Northwest suburban religion notes

Adult education

The Ministry of New Beginnings, a Catholic-oriented, nondenominational, social support organization for separated, divorced, widowed and single persons, meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in the Hughes Center in front of St. Matthew's Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. The cost is $3 per meeting, with first visit free. (847) 891-1220.

St. Hubert Job and Networking Ministry, 729 Grand Canyon Blvd., Hoffman Estates, is nondenominational, free and open to all occupations. For details, call Bob Podgorski at (847) 925-6005.

A small group meets to write their life stories from 2-3:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. To register, call (847) 439-0668 or e-mail princepeaceumc@sbcglobal.net.

Cathy Anderson will lead a discussion of the book "The Shack" by William P. Young as part of Prince of Peace's Adult Education at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Prince of Peace UMC, 1400 Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village. (847) 439-0668 or princeofpeaceumc.org.

Christus Victor Lutheran Church's "A Life Worth Living" Bible study runs Thursdays through Nov. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the church. It will explore the book of Philippians. "A Life Worth Living" is a follow-up study to the Alpha course. Cost is $12 for materials. A daytime session will run from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 19. Cost for the materials is $6 and baby-sitting is available for the morning session. For details, call (847) 437-2666, e-mail alpha@christusvictoregv.org or visit christusvictoregv.org. The church is at 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village.

"Matthew," an 11-week Adult Study Series, is offered from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Sunday mornings, continuing through Nov. 23, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. Newcomers and nonchurch members are invited to participate. CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650 for additional information.

Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2025 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights, is offering the following topics in its Adult Education program: "The World Economy" with Doug Townsey, professor of finance and economics at DePaul University and financial adviser at Merrill Lynch, Sunday, Nov. 9; "The Lutheran Handbook II: How to Tell If Your Will Is In Bondage and What to Do About It" Sunday, Nov. 16; "The Life of the Apostle Peter" Sunday, Nov. 23; and "The Ark of the Covenant" Sunday, Nov. 30.

Children, teens

Learn about Hanukkah through art projects, storytime and songs with other young area families. This event, for families with children up to age 5, takes place from 10:30 to11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the following Barnes & Noble locations: 720 Hawthorne Center, Vernon Hills; and 590 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg. To RSVP, contact Abby Halper at (312) 444-2844 or e-mail bookbuddies@juf.org. This free event is sponsored by Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and is open to the public.

Family

Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, has started a new Family Shabbat program Saturday mornings Nov. 15, Dec. 6 and 20. Join in for Shabbat songs, snacks, stories and crafts from 10 to 11 a.m. This program is geared toward children ages 3-8. For details, visit congregation-betham.org.

Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, will be hosting JCC's Got Shabbat? program from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. Join in for a service filled with fun, food, Shabbat songs and the humorous storyteller Dot Kane. This free program is open to the community. (Designed for families with children 4-8, but all are welcome.) For details, visit congregation-betham.org.

Congregation Beth Judea's Family Education Weekend will take place Thursday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 16, featuring Mordechai Rosenstein as its Artist in Residence. Rosenstein has been creating myriad pieces utilizing vibrant colors and flowing lines that transform the art of Hebrew calligraphy into a modern day feast for the eyes for almost 30 years. The Hebrew alphabet is the essence of the art of Mordechai Rosenstein.

The activities for the weekend include a program with Mordechai and the Beth Judea "University" students and their parents Thursday evening, Nov. 13; a synagogue dinner, followed by Mordechai speaking about "My Journey as an Artist" Friday evening, Nov. 14; Shabbat Morning, Nov. 15 will be spent with the Gimel students and their parents before attending services in the main sanctuary; and an "Evening of Art" at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 (Cost $20/per person); and Sunday morning, Nov. 16, Mordechai will be creating art with the students and their parents.

Beth Judea is a Conservative Jewish congregation on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. (847) 634-0777 or BethJudea.org.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 9081 N. Maryland St., Niles, will host a Fall Thanksgiving Festival at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16. The festivities will include a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, plus many ethnic dishes. For details, call the church at (847) 827-4360.

