Notes on religion

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.

Wesley UMC: Wesley United Methodist Church, 1070 South St. in Elgin, invites friends and neighbors to Sunday worship services at 9:30 a.m. On Sunday, Rise Jones will be the guest soloist. She will be accompanied by Murna Hansemann as she performs several numbers during the service. Jones is the executive director of Hamilton Wings, a nonprofit program which promotes learning and leadership through the arts for at-risk Elgin youth. All are invited. For details, call (847) 742-7256.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Harder will lead worship at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. Sunday's message is "Living Sacrifices" based on Romans 12: 1-8.

Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation, study, and prayer. For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit www.countrycov.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.

Registration is now being accepted for fall religious school, prekindergarten through high school. A family picnic and registration will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday. New members are welcome. For details, call the congregation office.

This week's Torah portion is "Ekev." 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."

Hebrew School registration is now open - call for details.

This week's Torah portion is "Ekev," Moses' second speech to the children of Israel.

For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Yonker will be sharing the message, "Cut From the Rock," based on Isaiah 51:1, 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. At the Sunday 8 a.m. Service, there will be a rededication and installation for the teachers and staff of Immanuel Lutheran Day School. For the Sunday 10:45 a.m. service, Immanuel will have a celebration of worship with a dynamic jazz worship style, including horns, vocal leaders, and rhythm section.

Along with the pastor's message, the Jazz Service will include some classic worship songs - "How Can I Keep from Singing", "Let the Praises Ring" and "The Rock" - as well as some great traditional classics like "Amazing Grace," "Solid Rock," "Precious Lord" and "When the Saints Go Marching In." All are welcome and the public is invited to attend. Come alone or bring a friend to share in this celebration of God's love.

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. Gregg Bowen continues with his sermon series in the spirit of these Summer Olympics he has entitled "Go for the Gold". This week's message is called "Learning to Live Life with Nothing to Lose." For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "Upon This Rock," at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124; Romans 12:1-8 and Matthew 16:13-20. The nursery is open for children age 3 and younger. Children who are 4 and older are invited to attend the multi-grade Sunday school class held in the church youth room. Fall Sunday school will begin on Sept. 7.

Nothing But Nets is the current mission fundraiser. Spare change or other donations are being collected. Every $10 buys a mosquito net - a help in preventing malaria in Africa.

The fall Sunday school program is currently taking registrations. Pick up your forms or visit the Web site so staffing can be completed and adequate materials can be ordered. The theme for the Hobo Show on Nov. 8 will be "Cruisin'." For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, special music will be provided by vocalist Karen Werth and vocalist and pianist Marcy Gloede at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methdodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. They will be presenting "Chariot's Comin'" by Don Besig, and "Holy, Holy, Holy," arranged by Mark Hayes. The Rev. Jonathan Hutchison gives the message, "Renew Your Minds," based on Romans 12:1-8. Sunday's service also includes a sacrament of baptism.

Christian education for all ages is at 8:50 a.m. and the youth group meets at 11:15 a.m. Beginning Sept. 7, traditional worship will begin at 9 a.m. There will be Fellowship Time from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Christian education for all ages begins at 10:30 with the new Prayer and Praise Celebration beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Youth Group will meet from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. each Sunday. For details, call (847) 741-0038, ext. 102 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Sunday, the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Look to Me," based on Isaiah 51:1-6, 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.

St. John's Octoberfest on Oct. 10-11 will include a Friday night Family concert with the McAvoy Family Ministries and a pinochle tournament. The Octoberfest committee is busy working on a few new events to add to the traditional German dinner and music.

The youth group will have a food booth at the Burlington Fall Fest. They are raising funds to attend the 2010 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. The Youth Gathering is held every three years. Upward of 35,000 kids from all over the country, and beyond, attend. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On the 15th Sunday After Pentecost, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will continue his summer sermon series with "Both Sides Now" at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. What 10 Bible stories would you take along your journey of faith? This Sunday's lessons come from the Gospel according to Luke ­- the stories of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. A mixed ensemble will sing "Precious Lord" during the 10:15 a.m. service.

Members are reminded to mark their calendars for a congregational meeting Sunday to discuss and approve options for the renovation project.

The Damaris women's group will meet for dinner on Thursday at The Olive Garden, 800 N. Eighth St., West Dundee. All women of the church and their friends are welcome.

Plans are under way for Rally Day on Sept. 7 when Sunday school will begin for the children and youth. Adult Formation classes will resume as well with an overview of Paul's letters in the New Testament and breakfast will again be served at 9 a.m. each Sunday. Parking lots are nearby as well as a municipal parking garage. For details, call (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The sermon will be "The Components of a Miracle," inspired by Mark 6:30-44.

