Fox Valley notes on religion

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: On Sunday, Feb. 8, Epworth United Methodist Church will sponsor Scouting Sunday at the 8:15 a.m. traditional service and the new Connections worship will be at 10:30 a.m. at the church, 37W040 Highland Ave., Elgin. It will be followed by the praise service at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to come learn about Boy and Girl Scouts of America, find others interested in learning skills of leadership, making friends and having fun. Hear how Scouting has enriched the lives of members of all race, religion and background. For details, call (847) 931-5400 or e-mail office@epworthumcelgin.org. Or visit www.epworthumcelgin.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, Feb. 1, worship at 9:30 a.m. will feature a sermon by the Rev. Joel Kline entitled "Loving Outrageously" at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The Senior Highs will sponsor the annual Souper Bowl of Caring and an act of service. The Junior Highs will have a Super Bowl Party at 5 p.m. at the Noffsinger's home. Living the Questions 2 continues with another seven-week session each Sunday at 6 p.m. in the lounge. All are welcome. The Common Meal will resume at 5:45 p.m. on a bi-weekly basis, two Wednesdays per month, Feb. 11 and 25. Considering church membership at Highland Avenue? Interested in learning more about Church of the Brethren perspective - values, practices, beliefs? Join an Inquirer's Class meeting Sunday mornings in February during the Sunday school hour. 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, an award-winning youth program for age 6 to 12, Sisterhood and Men's Club, and age-based interest groups. This week's Torah portion is "Bo." 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 www.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." Join them on Friday, Feb. 6, for a joyous Kabbalat Shabbat service and Tu Bish'vat Seder. Tu Bish'vat is one of the "under-celebrated" holidays; come and see what it's all about. This week's Torah portion is "Bo," in which Pharaoh finally lets the Israelites go free, to worship G-d. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

Immanuel Lutheran: Worship will be at 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sundays at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. This weekend, the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will be sharing the message, "Living In Between," based on Hebrews 11:8-10. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the Saturday evening and the Sunday 8 a.m. services, which are traditional with organ, hymns and liturgy. The Sunday 10:45 a.m. service is a contemporary service of worship and praise featuring worship leaders and a worship ensemble.

"Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m.

On Wednesdays at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." The service, held in the sanctuary, is piano-led and is an informal nonliturgical worship style with a music blend of favorite hymns and songs of praise. This Wednesday, the Rev. Gregg Bowen will be sharing the first in a three-part sermon series, "God Now - What is God Doing Today?" During the message, young children are invited to participate in a children's ministry offering called "Faith Factory +." For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, Feb. 1, the theme is "Who's Watching You?" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and Mark 1:21-28, with the Rev. Steven Mindrup presiding. 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.

Hobos will be "Cruisin" on Saturday, Feb. 7. Tickets are $17.50 per person. This includes dinner and a show. New this year: You can buy show tickets for $9 if you do not want to attend the dinner. Dinner includes salad, bread, beef stew, mashed potatoes, ice cream, cupcakes and beverages. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

St. Peter: On Sunday, Feb. 1, the Rev. Gerhard Mau will preach on "Caring About a Friend's Conscience" at 9 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Road, a quarter-mile east of Route 47 in Hampshire. Doughnuts and coffee will be served at 10 a.m. Sunday school and adult Bible class will be at 10:20 a.m. Registration is open for Little Saints Preschool. Call Kristina at (847) 464-5134 for a tour or for more information. Members of the community are encouraged to apply.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, Feb. 1, "Do As I Do" will be the sermon topic at the 9 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. The sermon is based on the Scripture, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. Special music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir under the direction of John Slawson. The 11:30 a.m. service will include a message, "Pursue Love," by the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison, based on the scripture from 1 Corinthians 13. There are Christian education classes for all ages from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The youth group meets at 12:45 p.m.