First Congregational Church of Des Plaines will host a Fall Family Fest and Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in the church fellowship hall, 766 Graceland Ave. The evening includes musical entertainment by The New Vista Singers, as well as raffle prizes and crafts for children. Baby-sitting will be provided. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 12 and younger and $45 per family. For tickets and details, call (847) 299-5561.

LEGO Club will meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. This is an intergenerational experience for children and adults to join in a morning of creativity and play. Enter through the doors at the top of the ramp on the south side of the church. Free admission. For details, visit faithlutheran-ah.org or call (847) 259-4839.

Fundraisers

The 20th annual Cookie Walk & Craft Show at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. All proceeds will benefit the educational programs at the church, 751 W. Army Trail Road in Bartlett. Free admission and free parking.

Join Prince of Peace Preschool and Kindergarten, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, for a Pajama Party Pancake Breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. We will have pancakes, games, crafts and storytelling for the whole family. There also will be a raffle. For details, call (847) 885-7036.

The Holy Family Lutheran School Benefit dinner and auction will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at The Meadows Club, at 2950 W. Golf Road in Rolling Meadows. The dinner and auction raises essential tuition assistance funds for 190 of Chicago's Westside students who are enrolled at the Holy Family Lutheran School. The event is sponsored by Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Arlington Heights. For more information, call (847) 255-8700.

Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, is collecting leftover Halloween candy to send to soldiers currently stationed in Iraq. Beth Am also has a full food pantry located on the premises, which is open the last Sunday of the month from 12:30 to 1 p.m. for those who need it. The food pantry is on the east side of our building.

Congregation B'nai Shalom of Buffalo Grove will host a juried show of fine art, jewelry, crafts and Judaic pieces from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the synagogue, 701 W. Aptakisic Road, Buffalo Grove. Admission is free and there is ample parking. Some 20 artists from across the country will display paintings, sketchings, ceramics, china art, photography and jewelry. For details, call (847) 415-1370.

St. John Lutheran Church is sponsoring a communitywide spaghetti dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, in the lower level of the school building, 1101 Linneman Road, Mount Prospect. Dinner will include spaghetti with choice of meat sauce or garlic with olive oil, garlic bread, salad, dessert and beverages. Ticket donation: $8 adults, $4 for ages 4 to 10 and free for kids younger than 4. There also will be a raffle drawing at 7:30 p.m. For details, call (847) 593-7670, ext. 1.

St. Peter Community Church, 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook, will be having its annual Coat and Blanket Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. The coats and blankets can be dropped off in the lower level of the church by the overhang. Donation receipts will be given. Coats and blankets that are clean and in good condition will be welcomed. They will be given to local charities and shelters. For details, call (847) 272-2246.

Boy Scout Troop 6 from Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will hold a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. In addition to pancakes and sausage, there will be an egg station. Tickets may be purchased at the door for a donation of $5. In addition, the Scouts will have a food drive. Bring a can of food for the Des Plaines Food Pantry. (847) 827-6656.

The Board for Stewardship of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Des Plaines, is conducting a food drive as its Mission of the Month for November and December. Members of the church have been provided with grocery bags that have been decorated by students of Immanuel school. They will fill the bags with canned and boxed foods to be brought to the church and distributed to the Des Plaines Self Help Pantry and Closet and the Chicago Uptown Ministry. As an alternative to filling the bags, members may provide cash for food certificates purchased from Immanuel's Manna Program, proceeds of which benefit the school's nonbudgeted expenses. Immanuel's food program is ongoing throughout the year; however, special efforts are put forth for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Mother's Day Out Preschool at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village, is holding a fundraising event, Holiday Bazaar, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. For details, contact Lynn Cooper at (847) 439-0668 or e-mail princepeaceumc@sbcglobal.net.

St. Peter Community Church will once again be participating in Operation Christmas Child. Everyone is invited to pack a Shoe Box Gift. These boxes are shipped all over the world, where they are most needed.

