McHenry County religious 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's observance of the High Holidays will begin Monday, 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 Wednesday, 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 Thursday, 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, Sept. 21, 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. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. with classes for children, youth, and adults. Child care is available during Sunday school and throughout the worship service for infants through 3-year-olds. Children's church for 4-year-olds through second grade takes place during the second half of the worship service.

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.

The annual fall church hayride will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Royal Oak Farm and Orchard in Hebron. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the hayride takes place at 7:30 p.m. It is a time of fellowship and good food around the bonfire. The evening's activities will also include a sing-a-long, making s'mores, and a devotion.

The church begins an Awana program on Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for children who are in kindergarten through sixth grade. The church men will hold their annual camping trip Oct. 10-11 at Camp Manitoumi in Lowpoint, Ill. and the Secret Sister group will hold an icebreaker event with games and refreshments on Oct. 12 immediately after the morning service. For details, call (847) 458-9726 or visit www.newlifebaptist-il.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Sept. 21, the Rev. Michelle McNamara's sermon will be "Do You Need More Than Enough?" based on Exodus 16 and Matthew 20:1-16, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The theme is God's provision of grace for every need. The Chancel choir will sing in both services and Whitechapel Bells will play in the second. The Sunday school children, after attending the first part of the 9 a.m. service, will learn about what worship was like for Jesus as a child.

The Knit/Crochet Group, now called "Clickin' Sticks, will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the church. At 7 p.m., the Chancel Choir will practice. The choir sings on the first and third Sundays of the month and welcomes new members.

On Thursdays, the Genesis Bell Choir (beginning adults) will practice at 6 p.m. and the Whitechapel Bells (advanced adults) will practice at 7 p.m. The Sunday AM's handbell choir (grades 7-12) practices at 9 a.m. Sundays. Each choir plays once a month. New members are welcome. Previous music experience is not necessary for beginning groups, and all equipment and music is provided. The annual two-day Women's Retreat begins on Saturday, Sept. 27. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691 or visit www.firsthuntley.org.

St. John Lutheran: The Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "God's Relentless Call for Workers to Harvest Souls," based upon Matthew 20:1-16, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. with Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. A supervised nursery is offered at the 10:30 a.m. service. Coffee and Fellowship follows the Sunday services.

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.

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. At 10:30 a.m. the last session of Small Group Study will be "ELCA Social Statement on Sexuality" at the Cosman Center.

Shepherd's Voices Choir will meet at 7 p.m. Mondays at Citizens Bank.

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, it will be the start of the new Bible study, "Unspoken" by novella Francine River. The study will be held at Citizens bank from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Sign up at the Welcome Table. On Tuesdays, the first music team will meet at 5 p.m. and the second music team at 6 p.m. On Thursday, Sept. 25, Prairie Ringers Chime Choir will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank. Wednesday, Sept. 24, will start the new confirmation class at 6:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank. Pizza will be at 6 p.m. On Friday, Sept. 26, SOTP Prayer Hour will be held at 1 p.m. at Citizens Bank. A new Bible Study group, by Rev. Mark Boster, will be starting on Wednesday, Oct. 1 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Citizens Bank. The study of the Gospels beginning with Mark will start it off. Call the church office to register for the class. 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, Sept. 21, 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 middle school. Awana meets every Monday with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Kids Club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Children from preschool through fifth grade are invited to attend. Everyone is welcome.

The "Friends" Bible study meets at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the church. 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. The middle school kids for sixth- to eighth grades meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays for a program and dinner. The high school youth will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at an off-site location. Call the church office at (224) 569-6501 for details. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.

First Congregational: On Sundays, the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones preaches at 9 and 10:45 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. This week, fourth-graders will receive Bibles at both services.

Each Sunday at 9 and 10:45 a.m., all children, age 2 through seventh grade, will begin worship with their family. Following the children's message, they will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants, and toddlers at each service.

