Your faith
To submit items, e-mail faith@dailyherald.com, or send fax to (847) 427-1301. Deadline for submissions is noon Monday.
Adult education
Beginning Sunday and continuing through February, the adult education hour at 9:15 a.m. at Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, will focus on drawing near to God through prayer and reflection on Scripture. The focus is asking God for a vision for the church in this new year.
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 the 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.
Holy Family Catholic Community will offer Catholic Scripture Study from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 4, 11 and 18. "Reading the Bible with the Dead: How the Early Church Interpreted Scripture" will be presented by Jim Papandrea, Ph.D. For details or to register, call the parish office at (847) 359-0042. Fee: $30.
From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, Willow Creek Seeds Resource Center is hosting a "book club" to discuss local author Keri Wyatt Kent's latest book, "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity." Refreshments and a book signing will follow the discussion. Seeds is located inside Willow Creek Community Church, 67 E. Algonquin Road, South Barrington.
The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal is presenting "Ten Most Common Mistakes Good Parents Make" with Dr. Michael Maniacci from 7:30-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Maniacci, a clinical psychologist, will explain the most common mistakes made by good parents and common sense solutions for fixing them. For information or to R.S.V.P., contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.
The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea will be offering a class titled "Understanding Prayer" on Wednesday evenings from 7:45-9 p.m., Feb. 4, 11 and 18 and March 4, 11 and 18. The classes will be led by Norm Kurtz of the Beth Judea Men's Club and are open to all. Classes will be held at the synagogue immediately following the evening prayer service. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For details, call (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Norm or visit the Men's Club Web site at BethJudea.org.
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.
Bible classes are offered from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sundays through Jan. 25 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. The topics are "The Parables of Jesus" with Pastor Schmidt and "Share Jesus Without Fear" with Pastor Greiner. (847) 259-4114.
Children, teens
St. Hubert Catholic School, 255 Flagstaff Lane, Hoffman Estates, will host a preschool open house for prospective new families at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. In addition, Catholic Schools Week Open House will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, and New Parent Information Night will be from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at St. Hubert. Tours can be arranged as well as appointments made to learn more about all that St. Hubert has to offer. Open registration continues at St. Hubert for the 2009-2010 school year for preschool through eighth grade. (847) 885-7702. sainthubert.org
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.
Immanuel Lutheran School will have an Open House at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. For details, call (847) 359-1936.
The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal is hosting "Youth Fitness and Fun" with Drew Semmelman, youth fitness specialist, from 1-2:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Drew will lead kids in such activities as sack races, soccer and much more. Open to children ages 6-9. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.
A Youth Group Lock-In Sleepover for junior high and high school students will be held from 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 to 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at St. Philip Lutheran, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. Cost is $5. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.
Grace Preschool, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1624 E. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect, will have an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. Registration begins Sunday, Feb. 1. It offers have 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-day options to choose from. (847) 824-7408.
St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic School will hold an open house from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. A second open house will be available from 7 to 8:30 p.m. that same day. The week of Jan. 25-31 is Catholic Schools Week in the Archdiocese of Chicago. St. Alphonsus is at 411 N. Wheeling Road. (847) 255-5538 or www.saintalphonsus.com.
St. Mark Lutheran Church in Mount Prospect offers a place to "hang out" for middle school students from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16. Games, food, crafts, and sports activities will be offered. The cost is $5.
Artists' Studio Day will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Sponsored by the Lambs of Faith Ministry, this Saturday Club event will allow young artists to learn about the techniques of famous artists to create their own masterpieces. All materials will be provided. The morning's activities also include a snack and "Jesus Time." Different groups will meet for kids in preschool through third grade. Suggested donation is $5 per child to cover materials. Walk-ins welcome, but registration is appreciated. Call the church office at (847) 253-4839 for details and to register.
Family
The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal presents "Family Yoga" with Debbie Belkin from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. (For ages K+). For information or to RSVP, contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.
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.
St. Alphonsus Liguori will host a Parish Mission from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 26 and 27. The guest speakers will be the Sparough Family Mission Team, who will speak on "Wise Fools and Happy Stewards." During the three-part mission, they will use dramatizations of stories and Gospel scenes, spiritual analogies illustrated by juggling, guided imagery prayer, engaging preaching, song and blessings. This mission is for the whole family. Each evening will have a different focus: Monday - Discipleship: Following the Master of Folly; Tuesday - Reconciliation: Holding on and Letting Go; and Wednesday -Mission: the Challenge Juggle. The Parish Mission will be held in the church, 411 N. Wheeling Road. For details, call (847) 255-7452 or visit www.saintalphonsus.com.
