Lake Co. religion notes

Christ Lutheran Church: The church in Vernon Hills has moved to summer worship hours through Labor Day. Sunday morning worship begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information about worship, education, preschool, mission trips and outreach opportunities, call the church office at (847) 367-5787 or visit www.christlutheranvh.org. Christ Lutheran is at 595 Deerpath Drive in Vernon Hills, next to Countryside Fire. Visitors are always welcome.

Community Protestant Church, United Church of Christ: The church at 418 N. Prairie Ave., Mundelein, will hold its vacation Bible school Aug. 11-15. Children ages 4 to 11 are welcome to attend the evening sessions, which will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with a child-friendly dinner provided. Call (847) 566-4000. Registration is required. Community Protestant is located on the corner of Hawley and Prairie in Mundelein.

Crystal Springs Healing Rooms: Healing from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at Crystal Springs Healing Rooms, 1117 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Prayers for: migraines, ongoing illnesses, pregnancy, cancer, pains, upcoming surgeries, those in local hospitals, etc. E-mail healing@calvarywayintl.com or visit www.calvarywayintl.com/healingrooms or www.healingrooms.com

Grace Lutheran Church: For the rest of the summer, until Sept. 7, there will be only one service at 9:30 a.m. with Summer Promiseland for children in preschool to sixth grade each Sunday following the children's message. Coffee fellowship will follow worship.

Traditional worship is offered the first and third Sundays of each month, and contemporary worship is the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Holy Communion is offered the first and second Sundays of the month, and nursery service is available each Sunday.

For details, visit www.aboutgracelutheran.org or call (847) 367-7050. Grace Lutheran Church is at 501 Valley Park Drive, Libertyville.

• Grace Lutheran Church is still accepting registration applications for its Early Childhood Program and its new Preschool Program. The "Terrific Two's" program is for children turning 2 years old by Sept. 1. The new "Tremendous Threes" Preschool is a nondenominational program for the 2008-2009 school year. This program is for children turning 3 years old by Sept. 1. For more information about these programs, contact the church office at (847) 367-7050, or see the Web site at ww.aboutgracelutheran.org. Click on the "Terrific Twos" or "Tremendous Threes" links.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church: CrossWays Preschool, an early childhood ministry of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, currently has openings in a new Tuesday afternoon Science Sensation class. This is an enrichment class focusing on science and math for 4- and 5-year-olds. Contact Mindy (847) 367-4367 for more information.

• Kathy Pfister, director of Celebration! Childcare Center, celebrates 30 years in early childhood education this August.

• Celebration! Childcare Center is hosting an Open House from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 7, 8. Families can take a tour of the building and see Celebration! during program hours to get a feel for the flow of the program. Celebration is currently taking enrollment and families may register their children at the open house.

• Holy Cross Lutheran Church fall schedule will resume on Rally Day, Sept. 7, with services at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. The 2008/2009 Sunday/Funday School will also resume at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 7.

• Confirmation classes for all sixth-, seventh-, and eighth- graders will resume at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14

For more information, please call the church office at (847) 367-4060 or visit the Web site at www.holycrosschurch.org. Holy Cross Lutheran Church is at 29700 N. St. Mary's Road in Libertyville.

The Most Rev. George Rassas, auxiliary bishop of Chicago for Vicariate I, will join Bishop Paprocki in leading a torchlight Way of the Cross Procession at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 on the grounds of the University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, 1000 E. Maple Ave. in north suburban Mundelein.

New Life Lutheran Church: Vacation Bible school will be from 9-11:30 a.m. Aug. 11-15 at the church, 910 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich. The theme is "The Bible Discovery Museum." Register by calling (847) 438-5018 or visiting www.newlife-wels.org. There is no cost. This year VBS is offered to children who are going into 4-year-old preschool through eighth grade.