On Sunday, Sept. 21, Melody Makers Choir for kindergarten and first grade begins rehearsals at 10 a.m. At 10:15 a.m., the trip to Guatemala with MayaWorks planning meeting will be held in the library. Junior Fellowship will meet for games and planning at 4 p.m. in the Youth Room. At 6:30 p.m., the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth group will meet in the Youth Room. On Tuesday, Sept. 23, FCCs justfootprints group will facilitate a discussion on "A Call to Sustainability" at 7 p.m. in the library. On Wednesday, Sept. 24, Seasons of the Spirit Bible study meets at 10:15 a.m. in the Banner Library.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Men's Fellowship Breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. Participants in Community Service Day will be treated to breakfast, after which, they will go out to their service assignments. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Light of Christ: On Sept. 20-21, the Rev. Sharon Rogers will complete the three-week sermon series on Scripture stress-busters with the topic, " One Day at a Time," based on Matthew 6:25-34, at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The Rev. Kendall Koenig is senior pastor and the Rev. Sharon Rogers is associate pastor.

Worship services are held at the blended 5 p.m. Saturday, the 7:45 a.m. traditional, 9 a.m. blended and 10:30 a.m. contemporary Sunday services. Light of Christ Preschool has openings for this school year. Call (847) 658-0955 for availability and to set up an appointment if you would like to observe and talk with Michelle Niehoff, preschool director.

The pastor's Bible study will be at 9 a.m. Wednesdays in the Welcome Center. They will begin a six-week series called "Faith & Politics, God and State," asking how do they fit together. Walk-ins are welcome. For details, call Joanne Weber at (847) 658-9250.

Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, Sept. 21, vicar Daniel Dubin will share the message at 7:45, 9 and 10:45 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. Holy Communion will be celebrated at all three services.

Child care is offered during the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services. Faith Quest Sunday school is at 9 a.m.

A "Welcome Back Panama Mission Trippers" is planned for Sunday, Sept. 21. The seven individuals who went to Panama this summer will be recognized during worship and displays of their work will be available in Luther Hall during the coffee hour. Also, the State Mixer is planned during the coffee hour. This is an opportunity on third Sundays throughout the year for folks to visit by sharing about how they are connected to the states being featured that month. In addition, the senior high youth will have pictures from their mission trip to Benton Harbor, Mich. this past June on display in Luther Hall.

A Bible presentation for third-grade youth is planned for Sunday, Sept. 28 at 9 a.m.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, the annual Ministry Fair will offer an opportunity to "gift" Bethany's ministry with their special time and talents at 10 a.m. And the third-grade Bible presentation will be during the 9 a.m. worship.

CROP Walk registration is well under way. The annual walk will start from Bethany Lutheran Church at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5. Bethany is a Book of Faith Congregation. This Bible study will be presented at 10:15 a.m. Sundays, Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Jan. 25. For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: On Sundays, the McHenry County Church of Religious Science, Center for Spiritual Evolution recognizes September as a natural time of reflection, renewal and recommitment to life. The topic on Sept. 21 is "Panning for God" with the Rev. Anne Muelleman leading the congregation on a journey of uncovering their own spiritual nuggets. Music this week is provided by Dominic Dragoo.

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." This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Castles of Creation." 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 Metaphysical discussion group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26 at The School of Intuitive Arts and Sciences, 314 Northwest Hwy. in Fox River Grove. All are welcome. 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.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, Sept. 21, the Rev. Brian Cope will preach at the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The message is based on Jonah 3:10-4:11 and Matthew 20:1-160.

Who did Jesus say he was? Join the adult enrichment opportunities at 8:45 a.m. Sundays. The discussions are often spirited and interesting and all points of view are welcome. Bring a Bible or borrow one from the church and join them every Sunday or as often as possible. All are welcome to attend.

On Wednesdays, rehearsals are: Chapel Choir for third to eighth grade from 4:45 to 5:15; Cherub Choir for kindergarten to second grade from 5:20 to 5:50 p.m.; Chimers for third to fifth grade from 5:20 to 5:50 p.m.; Joyful Sound Handbell Choir for seventh grade to adult from 6:30 to 7:30; and Senior Choir from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

What do you call a ministry where you can learn to knit or crochet and turn into a blessing to someone else? Yarn Works. Beginners are welcome. If you already know how to do the yarn work of your choice, you also are welcome. For details, call the church. Yarn works will meet every Thursday; one session will be from 10 a.m. to noon and the other session will be 7 to 9 p.m. For information, call the church office (847) 658-5308. The Entertainment books are available for $20 from the church's men's fellowship.

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. Sept. 21 at the former First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock. The Rev. Michael DuCette is vicar. The sermon will be based on the ninth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. Bible study will begin on Sunday, Sept. 28 to study the Gospel of John. 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.

