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 DVD-based study, "Boundaries" by Dr. Henry Cloud will be offered from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Sunday morning starting Sunday, Jan. 11, at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59), Barrington. Call (847) 836-5540 or visit: BarringtonUMC.com.

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.

"A Christmas Carol" Bible Study will be offered at Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village, through Dec. 28. Biblical allegories within Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" will be the focus of this four-week Sunday morning Bible study. The studies are open to the public for no charge. Each session begins at 9:30 a.m. with facilitators Bill Castic and Michael Edgar Myers. (847) 593-8337.

Church of the Incarnation United Methodist, 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, will offer adult education classes Sundays at 8:45 a.m. Join for a discussion led by Jim Zavodsky on "Christmas From the Back Side." J. Ellsworth Kalas opens up new possibilities of insight into the Scriptures of the biblical Christmas story by approaching them from the "back side"- unique starting points, creative re-tellings, new "lenses," or looking through the eyes of not-so-familiar characters.

A grief & support group for people dealing with losses in their lives has begun at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. The group meets on Monday evenings from 7-8:15 p.m. For information, call the church office at (847) 259-4114.

Children, teens

Prince of Peace Preschool and Kindergarten, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, is now offering a Pre-3 Class for children turning 3 years old after Sept. 1, 2008, and before Jan. 31, 2009. The class will begin in January 2009. This special class offers an introduction to preschool from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. There also is a Parents' Day Out program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with lunch and snacks provided. For details or to register, call (847) 885-7036.

Bethesda Worship Center's Annual Sunday school Christmas Program will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the church, 1280 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. (847) 299-PRAY (7729).

The Cheers Senior High Christmas Party & Alumni Reunion will be from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Enjoy a relaxed evening of sharing food and stories as alumni return from college to spend some time with us. We will meet in the home of a church member. Don't forget to bring your white elephant gift. (847) 255-5112, ahfumc.org

Family

Poplar Creek Church in Bartlett will present its annual Living Nativity from 7-9 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, Dec. 22, 23 and 24, on the church grounds at 300 Schick Road. The Living Nativity features a stable-like setting and live animals. An indoor warming and refreshment area is also available for visitors. The event is free and open to the public. (630) 483-1000.

Congregation Beth Judea presents the fourth night of Hanukkah at the annual Family Festival Wednesday, Dec. 24 in the Social Hall of the synagogue. The evening will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a kosher Chinese dinner followed by a concert at 7 p.m. The concert will feature Chicago's own Maxwell Street Klezmer Band. The cost for the dinner and concert is: adults (13+) $25; youth (7-12) $18; child (3-6) $15; children 3 and under are free. The cost for the concert only is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Reservations are required by Thursday, Dec. 18. To RSVP and for information, call the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 or visit the Congregation Beth Judea office at Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

Congregation Beth Judea's Gan Shabbat program, for children ages 9 and younger along with their families, will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m. After Gan Shabbat, all participants will be encouraged to join the main service and the community Kiddush. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook presents a grand Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22. Create and light a huge balloon Menorah. Enjoy hot latkes, jelly doughnuts, chocolate Hannukah 'gelt', dreidels and song. For children and adults. Free admission. Located at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, 755 Huehl Road (corner Dundee), Northbrook. ChabadNorthbrook.com or (847) 564-8770.

Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village, hosts "The Ultimate Christmas Party," an interactive festival for the entire family, Saturday, Dec. 20, beginning at 7 p.m. Families will gather in the sanctuary for Christmas carol singing, then visit various party central stations throughout the church building. The games, activities and snacks may remind friends and families of a summertime vacation Bible school, although for this evening, parents are expected to stay and participate with their children, rather than dropping them off. Families can also make Christmas cookies together and have group photos taken, dressed in costumes reminiscent of the times of Christ.

The Ultimate Christmas Party concludes with a mimed re-enactment of the birth of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. There is no registration fee for the event, nor are reservations needed. This is, after all, a party.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, invites everyone to the Children's Christmas Pageant during the 10:30 a.m. services Sunday, Dec. 21. (847) 827-6656.

Cocoa, cookies and caroling help to highlight the Advent theme of "Journey to the Light of Love" on Sunday, Dec. 21 at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road in Arlington Heights. The day begins with worship at 10:30 a.m. and concludes with caroling at 4 p.m.

