McHenry Co. 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.

McHenry County Jewish Congregation: The McHenry County Jewish Congregation is now accepting registration for the Religious School, which meets Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning Sept. 7. MCJC offers two-times a week (Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning) instruction of students in second through seventh grades. Classes for eighth-graders and high schoolers and students in kindergarten and first grade are offered Sunday morning. A preschool program and Parent-Tot program is also offered on Sundays. Adult Education is offered Sundays and throughout the week. For details, consult the MCJC Web site at mcjc-online.org.

Religious school opening day is Sept. 7, beginning with a registration period at 8:30 a.m. The morning will also feature an orientation for parents and students and a membership-wide picnic. Call (815) 455-1810 for more information on enrollment.

An open house for prospective members is planned for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19 as part of the Shabbat services. All interested in learning more about MCJC are welcome to attend.

MCJC's observance of the High Holidays will begin Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m., with Erev Rosh Hashana services, followed the next two days by services that begin at 9 a.m. Yom Kippur will be observed with a Kol Nidre service on Oct. 8, with the observance continuing the next day with services at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The holiday will conclude with a Break-the-Fast on Oct. 9. Contact MCJC at (815) 455-1810 for more information on High Holiday tickets.

Shabbat services are at 6:30 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 8617 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake. Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Maralee Gordon and are free and open to everyone. This is the only Conservative Jewish congregation in McHenry County. Interfaith families are welcome. It is located on Ridgefield Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake, accessible from Route 14. For information, call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.

New Life Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Wood will continue sermon series titled "Building a Strong Foundation" from the book of 1 Corinthians at the 10:30 a.m. service at New Life Baptist Church, 9228 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills. Fellowship time is at 9:15 a. m. Bible study classes are offered at 9:30 a.m. for all ages. Child care is available during the morning service for infants through 3-year-olds with children's church for children age 4 through second grade.

A coed softball game is held every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Sunset Park in Lake in the Hills and Bible study takes place at the church Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Sunday will be Sunday school promotion day. Also Sunday, the church will hold a brief business meeting and a fifth Sunday fellowship time after the morning worship service.

The ladies' retreat takes place Sept. 5-6 at Camp Manitoumi, located in Lowpoint, Ill. The annual church hayride at Royal Oak Farm and Orchard in Hebron will be held Sept. 27.

For details, call (847) 458-9726 or visit www.newlifebaptist-il.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Michelle McNamara's sermon will be "Are You Talking to Me?," based on Exodus 3:1-15 and Matthew 16:21-28, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The special music will be an instrumental duet by Vickie and Harry Choin. The Praise and Worship Band from the Second Saturday Contemporary Services will also participate. The Sunday school aged children will enjoy a video.

The church office will be closed on Monday for Labor Day.

The Knit/Crochet Group, now called "Clickin' Sticks," will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. At 7 p.m., the Chancel Choir will begin practicing. The choir sings on the first and third Sundays of the month and welcomes new members. The Thursday Study Group will meet at 10:15 a.m. at the Dolan's home. On Thursday, the Genesis Bell Choir (beginning adults) will begin fall practices at 6 p.m. and the Whitechapel Bells (advanced adults) will begin practicing at 7 p.m. Each choir plays once a month. New members are welcome. On Sept. 6, the church will again have a craft booth at the Farmers Market in downtown Huntley from 8 a.m. until noon. For information, call (847) 669-3691 or visit www.firsthuntley.org.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Gifts of God for Afflicted Christians" based upon Romans 12:9-21, 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.

The Mission Resale Shop, located on Washington Street, is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gifts and good quality used clothing, and small household items can be purchased at reasonable prices. Donations are gratefully appreciated, and proceeds benefit mission work locally and afar. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

St. John's Lutheran School offers a day school program for first to eighth grade; all-day kindergarten and morning and afternoon preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Church membership is not required. To register or schedule a school tour, call Principal Ralph Peterson at (847) 658-9311.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach at both services 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. Nursery care is available at both services.

Sunday school will resume on Rally Day, Sept. 7. Register your children at the Welcome Table or online. Teachers are still needed and you may sign up at the Welcome Table.

On Sept. 7 at the 10:30 a.m. service, Shlomi Carmel will be the guest. Shlomi was the tour guide for church members who traveled the Holy Land last November. A free will offering luncheon will follow the service.

Signing up for "Supper Time" Club for September through December is available at the Welcome Table. Sign up to meet more church members. Small Group Study will be held on Sundays, Sept. 14 and 21, at the Cosman Center. The topic is "ELCA Sexuality." Gently used children's Christian books are needed for the new library. Bring them to church the first Sunday of the month. 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. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through second grade.