The Quilters begin meeting weekly again Jan. 25 following a holiday break. Anyone interested in quilting is invited to join the group from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Sunday, Feb. 1, Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Promises, Promises, Promises" based on Deuteronomy 18:15-20, at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship is at 9 a.m. and family education hour from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The Quilters meet at 9 a.m. Mondays. The youth group is having a Parents Night Out fundraising event from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On the Fourth Sunday of Epiphany, Feb. 1, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will speak on "The 'E' Word" at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The Open Door service starts at 8:15 a.m. in the chapel. The 10:15 a.m. service, which usually meets in the sanctuary, will be held on the lower level in the fellowship hall. Assisting in the leading of worship, the Sanctuary Choir will sing, "Go and Tell John" by Lloyd Pfautsch during the sanctuary service. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. One of the six marks of discipleship is regular reading of the Bible, and every Sunday morning FCC's Adult Christian Formation helps participants read and learn. Breakfast is offered by 9:15 a.m. and child care is available. Then the class zeros in on Paul's letter to the church at Corinth. No experience is necessary. Everyone is invited to come and join in. "The Spirituality of Finance" is the name of a new and timely group led by Mark and Mary Hartwig on the first Sunday of every month. This Sunday, from 9:15 to 10 a.m. the group will discuss a video called "The Story of Stuff." Junior and senior high-schoolers should get their registrations in for the retreat at the church camp at Pilgrim Park, near Princeton. This church camp is wonderful in the wintertime, and the weekend of Feb 6-8 should be a great time to be there. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Feb. 1, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Choral Ensemble will perform at the 10:30 a.m. service. Holy Communion will be observed during both services and baptisms will take place during the 8 a.m. service. Join the Brotherhood Ministry at 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 for Super Bowl Sunday party. The Brotherhood Ministry invites all men to come out every fourth Saturday of the month to fellowship with your Brothers in Christ. Free haircuts will be provided by the "barbershop" beginning at 9 a.m. On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On National Scout Sunday, Feb. 1, the Rev. Rev. Susan Tyrrell, guest pastor, will present the sermon, "No Fear in God's Huddle" based on Exodus 14:10-18 and Mark 1:21-28, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. 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. Holy Communion will be celebrated. S(o)uper Bowl Collection begins in January and continues through Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1. The Local Mission Ministry is collecting cans of soup and donations of nonperishable food items for FISH Food Pantry and/or size 5 & 6 diapers for the Community Crisis Center.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by the Tinkerbells, Junior Choir, Joy Ringers and the Chancel Choir. The 10:30 a.m. service will feature songs and music by the Praise Singers and Band: Cheri Blazek; Robert Blazek; Sonja Boekenhauer, Penny Mensik, Sue Schmidt and Sara Tustin with Robert Blazek, saxophones; Mark Frystak, guitar; Linda Gilmore, keyboard; Noah Katsma, bass and Rich Robotham, drums.

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.

Adult education class, "To Begin at the Beginning," resumes at 10:30 a.m. with chapters 8 and 9.

The high school youth group meets at 4 p.m. Sunday for a Super Bowl Party with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Bring your friends, both old and new.

The Women's Book/Bible Study meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays with Karen Gundersen. The group will be reading "Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out" by Joanna Weaver. Read chapter five and reflect on the study questions. The book is available at all major bookstores. If child care is needed, call the church office.

The middle school youth group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays with Chad Coe, Director of Youth Ministries.Enjoy pizza or want to hang out with friends, both old and new. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sunday, Feb. 1, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will observe the fourth Sunday in Epiphany by looking at the topic of "The Lord Fights a Battle of Words" based on Mark 1:21-28, at the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. services. The traditional style worship is at 8:15 a.m. Sundays, with contemporary style worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band. On Mondays, join "The Refuge." Connect with God in a different, informal way every Monday at 7 p.m. Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Feb. 1, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Mark 1:21-28 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Join them at the table of the Lord as they continue the story of Jesus' early ministry as told in the Gospel of Mark. 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.

Special notes

Donations needed: 1st Sgt. Andrew Fowles with the Woodstock National Guard Delta Company, 1-178th Infantry Regiment that is deployed to Afghanistan, has asked for help. He is asking for children's gently-used shoes and socks so that his soldiers can distribute them to the many barefooted children who live near his base. The average mid-January temperature in Kabul is 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring children's shoes and socks from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:30 a.m. to noon Sunday to Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church, 8505 Church St. (north of McHenry County College). There is no deadline for delivery; they will continue to ship as items are received. For details, call (815) 459-1132.