You use an empty shoebox or a plastic box the size of a shoe box. You can wrap the box (lid separately) but wrapping is not required. Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child's age category, 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Use the appropriate boy/girl label. Mark the age category on the label and tape the label to the top of your box.

Then, fill the box with a variety of gifts such as small toys, school supplies, hard candy, a toothbrush or comb. In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may write back. Place a rubber band around each shoe box and lid.

Provide a donation of $7 or more for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs.

Drop-off times are: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Nov. 17-19; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, and Saturday, Nov. 21-22; and 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23.

For details, call (847) 272-2246. St. Peter Community Church is at 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook.

A Turkey Raffle will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Queen of the Rosary School, 690 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. Turkeys will be raffled off every 7 to 8 minutes. Admission is $1 admission, tickets are two for $1. In addition, there will be a Split the Pot Raffle and turkey sandwiches and chips will be sold. For details, call (847) 437-3322.

The Living Christ Lutheran Church, 625 E. Dundee Road, Arlington Heights, will hold its annual fall rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. For details, call (847) 577-7133. A bag sale will start at 1 p.m.

The Gingerbread House Cookies, Crafts and More Bazaar will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The Women of Faith will be selling cookies by the pound, baked goods, candies and other treats, as well as candles, jewelry, ornaments, crafts and more to benefit ministries. Free admission. For details, call (847) 253-4839.

First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave. (between Rand and Arlington Heights roads), Arlington Heights, will hold its 29th annual Holly-Day Fair Craft show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. Every item is handcrafted. Take a shopping break and enjoy a hot lunch in the Holly-Day Cafe (lower level). Shop at the Holly-Day Bake Shop - where everything is homemade and packaged in festive holiday wrap and containers. Also returning this year is our popular "Recycled Christmas" room. You will find special Christmas decor that others have grown tired of but are still in perfect (or almost perfect) condition. This one-day event is a $2 donation at the door, $1 for senior citizens. No strollers please, wheelchair accessible. Call the church office, (847) 255-5112, if you would like to set up a booth. For details, call (847) 255-5112 or visit www.ahfumc.org. Proceeds to benefit the missions and ministries of United Methodist Women.

Church of the Incarnation United Methodist, 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, will hold its 30th annual Creative Hands Boutique Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4, 5 and 6. This juried arts and crafts boutique features unique handcrafted items made by local crafters. In addition, the "Soup Kitchen" featuring homemade soups and refreshments will be open daily. All Soup Kitchen proceeds support local missions like PADS. Also, the Christmas tree lot, with many varieties of trees and wreaths, will be open daily beginning the last week of November. Boutique hours are: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. A donation of $2 will be collected at the door. These donations will be sent to Habitat for Humanity, Spring of Life Partnership. (847) 956-1510.

Lectures, seminars

Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett is offering a free seven-week series of Sunday morning forums on Christian topics from 9 to 10 a.m. through Dec. 14. Topics include: "Napkin Evangelism" (Nov. 9); "Can You Hear Me Yet?" (Nov. 16, about using gadgets to connect with others); "Using Your Brain to Serve God" (Nov. 23); "Advent Celebrations" (Nov. 30); "Christian Vocation" (Dec. 7); and "Wheat Ridge Ministries" (Dec. 14). Living Lord Church is at 1044 Congress Drive, on Route 59 just south of Stearns Road. www.livinglordlutheran.org or (630) 830-3630.

Community on Wednesdays is offered at Holy Family Catholic Church. Special guest speaker Paul Lakeland will speak on the topic "Catholicism at the Crossroads: How the Laity Can Save the Church" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. Lakeland is the Aloysius P. Kelley S. J. Professor of Catholic Studies at Fairfield University in Connecticut, where he has taught for more than 25 years, mostly in Catholic ecclesiology, liberation theology and religion and literature. For information, call (847) 359-0042 or visit checkholyfamilyparish.org.

