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.

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. This week's message will be a continuation of the Exploration of Covenant Affirmations. 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 is at 10:30 a.m. The Wednesday evening study groups will continue the topic of "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 our church. It will begin with dinner at 6 p.m. and study at 7 p. m. For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit the Web site at countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Audrey deCoursey will deliver the sermon at 9:30 a.m. at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. She is the candidate for the position of associate pastor. In a congregation business meeting at 1 p.m., the congregation will vote on whether to call DeCoursey to the position. She is a graduate of the Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, Calif., and a member of the Peace Church of the Brethren in Portland, Ore. She is a native of Lombard. The junior high class will serve lunch at noon as a fundraiser before the congregational business meeting. The Peace Memorial Garden was dedicated this past Sunday, after the service and church school hours, on a lovely plot of bricks, grass, flowers, and trees east of the sanctuary on the church lot. The Spirited Sisters will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, for a campfire. Bekah Houff will lead stories, games, and songs. There will be s'mores. For information, call (847) 741-5124 or visit hacob.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel is in the middle of a very busy season. Numerous services and events are planned for the coming weeks. While regular Sabbath and Torah school will continue, special events include Sukkot Family service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17; Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor service at 8 a.m. Oct. 21; and Simchat Torah service with ice cream social at 7 p.m. Oct. 21. In addition to services social activities are planned by the youth group, 50+ club, men's club, and sisterhood.

This week's Torah portion is "Vayelekh." 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 ckielgin.org.

Shirat 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."

Everyone is invited to attend as they decorate the sukkah at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. Sukkot services will take place at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14. On Friday, Oct. 17, they will have Kabbalat Shabbat services followed by "Pizza in the Hut." RSVP for the best kosher pizza in town at $6 per person. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, celebrate Simchat Torah, one of the most joyous holidays of the year, with them at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit CongregationShiratShalom.org

Immanuel Lutheran: On Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Gregg Bowen will be sharing the message, "Don't Worry, Be -," 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. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m.

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 Wednesday will be the first in a sermon series titled "Vocation, Vocation, Vocation." This week's message, shared by Joe Glombicki is called "Vocation: Your Work Calling." Other titles in upcoming weeks will include "Your Family Calling," "Your Community Calling" and "Your Church Calling." For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, Oct. 12, worship is at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. Fall Sunday school has begun. The scripture lessons for Oct. 12 are Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106: 1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9 and Matthew 22:1-14 with the Rev. Steven Mindrup presiding.

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.

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. The Hobo Show with the theme, "Cruisin'," has been rescheduled to Feb. 7. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Celebration Ringers, under the direction of Jonathan Besancon, and the Cathedral Choir, under the direction of John Slawson, will perform at 9 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. The message will be given by the lead pastor, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison, "Complex Communities of Faith." Christian education for all ages will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The 11:30 a.m. service will feature music by the Praise Band and a message by the pastor, "Prayer of Moses," based on Exodus 32. The youth group meets at 12:45 p.m.

On Oct. 19, the church will participate in the CROP Walk, which begins at the church at 1 p.m. The public is invited to participate in the walk. Just meet at the church at 12:30 p.m. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit fumcelgin.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Lois Bucher will preach on "Life's Parenthesis," based on Exodus 20:8-11 and Isaiah 6:1-8, at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. All are welcome. The Sunday school program starts in the sanctuary at 10:15 a.m.; and after the children's message, students are dismissed to their individual classes. The chancel choir will sing "Come Ye That Love the Lord," arranged by Alice Parker.

Breakfast is served at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday when the in-depth Bible study led by the Rev. Paris Donehoo convenes. No biblical expertise or prior knowledge is required; just bring your mind, your heart and a desire to learn and grow. At the same hour, Stepping Stones, the church's mental health ministry, will sponsor a discussion on the subject of forgiveness. Child care is available. After the second service, all are invited to the fellowship hour in the lower level. You may place your orders for scrip gift cards at that time. At 4 p.m. Oct. 12, the course, "FirstSteps: What's It All About?," led by Rev Donehoo and John Cooper, continues. On Thursday, Oct. 16, "DiscipleWay: A Christian's Toolkit," led by Rev. Donehoo and Rev. Bucher, continues. All sessions begin at 7 and end at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 18, The Big Barn Bash starts at 4 p.m. with a buffet at Chris Danzi's Barn, followed by music and entertainment at 5 p.m. All are invited. For details, call (847) 741-4045 or visit fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin, celebrates its women's conference weekend. On Saturday, Oct. 11, the conference begins at 8 a.m. with a series of lectures and workshops. The conference will conclude on Sunday, Oct. 12 with Christine Edmond will delivering the message for the 8 a.m. service. Her message will center on the women's conference theme of "High Heels, High Hopes, High Calling!" This theme is inspired by Philippians 3:14, "I press toward the mark of the high calling God in Christ Jesus." Minister Nicole Massie will conclude the festivities by delivering the message at 10:30 a.m. based on the same theme.