Rainbows Grief and Support Sessions will meet Mondays at 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The classes are for children (as young as preschoolers) and adults who have experienced a loss of a family member through death, divorce, deployment or even absence due to a serious illness. Classes are facilitated by trained adults. For details, call Shirley Laube or Lynn Manning at (847) 253-4839.
Fundraisers
Congregation Beth Judea invites the public to Viva Las Long Grove, an evening of gaming tables, live auction, silent auction and fun on Saturday, Feb. 21. At 7 p.m. there will be endless appetizers, noshes, beer, wine and desserts. At 7:45 p.m. the gaming tables will open and the poker tournament will start. Gaming will consist of blackjack, roulette, poker and bingo. There will be blackjack, hold'em and bingo tournaments for cash prizes. (There will be an additional entry fee required for tournaments.) Cost: $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Admission includes chips for roulette and blackjack and a bingo card. Advance tickets must be purchased by Feb. 13. Attendees must be 21 or older. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. Call or RSVP to Beth Judea at (847) 634-0777 or e-mail LNeiman@BethJudea.org.
Lectures, seminars
Holy Family Catholic Community will host Ministry Day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. The keynote address will be presented by Peter Steinfels on the topic "The Future of Catholic Identity in a Secular Age." At 1 p.m., those attending can go to one of the following workshops: Fr. Pat Brennan, Continuing the Vision of Small Christian Communities; Fr. Denis Carniero, Ministry of Care: A Service to Others; Fred Chin, Owen Walsh and Teen Ministers, The Presents of Peers; Kathy Drennan, Praying with Children; Fr. George Kane, Following the Call of Christ; Paul LeFort, Alleviating Poverty One Family at a Time; Dawn Mayer, What Does St. Paul Have to Say to Catechists; Tom Moore, Stoney Scales, Tom Stack, Marketing in Ministry. Artist ValLimar Jansen will present the afternoon program. Holy Family Parish is at 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. Call (847) 359-0042 for information or to register.
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 S. Dundee Ave., Barrington, will host a workshop with songwriter Ginny Owens from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Cost is $50 for National Songwriters Association International members and $55 for nonmembers. Register by mailing a check payable to "NSAI Chicago" and addressed c/o Jeff Wilson, 1821 Walden Office Square, Suite 400, Schaumburg, IL 60173. For more information, call Anita Lin at (847) 376-0839.
Money Summit, a two-part, one-afternoon workshop on the current economic situation, will be offered at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine, from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17.
Gary Labedz will speak on "Basics of Banking and Money Creation." He is a CPA who has worked for community banks for 20 years, and will give a brief overview of deposit banking, loan banking and the process by which banks create money. The topic "The Subprime Meltdown and Its Consequences" will be addressed by David Doney, also a CPA and frequent contributor to Wikipedia articles on finance. James Meek, a Japanese-fluent software engineer who worked throughout most of the '70s, '80s, and '90s in technical and marketing roles at the Japan-US trade interface, will discuss"Global Economics and Trade and the Evolving Economic Crisis".
Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 1025 N. Smith Road, Palatine.ccuu.org.
The Jewish Learning Institute presents "You Be the Judge II: An Exhilarating New Exploration of Jewish Civil Law." How does an ancient system of law adapt to the modern world? See how Talmudic scholars respond to new advances in technology and society while remaining faithful to eternal principles. It will be presented six Tuesday evenings beginning Feb. 10, or six Wednesday mornings beginning Feb. 11. at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, 755 Huehl Road, Northbrook. MCLE accredited for layers (pending). For more information and registration, call (847) 564-8770 or ChabadNorthbrook.com.
The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal is offering "Building Rapport with Difficult Individuals" with Eugene Roginsky from 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. This seminar covers techniques in building instant rapport with individuals suffering from anxiety and/or emotional distress. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771, ext. 234, or thechaicenter@templechai.org.
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.
The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea invites both men and women to a lecture titled "A Night to Remember" at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. The lecture, by Richard Goldwasser, Ph.D., will provide attendees with a better understanding of memory loss and how it impacts your self-esteem and confidence level, your behavior (as you try to hide your memory lapses) and how poor memory affects your personal and work relationships. Dr. Goldwasser will teach the audience one of the best memory techniques around that will easily allow you to memorize 10 or more items (i.e. your shopping list for the grocery store). There is no charge for the morning lecture. The complete validation memory test will be given to each attendee for a minimum donation of $10; proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. Bagels and coffee will be served. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For more information, call (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Fred Rabinowitz.
