McHenry County 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.

Tikkun Olam: Congregation Tikkun Olam's next Shabbat service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. Congregation Tikkun Olam is the only Jewish Reform congregation in the greater McHenry County area. Unaffiliated Jews and interfaith families are always welcome. For details on the congregation, its religious school or adult programs, visit the Web site at www.tikkun-olam.org or call (815) 334-7110.

McHenry County Jewish Congregation: The McHenry County Jewish Congregation will celebrate the festive holiday of Purim with a carnival from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 8, and a re-enactment of the Story of Esther put to the melodies of The Wizard of Oz, at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 9. Purim celebrates Queen Esther's ability to save the Jewish people by thwarting the devious plans of the wicked Haman, adviser to the King. Members and guests are invited to dress in costume for both the carnival and the Book of Esther (Megillah) reading. Both events are free and open to all.

As part of its "Bread and Torah" adult education series on Tuesday, March 31, MCJC will host a Passover Workshop. The series pairs the preparation of food with learning, and at this workshop, speakers will offer tips on making tasty Passover desserts along with ideas for livening up Passover seders. The session is free and open to all.

The Passover holiday observance begins Wednesday, April 8. MCJC will hold a Festival Service at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 9, and a Community Seder at 6:30 p.m. that night. Reservations are required for the Seder, and details can be obtained by calling MCJC at (815) 455-1810 or visiting mcjc-online.org.

In observance of Yom HaShoah, the Holocaust Memorial Day, MCJC will hold a service at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. The MCJC Book Club will also be meeting that evening to discuss "The Book Thief," by Marcus Zusak, a novel set in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust.

MCJC will be welcoming Beatrice Muchman, a Chicago-based author and hidden child of the Holocaust, from 11 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 26. Her talk is free and open to all.

MCJC Religious School meets each Wednesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon. Twice-a-week instruction is offered to second- to seventh-grade students, and Sunday-only instruction is offered for the parent-tot, pre-K and kindergarten to first grade classes, and those in eighth grade through high school.

Adult education is also offered at noon Sundays and Wednesdays.

Shabbat services are at 6:30 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 8617 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake. Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Maralee Gordon and are free and open to everyone. This is the only Conservative Jewish congregation in McHenry County. Interfaith families are welcome. It also operates a gift shop offering a range of Judaica items. It is located on Ridgefield Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake, accessible from Route 14. For information, call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Feb. 22, the Rev. Paige Wolfanger's sermon will be based on Mark 9:2-9 at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The Instrumental Group will play in both services and the Genesis Bell Choir will play in the second. The Sunday school children will continue their journey called "Following the Footsteps of Jesus" by "traveling" to the town of Bethsaida, where Jesus cures a man of blindness.

The performers for this year's Hobo Show will practice at 10:30 a.m.

At 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, there will be a family-friendly Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Celebration in the fellowship hall. Main dishes, games, beads, masks, etc. will be provided. Bring your friends and a decadent dish to share. An Ash Wednesday service will be held at 7 p.m. as they begin their Lenten journey together. The Chancel Choir will sing. Each member or friend is invited to bring a favorite discarded article of clothing to offer for use during Lent. Eventually pieces of cloth from each offering will be made into a quilt to be donated to the Heifer Project.

At 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, the Second Saturday Contemporary Worship Service will become a weekly contemporary service. This week, there will be a service project outing. Meet at the church at 5 p.m. to play bingo at a local nursing home. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691 or visit www.firsthuntley.org.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "It Is Good for Us to Be Here," based upon Mark 9:2-9, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Sunday school children meet at the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, and are excused to go to their classes after the pastor's children's message. Adult Bible class Sunday at 9:15 a.m. and Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. A supervised nursery is offered at the 10:30 a.m. service. Coffee and fellowship follows the Sunday services.

Evy's Cafe will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of the month.

The Lenten Season starts Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, with a Lenten supper at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Lenten service at 7 p.m. The theme this year is "King of Kings" and the message this evening will be "David: The King Who Laid Bare His Soul."

The Mission Resale Shop, located on Washington Street, is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gifts and good quality used clothing, and small household items can be purchased at reasonable prices. Donations are gratefully appreciated, and proceeds benefit mission work locally and afar. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

St. John's Lutheran School offers a day school program for first to eighth grade; all-day kindergarten and morning and afternoon preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Church membership is not required. To register or schedule a school tour, call Principal Ralph Peterson at (847) 658-9311.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sundays, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach at both services at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Nursery care is available at both services. Sunday school is at 9 a.m.

The church will have a booth at the Huntley Home and Business Expo Feb. 21-22.

On Mondays, Shepherd's Voices Choir meets at 7 p.m. at Citizens Bank. On Tuesdays at Citizens Bank, the first music team will meet at 5 p.m. with the second music team at 6 p.m.

The Merry Widows will meet at noon Tuesday, Feb. 23, continuing the study of "Unveiling Mary Magdalene."

On Wednesdays at Citizens Bank, the adult Bible Study will be at 10 a.m. and the confirmation class at 6:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank. Pizza will be at 6 p.m.

On Thursdays, Prairie Ringers Bell Choir will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cosman Center.

On March 7, there will be the Women's Retreat and the beginning of First Communion instruction for fifth-graders from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The instruction will continue March 14 and 21 with First Communion celebrated at April 12 worship services.

