Fox Valley religion events

Boundaries: Winter blues? Come discover the warmth of meaningful adult fellowship and Bible study at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) in Barrington. Starting Jan. 11 from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Sundays, join them in the parlor for the DVD-based study, "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud. "Boundaries impact all areas of our lives: Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us, mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts, emotional boundaries help us to deal with our own emotions and spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God's will from our own." All are welcome. Call (847) 836-5540 or visit: www.BarringtonUMC.com.

Elgin church offers special programs: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will begin two special programs in January at its Nesler Road and Route 20 Christian Life Center. Beginning Jan. 11, "Good Shepherd 101," a class that provides an introduction or review of Lutheran teachings and prepares people for membership at Good Shepherd, will be held at 11 a.m. and continue for seven to eight Sunday mornings. For information, e-mail the Outreach Coordinator, Jennifer McAdams at jmcadams@goodshepherd-elgin.org. A small group titled DivorceCare will begin from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, especially for people struggling with the pain of separation or divorce. This small group is for anyone, not only members of Good Shepherd. Childcare is available. The cost is $12 to cover the workbook. For information, visit www.Divorcecare.org. or www.goodshepherd-elgin.org to enroll.

Elgin Area Women's Connection: The Elgin Area Women's Connection will hold their monthly luncheon meeting titled, "The Angels Among Us" from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14 at the Villa Olivia Country Club, off Route 20 in Bartlett. You will enjoy a delicious lunch and Chicago radio station sales manager, Joyce Barton telling her inspiring story of "Heading in the Right Direction." Also, Arlene Peterson of Visiting Angels, will speak about her organization's services to the community. The cost is $15 inclusive and complimentary child care available (now located across the street from Villa Olivia). For reservations and child care, call Jan at (630) 837-2632 or Carolyn at (630) 213-1205 or e-mail Car644@gmail.com by Monday, Jan. 12.

Parenting workshop: St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Algonquin is hosting a parenting workshop series beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 that will be open to the community. This six-week DVD series, titled "Parenting Families: From ME to WE," is based on the ME to WE parenting concept originated by Dr. David Ludwig, a leading Christian psychologist and author, and is produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries. Each weekly video segment features three significant parts: a presentation of the main concept by Ludwig; insights from Monique Nunes, a principal, early childhood educator, and mother, who takes the concept and applies it to real-life situations; and Ben Gonzales, a real-life pastor and dad, shares his view of life from the trenches. There's also plenty of time to talk with other parents about issues that are affecting your family right now. You will begin to see an immediate difference in your family once you adopt this effective concept at home. To register, contact St. John's Church Office at (847) 658-9300 to reserve a space. The Parenting Families workshop series will be at 7 p.m. Thursdays at St. John's Lutheran Church & School, 300 Jefferson St. in downtown Algonquin, just 1 block west of Route 31 next to Towne Park. Lutheran Hour Ministries is a Christian outreach ministry supporting churches worldwide in its mission of "Bringing Christ to the Nations-and the Nations to the Church." It is also a volunteer movement more than 100,000 people strong. LHM produces Christian radio and TV programming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communications, dramas, music, and outreach materials, to reach the unchurched in more than 40 countries. LHM's flagship program, "The Lutheran Hour," is the world's longest-running Christian outreach radio program. It airs weekly on more than 800 stations.

Perspectives: Jesus calls Christians to be the salt of the earth, but do you wonder how you can do that? How can you use your skills and passions to glorify God in all the earth? Attend a "Perspectives" course to hear true stories of how God is using people like you. This semester-long course will provide you with a greater perspective on how to live your life with eternal significance and purpose. Since 1974, more than 70,000 believers in North America have participated in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. In 15 lessons, you will engage with a range of dynamic speakers. Weekly readings and study will help you dig even deeper. This course is also available for college credit. For more details or to register, visit perspectives.org, call Kirk at (847) 398-7005, or e-mail to kvanmaanen@harvestbible.org. There is a fee for the course. The study will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20 to May 5 at Harvest Bible Chapel, 1000 N. Randall Road in Elgin.

Concert of sacred music: A spectacular celebration of sacred music by a conglomeration of Barrington churches is coming to Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59). The concert will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. 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 James Skomer of Salem United Methodist Church. This year's massed anthems include: "Laudate Dominum," with soloist Colleen Bolthouse, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," "All My Trials, Lord," and "Elijah Rock." Churches and directors include: Lutheran Church of the Atonement, Helen Ailabouni; Barrington United Methodist Church, Karen Maxwell; Presbyterian Church of Barrington, Kirsten Hedegaard; St. Anne Catholic Community, Rory Cooney; St. Mark Episcopal Church, Bruce Hall; St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Kathy Gathman; St. Michael Episcopal Church, Nancie Tobison; Salem United Methodist Church, Dave Hartley; and Village Church of Barrington, Tim Brubacker. For details, call (847) 359-6663.

Hoagie sandwich fundraiser: The Chancel Choir of First Congregational Church of Dundee is offering Super Bowl Sunday hoagie sandwiches for sale as a fundraiser. The cost of each hoagie is $6. Sandwiches made following the Dundee Scots "secret" recipe will be available for pickup on Saturday, Jan. 31 after 10:30 a.m. Order deadline is Sunday, Jan. 25. It is at 900 S. Eighth St., West Dundee. For details or to place your sandwich order, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.