Senior Rabbi Howard Lifshitz at Congregation Beth Judea will teach "Jewish Choices, Jewish Voices: Body It," the second class in the Beth Judea Adult Education Series for 2008-2009. All classes will meet at 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 11, 18; Dec. 2, 9, and 16. The class will delve into the following questions: What are our obligations and rights to our own bodies? For example, what does Judaism say about tattoos and piercings? About our obligations to exercise and eat properly? What about smoking? Alcohol? Recreational drugs? Who owns our organs? For details, call (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will host Jewish Lawndale presented by Amanda Friedeman of Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie. The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth Israel will open at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate members/guests who want to use library materials, get help with genealogical Web sites on the Internet, or ask genealogical-related questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.

The Lutheran Social Services presents Parenting Teenagers at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, at Good Shepherd in Prospect Heights and Parenting Children Ages 0-5 at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Des Plaines. Each program is free and will last 90 minutes. For details, call (630) 993-0100.

Basic Buddhism classes continue at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church on the first Sunday of the month at the church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect (corner of Route 83 and Euclid). (847) 259-3018.

Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, will hold a workshop on Living Beyond Stress from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. The economy these days may make it easy to forget that we already have all that we need. Come and discover or rediscover how to let go of fear and anxiety and live by love and choice. Cynthia Hosman, licensed counselor and Unity Northwest chaplain, will conduct this workshop for coping with stress in body, mind and spirit. Suggested freewill is $20. For information or to register, call (847) 297-0997.

Congregational United Church of Christ of Arlington Heights will host "Grieving at the Holidays" workshop from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11. This two-hour workshop on handling grief during the holidays will be presented by the Rev. Nicolle Grasse, chaplain, Vitas Hospice, and the Rev. Brenda Kitchka, chaplain, Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter. The church is at 1001 W. Kirchoff Road in Arlington Heights. Public is welcome. (847) 392-6650.

Men's fellowship

Rinkey Dinks Christian Men will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Palm Court Restaurant, 1912 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, for lunch. David S. Terrill, director of gift planning at Northwest Community Hospital, will speak on "Making Charitable Gifts that are both generous and smart."

59 Minutes for Men begins a new year of discussion, fellowship and light breakfast refreshments. The group meets from 8 to 8:59 a.m. the third Saturday of each month in the Youth Center (lower level) of First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Books for the fall study date of Nov. 15 are available in the church office by calling (847) 255-5112.

Miscellaneous

A series of events this fall will again be co-sponsored by Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates, the Islamic Society of the Northwest Suburbs (ISNS) in Rolling Meadows and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Schaumburg. The series will conclude at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Prince of Peace, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, with an exploration of the role of prophets and Scripture in Muslim faith. In addition to presentations by clergy from respective faiths, there will be a time for questions from the audience, and the evenings will conclude with dessert fellowship and a time for more informal discussion. There is no charge for admission and the public is invited to all events.

Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett will host a community blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 8, at the church, 1044 Congress Drive, just south of Stearns Road on Route 59. Heartland Blood Centers will sponsor the event. For an appointment, call Holly Gould at (224) 238-3093. Walk-ins also are welcome.

The First St. Hubert Parish alumni event will begin with Mass celebrated by St. Hubert Pastor Father Robert Rizzo at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the newly renovated St Hubert Church, due to open in November, 2008, followed by a reception with refreshments in the Parish Ministry Center Multipurpose Room and an Open House Walk of the School. E-mail your attendance response to St. Hubert Development Core Team-Alumni Relations Arm Chairperson Denise Herrmann at dherrmann@sthubertschool.com.

A Drumming Circle will be offered at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. November is International Drumming Month. Drums will be provided by Gifts of the World Store. Persons with drums of their own are invited to bring them. This event will be led by registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago invites those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide to participate in its Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide Program, meeting Sundays from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 9 and Dec. 14 at the Catholic Charities Northwest Office, 1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines; Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 19 and Dec. 17 at Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness; and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. Nov. 13 and Dec. 18 at Carmel High School, One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein.

To learn more about Des Plaines-based Catholic Charities North/Northwest Suburban Services, call (847) 376-2118.