The Jewish Learning Institute invites you to "Saved by an Angel", an evening with Leon Leyson, the youngest survivor on Schindler's list, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Niles West High School Auditorium, 5701 Oakton St., Skokie. The recent 100th Anniversary of Oskar Schindler's birth prompted Leon to share his astonishing account of survival, which he kept silent for nearly half a century. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $18 at the door. For more information and for advance tickets, visit learnchicago.com or call (312) 283-0772. The event is co-sponsored by the Illinois Holocaust Museum.
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 present "Ask the Experts" at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 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 our library materials, get help with genealogy 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.
Fourth Step Seminar will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at St. Philip Lutheran, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. This seminar will allow those who are working the 12-Step Program of A.A. the opportunity to undertake the fourth step in a safe and supportive environment. There is no cost. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.
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.
Deborah DeBari, clairvoyant and certified astrologer, will present a special seminar on the Goddess Energy from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. Find out which goddess can help you with healing, creativity, spirituality, wisdom and abundance, to name a few. Discover which goddess resonates with you. Learn how this Goddess Energy can enhance your life. Call the church office at (847) 297-0997 to reserve your space. Suggested offering of $30.
Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2025 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights, will present the documentary "3 Faiths, One God: Judaism, Christianity, Islam" at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18. The film examines how people of goodwill in the Abrahamic Faith Communities are coming to terms with historical conflicts that impact their lives today. (847) 437- 5141.
Men's fellowship
The Midwest Region of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs will hold its annual Man of the Year Dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Congregation Beth Emunah, 3220 Big Tree Lane in Wilmette. Congregation Beth Judea's Men's Club of Long Grove proudly honors Gregg Pollack of Northbrook as its 2009 Man of the Year. Pollack has been very active in Beth Judea's Men's Club and synagogue life for many years. Whether leading services, organizing the club's "Hearing Men's Voices" program, serving on the board of directors or providing support to many other shul activities, he provides an example of how Men's Club members can make an impact in the synagogue.
For more information on making reservations for this gala event, call Beth Judea's office at (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Man of the Year Dinner Chairman. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. BethJudea.org.
Miscellaneous
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. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. For details, call (847) 376-2118.
The documentary movie "No Dumb Questions" will be shown at noon on Sunday, Jan. 18, at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine. Light refreshments will be served. The short film follows a family with three young children as they accompany their uncle through the journey to transition from male to female. The film, which is appropriate for all ages, is tasteful, informative, and a wonderful way to begin a dialogue about transgender issues. Katie Thomas, president of Chicago Gender Society, will facilitate a question-and-answer session following the movie. Countryside Church is at 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine.
Join the Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, and "come wrap with them." The morning session will feature many opportunities to learn about the mitzvah of tefillin. A form of prayer, tefillin involves wrapping leather straps attached to boxes containing Scripture around the forehead, arm and hand in an intricate pattern that spells out the name of God. Beth Judea, located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove, will be one of the hundreds of congregations worldwide that are participating in the Wrap. Extra sets of tefillin will be provided, and instructions will be given to those who are in need of assistance.
Norm Kurtz, president of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs, will begin the Wrap with an instructive demonstration that will begin at 8:30 a.m. Kurtz will then lead shacharit minyan at 9 a.m., which will be followed by a breakfast, tefillin-related entertainment from Orin Rotman, Beth Judea's resident scholar, and a showing of the FJMC-produced video "The Ties that Bind." (847) 634-0777 or www.BethJudea.org.
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 free meal and fellowship will be offered from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at St. Philip Lutheran, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.
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.
Odyssey Healthcare and Unity Northwest Church present a ceremony of remembrance candle-lighting ceremony to honor the lives of loved ones at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E Central Road, Des Plaines. A reception with light refreshments will follow. Bring a photo of your loved one to share with others. RSVP to Amy McGann, bereavement coordinator at Odyssey Healthcare. (847) 718-0517
Beloved Light Events Conscious Connection Group, 3255 Arlington Heights Road, Suite 512, Arlington Heights, is a group about "Practical Mysticism" and the application of the Universal Laws. This group meets at 5 p.m. the second and fourth Sunday of every month, beginning Jan. 25, for lessons, discussion and meditations. Call to register at (847) 845-8818. Suggested donation is $15.
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.
On Sunday, Jan. 18, at a workshop led by clergywoman Markay Suevel and her husband, Eric, Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights, will launch a Stained Glass Project. The workshop will include an overview of the history of stained glass and of the theological symbolism used in glass art. Members will then discuss individual design plans and what they want their windows to communicate. Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 27, members will begin work on individual window panes to be inserted in selected places in the sanctuary windows. Anyone interested in the church's stained glass project is welcome. (847) 392-6650.
Performances
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.