St. John Ev. Lutheran Church: Registration for St. John Lutheran School takes place from 7 a.m.to noon and from 3-7 p.m. Aug. 4. St. John offers half and full-day preschool (starting as young as 3 years old) and kindergarten, as well as education for first through eighth grade. The school's full day preschool and kindergarten option offers an alternative care solution for families challenged by traditional half day programs. The school offers extended before- and after- school care, holiday care and a summer program. St. John offers reduced tuition rates to active military families. The school is at 501 W. Park Ave., Libertyville. (847) 367-1441. www.stjohnslib.com.

• St. John is offering summer child care through Aug. 12 for children entering preschool (must be potty-trained) through second grade. There will be no child care Aug. 13-15. For information, call Mrs. Smith at (847) 367-1411 or come to the office for a registration form.

St. Lawrence Episcopal Church: Through Aug. 31, services will be at 7:30 and 10 a.m. The Rev. Patricia W. Snickenberger is rector of St. Lawrence, assisted by the Rev. Marcus Strong and Deacon Mary-Jane Leewis-Kirk. St. Lawrence is at 125 W. Church St., Libertyville. For information, call (847) 362-2110 or visit www.stlawrencechurch.org.

St. Mary of the Annunciation Roman Catholic church: The 34th Annual Pork and Corn Roast will be held Aug. 2-3.

Activities include: on Aug. 2, a 5K certified Hog Jog Run/Walk at 8 a.m. (1/2 mile Kids Piglet run starts at 7:45 a.m.); musical entertainment Out of Storage at 6 p.m. and Trippin' Billies (Dave Matthews Tribute Band) at 8:30 p.m.; on Aug. 3, craft show from noon to 6 p.m., Michael Lescher Band at 12:30 p.m.; Roast Pork Dinner at 1 p.m. There will also be game booths, petting zoo, bingo and Classic Tractor Show

Food will be available for purchase from Lake Zurich/Mundelein Culvers, Brother's Ribs and McCarthy's Restaurant. Soda, water, beer, wine, and other beverages will also be available for purchase.

Ticket prices for the Saturday night activities are $10/in advance; $12/each day at the door. Prices for the pork roast are $10/in advance; $12/at the door. St. Mary is at 22333 Erhart Road, Mundelein. Events are held on the grounds behind St. Mary School.

Visit www.porkandcornroast.com for complete information, including registration for the 5K Race and ticket information.

St. Mary of Vernon: On Aug. 17, St. Mary of Vernon will celebrate its 30th anniversary as a family of faith at the 11:15 a.m. Mass with Bishop George Rassas presiding. The 30th Anniversary Parish Picnic will be held immediately following the Mass on the parish grounds behind the Parish Center, and will include a 5K walk/run on a course along a new "Reflection Trail."

The parish, founded in 1978, serves 2,000 households in Vernon Hills, Indian Creek, and parts of Mundelein, Hawthorn Woods, and Long Grove. The pastor is Father Joseph Curtis and the pastor emeritus is Father John Finnegan.

Earlier this summer, in celebration of Father John Finnegan's 80th birthday, the congregation renamed the Parish Center in his honor. The church is at 236 Route 45, Indian Creek. (847) 362-1005.

• St. Mary of Vernon presents an amateur production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in celebration of the parish's 30th anniversary. Performances are at 8 p.m. Aug. 22 and 23 and at 3 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Rev. John P. Finnegan Parish Center located at 236 Route 45, Indian Creek/Vernon Hills. For ticket information, call (847) 362-1005 or visit www.maryofvernon.org.

St. Matthew Lutheran Church: The church at 24500 N. Old McHenry Road will offer summer outdoor worship services at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 3 and 10. It will be a contemporary service with the St. Matthew's Praise Band. St. Matthew's outdoor service of music and sharing God's Word will be held in the Hawthorn Woods Park gazebo, directly across the road from St. Matthew Church. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. For details, call (847) 438-7709.

