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.

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.

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 "The Weak and the Strong" based on Romans 14:1-12. Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation, study, and prayer. Children's Sunday school will resume this week. For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit the Web site at 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.

Religious school begins Sunday, Sept. 7. Erev Rosh Hashana is Sept. 29. For registration, membership, or high holy day tickets, call the synagogue office.

This week's Torah portion is "Re'eh." 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 "Re'eh," where Moses sets before you "a blessing and a curse" and reminds you to live righteously. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will be sharing the message, "Living Under the Cross," based on Romans 12:12, 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. 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. William Yonker will be sharing the first in his three-week sermon series. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "What's in a Name?," at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-16, 23-26, 45c; Romans 12:9-21 and Matthew 16:21-28.

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 church Web site so staffing can be completed and adequate materials can be ordered.

For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

Zion Evangelical: Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 330 Griswold St. in Elgin, invites all to attend the Kingdom Fest from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 6. The church has hosted the neighborhood party for four years at their location a block west of Route 31 and one block south of Walnut Street. Free food, games, music and fun will again celebrate the kingdom of God among families in the neighborhood. Later in the evening, the Zion coffee house, "The Upper Room," will host music and entertainment in the gathering room at the church. Sunday school will begin on Sept. 7 at 9:45 a.m. with worship at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. For details, call (847) 888-2882.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, special music will be provided by clarinetist Patrick Small and violinist Kyle Johnson at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. They will be presenting "The Gift of Love" by Hopson/Johnson, and "Faith Songs," arranged by Buchtel. The Rev. Jonathan Hutchison will present the message, "Try This," based on Romans 12:9-21. 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. Sundays. For details, call (847) 741-0038, ext. 102 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Sunday, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Loren Krout will preach the sermon, "Serve the Lord With Gladness," based on Romans 12:9-21, 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. The church will return to the fall worship schedule on Sept. 14 with worship at 8 and 10:30 a.m.; fellowship at 9 a.m. and family education hour from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The final summer midweek worship service will be 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 16th Sunday After Pentecost, church member and licensed minister John Kauffman will preach at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. He will speak on "Bible Take Out." Doug McDonald, bass soloist, will present the special music for the day at 10:15 a.m.

The 8:15 a.m. open door service is in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is in the sanctuary.

Planners for the Rally Day Road Rally and Taco lunch are reminding everyone to get those participant lists in so plenty of tacos will be ready on Sept. 7. The Rally will be 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Rally Day is the launching of the church's year of programs and activities. On Sept. 7, Sunday school begins as well as adult Christian formation classes. Jon Warfel, music director, calls all singers and bell ringers to their first practice Wednesday. Handbells will rehearse at 6:30 p.m. and the Chancel Choir will rehearse at 7:30 p.m. 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 "Time For A Miracle," inspired by Luke 13:10-13. The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service and the Combined Choir will provide 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. 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.

Bethlehem Lutheran: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 340 Grand Blvd. in Elgin, is gearing up for the fall. It is Rally Day for Sunday school for 3-year-olds through sixth grade at 9 a.m. Sept. 7. Worship services are traditional with Holy Communion at 9 a.m. and contemporary worship at 10:30 a.m. Youth group for seventh to 12th grade meets in the Loft. There is a fellowship hour at 10 a.m. in Wittenstrom Hall serving doughnuts and coffee. The focus of small groups for the next eight weeks will be "40 Days of Community," which is follow-up campaign of Rick Warren, author of the best-selling book, "The Purpose Driven Life." There will be a kickoff for this study in Wittenstrom Hall with a light supper beginning at 5 p.m. The group will focus on God's purposes in the church and community - "What on Earth are we here for?" Confirmation classes resume at 7 p.m. Wednesday. For information, call (847) 741-8434 or visit blcelgin.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Nancy Schatzeder, acting associate pastor for children's ministries, will present the sermon, "A Never Ending Story" or "Stranger Than Fiction," based on Luke 5:1-11, at 9 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee.

Schatzeder has been an ordained minister since 2002 graduating from Chicago Theological Seminary with a master of divinity degree. She has served as associate pastor for children's ministries and women's concerns at Winnetka Congregational Church for the past five years and also served as a settled minister for one year at St. John's United Church of Christ in Union.

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; and a duet by Mark and Sonja Boekenhauer, "Come to Jesus."

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. 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.

The church offers Parent's Day Out and Preschool Pre-K 3 and 4 opportunities for 2- to 4-year-old. Your 2- to 4-year-olds can join them on Tuesdays or Fridays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for structured time that is fun and developmentally appropriate. Three-year-old children (PK3) can attend on Monday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon Children entering this class must be 3 years old by Sept. 1 and be potty trained. Your 4-year-olds meet on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon Children entering this class must be 4 years old by Sept. 1 and be potty trained. Classes begin Tuesday. All of the lead teachers are state certified. With a small class and high teacher-to-student ratio, the program is designed to build social and academic readiness for elementary school in a loving Christian environment. For details, call Michelle Hendricks at (847) 426-2161 ext. 304 or e-mail to mhendricks@fccdundee.com. The church office will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day. 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 16th Sunday after Pentecost as they look at the theme of "Patience in Tribulation," 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.

Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:20 a.m. 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.

Join "The Refuge" 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 "Putting Work Into Perspective." Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship.

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.