Minister Nicole Lynne Massie was born and educated in Baltimore, Md. She graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University in May 2000. Upon graduation, Massie became a business analyst for Deloitte Consulting in Chicago. She accepted the call to ministry in November 2001 and was licensed to preach in May 2003. In May 2006, she received her master of divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. She was the recipient of the Jones Prize in Music and the Swink Prize in Preaching. During her time in seminary, she served as the director of evangelism at St. James AME Church in Newark, N.J., under the pastoral leadership of William D. Watley. She has also had the privilege of serving in ministry at Mandalay Baptist Church in Cape Town, South Africa where God further confirmed her call to international ministry. She currently serves at The Park Ministries in Charlotte, N.C. as the minister of young adults and singles under the direction of the Rev. Claude R. Alexander Jr. She is also the founder and executive director of SoulFire International Ministries, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering individuals to reach their highest potential by providing economic and educational opportunities with mentorship and support.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. The church will launch its Domestic Violence Ministry during the month. The ministry was created to counsel and support those individuals dealing with domestic violence abuse.

The CUPS ministry will meet from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 18 in the fellowship hall. The topic will be the movie "Fireproof Marriage" which is now playing in theaters. Check your local movie theaters for show times.

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. Second Baptist is at 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Half Way Is Half Baked," based on Exodus 32:1-14 and Matthew 22:1-14, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Traditional worship, with the Chancel Choir and a vocal or bell choir, will be at 9 a.m. Progressive worship, a spirit-filled experience with the Praise Singers and Band, will be at 10:30 a.m.

The children of Ron and Gena Grant, Ronny and Eva, will be baptized during the 10:30 a.m. service.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by the Bells of Dundee, directed by Ross Thorpe; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist. The 10:15 a.m. service will feature songs and music by the Praise Singers and Band: Cheri Blazek; Robert Blazek; Sonja Boekenhauer, Penny Mensik, Sue Schmidt and Sara Tustin with Robert Blazek, saxophones; Mark Frystak, guitar; Linda Gilmore, keyboard; Noah Katsma, bass and Rich Robotham, drums. Children, age 3 through sixth grade, begin worship in the sanctuary with their families and move to Sunday school classes at 9 a.m. and to God's Big Backyard for KidsOwn Worship at 10:30 a.m. after the children's message. Adult education classes are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. "Parenting is Heart Work" meets at 9 a.m. with Rochelle Doty. It is an eight-week video and discussion series designed to equip parents to touch the hearts of their kids with biblically-based, practical parenting techniques. Parents and teachers of children, age 2 to 18, will benefit from this life-changing curriculum. No materials are required, but you are welcome to buy the book, "Parenting is Heart Work" by Dr. Scott Turansky and registered nurse Joanne Miller. "To Begin at the Beginning" meets at 10:30 a.m. with Harry Vellines.

High school youth group meets on Sundays from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Bring your friends, both old and new.

Slime Time Halloween Carnival will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Oct. 13. It's a Halloween carnival with gobs of games, treats and a life-changing message that will last long after the candy is gone. Grab your Halloween costume and join the fun. Drop in with your family throughout the morning, but try not to miss the special opening at 10 a.m. and closing activities with Dr. B and Professor Wilma at 11:40 a.m. The cost is $5 per family. Sing your favorite vacation Bible school songs and learn what crazy things Professor Wilma has been up to during the summer.

PADS of Elgin Inc. provides safe shelter, support services and advocacy to homeless individuals in Dundee, Elgin and Hanover townships. Four volunteers, 18 and older, are needed to provide staffing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at PADS, 1730 Berkley St. in Elgin. Sign up by calling the church office.

"Dr. Don's Bible Study, The Acts of the Apostles," continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 with chapter 3. Acts is a book that chronicles the birth and development of the Christian church. Woven into the narrative are the journeys of Paul who in many ways is the father of the church as we know it. How did Paul help the church to survive after the death of Jesus? Reserve child care needs by Monday to the church office at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210.

Middle school youth group will meet Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Come to this group if you like having fun, enjoy pizza or want to hang out with friends, both old and new. The Evangelism & Welcoming Ministry is hosting hayrides from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. S'mores, other treats, games and a camp fire are all free. Invite your friends and their kids. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sunday, Oct. 12, King of Glory Lutheran Church will take a look at the epistle lesson from Philippians 4 under the theme of "Whatever!" 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. 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. The theme for Oct. 13 is "Sunday." Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship. The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Philippians 4:1-9 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. 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.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Come One! Come All!", based upon Matthew 22:1-14, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 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 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 Sundays, 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. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. On Sunday, Oct. 12, Prairie Point Quilters will display the quilts that have been made during the year. These quilts will be shipped to Lutheran World Relief. Shepherd's Voices Choir will meet at 7 p.m. Mondays at Citizens Bank. On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Senior Shepherds will be going to the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake with lunch at John Evans before the tour. Sign up at the Welcome Table. On Tuesdays, the pastor will lead the Bible study from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Citizens Bank and the first music team will meet at 5 p.m. and the second music team at 6 p.m. On Wednesdays, the confirmation class meets at 6:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank. Pizza will be at 6 p.m. On Thursday, Oct. 16, the Prairie Ringers Chime Choir will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank. On Fridays, the church's Prayer Hour will meet at 1 p.m. The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit sotp.org.

Faith Community: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Bruce Cole will lead worship with Part II of "Exodus - A Road Trip from Captivity to Freedom" at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. 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 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 fccwired.tv.