Northwest suburban religion notes

Kabbalat Shabbat service and Tu B'Shevat Seder: At 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road, Elgin. CongregationShiratShalom.org, (847) 695-6246

One Shabbat One World: Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook hosts a community Shabbat dinner Friday, Feb. 6. This Shabbat dinner is part of the international "One Shabbat One World." Guest speaker Shmuel Goodman will talk about "Navigating the World of Business and the Real World." Services begin at 6 p.m., Shabbat dinner and program 6:45 p.m. Adults: $20, Children: $12, at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook 755 Huehl Road (corner Dundee Rd) Northbrook. RSVP or for more information, visit www.ChabadNorthbrook.com or call (847) 564-8770.

Movie night: Watch the movie "3:10 to Yuma" (a modern-day Western) at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the home of Steve and Bonnie Gerth, who live a block from St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. Call for directions at (847) 998-1793. Free. Bring a dish to share.

Spaghetti dinner: The Prince of Peace Church Preschool will hold an "Oodles of Noodles" Spaghetti Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. Dinner will be served at 5:30. There are lots of activities, crafts, a movie and an interactive opera. Cost is $6.50 for adults and $4 for children 3 and older. For more information, call (847) 885-7036. The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Preschool is located in the church at 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. www.princeofpeace.net.

Chili benefit: A Chili Cook Off with silent auction and raffle will be held at the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary located at 606 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect, by a mission team from the Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary and St. Paul United Church of Christ, Palatine, from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7. Tickets cost $8 for adults, $5 for children, under 3 years free, and can be purchased at the door. Proceeds will assist the team's upcoming February Mexico mission trip activities such as house construction, three-day medical clinic, Bible school, and soup kitchens. (847) 259-2568.

Cheap Date Night: Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove offers Cheap Date Night at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at the church, 401 W. Dundee Road in Buffalo Grove. Make a date to recapture the magic of "Forrest Gump" by watching and sharing your favorite "Gumpisms." kingswoodumc.com or (847) 398-0770.

Hebrew literacy class graduation: The following have completed the Adult Hebrew Literacy Course provided by the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs and taught by the Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea: Kristie Fingerhut, Gloria Hernandez, Karen Horwitz, Sylvia Krakauer, Fred Levinson, Pamela Max, Sandra Melnicoff, Shara Melnicoff, Leslie Peck, Hy Riebman and Andrea Warren. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Book Group: "The Shack" by William P. Young will be the subject of discussion of the book group "Reading is Believing" at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at North Northfield United Methodist Church, at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. (847) 272-2250 or www.northnorthfield.org.

Health and wellness presentations: St. John Lutheran Church will sponsor a series of health and wellness presentations, conducted by Chiro-One Wellness Centers, on Saturday, Feb. 7: "Stress Management"; Saturday, Feb. 14: 'Nutrition & You"; Saturday, Feb. 21: "A Healthy Family"; and Saturday, March 7: "Add Years to Your Life". All sessions will begin at 2 p.m. and are free. St. John Lutheran Church (school building - lower level meeting room) is at 1101 Linneman Road, Mount Prospect. (847) 593-7670.

Art class: Maxine's Art Class is offered from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays Feb. 7, 14 and 21 at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. Cost is $5 per session plus materials. (847) 998-1946, www.stphilip.info.

Alternative worship: Experience Worship is a new alternative worship service at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. Gather at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays, Feb. 8 and 22, and March 8 and 22 at CLC's Holy Grounds coffee shop. Join for fellowship and an informal night of uplifting praise and worship. All ages welcome. Check it out on Facebook: Experience Worship @ CLC - Palatine. For more information, call (847) 358-4600.

Mural masterpiece: See the masterpiece Bible Story Mural unveiled on Sunday, Feb. 8, at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. This work of art was painted by congregation member Mary Swain, who undertook this project for the children of the church. The mural will hang in the Sunday school area. The scenes in Mary's mural were based on pictures from "The Bible Its Story for Children" and "The Bible Story, King of Kings/Volume 9" (847) 358-4600.

Big Band Sunday: Trinity United Methodist Church invites the community to attend its "Big Band Sunday" worship service, at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8. The service will feature a 13-piece band of Trinity members and other local musicians. According to band leader Thomas Weaver, the musical offerings will combine sacred tunes and texts with the swing beat of the Big Band-era of the 1930s and 1940s. Trinity United Methodist Church is located in Mount Prospect at 605 W. Golf Road. For more information, contact Nancy at (847) 439-0950 or visit trinitymp.org.

