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.

Epworth UMC: Epworth United Methodist Church is launching a new worship experience, "CONNECTIONS: Engaging The Whole Family in Worship," at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 at the church, Randall Road and Highland Avenue in Elgin.

The worship is designed to involve children and youth in a way that is inspirational and authentic for parents, grandparents and other adults. Every Sunday will offer a fresh and spirit-filled approach to worship with skits, movie clips, hands-on activities, movement around the worship space, song, witness, and more. The Community Outreach Team designed this style of worship as a component of a fall campaign called "Dancing with THE Star."

More than 13,500 telephone calls have been placed to residents in the Elgin and surrounding area with the simple search for those households that currently have no faith community in which the household is actively involved. For those without active faith community, additional information and an invitation has been extended. The public launching of the new CONNECTIONS worship experience will coincide with the grand welcoming day, Sunday, Nov. 16, to bring to climax the "Dancing with THE Star" campaign. For details, call the office at (847) 931-5400 or visit epworthumcelgin.org.

Country Covenant: 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 "Spit You Out," based on Revelations 3: 14-22. 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 church will offer Thanksgiving services at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24. Join them to share your gratitude for gifts received. For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit the Web site at countrycov.org.

Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, Nov. 16, the Rev. Joel Kline presents "Moving Beyond Paralyzing Fear" at 9:30 a.m. at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. What happens to your faith journey when you allow caution and fear to gain the upper hand in your living? And how to move beyond paralyzing fear? What does it mean for you to live in conviction that you have gifts to share; even more, to trust that you have a treasure to share - the treasure of life in Christ.

Living the Questions DVD curriculum and discussion group continues to meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays through Dec 7. It is a study of the Christian faith based on progressive theology. Chris Douglas and David Doudt will be the discussion facilitators.

You are invited to "Singing Simply," a concert of songs written and performed by the Rev. Dennis Webb of Naperville Church of the Brethren, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Naperville church. The freewill offering will benefit the Illinois/Wisconsin District Disaster Relief and the Naperville Church building fund. Witness Ministry Group will start a new group, Slackers Unite. Call for details For information, call (847) 741-5124 or visit hacob.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel has been serving the Fox River Valley for over 116 years. As a member of United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, it offers a full range of services: Torah school for prekindergarten to high school, adult education classes, a youth program for age 6 to 12, Sisterhood and Men's Club, and age-based interest groups. This week's Torah portion is "Vevera." 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." Tot Shabbat services will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21. Bring your children for a joyous experience of singing, dancing, and Shabbat. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit CongregationShiratShalom.org

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, Nov. 16, 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 are Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and Matthew 25:14-30 with the Rev. Steven Mindrup's sermon, "Why Do Christians Sing?-A Charles Wesley Hymn Fest." The church will host Otterbein College singers at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. 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. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, Nov. 16, the Celebration Ringers, under the direction of Jonathan Besancon, will perform at 9 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. The message, "Investing By Faith," will be given by the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison. Christian education for all ages will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The 11:30 a.m. service will feature by the Youth Group and Praise Band, and a message by the pastor on "Motivation For Praise," based on Psalm 107. The youth group meets at 12:45 p.m. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit fumcelgin.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Nov. 16, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will preach on "Peeling the Onion," based on Mark 8:34-38 and Psalm 24:1-6, 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 chancel choir will sing "We Would Serve the Lord" by Lynn Pederson at the second service.

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. At 9:15 a.m. Sundays, Adult Christian Formation begins with breakfast and the opportunity to grow in faith by attending the in-depth Bible study. No biblical expertise or prior knowledge is necessary. Childcare is available. After the second service, all are invited to the lower level to place orders for scrip gift cards.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, Damaris will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Puesta del Sol, 165 E. Highland Ave., Elgin. Also, at 7 p.m., Disciple Way will meet at the church.

The Interfaith Thanksgiving service will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W040 Highland Ave. and the church's annual Vespers Service at 6 p.m. Nov. 30. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit fcc-elgin.org.

First Congregational: On Stewardship Sunday, Nov. 16, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Risk and Reward," based on Matthew 25:14-30, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. After both services, join the Stewardship Team for fellowship and treats.

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 Local Mission Ministry is sponsoring collections for the needy. Donations of food and monetary support to supply needy families in our community Thanksgiving dinners are being collected through Nov. 23. Christmas gifts are being gathered for the Elgin Mental Health Center patients through Dec. 8. Contact the church office for a complete list of items to be collected.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by Tinkerbells, Junior Choir and the Chancel Choir. The 10:30 a.m. service will feature songs and music by the Praise Singers and Band. Church Council Chat will take place Sunday at 11:45 a.m. Children, age 3 through fifth grade, will begin their 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. A new snack time for kids will be held in God's Big Backyard from 10 to 10:10 a.m. Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. Children should be signed in and out.

Adult education classes are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. "Parenting is Heart Work" meets at 9 a.m. with Rochelle Doty. "To Begin at the Beginning" meets at 10:30 a.m. with Harry Vellines. Church Council Chat will take place Sunday at 11:45 a.m.

High school youth group meets on Sundays from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. and middle school youth group will meet Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. FROG (Families Relying On God) Friday will meet at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21. This month, they will talk about being thankful and celebrating all that God has given. A kid-friendly Thanksgiving feast, crafts, games, a special Thanksgiving devotional and fun are on the menu. Kids of all ages are welcome.

"Dr. Don's Bible Study, The Acts of the Apostles," continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19 with chapter 8.

XYZ Luncheon & Program will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. Enjoy the luncheon prepared by Pat Crowe and bring your thoughts on why you are thankful. XYZ, eXtra Years of Zip, is a social group for persons aged 55 and older, that meets monthly for lunch and a program. A free will offering will be taken. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sunday, Nov. 16, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will examine the topic of time, as the redeemed people of God wait for the return of Christ, at the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. services. 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. On Mondays, join "The Refuge." Connect with God in a different, informal way every Monday at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Nov. 16, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. A special device wakes up sleepy drivers on the highway. What device do we need for a spiritual wake-up call? 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.

Calvary Lutheran: Calvary Lutheran Church, 535 N. McLean Blvd. in Elgin, will offer two Thanksgiving Eve worship services on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Services will be held at 4 and 7 p.m. Calvary offers several Bible studies which include "Senior Saints" at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday, Women's Bible study at 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday, Lifelight which meets twice a month at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays in various homes and a Men's Bible study which meets at 9 a.m. once a month on Saturday and is studying the Book of Concord.

Calvary is a liturgical and confessional congregation which holds to the faith of the one, holy, Christian and apostolic church as confessed in the Book of Concord. Divine worship services are held at 8 and 10:30 a.m. every Sunday, with Sunday school and adult Bible study at 9:15 a.m. For details, call (847) 741-5433 or visit clce.org.