Fox Valley religion notes

The following is a listing of church activities for the week of Sept. 7-13. 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.

Holy Trinity: On Sunday, special organ music will enhance the 9:30 a.m. service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St., Elgin. The church has a 3 manual and pedal, 31 rank, Austin organ. Organist Harry Spring will play J.S. Bach's Prelude & Fugue in D Major for the prelude and Alexandre Guilmant's "Marche Funebre et Chant Seraphique" for the postlude. In addition to these pieces, Spring will Daniel Burton's "Rex: The King of Instruments" at 10:45 a.m. This is a narrated piece that will introduce the various sounds an organ can produce. The public is invited to worship with us, stay for the introduction to the organ piece, and join in coffee hour. For information, call Holy Trinity at (847) 742-2025 or visit www.holytrinityelgin.org.

Epworth UMC: On Sunday, registration begins for all ages of Sunday school for Epworth United Methodist Church, Highland Avenue and Randall Road in Elgin. Join them in the lower level classrooms for a chance to check out all the classes offered, meet this year's group of pilots, and check out the space. Activities will begin at 9:20 a.m. For details, call the office at (847) 931-5400 or visit www.epworthumcelgin.org. Classes are not limited to children. Epworth offers educational opportunities for children 2 years through high school, young adults and singles, parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents. Every age is welcome and class topics include groups for women and men, Disciple Bible Study and Current Events. Classes for all ages begin Sept. 14 from 9:20 to 10:20 a.m.

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. Wednesday study groups begin this week. The topic for the next six weeks will be "Exploring the Covenant Affirmations." This will be a discussion of Covenant Church doctrines and how they are applied to today's world and specifically to the church. It will begin with dinner at 6 p.m. and study at 7 p.m. Confirmation classes begin at 6:45 p.m. Sunday. Children's Sunday school will resume Sept. 14. For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit the Web site at www.countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline will deliver a sermon, "A Reconciling Peace," at 9:30 a.m. at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. Church school will begin after its summer hiatus. Classes for adults and children meet at 10:45 a.m. after the Fellowship Time at 10:30 a.m. The Witness for Peace Vigil will resume at 5 p.m. Wednesday on the Chicago Street bridge. There will be a memorial service for member Paul Ecker at 2 p.m. Today at the Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren. Highland Avenue's pastor Joel Kline will officiate. A memorial service for member Bob James will be held in the chapel at Pinecrest Community in Mt. Morris on Monday, Monday. Members of the congregation will participate in the "ALS Walk for Life" at 10 a.m. Sept. 13. The two-mile walk will be along the Chicago Lakefront. As Highland Avenue members make this walk, we remember one of their own, June Adams Gibble, who died of ALS a year ago. The congregation will observe International Day of Prayer for Peace Sept. 21. For information call (847) 741-5124 or go to the Web site at www.hacob.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. Erev Rosh Hashana is Sept. 29. For registration, membership, or high holy day tickets, call the synagogue office.

This week's Torah portion is "Shoftim." 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 "Shoftim," where the Jewish people are forbidden to wantonly destroy the earth. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Yonker will be sharing the message, "A Value Recognized," based on Matthew 18:12-14, 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. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the Saturday evening and the Sunday 8 a.m. services, which are traditional with organ, hymns and liturgy. The 10:45 a.m. Sunday 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 a three-part sermon series, "Lessons from Lois (his mother)". This week's message is called "Never Trouble Trouble 'til Trouble Troubles You." Immanuel Lutheran School and Parent-Teacher League will have its third annual Pumpkin Days Fun Fair and Craft Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 27 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28. Crafts, games, food and pumpkins are just part of the fun. Pumpkin Days are held on the school grounds located on the southeast corner of Main Street (Route 72) and Van Buren in East Dundee. All are welcome. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit Immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "The Power of the Blood," at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Romans 13:8-14 and Matthew 18:15-20.

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 Sunday. 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. Keep your eyes open for the upcoming Hobo Show on Nov. 8. This year, the Hobos will be "Cruisin'." 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. today. The church has hosted the neighborhood party for four years at their location one 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 Sunday at 9:45 a.m. with worship at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. For details, call (847) 888-2882.

First UMC-Elgin: Starting this week, there are new times for all Sunday events at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. The 9 a.m. traditional worship will feature music provided by the Cathedral Choir under the direction of John Slawson with organist Mark Johnson. The message will be given by the lead pastor, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison, based on Romans 12:9-21, "When Someone Wrongs You." The service had previously been held at 10 a.m.

Christian education for all ages will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a new service at 11:30 a.m. That service will feature a more contemporary worship style, with music by a small band.