The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal is offering Stress Release with Deborah Kronenberger, MA, LPC. Learn and experience various techniques for stress reduction from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Free to Temple Chai members, $10 nonmembers. RSVP (847) 537-1771, ext. 234, or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal is offering Tai Chi Chih with Donna Elhose. Learn this spiritual form of martial arts in which slow movements contribute to a sense of well-being, better balance and focus and profound effects on the body, mind and spirit from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Free to Temple Chai members, $10 nonmembers. RSVP (847) 537-1771, ext. 234, or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal is offering Brain Gym with Barbara Bednarz. With gentle physical movements and processes, enhance your ability to function and improve physical coordination, balance, fine and gross motor muscle control and spatial awareness from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Free to Temple Chai members, $10 nonmembers. RSVP (847) 537-1771, ext. 234, or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea will hold its annual blood drive through Life Source from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, in the Social Hall of the synagogue, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Life Source requires a photo ID for your paperwork. Make sure to eat before you arrive; refreshments will be provided. To make an appointment, call (847) 634-0777 and leave a message.

Jewish Yoga is offered 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 17 (no class Nov. 26) at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Join us for this beginner's yoga class co-lead by Jayne Alenier, certified yoga teacher, and Rabbi Lisa Bellows. This class of traditional yoga and relaxation is infused with Jewish teachings and spirituality. Everyone is welcome, drop-in rates are available. congregation-betham.org

The St. Stephen Gaslight Players will have auditions for "Oklahoma" from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, at St. Stephens Hanley Hall, 1267 Everett Ave., Des Plaines. Auditions are open. Show dates are Feb. 13-15, 20-21. No appointments are necessary. Prepare 16 bars of music from "Oklahoma," dress for movement and prepare to read a passage from the script.

"A Day of Spiritual Awareness: Looking for Personal Spirituality in the Community" will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Des Plaines library. The event features several guest speakers and also showcases local spiritual and humanitarian organizations. Sponsored by the Des Plaines Ministerial Association, the event is free. Keynote speaker Jay Mohindra, a Chicago area physician, will speak from 10 to 10:30 a.m. For details, call Jim Ernst at (847) 825-4673.

St. Martins Episcopal Church in Des Plaines will celebrate two important church milestones at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, St. Martins Day: the new ministry of the Rev. Steven Godfrey and the blessing and dedication of the newly renovated Strauss-Betker Hall. The Right Rev. Jeffrey Lee, bishop of Chicago, will preside at this celebration.

Godfrey comes to St. Martins from York Harbor, Maine. Strauss-Betker Hall, the site of numerous church functions, has undergone extensive renovation in the past several months, including adding larger windows, installing new siding, tile, and carpeting, updating handicap access, and incorporating new landscaping (generously donated by Pesches Garden Center) under the cathedral window. The Hall is a memorial to Rick Strauss, son, and Lyle Strauss, husband, of longtime parishioner Elsie Strauss, and to parishioner Margaret Betker.

St. Martins is located at 1095 Thacker St.

Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Elk Grove Village expects to serve nearly 400 people at its fifth annual Bountiful Traditional Thanksgiving Feast Saturday, Nov. 22. All area senior citizens, those who will be alone for the holiday and those unable to prepare a traditional meal are invited to join church member volunteers for a free thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, musical entertainment, crafts and fellowship. Children's activities will be provided.

A local Boy Scout troop will open the noon seating with a flag ceremony and the church's piano, brass and string musicians will provide entertainment throughout the day. Local Girl Scout troops will help serve guests.

Anyone interested in attending may call the church office at (847) 437-2666 to reserve a seating time at noon, 2 or 3:30 p.m. Call by Tuesday, Nov. 18, if you live in Elk Grove Village and need a ride to the church or would like a meal delivered. The church is at 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village. For details, visit www.christusvictoregv.org.

Christian Life Church's Men's Ministry is hosting a Veterans Day Breakfast at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, for all veterans, police officers and firefighters as a way of saying thank you for their service. Their meal is free, all others are asked to pay $5. CLC is at 400 E. Gregory Mount Prospect. For details, call (847) 259-3090.

A free beginning yoga class will be offered from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. Bring your yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. (847) 259-3018.

