members will be received on June 29. Stepping Stones, a ministry of mental health issues will present part two of a DVD by Patricia Deegan at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. Deegan is a leader in The Mental Health Recovery Movement, and her research work into methods of recovery is detailed in this presentation. Also, at the same hour, Rev. Donehoo will complete his yearlong examination of the Gospel According to Mark. Come find out what is unique about Mark's resurrection story. "The Beach Party" is the theme of the vacation Bible school on June 23-27 at Trout Park. All children ages 3 years through sixth grade in the community are invited to this free week of fun and activities. Details will be announced in the coming weeks. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Steve O'Neal, associate minister, will deliver the message for the 8 a.m. service and the Rev. Janie McCutchen, associate minister, will deliver the message for the 10:30 a.m. service at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Choral Ensemble will render the music for the 8 a.m. service and the T.E. Bedford choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service.

On Sunday, the Sunday school ministry will host the annual Sunday school promotion program. The program will be held during the Sunday school's hour of 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. The high school senior's recognition banquet will be at 6 p.m. June 14. Call the church office for details. On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. Bus and child care 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 Choir and Teacher Appreciation Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Laughter Beneath The Sacred Trees," based on Genesis 18:1-15, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. The church offers a single Sunday service at 9 a.m. from June 1 through Aug. 31.

Meister Eckhart, the German mystic, once said, "If thank you was the only prayer we ever said, it would suffice." The church's music and religious education ministries are eager to celebrate the gifts of music, teaching and learning that their members so graciously provide the congregation. All participants are encouraged to come to worship to receive thanks. The congregation is asked to be there to help recognize the children and adults who bless the worship with music and the many Sunday school students and their teachers who help lead the Christian walk.

Sunday's Ministry of Music will feature songs by the Praise Singers: Cheri Blazek, Robert Blazek, Mark Boekenhauer, Sonja Boekenhauer, Linda Gilmore and Sara Tustin; and the Bells of Dundee, directed by Matthew Prins with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist.

Children are invited to go to the 9 a.m. service with their parents. After "Our Children's Time," youth, age 3 through fifth grade, may attend "FaithExplorers in God's Big Backyard" with scripture, crafts and movement. The curriculum is "Raising Children to Love Their Neighbors." It offers many opportunities for mission projects for preschoolers as well as older kids. Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 9 to 11:15 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. Adult Teaching will be at 10:15 a.m. Sundays. Education is vitally important to the members of the church. Minds and hearts are open to new ideas while studying the Bible and or learning about issues important to our community and world. The Rev. Don Longbottom strives to offer meaningful and diverse offerings to meet the varying needs of the congregation.

The church invites everyone, kids and adults, to come out to the family Kite Fly. The kites will fill the sky 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 middle school "End of the Year" party will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Prairie Meadows Park in West Dundee. Come out for some end of the year fun with games galore, food for free and fun and fellowship. Parents are welcome to attend as the students reflect on this year and look forward to the summer and the year to come. Contact the church office for directions.

Eldermoms for Youth Missions begin meeting at 1 p.m. Wednesday to assist the youth in realizing their goal of an annual mission trip. If you are interested in working with our youth and enjoying some monthly fellowship with like-minded women, join them in the narthex for coffee, tea and sweets to get started.

FROG (Families Relying On God) Friday will meet at 6:30 p.m. Friday. For Friday the 13th, the group will be looking at some of the strange and amazing things Jesus did on. There will be stories, crafts (something for Dad's Day), pizza and snacks, games, a special preview of the vacation Bible school, "Power Lab." Bring a one-inch portrait of each of your children for the Dad's Day craft. Kids of all ages are welcome.

"Build a Library" bag toss tournament will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. June 14 to raise funds for the Africa mission trip to Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa in July. The trip's focus will be to assist the children who attend St. Margaret's Academy. The event will be held at the church and will include a four-bracket double elimination bag toss tournament, a children's booth to make bookmarks for the students of St. Margaret's Academy, face painting for smaller children, food/refreshments and raffle items. Prizes will be awarded for the winners of each bracket in the competition and a drawing for the makers of the bookmarks as well.

"Patch and Paint" service day will be at 10:30 a.m. today. Several walls in the lower commons are in need of a facelift. Call the church office if you are willing to help. Lunch will be provided. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: This week King of Glory Lutheran Church will observe the fourth Sunday after Pentecost as they look at the theme of ministry to the imprisoned, and welcome Deaconess Lori Wilbert. 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. Starting Monday, join a new worship opportunity called "The Refuge." Connect with God in a different, informal way every Monday at 7 p.m. Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship. The Monday theme is "Rain" as they examine the various storms that tend to come into our lives. 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 Romans 4:13-25 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. In "Ultra-marathon Faith," distance runners have to accept that the finish line is miles ahead, that the obstacles are going to surprise them and that the big picture is often cloudy. Join the church at its recently renovated handicap accessible building. 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.