Survivors of Suicide: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago welcomes those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide to participate in its Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide program meetings: from 7-9 p.m. on Sundays, Feb. 8 and March 8, at Catholic Charities Northwest Office, 1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines; from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Feb. 18 and March. 18, at Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness; and from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 26 and March 26, at Carmel High School, One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein. (847) 376-2118.

Mexico mission: If you would like to learn more about St. Peter Lutheran Church's upcoming mission trip to Mexico July 11-18, plan on joining Pastor Greiner for an informational meeting in Bartz Hall from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. This trip will be an opportunity to help with the construction of a home in Juarez, Mexico and help run vacation Bible school among the children of Mexico. (847) 259-4114.

Racial Justice Sunday: A Special Tribute in Remembrance of The Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's Birth will be offered during the Racial Justice Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 8, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. The tribute includes a performance of "The Homecoming," a choral piece based upon "My Childhood Home I See Again," a poem written by President Lincoln. congucc.org or (847) 392-6650.

Small group discussions: Small Groups begin the week of Sunday, Feb. 8, at Congregational UCC, 1001 Kirchoff Road in Arlington Heights. Discussions will center on matters of faith and how these relate to everyday life and relationships. Each group will be limited in size from six to 11 participants and will meet once a week on the second and fourth week of each month. Groups are being organized now. For more information, call (847) 392-6650.

Three Faiths-One God: At 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, Lutheran Church of the Cross will present this documentary. It is facilitated by a rabbi, a pastor and an imam, among other experts. Similarities and differences of each faith are compared. 2025 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights.

Responsibility talk: On Tuesday, Feb. 10, Congregation Beth Judea's United Synagogue Youth will meet in the BJUSY Youth Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m. to have a discussion titled "Responsibility: A Look at Israel and its People." USYers will talk about how to help solve the debate of which people the Israeli governments has the responsibility to help and defend. Cost: free for USY members; $10 for Jewish Nonmembers. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. Contact Youth Director Aaron Polonsky at (847) 634-0777, ext. 114 or e-mail him at YouthDirector@BethJudea.org.

"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. MALE accredited for layers (pending). For more information and registration, call (847) 564-8770 or ChabadNorthbrook.com.

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.

A special wedding service: In honor of National Weddings Month and Valentine's Day, a special wedding service will be held for any couples wishing to renew their marriage vows at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Victory Centre, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. The Rev. LeRoy Kennel of Schaumburg will officiate the ceremony which includes message, special music and wedding cake following the wedding. Free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. For information, contact (630) 213-0100, or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com.

Valentine celebration: The St. Peter Lutheran Lutheran Laymen's League presents the 49th Valentine Celebration at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the Wellington of Arlington. This will be a full evening of fellowship, dining, entertainment, dancing and a special appearance by a ministry catalyst from the Lutheran Hour Ministry. Child care by the senior high youth group (and parents) will be available at St. Peter, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, from 6 to 11:30 p.m. Tickets can be obtained at the church office.

Congregation Beth Judea Auction: Viva Las Long Grove, an evening of gaming tables, live auction and silent auction will be Saturday, Feb. 21. At 7 p.m. there will be appetizers, noshes, beer, wine and desserts. At 7:45 p.m. the gaming tables open and the poker tournament starts. 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.

Valentine's Concert:; Our Saviour's UMC of Schaumburg will host a special concert and Valentine's Day evening service at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. Love is a Song, a concert of sacred and secular music, will begin the evening, followed by an open table Communion. Married couples will have an opportunity to come forward to renew their wedding vows at the conclusion of the evening. A reception will be held in Fellowship Hall immediately following. The public is invited to attend and participate in the free service.

Valentine's Dance: Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine is holding a fundraising Valentine's Dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. The proceeds will go to improving the Bethel Courtyard and other Bethel Church charitable projects. Live music by Sideman Big Band. Cost is $25 plus one nonperishable food item for the food pantry. For reservations, (847) 397-4372.

Pray for peace: A Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 E. Main St. in Barrington. This service is held on the 15th of each month as part of an ecumenical effort to pray daily until a just and lasting peace comes to all citizens of the Middle East. It includes reading from the Bible, music, and prayers. Following the service, Bishop Wayne Miller of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will speak about experiences gained through travel in the Middle East during the recent Israeli / Palestinian conflict in Gaza. (847) 381-0243 or elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls.aspx.

Goddess Energy: 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. Call (847) 297-0997 to reserve your space. Suggested offering of $30.

Organfest: First Presbyterian Church presents Organfest at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Freewill offering. (847) 255-5900.