Worship Encounter: A "Worship Encounter with JoAnn McFatter" will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30 at Morning Star Church, 41W350 Powers Road in Huntley. McFatter is currently traveling nationally and internationally as a worship leader and speaker. There is no charge for this meeting, which is sponsored by HUB Ministries (hubministries.org) and held at Morning Star Church (www.morningstarwoc.org) and The River Church (theriver-church.com), Huntley.

Pancake breakfast: Boy Scout Troop 2 invites you to their annual pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1 at St. John Lutheran Church, 115 N. Spring St., Elgin. The menu includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, French toast, sausage, fry bread, cereal, coffee, orange juice, apple juice, milk and more. Cost is $5 per person, $3.50 for seniors, and $17 for the family. Children under 3 get in free. Proceeds from this event provide the Troop with summer camp expenses, equipment and to fund programs for the less fortunate. Troop 2 is very active in helping the community and other volunteer projects. For details, visit www.Troop2.com.

Church Women United: The Elgin-South Elgin Unit of Church Women United held its annual meeting Jan. 8 at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin. The speaker for the meeting was Marilyn Hugh, the new State Board Member Coordination Prison Ministry Opportunities. She will succeed Dorothy Yeomen, who is retiring from the CWU State Board Prison Ministry position. Newly elected officers are Rosemary Runyan, president; Linda Meyer, vice president; Rose Eliasek, treasurer; Lillian Mink, secretary; Mary Lee Koester, nominations chair/newsletter editor; and Peggy Homfeldt, publicity. Other new appointed officers for the Meals on Wheels Team are Connie Black, coordinator; Wanda Glover, treasurer; Carol Hecht, delivery teams; and Bill Brandes routing for Provena St. Joseph and Ken Pfortmiller for Sherman Hospital. The next special event for CWU is World Day of Prayer at 1 p.m. Friday, March 5 at the First Congregational Church. The theme is "In Christ There are Many Members."

Open house, roundup: Good Shepherd Lutheran School will host a kindergarten roundup and an open house for first through eighth grades from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 7 at the school, 1111 Van St., Elgin. Information and registration for the school will be held, along with meeting of teachers and tours of the school. Learn about their quality Lutheran education and all-day kindergarten program. Good Shepherd also houses kindergarten through eighth grade at 1111 Van St. Preschool is located at its Nesler Road and Route 20 location and offers programs for both 3- and 4-year-olds. Before-school care is available for preschool and after-school care is available at both sites. Church membership is not required. To schedule a tour at a different time or for details, call the school office at (847) 741-7795 or the preschool office at (847) 697-4745.

Magnificat: The McHenry Chapter of Magnificat presents "A Eucharistic Day of Renewal" with speaker Joan Carter McHugh from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road, McHenry. Bring a sack lunch. Admission is free, but call Jacky at 815-455-2057 to register. Carter McHugh and her husband, Tom, are the founders of Witness Ministries, a national publishing apostolate devoted to the Eucharist. After facing many difficult and life-threatening illnesses, she began to pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and received God's healing touch through the Eucharist. Join them as they explore this great mystery of faith and learn spiritual tools to experience the abundance of life, joy and healing as Jesus promised. All are welcome.

Couples Night Out: Highland Christian Academy in Elgin will host a special Valentine's Day "Couples Night Out" on Saturday, Feb. 14. The event will feature a romantic environment, jazz ensemble, and dinner along with silent auction items and prizes. In addition, child care will be provided for infants through sixth-graders. Proceeds raised will benefit the school's scholarship program. Highland Christian Academy, celebrating its 25th year in the community, was established in 1984 as Christian Learning Center and serves students from preschool 3-year-olds through eighth grade. Highland Christian Academy, a ministry of Highland Fellowship Church, is at 2250 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin. The school is now enrolling for the 2009-10 school year. For information or to make reservations for this entertaining evening, contact the school office at (847) 741-5530 or e-mail leslee@thehighlandconnection.com.