Living Christ Lutheran Church, 625 E. Dundee Road, Arlington Heights, will offer Breakfast with Santa and the Christ Child from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, a presentation of the real Christmas story, Christmas songs and crafts and a visit from Santa. Make your reservations for this free event by calling the church office at (847) 577-7133.

St. John United Church of Christ, 308 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, presents Tinsel Day, its annual children's Christmas pageant, at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. This year's pageant is a dramatic adaptation of the classic children's Christmas story, "The Littlest Angel." (847) 255-6687. churchonthepark.com.

Fundraisers

And All the Angels Christian Book and Gift Shop is having its annual holiday gift sale from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 20 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Ave., Barrington. Complimentary cookies and cider. Benefits women's and children's charities. (847) 382-6435.

Church of the Incarnation United Methodist, 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, continues its Christmas tree sale. The full-service staff will help you select a tree, wrap and tie it for transport, and serve you a hot cup of coffee or cider. Proceeds from the sale support local missions, including Habitat for Humanity, PADS, and others. Sale hours are: Sunday noon to 8:30 p.m.; Monday through Friday 3 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Lectures, seminars

Kosher Cooking will be taught by Rabbi Robert Gamer at Congregation Beth Judea. All classes will meet at 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 and March 3. The class will delve into the following questions: What exactly is "kosher"? Why and how do we do it? What does the Conservative movement say about keeping kosher/Is there "ethical kosher?" Participants will explore these and other topics, as well as cooking a dish each week reflecting the weekly topic. For details, call (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

A weekly class studying Jewish Law will meet from 8-9 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Congregation Beth Judea. The group will meet through May. The Jewish Law Study Group, led by Rabbi Robert Gamer, will be looking in depth at some of the recent decisions of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Conservative Movement. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will host a Beginner's Workshop by Judy Frazin at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. For more information visit jewishgen.org/jgsi or call (312) 666-0100.

Unity Northwest Church will offer Twelve Powers Class, beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 7-9 p.m. at the church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. The class, which reviews the basic Unity principles, will run for five weeks, through Feb. 3. The Rev. Diane Venzera facilitates. This class is a required SEE class, and can be taken for credit. Freewill offering each week, one time $10 materials fee. Call (847) 297-0997 to register; you must register to ensure a copy of the materials is available for you.

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.

Church of the Incarnation United Methodist, 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, presents Apartheid in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem: A Presentation by Pam Bailey at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29. All are invited to come and hear what it is like to go through checkpoints, demonstrating at the wall and experiencing tear gas.

Miscellaneous

Nativities from around the world will be on display through Jan. 2 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 202 E. Schaumburg Road (just east of Roselle Road). More than 70 Nativities from the collection of Mark and Jackie Bussert (members of St. Peter) will show how people from many cultures picture the birth of Jesus. The display will be accessible whenever the church is open, or by appointment (call the St. Peter church office at (847) 885-3350). Invite your friends to see crèches from China, Peru, Vietnam, Burkina Faso, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ireland, Russia, Germany and 30 other countries. Admission is free. St. Peter Lutheran Church is at 202 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg (just east of Roselle Road).

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.

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 from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday Jan. 11, at the Catholic Charities Northwest Office, 1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines; 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 21, at Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness; and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday Jan. 22, at Carmel High School, One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein. For details, call (847) 376-2118.

Open House will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Christian Science Reading Room, 125 E. Main St. in Barrington. Check out a wide variety of inspirational CDs, books, pamphlets, children's devotional items, Bible commentaries and reference tools, posters, and cards. Starting at 12:30, we'll be playing an online audiochat filled with suggestions to make the holiday a joy-filled one. Light refreshments and a warm welcome await you. Call (847) 381-0939 for directions.

Jewish Yoga is offered from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Wednesdays, at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. The class is open to nonmembers. (847) 459-1677, congregation-betham.org.

Beth Am Food Pantry's food distribution is offered the last Sunday of the month from 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. Nonperishable food donations are always welcome. Congregation Beth Am is at 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 459-1677.

A food and clothing drive will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 S. Wille St., Mount Prospect for the PADS program. Clothing needed: adult men's and women's clothing, long underwear, scarves, gloves/mittens and hats. Food items needed: juice boxes, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meals. Items can be brought to the St. Mark Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20.

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.

The new Christmas CD "Carols of Promise and Praise" featuring the St. Peter Voices of Worship Choir and Instrumentalists are now available for $5 in the church office, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. (847) 259-4114.

