Fox Valley religion events

Summer activities at Bethlehem: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St. in West Dundee, will offer a variety of programs and activities this summer. On Wednesdays during June and July, a book discussion of the Philip Yancy book "The Jesus I Never Knew" will be led by interim pastor Steve and Miriam Woita from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the church fellowship hall. Registration is not necessary and drop-ins are welcome. A new group is formed called The Northwest Suburbs Single Parents Group, which will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays. A dinner will be served then baby-sitting will be provided from 7 to 8:30 p.m. while the parents have a group discussion. In order to plan for the group's dinner needs, contact the church office (847) 426-7311 or e-mail at thenwssingleparentsgroup@yahoo.com with your contact information. Vacation Bible school will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon July 7-11. This year's theme "Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power." Refreshments will be served. For details, contact the church office at (847) 426-7311 or visit the Web site, www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/mysite/default.aspx?.

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. today, 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.

Father's Day Conference: In May and June, the Louise Forshe Ministries honored mothers and fathers. For Mother's Day, they had a conference and each mother attending received a gift. Four new dresses and two new pair of shoes were given to the Community Crisis Center in Elgin. Also, they gave items to two care centers for the elderly - one on the east side of town and one on the west side of town. Between the two care centers, they gave three new wigs, a pair of shoes, makeup, shower gel, hair spray and shampoo. For Father's Day, this ministry gave two care centers for the elderly men's cologne and cards. They also wrote 20 Department of Correction prisons in Illinois, which gave the ministry the opportunity to share the word of God. During this time, they gave three non-profit nursery schools books and art supplies. Some of the books were written in Spanish. The Rev. Louise Forshe shared some food with a family without food. The ministry will celebrate Father's Day with a Father and Daughter Conference today. Registration is from 8 to 9 a.m. at the American Legion, 820 Liberty St. (Route 25), Elgin. Admission is free. The Rev. Marty Levy will present "Father and Daughter Relationships." He is the pastor of Praise Ministers International. He works with the homeless. He operates in the areas of healing and prophesy with a prophetic edge. Betty Williams will speak on "Father and Daughter Relationships Through the Eyes of a Mother." Williams is a seminar and conference speaker. She is a born-again Christian and she loves the Lord. God uses her in a mighty way. The Rev. Louise Forshe will speak on "Important Facts About Father and Daughter Relationships." The overseer of Louise Forshe Ministries, she is a professional counselor who specializes in women's issues. She has worked with alcohol and drug clients as well. Forshe has studied and completed a seven year program of studying the Bible through Bible study fellowship. There will be gifts and door prizes for the men. For details, e-mail LouiseForsheMinistries@yahoo.com.

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 Monday through Thursday, with a family program on Thursday. 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.

VBS at Barrington UMC: Discover Jesus' miraculous power this year at Barrington United Methodist Church's "Power Lab" vacation Bible school. "Power Lab, Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power" will provide fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for kids of all ages from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The church is at 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington. To register, call (847) 836-5540 or e-mail dideygirl@aol.com. Visit the church's Web site at www.BarringtonUMC.com.

Cookie Lift: The Cookie Lift Project at Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church has sent care packages to the troops in the Middle East since March 2003. Last year, church and community members donated about $30,000 worth of items that were shipped to friends and relatives in the military and to 300 "adopted" Marines at Al Asad Airbase in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. To raise money for the care packages, the Cookie Lift Project will sponsor an ice cream social from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday during the Woodstock Band Concert at the park on the Woodstock Square. Church members will bake cookies and brownies from their cookbook, "Beyond the Cookie Walk." They will be selling the cookies and the cookbook along with ice cream at the event. For information, call (815) 459-1132 or e-mail cookielift@rclpc.org.

Barbecue fundraiser: Fay's Bar-B-Que will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church. Fay's is well known in the area for its delicious, grilled-on-site, chicken and pork chop dinners. For $10, your dinner includes the choice of half a chicken, or two pork chops, or combination: quarter of a chicken and one pork chop with coleslaw, beans, applesauce, roll, dessert and beverage. Tickets will be sold at the door. Carry out is available. There will also be a bake sale. The event is sponsored by The Women of Worship. The proceeds will go to the Elgin Life Center in Elgin. Thrivent Financial will match funds raised. Call Brenda Begeman, (847) 921-4664, Jan Poore, (847) 426-2521 or the church office, (847) 428-4054 for details. St. Peter is at 18N377 Galligan Road, two miles north of Gilberts or one mile south of Huntley Road.