Both services will include serving of Holy Communion. The youth group meets at 12:45 p.m. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. John Gleason will preach the sermon, "Not If, Because," based on Romans 13:1-10, at 9 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. 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 Men's Breakfast Bible Study will be at 7 a.m. Saturday and the next Walk-R-Run at 9 a.m. Saturday. The confirmation orientation will be held right after the 9 a.m. service. 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 Rally Sunday, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will give a Rally Day sermon on "Tourists and Pilgrims" at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. At 9:15 a.m., Adult Christian Formation will resume with breakfast served each week and the opportunity to grow in faith by attending the in-depth Bible study. Each Sunday in September there will be an overview of Paul's writings called "Living Letters." Child care is available. The 8:15 a.m. open door service is in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is in the sanctuary.

The new Sunday school program year will begin at the 10:15 a.m. service in the sanctuary. After the children's message, the students will be dismissed to their Sunday school classes. Scripture for the services will be I Corinthians 9:19-23 and John 1:35-51. The chancel choir will return with the anthem, "O Praise Ye the Lord" by C. Hubert Parry. Holy Communion will be served.

After the second service, all are invited to the fellowship hour in the lower level. Karen's Corner will be set up in the library so people can shop from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Profits go to the renovation fund. In the afternoon, there is a Rally Day Road Rally planned for the whole church beginning with a build-your-own taco bar, followed by a make-your-own sundae. The road rally adventure begins after lunch with each team being given clues and a list of things they will need to gather. It will wrap up at 4 p.m. On Tuesday, fourth-graders and up are invited for rehearsals of the chime choir from 6 to 6:45 p.m. in the sanctuary. Plan to stay for lunch on Sept. 14 for a brief, but in-depth presentation of the new program, "Faithwalk: The Journey from Membership to Discipleship." 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. Holy Communion will be observed during both services and baptisms will be performed during the 8 a.m. service. 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. 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. Sunday. 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. Sept. 3. For information, call (847) 741-8434 or visit blcelgin.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Who Is Jesus?," based on Luke 5:1-11, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. The church offers a single Sunday service at 9 a.m. from June 1 through Sept. 21. Holy Communion will be offered. The first Sunday of each month is set aside for donations of nonperishable food items for FISH Food Pantry and/or size 5 and 6 diapers for the Community Crisis Center. These gifts will help those less fortunate in the area.

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 the Rev. Nancy Schatzeder, acting associate pastor for children's ministries. The theme will be "God Creates the World," based on the Bible story in John Genesis 1:1-2:3. There will be a special handbell presentation and workshop provided by Sharon and Charlotte Norman. Kids will experience bells in a number of ways: watching, listening, feeling the vibration and trying their own hands at ringing. Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 9 to 11:15 a.m. The church is offering a Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. 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. To register, 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 Rev. Don Longbottom strives to offer meaningful and diverse offerings to meet the varying needs of the congregation.

The high school youth group will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday for a kickoff party. There will be good food, wacky games and be sure to bring a couple of cans of shaving cream. Dress to get messy. The group will meet every Sunday evening with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Bring your friends, both old and new.

FROG (Families Relying on God) Friday will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday. God's Big Backyard will be brimming with fish and they need to be caught. Bring your nets, poles, even worms and go fishing. There will be pizza, hot dogs, snacks, dessert and fun.

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 17th Sunday after Pentecost as they look at the theme of "Becoming a Child," based on Matthew 18. 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" and 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 "Carrying Heavy Burdens." 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.

First Congregational: On Sunday, join the "Season of Change" event as vocalist Holly McNeill will perform her concert of "Hope" at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. The vocalist and stage actress exemplifies "hope" through her life experiences and new CD release, "Hope." Using her musical experiences to help others, she returned to school to get her master's degree and teaching certificate and landed her dream job at Elgin's Larkin High School Visual and Performing Arts Academy, where she teaches students the challenges and successes of life in the theater. In 2002, she gave birth to her daughter Mary Brown McNeill. However, soon after, her life took an unexpected turn. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Determined to fight this dreaded disease, she discovered a new meaning to her life and music. With the help and support of her family, friends and faith, she mentors newly diagnosed MS patients and those frustrated by their condition.

Upon her diagnosis, she found a new meaning for many of the songs she had been singing for 20 years, and was inspired to go into the studio and record her debut CD. Featuring songs such as "Help is on the Way," "Grateful," "For Good" from "Wicked," as well as contemporary Christian and gospel favorites, "His Eye is on the Sparrow" and "In Heaven's Eyes," the recording is a moving collection showing the healing powers of music. The recording is available online at CDbaby.com. For details, call (847) 428-1712.