The History of the Mass: Father Francis J. "Rocky" Hoffman will give a presentation titled "The History of the Mass" from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at St. Mary Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Admission is free. Father Rocky is a nationally known speaker recognized for his sense of humor and ability to explain the faith in simple and inspiring ways. His bimonthly column appears in The Catholic Answer, which is published by Our Sunday Visitor. He is a regular guest on "Morning Air," which is heard on Relevant Radio Station 930 AM WAUR in the McHenry County area. Hoffman has worked with youth for more than 25 years. Since 1998, he has been chaplain of Northridge Preparatory School in Niles, a college prep school for boys in sixth to 12th grade. Before that, he served as chaplain of Aquinas Academy in Pittsburgh. Ordained as a priest for Opus Dei in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, he received a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. He received a bachelor of arts degree in history from Northwestern University, Chicago, and a master's of business administration from Notre Dame University, South Bend, Ind. For the past 12 summers he has been chaplain for Youth Service International Mexico Summer Service Projects in isolated and impoverished areas of Mexico. For information, e-mail Joe Marmion at marmionj@aol.com or (847) 658-0504.

Gala auction: St Paul's Episcopal Church in McHenry has begun planning its 12th annual gala auction from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. It is one of the largest standing parish auctions in McHenry County. All proceeds will benefit the outreach ministries of the church. The church is home to the Little Cherubs faith-based preschool, and hosts scouting, youth and adult programs throughout the year. The church also runs a community food pantry that is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. In addition to a silent auction, there will be a live auction with Gene Warrington of Four Square Auctions as the auctioneer. There will be a 50/50 raffle drawing with seven cash prizes; the top prize being $2,500. There are only 200 tickets available for the 50/50 raffle at $50 each. Admission tickets for the auction are $15 each and include a free ticket for door prize drawings, an array of appetizers, and fun for all. To buy tickets for the auction or raffle, call Norma Schmidt at (815) 603-0028 or the Rev. Jim Swarthout at (815) 385-0390. For details, visit www.stpaulsmchenry.org.

Public prayer meeting: The Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren invites the community to a public prayer meeting at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 to pray about violence in Elgin and around the world. Highland Avenue is joining with other local churches and some 200 Church of the Brethren congregations and colleges in the United States, Nigeria and Puerto Rico, who are sponsoring events as part of the International Day of Prayer for Peace. The communities join thousands of people on all five continents who will participate in events on or near the date. Highland Avenue's prayer service will begin in the front yard of the church at 6 p.m. with an opportunity to share concerns about specific neighborhoods. This September marks the fourth observance of the International Day of Prayer for Peace, sponsored by the World Council of Churches, which joins the United Nations' 25-year commitment to an International Day of Prayer for Peace on September. This is a free event sponsored by the Highland Avenue congregation. For information, call the church office at (847) 741-5124.

New peace group: The McHenry County Peace Group has disbanded. However, there is an opportunity to meet with others in the area who are concerned about peace. Attend a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. Former members and friends of the McHenry County Peace Group and members of Pax Cristi and the Unitarian Church will be present. If you are interested but cannot come to this meeting, contact the Rev. Dan Larsen at (815) 338-0731.

Fall rummage sale: First Congregational Church of Dundee will hold its fall rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. A Bag Discount Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26. A rummage sale by definition is a sale of assorted secondhand objects contributed by donors to raise money for a charity. First Congregational Church provides financial support to area organizations in the community serving children and families and continues its assistance to area families in need with groceries and school supplies. Proceeds will be used to fund these charities which help the hungry, the homeless and those in need in the greater community. Items for sale include everything from jewelry, books, toys, clothing and household goods to furniture. Clean out your closets and set aside all of your gently worn clothes and those no longer needed possessions. Computer electronics and exercise equipment will not be accepted. Donations are welcome at the church from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the setup days, Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 22-24. A letter acknowledging donations will be available upon request for income tax purposes. The church is at 900 S. Eighth St. (Route 31 and Angle Tarn), West Dundee. For information regarding the sale or to arrange a drop-off for your donations, call (847) 426-2161 ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Truth Project: Elgin Bible Church, 1580 E. Chicago St., offers "Be A Truth Champion," the Truth Project live simulcast event with Del Tackett on Saturday, Sept. 27. The event will run 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with registration at 8 a.m. In the midst of the confusion, the worldview of many Christians has shifted. According to a 2003 Barna study, only 9 percent of Christians now possess a Biblical world view. In response, The Truth Project, a new initiative of Focus on the Family, created by senior vice president Del Tackett, offers a systematic and comprehensive way to bring Biblical truth to church communities across North America. At 8:30 a.m. Sept. 27, Focus on the Family will partner with Church Communication Network to launch The Truth Project via live satellite. Elgin Bible Church invites you to attend so you can learn how to lead this DVD-based small group curriculum in your home and/or community. The first-ever live Truth Project simulcast training event will equip churches and their people to make a positive impact on culture by applying God's principles to daily life. Tackett's topics include: understanding and living the Christian world view, the nature and character of God, God's design for life (work, science, family, government, art, ethics and more), and marrying actions to core beliefs. E-mail pleman@fvi.net, call (847) 683-7986, or visit www.elginbiblechurch.org for details.