Alcoholics Anonymous holds a weekly "closed" meeting at noon Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Mondays. Gentle Hata Yoga classes for adults are given each Tuesday at 9 a.m. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a floor mat. Advance registration is not needed. On Tuesdays, TOPS meets at 11:30 a.m.

Adult Bible studies are offered Wednesdays. There is no Bible study this week. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.

Sept. 7 will be the Fall Family Kick-Off with games, live music, food and fun for all ages. It is open to the public starting with worship at 9 a.m. and the picnic starting at 11:30 a.m.

A parent/student meeting will be held at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 10 for sixth- to eighth-grade students who will be attending confirmation this year.

The high school group will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 10. Call the church office for the location.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the summer worship schedule concludes at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Those who wish are welcome to come at 9:45 a.m. to join in a Hymn Sing. The Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will preach.

Nursery care will be available, and children 3 years through kindergarten will be dismissed during the service for Story Time.

On Sunday, the Adult Work Tour task force will be collecting aluminum cans to recycle and raise money to purchase building supplies for use at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

On Wednesday, Seasons of the Spirit resumes at 10:15 in the Banner Library. The facilitator is Rev. Bette Zattau. This year's study begins with an introduction to the work of Parker Palmer. Also on Wednesday, the Cherub Choir for second- and third-graders and Carol Choir for fourth- and fifth-graders begin rehearsals at 3:45 p.m. The Chancel Choir for sixth- to eighth-graders begin the rehearsal year on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, the Women's Fellowship has its first luncheon and program of the season at noon in the fellowship hall. The program, "An Introduction to Native Plant Gardening," will be presented by Sandy Sjoblom and Nancy Gorniek.

On Sept. 6, Sunday school teacher orientation will be held at 9 a.m. in the childrens worship center.

Visitors are welcome to any church activity. The church is accessible to persons with disabilities. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, the Service of the Word for Healing will be at 8:30 and 10 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake.

On Sept. 7, the schedule will be worship at 7:45, 9 and 10:45 a.m. Child care is offered during the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services. Faith Quest Sunday school is at 9 a.m.

The confirmation program begins Wednesday with an orientation meeting for parents and youth. The program is designed for seventh- and eighth-graders. Students are confirmed in the fall of ninth grade.

An Eco Fair is planned for Sept. 14 during the coffee hour. Eight ways to be more "Green" will be lifted up, including carpooling with other Bethany neighbors.

The annual Ministry Fair will be Sept. 28. Everyone will have an opportunity to "gift" Bethany's ministry with their special time and talents. For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.

Preschool registration for fall 2008 continues. Programs are available for 2- to 5-year-olds. For details, call Marcia Baker, preschool director, at (815) 477-7463.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: The McHenry County Church of Religious Science, Center for Spiritual Evolution is exploring "Prosperity" during the month of August.To quote Ernest Holmes, "success and prosperity are spiritual attributes belonging to all people but not necessarily used by all people." This month, the Rev. Anne Muelleman will lead the congregation through the process of revealing the Laws of Prosperity in their lives that they may experience more prosperity and abundance in daily life. Her title for Sunday is "Acceptance of Our Good." Music this week is provided by Tricia Alexander.

Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service at 204 Spring St., lower level in Cary. There is a children's program and toddler care. If you arrive early, there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m. The children's curriculum is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." August lessons relate to "Letting Go and Letting God." This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Letting Go and Letting God."

There is a Tuesday morning mediation with Bhanta Sujatha at 10 a.m. for a $10 donation. The weekly healing service is at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Healing services at The Center for Spiritual Evolution are popular and known for their uplifting effect with concentrated high vibrational energies revealing spiritual perfection in all areas of our life. The pastor will deliver a short message leaving ample time for prayer, meditation, and spiritual mind treatment by she and the church's professional practitioners in response to your healing requests.

As a trans-denominational church, all services and activities are open to everyone without obligation. For details, call (847) 516-1950 or visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org.

St. Paul's Anglican Church: St. Paul's Anglican Church, a traditional Episcopal Church, will worship using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the former First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock. The Rev. Michael DuCette is vicar.

The sermon will be based on the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew.

Bishop Rocco Florenza's visit to St. Paul's will be Sept. 7. A brunch will be held in his honor after the service.

St. Paul's Parish is part of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley Anglican Church of America. For details, visit www.acahome.org or call (815) 338-0205.

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 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.

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.

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. Adult Teaching will be at 10:15 a.m. Sundays. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.