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Arlington Heights invites all to join in celebrating the 100th anniversary of "The Christian Science Monitor," a daily international newspaper that has won seven Pulitzer Prizes and is known for its clarity and objectivity in covering the important news of the world. Stop by the Christian Science Reading Room, 402 S. Arlington Heights Road, to take a look at the world through the Monitor's eyes. Reading Room hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. the third Wednesday: and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. (847) 255-4853.

Holy Wanderers is an excursion ministry of First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. (847) 255-5112, www.ahfumc.org. Upcoming events are:

• The Symphony Center presents Chanticleer Monday, Dec. 1, at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St.; tickets $40; van transportation $15; balcony general seating; 6 p.m. departure from church parking lot; 8 p.m. concert. Sign up for van transportation or meet us there after work or by using your free senior pass on public transportation.

A Holistic Health Fair will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Orchard Evangelical Free Church, 1330 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights. Admission is free. Health experts will be on hand with information about nutrition, exercise, safety and spiritual growth. Participants can have their blood pressure taken and receive a flu shot for a small fee. For details, call (847) 392-4840.

St. Edna Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, offers several support groups including ones for those who have been widowed, a group for mothers who have lost a son or a daughter and a group for those struggling with divorce. (847) 398-3362, ext. 318.

Performances

Knights of Columbus Mary's Millennium Council No. 12801 of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Streamwood are presenting the new show from the creator of Late Nite Catechism, titled "Sisters Christmas Catechism" Friday, Nov. 14. Sister tackles the question, "Whatever happened to the Magi's gold?" It's CSI: Bethlehem when Sister invites her audience to be characters in a living Nativity/crime scene. Tickets cost $30 each. For tickets, call the parish office at (630) 837-6500 and leave a message for the Knights of Columbus. If you leave your e-mail address, a ticket order form can be e-mailed back to you to print and mail in with your payment.

"Late Night Catechism 2" will be presented by St. Thomas of Villanova School and Parish Saturday, Nov. 15, at St. Thomas of Villanova Church. 1201 E. Anderson Drive, Palatine. Preshow appetizers and cash bar at 6:15 p.m., performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $35. For tickets and information, call (847) 359-3868 or visit stvschool.org/sisters.

Choir Members at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, will celebrate 50 years of choral tradition with "Make a Joyful Noise" at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16. In preparation for the concert, choir members leafed through their music files and selected over a dozen favorites. The selections include early pieces performed in 1959, as well as more contemporary selections. For details, visit www.CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650.

Seniors

The following events are at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. They are free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. For information, call (630) 213-0100.

• Monday, Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m.: In honor of International Drum Month, Native American Heritage Month and upcoming Thanksgiving, enjoy a Drumming Circle. Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski will present "Drumming Circles-The Rhythm of Life." Learn the history, religious usage and culture of exotic drums from around the world, and experience firsthand how playing these drums releases stress, promotes creativity and self-expression. Instruments are provided and all ages are welcome.

• Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m.: In honor of National Hospice Month, the Rev. Martha Parker, a chaplain of Vitas Hospice, will lead a Quarterly Memorial Service honoring individuals who have passed away in the last three months. Special music, a candle lighting service and a time for sharing is included.

Special services

Congregation Kneseth Israel holds Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St., Elgin. In addition to services, social activities are planned by the award-winning youth group, 50+ club, men's club and sisterhood. (847) 741-5656 or ckielgin.org.

Congregation Shirat Shalom in Elgin offers Shabbat services at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays, followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Tot Shabbat services are the third Friday of the month, and adult education classes are Thursdays and Saturdays. Tot Shabbat services this month will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.

Call for details at (847) 695-6246. CongregationShiratShalom.org.

A pulpit exchange is happening Sundays, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14, between Barrington United Methodist Church and Second Baptist Church of Elgin. This is the second "pulpit-choir exchange" of pastors and choirs between the two churches, which seeks to bridge both racial and denominational gaps. On Nov. 9, the Rev. James M. Wilson and the Chancel Choir of BUMC will lead the 10:30 a.m. service at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St., Elgin; and Dec. 14, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond and the choir of Second Baptist will lead the 10:30 a.m. worship service at BUMC, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington. For details, call (847) 836-5540 or visit BarringtonUMC.com.

