Your faith

Deadline for submissions is noon Monday. To submit items, e-mail faith@dailyherald.com, or send fax to (847) 427-1301.

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, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, 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.

Vow renewal: All married couples are invited to renew their wedding vows during the 5 p.m. worship service on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, at Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett. For information, visit www.livinglordlutheran.org or call (630) 830-3630. Living Lord Church is located at 1044 Congress Drive.

Valentine's Dance: A special Valentine's Day Dance will be offered from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 14, in Diemer Hall at St. Marcelline's Church, 820 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, by the New Beginnings group. Tickets cost $10. Appetizers, soft drinks, tea and coffee provided. Beer and wine available for a nominal charge. For information, call LaVerne Bobkowski at (847) 322-1976.

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.

Family yoga: The Chai Center for Enrichment & Renewal is hosting Family Yoga with Debbie Belkin from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. For ages K+. For information, fees, or to RSVP contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

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.

Variety show: "Just For You," St. Mark Lutheran Church's annual Variety Show will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at the St. Mark Community Center, 200 S. Wille St. in Mount Prospect. There will chocolates and desserts, and music. Cost is $5 and supports youth summer mission trips.

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.

Mission conference: The Annual Missions Conference will be held at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows, during the period Feb. 15-22. The schedule is as follows:

Sunday, Feb. 15: Worship services at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Dennis Nordine, missionary in Cebu, Philippines.

Monday, Feb. 16: Women's Bible study, 7 p.m. Speaker: Joan Bellito, serving with Teen Mother Choices.

Tuesday, Feb. 17: Women's Bible study, 9:30 a.m. Speaker: Joan Bellito, serving with Teen Mother Choices.

Wednesday, Feb. 18: Youth night, 7 p.m. Speakers: Inner City Impact and Christa March of Teen Mother Choices.

Thursday, Feb. 19: AWANA, 7 p.m. An imaginary trip visiting missionaries in foreign countries.

Friday, Feb. 20: Women's Bible study, 9 a.m. Speaker: Susan Larsen, serving with Larsen & Larsen Ministries caring for missionaries.

Friday, Feb 20: Family night, 7 p.m. Speaker: Marty Larsen, former associate pastor of Meadows Baptist Church, now serving with Larsen & Larsen Ministries caring for missionaries.

Saturday, Feb. 21: Men's prayer breakfast, 7:30 a.m. Speaker: Marty Larsen.

Saturday, Feb. 21: Movie "Beyond The Next Mountain", 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 22: Worship services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Speaker: John Mehn, missionary in Tokyo, Japan.

Sunday, Feb. 22: Adult Bible study classes, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Speaker: Marty Larsen.

Sunday, Feb. 22: Missions Banquet, 5 p.m. Phone the church office for reservations at (847) 255-8764.

Sunday, Feb. 22: Closing Missions Conference service, 6:30 p.m. Speaker: Tim Haugen, Senior Pastor.

Small groups: Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village, will begin two new small groups. One group will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday evenings beginning Feb. 16 and another group will meet from 4 to 6 p.m. Sundays, beginning Feb. 22. The study will be for three weeks on "Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts." Register by calling the church office (847) 439-0668 or e-mail princepeaceumc@sbcglobal.net.

Open house: New Hope Christian Academy will have an open house for preschool and kindergarten aged children from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19. To schedule an appointment or for information, call (847) 359-5482.

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.

Healing touch: The Chai Center for Enrichment & Renewal has planned Healing Touch: Awakening the Energy Within Us with Marcia Bregman 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. In this program we will learn how to use our energy to be more present, more relaxed, relieve discomfort, and help control the stress of everyday life. For information, fees, or to RSVP contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

Preschool registration: Mother's Day Out Preschool Program at Prince of Peace UMC, 1400 Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village, will begin registration for Fall 2009 from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, Wednesday, Feb. 18, and Thursday, Feb 19. Preschool hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day for children 2 to 5 years old. Contact Lynn Cooper, director, at (847) 439-0668 for a registration packet or more information about MDO Preschool.

Book club: Cathy Anderson will lead a discussion of the book "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village. (847) 439-0668.

Living with mental illness: In Our Own Voice - Living with Mental Illness will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will share their experiences in recovering from mental illness and their journey to living purposeful lives in their families and communities. Free admission. For information, call parish nurse Margie Mayfield at the church office at (847) 253-4839.

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.

Preschool open house: Christ the King Lutheran Preschool, 100 W Michigan Ave., Palatine, will host an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22. Programs for children ages 3-6. Register for 2009 summer and fall programs. See www.ByFaithAlone.org for details or contact Valerie Schultz, director, at (847) 358-0230.

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.

Blood drive: A blood drive will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. For information and to register, contact parish nurse Margie Mayfield at (847) 253-4839, ext. 11. Registration can also be done at www.lifesource.org.

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.

Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner: From 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. All-you-can-eat pancakes. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 per child or $20 per family. (847) 827-6656.

Carnival: In the spirit of carnival, a Pancake Supper and Talent Show will be held 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. www.CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.

Ash Wednesday: Our Saviour's United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg, will offer an Ash Wednesday service with Communion and individual prayer time from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and worship service from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25.

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.

Explore Your Creative Self: The Chai Center for Enrichment & Renewal is offering Art of Exploring Your Creative Self with Eydie Kugler from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Through guided meditation, journal writing, honoring our voices, doodling and drawing, we will explore the creative self within each of us. Bring a notebook or your favorite journal, and some colored pens and markers. There will be a $2 materials fee. For information, fees, or to RSVP contact the Chai Center at 847-537-1771 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

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.