Taste of Epworth: On June 21, "The Taste of Epworth UMC" will be served up from 3 to 7 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, Randall Road and Highland Avenue in Elgin. Outdoor summer fare will be offered in tasting sizes, in an effort to raise funds for growth and expansion of mission and ministry. Brats, hot dogs, corn, watermelon, chicken and beef kebabs, nachos, homemade ice cream and lemonade are on the menus and prices will vary. Everyone is welcome to come and fill up on food, fun and fellowship. For details, call the church office at (847) 931-5400 or e-mail office@epworthumcelgin.org.

Wild West Variety Show: Joy Community Presbyterian Church youth group is hosting a "Wild West Variety Show" to benefit their July mission trip to Montgomery, W. Va. The funds raised will assist with the rising cost of fuel for travel. This will be the youth group's third trip to Montgomery with Group Workcamps Foundation. They will assist with the construction of new homes, make repairs to existing homes, insulate, and paint homes for financially challenged families. Join the church June 21 for fellowship, dinner, silent auction, and to see all the talented folks at Joy Community. The "Round-up" begins at 6 p.m., chow time is 6:30 and the big show is at 7 p.m. at the church, 108 S. Lakewood, Lake in the Hills. For details, or if you would like to send a donation to support the youth, visit www.joycommunity.org or call the office at (847) 515-8800.

Concert at First UMC: On June 22, Holly McNeill will perform in concert at 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the church. The audience is invited to a reception in the church fellowship hall after the performance. The program will feature songs from her new CD, "Hope," which will be available for sale at the concert. A portion of the CD sales will benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Tickets are $15 for adults or $5 for children under age 12. To purchase tickets, or for details, call (847) 426-3761.

Crosswise Day Camp: Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Elgin will hold Crosswise Day Camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 23-26 and 9 a.m. to noon June 27 at the church, 340 Grand Blvd., Elgin. Children completing first to sixth grade are invited to attend. Activities include interactive Bible studies, camp-style worship, games, crafts, silly skits and field trips. Bring a sack lunch June 23-26. Cost is $30. Scholarships are available. Contact Jill Olson or the church office at (847) 741-8434. "County Fair" vacation Bible school for children 3 years old through completing kindergarten will be held the same week from 9 a.m. to noon. Contact the church office for details.

Outer Space Adventure: First Congregational Church of Huntley will offer vacation Bible school from 9 a.m. to noon June 23-27. The theme is "Outer Space Adventure." The children will be astronauts, taking off each day for a different planet, encountering alien life forms and learning about God's command to go everywhere in His world. Children age 3 through those entering sixth grade are welcome. The cost is $10 for the week. Advance registration is appreciated but is not required. Those interested may call the church at (847) 669-3691 for information and registration forms. The church is at Church and Main streets in downtown Huntley.

God's Big Backyard: 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.

Children's Education Week: Calvary Lutheran Church invites families in the community to join them for adult and children's education week on June 23-26. Seven times in the Gospel of John, Jesus says "I Am." In this Christian Education Week, they will learn about what these "I Am" statements mean. Each evening will start with a meal at 6 p.m., followed by vacation Bible school and adult bible study at 7 p.m. Monday will be a potluck and the other three nights' meals will be provided. On June 26, they will close the week with a Vespers service at 7 p.m. Calvary Lutheran Church is at 535 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin. For details, call (847) 741-5433 or visit www.clce.org.

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 and Play 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. 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.

Cosmic City VBS at Epworth: Epworth United Methodist Church in Elgin will offer a vacation Bible school from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 7-11. "Cosmic City" is this year's theme, and all manner of activities, games and music will be used to teach all 3- to 12-year-olds the "awesome wonder of God." Everyone is welcome to attend. Registration begins June 8 at the church, Randall Road and Highland Avenue, or by calling the church office at (847) 931-5400. The cost is $20 for one child or $40 for a family. For details, call the church office at (847) 931-5400 or e-mail office@epworthumcelgin.org.

Camps at Good Shepherd: Good Shepherd is offering two-week camps throughout the summer. The camps will run 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. 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.

Dinner and movie: Have you ever had "Poor Man's Lobster?" You will not want to miss this directly from Fitzgerald's Genoa Junction Restaurant in Genoa City, Wis. Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St. in West Dundee, will be serving an all-you-can-eat rib and fish boil from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 20. They will be showing a first-run Christian movie, "The Wager" with Randy Travis. "The Wager" will be shown before or after the dinner. Tickets for dinner and a movie are $18 for adults and $10 for children under 12 until June 15 then the tickets will be $20 for adults and $12 for children under 12. Call the church office to purchase your tickets now at (847) 426-7311. "The Wager" will also be shown at later dates to be announced.