A prayer service will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 Main St. in Barrington. This service includes reading from the Bible, music, and prayers for peace in the Middle East. It is part of an ecumenical effort in the U.S. and the world to pray daily until a just and lasting peace comes to all citizens of the region. (847) 381-0243 or www.elca.org/middleeast.

Following this service, there will be a presentation by a guest speaker on "Israel and Palestine - An Inside View." Lynne Rigg is a retired Lutheran pastor from Wisconsin who will share her varied experiences as an Ecumenical Accompanier and peace presence in the West Bank for three months in the spring of 2003.

Shabbat worship services are offered at 7:30 p.m. Fridays (Kabbalat Shabbat) and at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Birthdays and anniversaries will be recognized at the first Friday night service of the month. Daily minyan services are: Mondays at 6:15 a.m.; Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 9 a.m.

Tot Shabbat services are held in the main sanctuary of the synagogue at 6:30 p.m. on the second Friday of every month. Gan Shabbat services are held every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Beit HaMidrash on the Religious School level. (847) 634-0777.

Kol Chaverim, a 1-year-old post-denominational, participatory, egalitarian congregation, invites prospective members to regular Shabbat morning services and kiddush lunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Jewish Council for Youth Services Northwest, 1700 Weiland Road, Buffalo Grove. Call (847) 398-2019 by Friday. kolchaverim.org.

A special Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, facilitated by spiritual leader Jo Ann Ballard. Come light a candle, worship in song and prayer. Unity Northwest is a nondenominational church and welcomes all people.

The November fellowship worship service of Immanuel Lutheran Church will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Immanuel school gym, 842 Lee St., Des Plaines. Music for the program will be led by guitarists Ray Gaitsch and Ed Knaack. A children's reading will be a feature of the service, which will include a "Happy Trails" message by the Rev. Richard Mau. Following the worship, the elders of Immanuel will serve a chili buffet, with s'mores for dessert.

The Elk Grove Presbyterian and the Prince of Peace Methodist Church family and friends will join together for worship at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the Presbyterian Church, 600 E. Elk Grove Blvd. The combined choirs will share music and the sacrament of Communion.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will honor all veterans at services at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9. Veterans are invited to wear some sign of their service, such as a cap, beret or medal.

The youth groups from the Congregational United Church of Christ, St. John's United Church of Christ, Church of the Incarnation United Methodist Church and the Christian Church in Arlington Heights will hold and record "A Soldier's Christmas" worship service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights.

DVDs of the service will be duplicated and made available to send overseas in time for Christmas. The youth plan to send the recorded service to friends, neighbors, and loved ones in the Armed Forces overseas.

The public is invited to attend. Christmas cookies and cocoa will be served following the service. For details, visit www.CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650.

All are invited at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, to a special service to honor veterans at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. There will be reserved seating, patriotic music, special performances, the Wheeling High School Honor Guard, and much more. Following the service there will be light refreshments. The whole community is invited. If you would like to make a donation for the Care Packages that will be assembled later in the afternoon, call the church office at (847) 259-4114.

Women's programs

Ladies, do you need some fresh ideas to ease you through the holidays? You are invited to "Christmas Creations," an evening focused on ideas for making the Christmas season meaningful and festive. First Baptist Church in Arlington Heights is presenting six practical workshops on holiday topics such as door/entryway decorations; kids' crafts; gift wrapping; table settings; candle decor and Christmas goodies. There also will be helpful handouts, door prizes and Christmas refreshments. This event will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the First Baptist Church of Arlington Heights, 1211 W. Campbell St. The cost is $3. Register by calling (847) 392-1712.

A Women's Bible Study, led by laypersons, meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. The group is reading "Daughters of Eve" by Virginia Owens. The book examines the women in the Bible and their message to women today. Newcomers are welcome. For details, visit www.CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650.