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.

Holy Trinity: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church's Rally Day celebration at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 will include a dedication of the Sunday school staff and a prayer for children. The youth groups will hold "Youthghetti", a spaghetti dinner, at 10:45 a.m. Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread and pie will be served. The public is invited. Tickets are available at the door. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children, or $15 for a family.

"Chocolate. The Festival" will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Crafts, flea market, and home party booths are available for $10 a space. Visit the Web site for an application. The festival will include handmade chocolates, a lunch counter featuring hot dogs and chocolate chili, a bakery of chocolate desserts, a bake sale, and children's activities. The public is invited.

Holy Trinity is at 357 Division St., Elgin. For details, call the church office at (847) 742-2025 or visit www.holytrinity@holytrinityelgin.org.

Country Covenant Church: On Sundays, the Rev. Mark Harder leads worship at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. 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 Sept. 14. Wednesday study groups will be on "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. The Maranantha Players will be performing in October for the Sunday services. This will be an interpretation of the life of Peter.

For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit the Web site at www.countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, Sept. 14, the Rev. Joel Kline will deliver a sermon, "Life Turned Upside Down: Embracing the Power of Forgiveness," at 9:30 a.m. at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The "Spirited Sisters" will meet at the home of Noelle Dulabaum Bohrer at 6 p.m. Church school 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 be at 5 p.m. Wednesdays on the Chicago Street bridge.

Members of the congregation will participate in the "ALS Walk for Life" at 10 a.m. Saturday, 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 on Sunday, Sept. 21.

The congregation is hosting a blood drive for Heartland Blood Centers from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27. 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.

Erev Rosh Hashana is Sept. 29. Services will be led by Rabbi Kohn and guest Cantor Jack Falk. For registration, membership, or high holy day tickets, call the synagogue office. This week's Torah portion is "Ki Tetze." 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.

Immanuel Lutheran: On Sept. 13-14, the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will be sharing the message, "I'll Forgive You THIS Time," based on Matthew 18:12-14, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. Worship is at 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sundays. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the 10:45 a.m. service.

Immanuel has a 5-tiered 36 rank Cassavant pipe organ, crafted on site into the cathedral dome of the church sanctuary. The 10:45 a.m. Sunday service is a contemporary service of worship and praise featuring worship leaders and a worship ensemble.

On Wednesdays 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 continuing the sermon series, "Lessons from Lois (his mother)". This week's message is called "If You Don't Use Your Head, You Will Use Your Feet."

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 Saturday, Sept. 27 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 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 Sept. 14, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "Is There Anything We Can't Forgive?," at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Exodus 14:19-31; Exodus 15: 1b-22, 20-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35.

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. The annual rummage sale will be Friday, Sept. 26 and Saturday, Sept. 27. Fleece donations of two yards long are welcome in the Fireside box. The fleece will be used to make comfort pillows. Recycle your old cell phone by dropping it off in the Fireside Room. Also welcome are Campbell's Soup UPC codes for Marcy-Newberry Center in Chicago.

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.

St. John: On Sunday, Sept. 14, the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. John Gleason will preach the sermon, "Paid in Full," based on Matthew 18:21-35, at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship is at 9 a.m. and family education hour from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. St. John's Octoberfest on Oct. 10-11 will include a Friday night Family concert with the McAvoy Family Ministries and a pinochle tournament on Friday, Oct. 10. Oct. 11 will include a 5K walk or run and the traditional German dinner and music later that day.

This month, St. John will participate in the CROP Walk for the local food pantry. Proceeds from a number of Octoberfest activities will go to various ministries including hurricane relief and Habitat for Humanity. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will resume his series of sermons on the "10 Essential Stories for the Christian Journey" at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services Sept. 14 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. His sermon is "Breathe on Me, Breath of God." The scripture reference is Act 2:1-21. At both the 8:15 a.m. open door service in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service in the sanctuary, the congregation will celebrate and say thank you for the completion of the recent capital campaign for renovating the educational building. The chancel choir will assist in worship at 10:15 a.m. with the anthem "O Day Full of Grace" arranged by Carl Schalk.

Stepping Stones will begin its fall program at 9:15 a.m. in the church library. Marie McKee and her West Highland white terrier, Rosey, will present the program "Pet Therapy and Mental Health."

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.

Sunday school starts at 10:15 a.m. with the children and parents together in the morning worship. After the children's message, students are dismissed to their individual classes.

All are invited to the fellowship hall immediately after the second service for fellowship, lunch and the launch of the new program called "Faithwalk: The Journey from Membership to Discipleship." A brief but in-depth presentation on the rationale, goals, and modus operandi of the program will be given. This week, Joyful Noise and Cherub Choir will start their rehearsals at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Gift cards will be available for purchase for over 600 retailers with profits going to the Renovation Fund.

The Mother's Group will resume meeting at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, in the church library. A simple dinner to take home will be provided. On-site child care will be available for a small donation per family.

FROG, Friends Relying on God, for children kindergarten to sixth grade meets at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, for pizza, singing, stories, games and crafts. Those interested in being part of a Dine with Nine (or Dinner with Eight) group are asked to sign up by Sept. 21 so groups can be under way by mid-October.

Parking lots are nearby as well as a municipal parking garage. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Sept. 14, the Rev. Freddie Rogers, associate minister, will deliver the message at the 8 a.m. service and the Rev. Byron Curry will preach at the 10:30 a.m. service at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service and the T.E. Bedford Choir will provide music for the 10:30 a.m. service.

The CUPS (Couples United to Process Success) will host their annual retreat from Friday, Sept. 19 to Sunday, Sept. 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 Wednesdays, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m.

The church's 2008 Women's Conference will be held Oct. 10-12. The theme is: "High Heels, High Hopes, High Calling!" Call the church for details. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Sept. 14, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Wrestlin' on the River," based on Genesis 32:22-32, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. The church offers a single Sunday service at 9 a.m. through Sept. 21. 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 the Bells of Dundee, directed by Ross Thorpe.

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 First Humans" based on the Bible story in Genesis 2:4-22.

Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 9 to 11:15 a.m. Children should be signed in and out. 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. Education is vitally important to the members of the church. Minds and hearts are open to new ideas while studying the Bible and or learning about issues important to our community and world. 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 on Sundays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Bring your friends, both old and new.

Church members serve dinner at the Community Crisis Center in Elgin on a monthly basis. The next meal will be provided on Tuesday, Sept. 16. If you are interested in cooking, donating food or delivering the meals, call the church office. Some menu items need to be prepared while others can be purchased and dropped off at church. Any help is appreciated by the temporary residents. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sept. 13-14, King of Glory Lutheran Church will observe the 18th Sunday after Pentecost as they look at the theme of "How Many Times?," 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 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.

On Mondays, join "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. 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, Sept. 14, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on Scripture on Matthew 18:21-35, at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. As God forgives you, you have a mandate to try and live a life of forgiveness. It is an open and affirming congregation, welcoming all to their services. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available during the service. For details, call (847) 428-1712.