The Praise and Worship leaders will render the music for the 8 a.m. service and the Choral Ensemble will render the music for the 10:30 a.m. service.

The CUPS (Couples United to Process Success) will host their annual retreat from Sept. 19-21. If you are interested in being a part of the planning committee, contact Rev. Andrew and Brenda Love. Or call the church office.

The Brotherhood Ministry invites all men to come out every fourth Saturday of the month to fellowship with your Brothers in Christ. Free haircuts will be provided by the "barbershop".

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. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom will present the sermon, "On Path and Purpose," based on Mark 8:27-38, at 9 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee.

Throughout August, the Local Mission Ministry will be collecting "Back-to-School" supplies for underprivileged children in the area. Any school item will be appreciated. These gifts will give many children an opportunity to have a great start on the new school year. Sunday's Ministry of Music will feature songs by the Praise Singers: Cheri Blazek, Robert Blazek, Mark Boekenhauer, Sonja Boekenhauer and Sara Tustin 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."

Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 9 to 11:15 a.m. Coffee and fellowship time will follow the services in the narthex hosted by the Hospitality Team.

The church is offering a free preview of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. The educational program helps individuals and families conquer debt, invest and ultimately build wealth God's way. The church will be hosting classes for 13 weeks from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Sept. 10 to Dec. 10. No class will be held on the evening of Nov. 26 in observance of Thanksgiving. For information or the free preview, call Jim Hendricks at (847) 428-3997 or visit www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/.

Adult Teaching will be at 10:15 a.m. Sundays. The middle school youth group will meet from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday for a kick-off party. The group will be looking ahead to the fun that is in store for them this upcoming year in youth group with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Bring your friends, both old and new. 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 15th Sunday after Pentecost as they look at the theme of "Teamwork," based on Romans 12. The regular weekly worship schedule includes a more traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sundays, as well as a contemporary style worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band.

The church will host a blood drive in conjunction with Life Source from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday on the church grounds. Call the church office at (847) 931-1520 to make a schedule appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:20 a.m. They also offer during the school year various mid-week educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as youth programs for various age groups.

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 theme for Monday is "Trees."

Adult Bible classes are held at 9:20 a.m. every Sunday. They also offer during the school year various midweek educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4 year-olds, as well as youth programs for various age groups. 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 16:13-20, at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Paul's declaration about Jesus creates a fresh language for faithfulness, and a new vocabulary for the work of discipleship.

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

Calvary Lutheran: On Sept. 6, Calvary Lutheran Church, 535 N. McLean Blvd. in Elgin, will kick off the start of its Sunday school, adult Bible classes and confirmation classes with a potluck and game night at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share, as well as your favorite game. Beverages will be provided.

On Sept. 7, the 2008-09 Sunday school year begins at 9:15 a.m. for all youth. Also, at 9:15 a.m., the Rev. Mark Bestul begins a new adult Bible class and begins a new topic, "Heaven on Earth: The Divine Service and Lutheran Worship."

Senior Saints resumes at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 9 and will be studying the book of Matthew. Confirmation classes resume at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 with a meeting for parents and youth. The Wednesday Bible study will resume at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 17 and continue the Lifelight study, "Prophecy." For details, call (847) 741-5433 or visit www.clce.org.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "True Confessions" based upon Matthew 16:13-20, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Adult Bible class is at 8 a.m. Sunday with no Sunday school. A supervised nursery is offered at the 9 a.m. service. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On July 27, the Rev. Brian Cope will preach at the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The message, "Not Conformation, But Transformation," is based on Romans 12:1-8 and Matthew 16:13-20. An Intergenerational Summer Sunday school will be at 8:45 a.m. All are welcome to attend. The M&M Club will meet after church service. The M&M Club is for fifth- and sixth-graders who will go to McDonald's and a movie. They will meet at 11:15 a.m. in the fellowship hall. On Sept. 7, it will be the church's Homecoming Sunday. There will be a steak fry after worship. There also will be a blood drive from 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Sept. 7. For information, call (847) 658-5308.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Main Street and Manhattan Drive. On Tuesday, the first music team will meet at 5 p.m. and the second music team at 6 p.m. Tuesday will end the Bible study session of "3-16-Numbers of Hope" from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Citizens Bank. A new Bible study will be starting soon. Shepherd Prayer Hour will meet at 1 p.m. Friday at Citizens Bank. Sunday school will resume on Rally Day, Sept. 7. The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

Faith Community: On Sunday, the Rev. Bruce Cole will lead worship at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Adult Bible studies are offered Wednesdays. At 9 a.m., study the text for the upcoming Sunday. At 7 p.m., they will study the book of Mark.

Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.