Mardi Gras mayhem: A Ladies Night Out with Cajun-style buffet and live music will be held Friday, Feb. 20, at St. James Parish Center, 820 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Doors open at 6 p.m., buffet begins at 7 p.m. $30 per person/cash bar. Bring a dessert to serve 12 and receive two free gift basket raffle tickets. Contest for best Mardi Gras mask. Tickets on sale through Monday, Feb. 16. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Contact Jennifer Lindgren at (847) 394-4173.

iPrayer: On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Congregation Beth Judea's USYers (United Synagogue Youth) will meet in the BJUSY Youth Lounge from 7 to 9 p.m. to take part in iPrayer. USYers are asked to bring their MP3 player loaded with music. No MP3 player? Then bring a CD player, Walkman, 8-track or even a 45 record. Cost: free for members; $10 for Jewish nonmembers. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. Contact Beth Judea Youth Director Aaron Polonsky at (847) 634-0777 ext. 114, or e-mail him at YouthDirector@BethJudea.org

Mardi Gras Magic: The Sisters of the Living Word, based in Arlington Heights, will host Mardi Gras Magic, an annual fundraiser that supports the Sisters' Mission Fund, from 6-10:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at Cotillion Banquets, 360 S. Creekside Drive, Palatine. Cost is $75. The evening includes dinner, entertainment by local legend Johnny Burnett on the piano, a silent auction, raffles and the crowning of the Mardi Gras King and Queen. (847) 577-5972.

Chorus performance: In honor of Black History Month, Pastor Pearley Champion will bring the Peace, Mercy and Charity Chorus of Forest Park to perform, and Pastor Daniel Lee will share a message at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Victory Centre, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. For information, contact (630) 213-0100, or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com.

Our Lady of Fatima: The statue, Our Lady of Fatima will be brought in by members of St. Peter Damian at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, to Victory Centre, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Evening rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. with this special statue. (630) 213-0100.

Praise service: The monthly Fellowship Praise service of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Des Plaines, will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, in the Immanuel school gym, 842 Lee St. A program of songs and lessons, with a homily by Pastor Richard Mau, is planned under the leadership of a new quartet whose members are locally known entertainers Julie Coburn, Jackie Wynter, Howard Paul and Ray Gaitsch, who will also provide the guitar accompaniment for the singing. As part of the program, Coburn will present a dramatized Bible story. An additional musical feature of the program will be a children's song composed by Howard Paul to the tune of "Skip-to-my-Lou," in which the attending children will be invited to take part. For more information and to reserve a space for the supper, call (847) 824-3652.

Mardi Gras and All That Jazz: From 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1624 E. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. Includes dinner, entertainment and a silent auction. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $10 for children 4-10 years of age. (847) 824-7408.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois: "1898 German Jewish Genealogy and Assimilation into Chicago Life - Culture and Cooking" will be presented at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, 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 the 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. www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or call (312) 666-0100.

Parish mission: The Catholic Churches of Northbrook will come together this spring to host a Parish Mission. Our Lady of the Brook and St. Norbert will jointly welcome Fr. Richard Fragomeni Feb. 22-25. He will alternate between the two parishes, with a theme of "Two Parishes, One Church, One Lent." The series begins Sunday, Feb. 22 at St. Norbert, addressing the topic "Church: Why Bother?" On Monday, Feb. 23, Fr. Fragomeni will speak at Our Lady of the Brook on "Church: Where do I Fit? What do I do?" and Tuesday, Feb. 24, the location is once again at St. Norbert, as "Church: What's the Catch?" is explored. Finally, on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, the series will conclude at Our Lady of the Brook with a look into the future with "Church: Envision This". Each evening begins at 7 p.m., and concludes at approximately 8:30 p.m., followed by refreshments every night except Ash Wednesday. The Wednesday service will include the distribution of ashes. Our Lady of the Brook is at 3700 Dundee. (847) 272-5686, olbparish.org. St. Norbert is at 1809 Walters Ave. (847) 272-7090, stnorbertparish.org.

Unity Northwest Church anniversary: 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.

Black History Musical Celebration: The Trinity International College Gospel Choir, under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Lena McLin, and several nationally renowned artists such as Perrian Jordan and other performers are being showcased this year at a Black History Musical Celebration hosted by Living Faith Cathedral Worship Center Church of Palatine. The Presidential Salute/Tribute to President Barack Obama is a key feature of this event. Admission is free with ticket. Freewill offering requested during intermission. This fundraiser will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb 28, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine. Call (847) 382-1830 or (847) 708-1597 for more information or visitlivingfaithcwc.com to order your tickets. Space limited to the first 300 confirmed. Deadline for ticket orders is Monday, Feb 23.