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

Ash Wednesday service: At 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. (847) 827-6656.

Lenten services: Midweek Lenten services will be offered at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines, starting with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, and continuing on March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services will take place April 9 and 10. www.immanueldp.org.

Taize Ash Wednesday service: The South Church will host a Taize Ash Wednesday Service at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25. Taize is music that emphasizes simple phrases, chanted repeatedly, to aid meditation and prayer. Imposition of ashes will be included in the service. The South Church is at 501 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. www.thesouthchurch.com or (847) 253-0501.

Lenten services: St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church in Niles has scheduled six midweek Lenten Services beginning with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 25 and continuing each Wednesday through April 1. All midweek services begin at 7:15 p.m. On Ash Wednesday a soup and salad supper will be served from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church is at 9081 N. Maryland St. in Niles (847) 827-4360.

Ash Wednesday Services: St. James Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, will celebrate Mass with ashes at 6:30, 7:30 and 9 a.m. Feb. 25 in the church; Word Service with ashes at noon in the church; and Mass with ashes at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center, 820 N. Arlington Heights Road. (224) 345-7200, www.stjamesah.org

Ash Wednesday services: Ash Wednesday observances will be held at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. In addition to imposition of ashes, Communion will be served. www.CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.

Book discussion: The Chai Center for Enrichment & Renewal is hosting a Book Discussion on The Diet Survivor's Handbook - 60 Lessons in Eating, Acceptance & Self-Care with Judith Matz, LCSW, nationally renowned author, from 7:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. You can pre-purchase the book through The Chai Center for $5. E-mail thechaicenter@templechai.org to order your book. For information, fees, or to RSVP contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

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.

Stations of the Cross: Holy Family Catholic Community Lenten Fish Fry Dinners and Stations of the Cross will be held on Fridays, Feb. 27, and March 6, 13, 20 and 27, beginning at 6 p.m. Neighborhood Ministry will host the event, with dinner prepared by the Knights of Columbus. Dinner includes a menu of fried fish, pizza, macaroni and cheese, fries, coleslaw, applesauce, beverage and dessert. Enjoy musical entertainment each evening. Following dinner, Stations of the Cross begins at 7:30 p.m. Suggested donation for dinner: $7-$10 per adult. For information contact the parish office, (847) 359-0042.

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.

Stations of the Cross: St. James Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, will offer Stations of the Cross at 7:30 p.m. each Friday during Lent. (224) 345-7200, www.stjamesah.org.

Mission experience: Living Lord Lutheran Church, 1044 Congress Drive in Bartlett, missionaries Tom and Mary Holman will share their experience of living and working in Ghana over the past three decades as Bible translators during the weekend of Feb 28-March 1. The Holmans will speak during worship at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, and at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 1. The Holmans have worked among the Anufo people in Ghana, West Africa, since 1981.

Christian in a Technological World: "The World is Nomadic: Being Christian in a Technological World and Globalized Economy" will be presented at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59). Join Dr. Brent Waters, professor of Christian social ethics and director of the Stead Center for Ethics and Values at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, as he leads three sessions on these issues at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, and at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, March 1. The cost of the Saturday sessions is $40, including lunch. There will be no cost for Session Three, which will be part of the Sunday school hour. (847) 836-5540. www.BarringtonUMC.com.

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.

Midweek services: During Lent, from March 4 to April 1, services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesdays, followed by a soup lunch, and a dinner will be held at 6 p.m., before a 7 p.m. service at Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. (847) 827-6656.

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.

Green lawncare: Hear a panel of experts outline a path to a healthy lawn and a healthy environment at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at St. Mark Lutheran Church Community Center, corner of Evergreen and Wille in downtown Mount Prospect. (847) 259-9795.

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.

Lenten Mission: Heal My Heart, a Lenten Mission, will be offered from 6:30-10 p.m. Friday, March 6, and from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. For more details, call (847) 655-5011 or see www.comeholyspiritconferences.org.

Spa for the Spirit: St. Alphonsus Liguori will host a program for women titled "Spa for the Spirit" from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 7, in the meeting rooms of the Prospect Heights church. Dianne Costanza will facilitate the morning. She is a professor at Dominican University, a lecturer at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership and a spiritual director. She is also the author of "Seeding Your Soul: six considerations for spiritual growth." The cost is $7 and includes breakfast. Send payment to St. Alphonsus Liguori, 411 Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights, marked Spa for the Spirit. (847) 255-7452 or www.saintalphonsus.com.

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.

Got Shabbat: Families with children ages 4-8 can spend a Shabbat afternoon at JCC's Got Shabbat? from 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Enjoy craft projects, food, Shabbat songs and Storybook Yoga with Katie Klatt-Bowen. Call Susan Ellenby at (224) 406-9223.

Concert: Beth Tikvah Congregation will host the student a cappella group, Magevet, from Yale University from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the temple, 300 Hillcrest Blvd. in Hoffman Estates. The musical performance is free to the public. No reservations are necessary. Magevet members are undergraduate students devoted to spreading beautiful music of the Jewish tradition around the world. For information, visit www.beth-tikvah.org or call (847) 885-4545.

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.

Write your story: Writing your story is a new small group at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village, that meets the second Wednesday of the month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Call (847) 439-0668 or e-mail princepeaceumc@sbcglobal.net to register. There is no cost to attend.

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.