Fox Valley religion special events
Indoor Garage Sale: Joy Community Presbyterian Church will have an Indoor Garage Sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15. Be sure to visit the bake sale too. All proceeds from the bake sale and table fees benefit Joy Community Ministries. For details, visit www.joycommunity.org or call the office at (847) 515-8800.
Signed and Sealed with a Cross: Father Albert Hasse, Order of Friars Minor, will direct a parish mission at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 to Tuesday, Nov. 18 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 215 Thomas More Drive in Elgin. The title of the mission is "Signed and Sealed with a Cross." Haase is an adjunct professor at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a Director of Spirituality at Mayslake Ministries in Westmont. He is an author and has aired on Relevant Radio. This event is free and open to all. For details, call (847) 888-1682.
New service at Epworth: On Sunday, Nov. 16, a new option for families will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, Highland Avenue and Randall Road in Elgin. This new family worship service, Connections: Engaging the Whole Family in Worship, will expand the power and joy of your family and your connections in the family of God. Worship will not be boring. It will embrace all ages, from young children to older adults, and allow each participant to feel God's spirit and touch in real everyday ways. Connections is worship that celebrates the connection of God, family, friends and community with active learning and participation. The kickoff celebration will be followed by coffee and treats. For details, call (847) 931-5400.
Feather Party: The St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary's Church is having its fall fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 22 in St. Mary School Gym, Gifford and Fulton streets in Elgin. This "Feather Party" runs from 7 to about 11 p.m. Turkeys, hams, and other items will be raffled off throughout the evening. Turkey bowling will also take place. St. Vincent de Paul is a total volunteer organization, so all of the funds raised will go to serve the poor in the area. They provide food, help with rent and utilities, and work with those in need in a variety of ways. All are welcome to join us in this fun evening while doing good for those in need. For information, call Ray Chmura at (847) 302-0062.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration: On Sunday, Nov. 23, join with neighbors, families and friends from various faith communities to give thanks, enjoy fellowship and make an offering for the benefit of others. The second annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church, 8505 Church St., in Crystal Lake. The theme of the gathering will be "Giving Thanks - Sharing the Blessing." The evening will include texts, prayers, music and participants from our various traditions. An offering will benefit the Crystal Lake, Harvard and Palatine food pantries. This gathering is sponsored by FaithBridge Interfaith Association. For details, call the church at (815) 459-1132.
Blood drive: On Sunday, Nov. 30, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church will host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 845 W. Main St. in West Dundee. Sign up after Mass, call Bill Blume at (847) 836-6719 or schedule online at www.heartlandbc.org. All donors will receive a Heartland Jacket and a $15 Starbucks Gift Card.
Holiday Bazaar: Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W Highland Ave. in Elgin, will host the Peace & Justice Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. In addition to fair trade craft and gift items, you can find T-shirts, bumper stickers, buttons, calendars, cards, etc. which celebrate peace, brotherhood, justice and the environment. It will benefit the Fox Valley Citizens for Peace & Justice and the Church of the Brethren Global Holiday Bazaar Fund. For information, call Betsy Ducote at (630) 915-3541
Christmas cantata: On Sunday, Dec. 14, the youth and children's choirs will present "The Toymaker's Shop" cantata at 9 and 10:45 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. The cantata's script and lyrics were written by the late Nancy Lyons, a church member. Original music and carol arrangements were composed by the church's organist, Barbara Thorsen. The production will feature a 25-member cast and three youth and children's choirs.
The story follows a toymaker who is recovering from a busy day of Christmas shoppers and some broken toys. Despite the mishaps of the day, the toymaker has a vision of what Christmas could be if the season focused less on the material and more on the miracle of Christ's birth. The vision of what Christmas could be comes to life in the shop before the toymaker's eyes. Ann Tucker, director of music, will direct the cast and the youth Chancel and Carol choirs. Robin Restrepo will conduct the Cherub Choir. Church organist and composer Barbara Thorsen will accompany. For details, call the church office at (815) 459-6010 or visit FCCCrystalLake.org.