Shrove Tuesday: Join friends and neighbors at 6:30 p.m. Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1111 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, for a delicious Mardi Gras Pancake Supper. A freewill offering will be collected. (847) 537-4353.

Ash Wednesday: Attend one of the Ash Wednesday services Wednesday, Feb. 25, at noon or 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1111 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights. There will be a distribution of ashes at each service. (847) 537-4353.

Man of the Year Dinner: 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 honors Gregg Pollack of Northbrook as its 2009 Man of the Year. (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. BethJudea.org.

Ash Wednesday service: 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. (847) 297-0997.

Memorial service: A Quarterly Memorial Service will be held honoring all those who have passed away at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Victory Centre, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Chaplain Lori Geschrey of Odyssey HealthCare Hospice will lead the service, and candle-lighting, special music and a time for sharing memories are included. Everyone is welcome from all faiths. (630) 213-0100.

Contemporary stations of the cross: St. James Catholic Church in Arlington Heights will offer "Walking with the Angels: A Stations of the Cross inspired by the Our Lady of the Angels School Fire" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the church, 820 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. This contemporary version of the Stations of the Cross was adapted by Alice Brown from "To Sleep with the Angels" by David Cowan and John Kuenster and "Remembrances of the Angels" by John Kuenster.

Organ concert: Chicago native Nathan Laube will perform an organ concert at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 29700 North St. Mary's Road in Libertyville. (847) 367-4060.

Open house: Immanuel Lutheran School will hold an open house at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at 200 N. Plum Grove Road in Palatine. For more information, call (847) 359-1936.

Lenten services: Gather for Soup and Sandwich Suppers every Wednesday in Lent (March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1) at 6:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1111 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights. Worship service follows at 7:30 p.m. (847) 537-4353.

Church Women United: Church Women United of the Barrington area will celebrate World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 6, at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 421 E. Main St., Barrington. Worship will begin at 1 p.m. The guest speaker for this service is Zina Jacque, senior pastor at the Community Church of Barrington. Participants are invited to donate new baby/toddler board books for use in the Prison Ministry Storybook Project of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. For more information, call Linda Osikowicz at (847) 540-5634.

Purim carnival: The Youth Department of Congregation Beth Judea will hold its annual Purim Carnival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8, in the synagogue's Social Hall. There will be games such as basketball, Moonwalk, a giant slide, Hamman Toss, Bozo Buckets, balloon animals, Tic Tac Toe and more. There will be prizes, and food (lunch will be available for purchase). There will be a Tot Corner, an area with easy-to-reach, easy-to-play games for the younger crowd. Game tickets are 25 cents each; games range from 2-5 tickets. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777, ext. 114.

Purim: Congregation Shirat Shalom in Elgin will celebrate Purim at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 9. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit congregationshiratshalom.org.

Organizing Your Genealogy Records: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will present Organizing Your Genealogy Records by Trudy Barch at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 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 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.

Preschool registration: The Big Barn Preschool is accepting summer and fall registration. Full-day and part-day preschool are available. There are a limited for 3- to 5-year-old preschoolers. For more information, call Mary Fisher at (847) 895-3257.

School registration: St. Hubert Catholic School continues open registration for the 2009-2010 school year for preschool through eighth grade, with new student applications being accepted. For registration materials and more information, call the school office between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at (847) 885-7702. Tours can be arranged as well as appointments made to learn more about all that St. Hubert Catholic School has to offer.

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.

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.

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

Parents Day Out: Registration has begun for the Kingswood Parent's Day Out summer session. This program is for children ages 2 and 3. The summer session of Parent's Day Out will start Tuesday, June 16, and will go until Thursday, July 30. This is a seven-week program. A $25 nonrefundable registration fee is due at time of registration. The balance is due by Friday, May 22. Refunds will not be given after June 1. The church is at 401 W. Dundee Road in Buffalo Grove. Questions and applications will be received by Barb Symonds, minister of children and family life, at (847) 398-0770, ext., 16.

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.

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.

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.

Jewish Yoga: 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: 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.

Play group: Parents and tots are invited to join a new play group on the first Monday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at Park Ridge Community Church, 100 S. Courtland Avenue, Park Ridge. The play group is designed for parents with young children, infants to 5 years old. Parents must remain with their children at all times. This is not a drop-off activity. (847) 823-3164 or parkridgecommunitychurch.org.

A free beginning yoga class: 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.

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.

Women's Bible Study: Led by laypersons, meets every Wednesday morning, 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. Newcomers welcome. www.congucc.org or (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.