Construction continues on the new church building at the corner of Main and Manhattan. The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

Faith Community: On Sunday, Feb. 22, the Rev. Bruce Cole will lead worship with the sermon, "Muddy Water" at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through middle school.

The church will host a 13-week class called "Financial Peace University" at 7 p.m. Fridays, starting March 20. Advance registration for the class is necessary by March 4. The cost is $99.51 per family. Call the church office to register or with questions.

Awana meets every Monday with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Kids Club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Children from preschool through fifth grade are invited to attend. Everyone is welcome. On Feb. 23, the theme is "Balloon Night."

Alcoholics Anonymous holds a weekly closed meeting at noon Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Mondays. On Tuesdays, TOPS meets at 11:30 a.m.

Ash Wednesday worship on Feb. 25 will start with family dinner at 6 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.

Open enrollment for preschool has begun. To schedule an appointment call Director Michelle Sullivan at (224) 569-6512.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, Feb. 22, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, talks about forgiveness at the 10:45 a.m. service. In "Father, Forgive Me," the Rev. Dan Larsen will speak about how we can receive forgiveness. Sue McCowin will have the "Story for All Ages" before the kids go to their religious education classes. For information, call the church at (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org, or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Feb. 22, the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will preach at 9 and 10:45 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake.

Each Sunday at 9 and 10:45 a.m., all children, age 2 through seventh grade, will begin worship with their families. They will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class early in the service. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants, and toddlers at each service.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, Women's Winter Potluck Breakfast and Lenten Reflection will be held at 8:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

On Sunday, Feb. 22, the Adult Work Tour Aluminum Can Collection will held, and the Boy Scout Troop 168 spaghetti dinner and silent auction will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Seasons of the Spirit Bible study is held at 10:15 a.m. in the Banner Library. Ash Wednesday services are at noon and 7:15 p.m. in the chapel with pancake supper at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

On Friday, Feb. 27, the Wesley M. Vos Memorial Organ Recital will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, the men's breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. in the fellowship hall. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: Love in the air - is it in your heart? This month at the Center for Spiritual Evolution, a Religious Science community, you will learn how to create a consciousness of love each day as the Rev. Anne Muelleman leads you on a path of opening your hearts to receive and accept love. The Rev. Anne Muelleman's topic for Sunday, Feb. 22 is "Love is Who You Are," will show how you love because you are loved, with special music by Tricia Alexander.

Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service at 204 Spring St., lower level in Cary. There is a children's program and toddler care. If you arrive early, there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m. The children's Science of Mind curriculum is "Castles of Creation."

There is a Tuesday morning mediation with Bhanta Sujatha at 10 a.m. for a $10 donation. For details, call (847) 516-1950 or visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, Feb. 22, Dixieland Sunday will be celebrated at the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. Music will be offered by the church's Dixieland Band and the Senior Choir. The Rev. Brian Cope will preach at the 10 a.m. service. The message is based on Mark 9:2-9.

The monthly men's breakfast will be at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21.

On Tuesdays at 7 p.m., there is a Bible Study with the pastor.

On Feb. 25, there will be an Ash Wednesday service at 7:30 p.m.

The Mission Ministry is supporting a series of seminars on immigration, religious faith and society at 11:15 a.m. Sundays, Feb. 22 through April 5. The seminars will include the biblical imperatives of welcoming strangers and the present social, economical and faith values, and include how you can participate in healing and renewing your societal brokenness. They will engage in their own backgrounds and how they have shaped their lives. They will study scriptures, watch DVDs, study the effects of federal laws and NAFTA. They will hear from Olgha Sandman who has participated as a representative of Illinois Conference and the National Church in immigration work. Soup and bread will be served for a light lunch following worship, in the fellowship hall.

On Sunday, Feb. 22, the Copes invite youth from sixth grade and older to join them at the parsonage to play games and share in fellowship from 5 to 9 p.m. Snacks are provided; bring your favorite beverage.

On Friday, Feb. 27, the Copes invite the congregation to join them at the parsonage for a singalong of "Mama Mia" at 6:30 p.m. Popcorn are provided, bring your favorite beverage. For details, call Sally at (224) 678-9332.

Did you know that the creator of "Gilligan's Island" said he based the seven castaways on the Seven Deadly Sins? To quote the Professor in "Rescue From Gilligan's Island": "Judging by our various experiences, we've had lessons in Lust, Greed, Envy, Sloth, Anger, Gluttony and Pride, the same Seven Deadly Sins that have always plagued mankind." Do you know which castaway symbolizes which sin? Did you know there are also Seven Holy Virtues? To find out the answers join them from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Sundays beginning Feb. 22 for an interesting study and great discussion. Everyone is welcome. Come for any or all of the sessions.

Join the M and M Club, second through sixth grade, and go ice skating from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Leafs Ice Centre in West Dundee.

The new membership orientation classes are now being formed. There will be an orientation class at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 11. If you are interested in joining and cannot make this meeting, call the church office at (847) 658-5308 and they can schedule another class. Members will be received in the service at 10 a.m. March 15.

The Men's Fellowship will host another St. Patrick's Day corned beef dinner at 11:15 a.m. Sunday, March 15.

Shop at the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop, 307 S. Main St. in Algonquin. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The church is handicap accessible at the rear entrance. For details, call (847) 658-5308.