A Servant Event Trip to Baton Rogue, La., - Camp Restore, is planned for the week of spring break, March 21-29 by St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. Pastor Greiner will host a meeting from noon-1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 in Room 64, to answer questions and present important information.

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

Ashar Usman, an American Muslim comedian, and Rabbi Bob Alper, often billed as the world's only practicing clergyman who does stand-up comedy - intentionally, will share the stage at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 25, Christmas Night, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. A portion of the proceeds benefit Abraham Salons, interfaith gatherings sponsored by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, ISNS Mosque in Rolling Meadows, and Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates. Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Advance tickets can be ordered through Beth Tikvah Congregation, Attn: Abraham Salons, 300 Hillcrest Blvd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60169, with a check made payable to Beth Tikvah Congregation, with a memo to Abraham Salons. Seating is limited. A dessert fellowship will follow the program. For more information, call (847) 885-4545.

A celebration of sacred music by a conglomeration of Barrington churches is coming to Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) at 7 p.m.(doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Sunday, Jan. 25. Now in its third year, the festival features a variety of sacred music styles from the participating churches as well as massed choir pieces directed by festival founder Dr. James Skomer of Salem United Methodist Church. Participating churches include: Atonement Lutheran Church, Barrington United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church of Barrington, St. Anne Catholic Community, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, St. Michael Episcopal Church, Salem United Methodist Church, and Village Church of Barrington. (847) 359-6663.

North Northfield United Methodist Church, at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook, will present a cantata during the morning service Sunday, Dec. 21, accompanied by a small orchestra assembled especially for the occasion. They will perform Buxtehude's The Newborn Child and Handel's "The Glory of the Lord" from Messiah.

The Harding University Chorus, under the direction of Dr. Cliff Ganus III, will present a program at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Cardinal Drive Church of Christ, 2300 Cardinal Drive, Rolling Meadows.

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.

• Wednesday, Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m.: Celebrate Kwanzaa's Day of Creativity - "Kuumba" with a Drumming Circle led by Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski.

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. (847) 695-6246. CongregationShiratShalom.org.

Weihnachtsfest, a German Christmas Service, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Christ the King Ev. Lutheran Church, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine. A beautiful German liturgy, followed by a festive gathering of music, food and fun. (847) 358-0230, ByFaithAlone.org

St. Paul UCC will hold its annual Burning Bowl Service at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, at the church, 401 E. Main Street, Barrington. During this service persons are encouraged to release the burdens of the past year and set their hopes for the coming New Year. There is also a remembrance time for those souls who have departed to Heaven in the past year. (847) 381-0460.

Christ the King Ev. Lutheran Church, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine, will offer "A Thousand Years in Thy Sight" Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. (847) 358-0230, ByFaithAlone.org

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.

Park Ridge Community Church will hold a service of comfort and hope at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. The service is open to anyone in the community who may be experiencing the loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, financial insecurity, or sadness remembering Christmases past. Park Ridge Community Church is at 100 S. Courtland Ave., Park Ridge. (847) 823-3164 or parkridgecommunitychurch.org.

Unity Northwest will have its annual New Year's Eve Burning Bowl Service at 7 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 31. Come and symbolically purge those things that no longer serve you and feel like a heavy burden in your mind. Let them be cleansed by the fire of the burning bowl, and know the power of freedom. Unity Northwest is a nondenominational church that welcomes all people. The church is at 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. (847) 934-6396.

St. Simon's Episcopal Church children will re-enact the Nativity story at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, with readings, processions and songs. St. Simon's is located at 717 Kirchoff Road in Arlington Heights, adjacent to Northwest Community Hospital. saintsimons.org or (847) 259-2930.

Southminster Presbyterian Church, 924 E. Central Road, Arlington Heights, will have a Longest Night Service at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. (847) 392-1060 or southminsterchurchah.org

Women's programs

Women of all ages (high school and older) are invited to the seventh annual Women's Winter Retreat from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Living Lord Lutheran Church. The theme for the day is "Love Your Neighbor as You Love Yourself." Attendees will share fun, good food, inspiring messages and spiritual nurturing. For more information and registration, visit livinglordlutheran.org or call the church office at (630) 830-3630. Registration (suggested donation of $25) includes a continental breakfast and a light lunch and is due by Jan. 18. Free child care will be provided upon request. Living Lord Church is located at 1044 Congress Drive, just south of Stearns Road on Route 59.

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 CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650.