Walk A Mile in My Shoes: Wayside Cross Ministries is hoping the winds blow cold on Valentine's Day. For the third consecutive year, winter walks are being staged on Saturday, Feb. 14 in Elgin and Aurora to benefit the homeless and at-risk youth. The walk in Elgin will benefit the Elgin Wayside Center, a daytime intervention center for the homeless. The 15-year-old ministry is located in an industrial park near Elgin Community College and shares a facility with PADS, a nighttime shelter. Case managers, counselors, and volunteers provide the homeless with hot meals, mentoring, classes, and encouragement. Wayside's walk in Aurora is scheduled simultaneously and will benefit ministries to women and youth. The Elgin Walk will commence at 9 a.m. from the Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Ave. The walk will continue just over a mile south on McLean Boulevard and end at Wayside's facility at 1732 Berkley St. Prizes for the walkers and an open house will continue until 11:30 a.m. Walkers are encouraged to raise funds for the center by getting pledges from friends, family, and to identify with the homeless, even strangers. For information or to register, call (847) 695-4405 or visit www.walk-a-mile-elgin.org.

Mindfulness Practice Retreat: Today's challenge to be "present in the now moment" without worrying about the future will be alleviated in people participating in the "Mindfulness Practice Retreat," led by Buddhist monk Bhante Sujatha, from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 at the Center for Spiritual Evolution, 204 Spring St., Cary. Those gathering will be introduced to the practice of "lovingkindness," and shown how meditative breathing, sitting and walking in day-to-day living can become a normal state of being. A "Daily Practice" discussion with tea and a snack will be followed by a Sitting, within an atmosphere of closeness and love. Meditation helps people pay closer attention to emotions, thoughts and feelings without giving strong reactions to them. In order to release and let go of emotions, they must first be recognized and objectively identified. The Meditation Retreat will create true compassion and foster happiness for self and others, by freeing the emotional mind from needless suffering. Bhante Sujatha will teach the 2,600-year old "metta" traditional "life-force" meditation which dissolves barriers from others, thus cultivating loving relationships with others. Registration is required by Feb. 11, by mailing a $45 check (with "Memo: Meditation Retreat") made to the Center for Spiritual Evolution, sent to 204 Spring St., Cary, IL 60013.

Westminster open house: Westminster Christian School, 2700 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin, will host open houses at 7 p.m. on various Tuesdays this spring. The upcoming dates are: Feb. 17, March 10, April 21, May 12 and June 2. Are you looking for a school that will not only meet the educational needs of your child, but will also guide and direct them in their spiritual life? Westminster Christian School is a ministry of the Westminster Presbyterian Church that exists to provide a high quality, Christ-centered, academic education to the children of believing parents in the greater Fox Valley area. Westminster Christian is currently accepting registrations for children in preschool through 12th grade. The school is committed to classroom sizes of 25 students or less and desires to partner with parents in the Christian education of their children. Westminster Christian will be in its 30th year offering Christian education and currently serves approximately 490 students preschool through 12th grade. It offers core academic college preparatory academics. Extra curricular activities are offered for students in fifth to 12th grade. The school is committed to raising the bar and are accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International. Visit the campus and hear about the enhanced facility development and modification, its expanding program offerings and upgraded technology. For information, call (847) 695-0310 or visit www.westminsterchristian.org.

Culture Club: Immanuel Lutheran Church of East Dundee's Culture Club plans on gathering to discuss William P. Young's "The Shack" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. The discussion will be led by the Rev. Bill Yonker, Immanuel's senior pastor. "The Shack" is a story where a man who suffers the loss of his child to violence and heinous criminal activity. His name is Mack and he is lost in a world of anger, nightmares, and inconsolable grief. Mack receives an invitation from God to join him at the scene of the crime and through wonderfully written prose we meet Young's God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The discussion will immediately follow a spaghetti dinner hosted by Cindy Geye. Geye's annual Susan B. Komen 3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer fundraiser will be held the same night. The community is invited to attend both and each is in Luther Hall at Immanuel. Immanuel Lutheran Church is at 310 E. Main St., East Dundee. For details, call the church office at (847) 428-4477.