High Holy Days: Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St. in Elgin, announces its schedule of services for the upcoming observance of the High Holy Days for year 5769 in the Hebrew calendar. Services for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29; 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30; and 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1. Children's services will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30. Services for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will be held at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, and 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, with Yizkor prayers said at approximately noon. Children's services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 9. A break of the fast will follow the concluding Yom Kippur service which begins at 4:15 p.m. Oct. 9. Rabbi Jonathan Kohn, CKI's religious leader, will conduct this year's services, which promise to be an engaging blend of traditional Jewish melodies, and Hebrew and English readings. He will again be joined by Cantor Jack "Yankel" Falk, a nationally-known vocalist from Portland, Ore. Tickets are required for admission, and new members are welcome. For information on tickets or CKI membership, call the synagogue office at (847) 741-5656.

Song of the Healing Crystal Bowls: Health care practitioner Jay S. Schwed will present "The Song of the Healing Crystal Bowls," a performance/healing session at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Center for Spiritual Evolution, 204 Spring St. in Cary. Participants are encouraged to bring a favorite pillow, blanket and floor mat to lay on, as the concert is best experienced lying on the floor in a circle around Schwed. Chairs also will be available. According to Schwed, in the ancient lands of Atlantis and Egypt, healers traveled with a "healing" crystal bowl tuned to the note of F-sharp to activate the "high heart." Ancients believed healing was facilitated by opening the high heart that connects the hearts of all beings. Schwed explains that today it is referred to as the thymus gland, the center of the immunity system. Schwed uses a colorful variety of 12 singing Crystal Bowls and five Tibetan Bowls. He presents this concert throughout the United States in a variety of churches, healing and fitness centers, and yoga studios. He has also given presentations at recovery centers, for autistic children and people with ADHD, women's shelters and others with bipolar disorder. The effects of the experience are incredible. Schwed has been a health care practitioner since the early 1980s with specialties in massage therapy, hypnotherapy and Reiki. He lives in Ojai, Calif. but travels extensively presenting healing bowls concerts. For information, call (847) 516-1950 or visit newthoughtmchenry.org. Private sessions are available on Thursday.

Prairie Fest: For the fifth year, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin is sponsoring its free community conference on sustainable living Oct. 4 at the church west of Elgin. Sustainability has become the new buzz word in our culture. It has become the "catch all" for the environment, water, food, health, and lifestyle. The fifth annual Prairie Fest held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin is a one-day celebration of sustainable living. This one-day program of workshops, presentations, exhibits, and interactions is free to the community and explores the meaning of sustainability and how to live more sustainably. This Prairie Fest Community Conference promises to give attendees valuable and practical information and practices for living a low impact sustainable lifestyle. Prairie Fest billed as a "Festival of Information and Ideas for Sustainable Living" features professionals, practitioners, authors, and civic official who give attendees the opportunity to explore the many practical ways that we can live more sustainably. The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin, three miles west of Randall on Highland Avenue in Elgin. There is plenty of free parking. In addition to panels, and presentations there are all day programs for children, guided prairie and labyrinth, tours, sustainable living exhibits, and nominally priced healthy lunch. For presenters, schedules, and other information, visit www.uucePF.com or email PF08@uucePrairieFest.com.

Jammin' for Justice: Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice Presents the second annual Jammin' for Justice Benefit Concert from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5 at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The concert features national Blues, Folk, Rock, Slide Guitar champion Kraig Kenning (KraigKenning.com), with special guest: harmonica virtuoso Kevin Purcell (nightburners.com). Tickets are $15. For details, call Betsy Ducote, (630) 372-9543.