Sonshine Preschool of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church will host its annual Spaghetti Dinner/Play Saturday, Jan. 31, at 304 W. Palatine Road in Prospect Heights. Before play seating is 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The play, "On Top of Spaghetti," is at 5:45 p.m. After-play seating is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Donations for tickets are $7 for adults, $4 for teens, $2 for children. Tickets are available now by calling (847) 520-1611 or (847) 537-4430. There will also be a blind auction.
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, Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m.: In honor of Celebration of Life and International Creativity Month, join a Drumming Circle led by Music Therapist Rita Lopienski. Drums are provided and all ages are welcome.
• Monday Jan. 26, 3 p.m.: In honor of the first day of Chinese New Year, Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski will lead a program on "Vibration Instruments of China" Learn the unique background and religious use of the seven metal singing bowls of Tibet, chimes, gongs, cymbals and bells that are used for rituals dating back to the Chinese Empire and used today in therapy and yoga.
Clare Oaks' residents will take an in-depth look into the beliefs and practices of major world religions. This ongoing series will be at 11 a.m. Thursdays - attend when your schedule allows. Each religion will be highlighted for four consecutive weeks - Judaism will be the topic for January. No cost to attend, but reservations are required. (630) 372-1946. Clare Oaks is a continuing care retirement community at 825 Carillon Drive in Bartlett. www.clareoaks.com.
The sharing of Christmas stories and memories will be featured during the Senior Fellowship potluck lunch at noon Tuesday, Jan. 20, at North Northfield United Methodist Church, Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. People attending are asked to bring a Christmas item (such as a gift, card, story, happening, event or photograph) that they think would interest the group. The public is invited to attend and to bring a friend and a dish to pass. The "senior" group is all-inclusive, so persons attending don't need to qualify as a "senior" to attend. Looking ahead to next month, Bob Burkhart, director of church and community relations at Bethany Terrace, is scheduled to speak to the group Tuesday, Feb. 17. (847) 272-2250 or www.northnorthfield.org.
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. The next Adult Education class has been rescheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, following kiddush luncheon to explore what it is that makes our siddur "Conservative." When were the prayers modified, and what were the driving philosophies behind the changes? Welcome Shabbat with song at the joyous Kabbalat Shabbat service at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16. Tot Shabbat services are the third Friday of the month, and adult education classes are Thursdays and Saturdays. (847) 695-6246. CongregationShiratShalom.org.
Our Saviour's United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, will focus on "Witness, the next 50 years - I Love to Tell the Story" at services at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, and 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 18. After a year-long celebration of its 50th anniversary, OSUMC will look forward to the next 50 years with brief stories from members of the congregation on what God means to them or how he has worked in their life. A potluck lunch will follow the 10:30 a.m. service Jan. 18 and a silent auction will also be held.
The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea will lead Shabbat services at its annual Sisterhood Shabbat at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. (847) 634-0777 or www.BethJudea.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.
Unity Northwest Church is celebrating 50 years of being a spiritual center. Join in on Sunday, Feb. 22, for services at 9 and 11 a.m. Unity Northwest is at 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. (847) 297-0997.
"I Believe" is the sermon topic at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights, for Sunday, Jan. 18. The service at 10:30 a.m. honors the vision of Martin Luther King. www.CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.
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.
The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea presents Beth Judea's own Keruv consultant, Mark Travis, who will discuss with the Sisterhood "Welcoming Families of Intermarriage" at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. Join the Sisterhood in the Beth Judea Social Hall. Meeting is free and open to all Beth Judea members. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.
"Power of a Praying Wife" DVD study will be offered at 9 a.m. every other Thursday in the Youth Room, lower level, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 S. School St., Mount Prospect. Child care will be available. The next dates are Jan. 22 and Feb. 5. Contact Shane for details at Schwich@comcast.net, (847) 255-0332 or visit www.saint-paul.org
Rebecca Darr, executive director of WINGS, Women in Need Growing Stronger, will be the featured speaker at the Church Women United in Northwest Cook County Annual Meeting on Friday, Jan. 23. Coffee and fellowship begin at 10 a.m. at Church of the Incarnation United Methodist, 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights. A business meeting will also be held and the morning will close with lunch. For more information or free child care reservations, contact Barb Olson, (630) 529-2874.
Arlington Countryside Church, 916 E. Hintz. Road, in Arlington Heights, is hosting a Girls' Night Out from 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. All women are invited to an evening of pizza, football-related activities, and a movie. Cost is $5 at the door. Call (847) 255-2140 for more information.
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.
CoffeeHour is a women's Bible study and outreach of Arlington Countryside Church in Arlington Heights. A variety of studies are offered at different times. For details, visit www.acchurch.org.