• St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Old McHenry Road between Quentin and Midlothian roads), Hawthorn Woods, will sponsor its 18th annual Pig Roast Aug. 17. Food will be served from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 4 to 10 and free for kids younger than 4. For details, visit www.stmatts.net. For tickets, call the church at (847) 438-7709.

Baptism service: 3 p.m. Aug. 10; on the lake, 616 N. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich. Call Tom Griffith, (630) 853-0028.

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Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church: The church, 5725 Stearns School Road, Gurnee, holds Holy Eucharist at 8 and 9:30 a.m. Aug. 3 and Headline News Bible study at 10 a.m. Aug. 4. The Bible study is intended for adults but children are welcome. (847) 336-3730.

Chain of Lakes Community Bible Church: SportsLife Camps brings its weeklong day camp of sports, arts and fun to Chain of Lake Community Church from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 11-14 at the church, 43 W. Grass Lake Round, Lake Villa. Kids have the option of choosing a main event of street hockey, dance, ultimate Frisbee and arts extravaganza. The cost is $60, second sibling $55 and third sibling $50. For more information, contact Christ Newton or Sarah Abbey at (847) 838-0103.

Congregation Am Echod: The Reform congregation at 2945 Falling Waters Blvd., Lindenhurst, offers the following Shabbat service schedule.

• Aug. 2: 9 a.m. study session with Rabbi Harari, 10 a.m. Shabbat morning service.

• Aug. 8: 7:30 p.m. "Let's Talk" Shabbat service: a group discussion on a Jewish topic.

• Aug. 9: 9 a.m. study session with Rabbi Harari, 10 a.m. Shabbat morning service.

• Aug. 15: 7:30 p.m. Shir L'Shabbat service: Am Echod's trademark musical service. August anniversaries will be celebrated.

• Aug. 16: 9 a.m. study session with Rabbi Harari; 10 a.m. Shabbat morning service.

• Aug. 22: 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service. Prospective member open house and ice cream social follows.

• Aug. 23: 9 a.m. study session and 10 a.m. Shabbat morning service.

• Aug. 24: 10 a.m. Prospective member lox and bagel breakfast.

• Aug. 29: 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service

• Aug. 30: 9 a.m. study session and 10 a.m. Shabbat morning service; 6 p.m. Mincha service and bar mitzvah of Andrew Pickens.

For details, call (847) 265-1818 or e-mail amechod@sbcglobal.net.

Golf outing: Noon, Sept. 8 Bittersweet Golf Club. Hosted by Congregation Am Echod. Cost: $85 per person; includes lunch, driving range and golf cart. Requesting hole sponsors and items for silent auction. Call (847) 265-1818.

Faith Lutheran Church: The Zach Taylor Memorial Playground Project will accumulate the resources and construct a sizable playground area on the grounds of Faith Lutheran Church of Antioch's new campus at the corners of Grass Lake Road and Route 59.

In February 2007 a tragic winter auto accident took the life of 8-year-old Antioch resident Zachary Taylor and the lives of his aunt, Brandy Taylor, and his cousin, Nikki Taylor. This memorial project is meant to honor the memory of this bright and energetic young man whose life brought joy to so many others.

The funding goal of phase one of this multiphase project is $35,000. Through the generosity of Zach's friends and family more than half this goal is already accumulated. Construction of phase one will begin when this goal is reached. Everyone is welcome to consider a contribution to the Zach Taylor Memorial Playground Project. Memorial gifts may be sent to: The Zach Taylor Memorial Fund, 24300 W Grass Lake Road, Antioch, IL 60002.

Living Waters Church: The Grayslake church is offering a free sports camp for kids preschool age through fifth grade. At Game Plan Mega Sports Camp, kids can pick between several different sports tracks, including basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and cheerleading. It doesn't matter if they have played sports their entire lives or just started yesterday, Mega Sports Camp helps kids improve their skills. Between sports sessions, coaches lead in songs, stories and do cool object lessons that help character building themes take hold in children's hearts. The Mega Sports camp will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 4-8. For information, call the camp director, Kristen Baiocchi, at (847) 529-3427 or via e-mail at KristenBaiocchi@aol.com.