Faith in Action: The Freeform musicians, under the direction of Jim Eckland, will provide entertainment for the "Evening in Italy" event scheduled for Feb. 21. Entertainment, a delicious chicken cacciatore meal, and a silent auction will round out the evening. The event will be held in the community room at the St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Appetizers will be served at 5:30 p.m. and guests will be seated at 6:30 p.m. Silent auction items will include Americana items, art glass, copperware, costume jewelry, glassware, silver-plate pieces, small furniture, art and more. Funds obtained will be utilized to benefit needy elderly throughout McHenry County. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased from the Faith in Action office by phoning (815) 455-3120 or they may be requested from the Web site, fiamchenrycounty.org. Faith in Action McHenry County is a nonprofit organization committed to the purpose of working with the seniors of our community who live at home, and their families in maintaining their independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Walking with God: Epworth United Methodist Church in Elgin invites women of all ages to join in for a special retreat, "Walking With God Through the Seasons of Our Lives," from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Each of us are at a different place in our walk with God; and each step in our walk is an important part in building a relationship with God. This event will feature speakers of all different ages and stages in their lives. From a young college student to a widow, each of the women will share where God fits into their life. There will be speakers, music, skits, and fellowship. Tickets are $20, which includes lunch, and can be purchased by calling the Epworth UMC office at (847) 931-5400.

Youth Praise Band Concert: A Youth Praise Band Concert will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 at Epworth United Methodist Church, Randall Road and Highland Avenue in Elgin. Youth praise bands from different Elgin area United Methodist Churches will play uplifting praise hits. Doors open at 6 p.m. All ages are welcome. This event is free to all, but a donation will be collected to support PADS shelter in Elgin. This concert is for a celebration of youth and those young at heart. For information, call (847) 931-5400 or visit epworthumcelgin.org.

Winter Fun Festival: St. John's Lutheran Church and School in downtown Algonquin invites the community to the Winter Fun Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. It will be held in St. John's Activity Center at 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin, just one block west of Route 31, next to Towne Park. There will be fun, themed games, gift baskets and lots and lots of prizes. For details, call St. John's Lutheran School office at (847) 658-9311.

Organ recital: First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake will present the third annual Wesley M. Vos Memorial Organ Recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in the church sanctuary, 461 Pierson St. Organist Aaron David Miller will perform works by Bach, Handel, Ibert, Mendelssohn, Benoit, and an improvisation. Miller was recently appointed as director of music and organist for House of Hope Church in St. Paul, Minn.

Focus on Marriage: Focus on the Family's first-ever national marriage simulcast event will be hosted by Elgin Bible Church from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. The Focus on Marriage conference, made possible via satellite technology, is expected to reach as many as 50,000 couples, and will offer strengthening tools and compelling insights for marriages at all stages. The conference, broadcast from Focus on the Family headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., will feature speakers Beth Moore, Gary Smalley, Gary Thomas, John Trent and Del Tackett along with popular Christian musician Jeremy Camp. Speakers will discuss marriage as it relates to Christ and the Church, the Trinity, and every day changes that can be made to strengthen the relationship between a husband and wife. Elgin Bible Church is at 1580 E. Chicago St. For details, or to register, call (847) 888-1978. Cost is $69 per couple or $40 for a single. A box lunch is $10 more per person.

Flea market: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School will hold its first "Turn Your Clutter into Cash Flea Market" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Admission to the event is $3 per adult and $1 per child (or free for children under age 5). The flea market will be held at Good Shepherd's Nesler Road and Route 20 Christian Life Center in Elgin. Lunch items will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sellers are needed! The cost per 12- by 12-foot booth is $40. All are welcome, including home-based businesses. If a table is needed, an additional $3 fee will apply. For details, call the school office at (847) 741-7795.

Taste of Sri Lanka: The fifth annual Taste of Sri Lanka will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. The evening is a cultural and festive event filled with a variety of entertainment and a large assortment of traditional Sri Lankan dishes. The food will be cooked by native Sri Lankans, including Sri Lankan monks, and includes both dinner and dessert dishes as well as beverages. This year's entertainment will include traditional Sri Lankan music, the O'Brother bluegrass band, and more. Cost for the evening is $25 and seating is limited to just 80 people. To reserve tickets, call (815) 444-8915. The event is a fundraiser for the Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple; all proceeds will go to the temple. Replete with diverse food and entertainment, this is a fun-filled evening offering one of the unusual cultural experiences in McHenry County. For information, call (815) 444-8915 or e-mail to mail@bluelotustemple.org.