Lord of Glory Lutheran Church: The church at 607 W. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, will host "Unmasked Ministries," presenting two weeks of fine arts camps. Kids will learn how to put on a theatrical production in just one week. The first week of camp, Aug. 4-8, is for kids who are entering third through fifth grades. These children will be learning to present the "remARKable voyage." The next week, Aug. 11-15, kids entering sixth through ninth grades will be working on a production of the "Kingdom is" parable stories. For details, call (847) 548-5673.

St. Andrew Episcopal Church: The church at 31 Park Ave., Grayslake (corner of Park and Lake streets), will hold its fourth annual Shoe Drive from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 16, to provide needy "school age" children with a pair of brand new gym shoes for their upcoming school year.

This special event is in addition to the Church's "Elijah's Mantle" community service project which has been supplying the children of needy families in the community with gently-used clothing on the second Saturday of each month at no cost. The Church welcomes any contribution toward this worthy cause. Contact the Rev. Jane A. Clark, rector, at (847) 223-2310 or visit the church's Web site at www.standrewsgrayslake.org for additional information.

• "Elijah's Mantle for Children in Need." is a community service project with a goal to help families with children in need by supplying gently-used children's clothing. The store is open to everyone from 9 to 11 a.m. the second Saturday of each month. The next store date will be Aug. 9.

Gently-used clothing is available for boys and girls in sizes ranging from infant to size 16. Current season spring and summer clothing will be available to needy families at no cost. For further information about St. Andrew Episcopal Church, visit the Web site at www.standrewsgrayslake.org or call (847) 223-2310.

St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church: Vacation Bible school, "Pilgrimage: Seeking the Kingdom of God," will be from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 4-8. The program is open to all kids from 4 to 11 years of age. Older children can sign up to be leaders and all are welcome. The suggested donation is $15 per child, $30 maximum per family. The church doesn't want anyone to miss this great event due to a financial situation. Freewill offerings accepted. St. Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church is at 500 E. Depot St., Antioch. For more information, call Chris Brown at (847) 973-1018 or Diane Ward at (847) 265-8713 or you may call the church office at (847) 395-0652 or visit st-ignatius-antioch.org.

The United Protestant Church of Grayslake: A new Sunday summer worship schedule at United Protestant Church of Grayslake will run through Sept. 7, with only a single Sunday morning worship service at 9:30 a.m.

New this summer, Christian education for all ages will be held after the 9:30 service, beginning at 10:45 a.m. Carol Roselli-Rasmussen, director of Christian education, will lead a summer adult education class using the book "The Jesus Priorities."

And for the third summer at UPC, Senior Pastor David Russell will devote four August Sundays to movie themes in addition to biblical messages.

"Sunday at the Movies" begins Aug. 10 with "Star Wars IV: A New Hope" and the theme "The Power of the 'Force.'" On Aug. 17, the film "August Rush," starring Robin Williams, will be explored, along with the theme "The Need to Connect." On Aug. 24, "The Great Debaters," starring Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker, will explore the theme "There is Hope for Justice." The series concludes with the baseball movie "Field of Dreams" and the theme "Without Vision?"

Regular worship times resume Sept. 7 with 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. services. A Christian education open house will held from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Sept. 7 The church is at 54 S. Whitney St., Grayslake. (847) 223-8131.

Other

St. Paul's Lutheran Church: A new group of "twenty-somethings" is meeting at local hot spots once a month to socialize and discuss questions of faith in a peer setting. This group is an opportunity to make friends and support each other as "growing disciples of Jesus."

St. Paul's is at 824 N. Lewis Ave, Waukegan, just north of the intersection of Grand and Lewis Avenues. Check the Web site at www.splcwaukegan.com for information.