Your faith

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

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 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 ages 4-10. (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 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 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 (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.

Mardi Gras jazz service: Celebrate Mardi Gras Sunday Feb. 22 at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 East Euclid Ave. Two worship services at 9 and 11 a.m. are Jazz services with the sermon "Taking the Roof Off," exemplifying the importance of friends. At 10 a.m., join others on the lower level in fellowship hall for a free pancake breakfast. All children are invited to decorate their own Mardi Gras mask and march in a New Orleans-style parade. There will be other children's crafts available during the pancake breakfast. Also at 10 a.m., during Kaleidoscope, the weekly adult education discussion (Room 10, lower level), learn all there is to know about the "History of Jazz." (847) 255-5112 or www.fumcah.com.

Blood drive: A blood drive will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. For details and to register, call 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.

Lenten services: Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 1116 E. Devon Ave., Bartlett, will hold Wednesday evening Lenten services starting on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, through April 1. A free soup and sandwich supper will be served at 5:45 to 6:45 p.m., followed by the service at 7 p.m. The theme for Lent is "Overheard - conversations by the cross." On Sunday, March 22, a Celebration of Baptism will be held during the 9:30 a.m. service. If you, a child or loved one would like to be baptized, call the church at (630) 837-1166.

Ash Wednesday: Living Lord Lutheran Church will offer a service on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25. All are welcome at Living Lord Lutheran Church to receive the sign of the cross in ashes on the forehead during worship at 7 p.m. The evening begins with Soup Supper at 6 p.m. Bring soup or bread to share and then stay for worship. For details, call (630) 830-3630, or visit www.livinglordlutheran.org. Living Lord Church is at 1044 Congress Drive in Bartlett, just south of Stearns Road on Route 59.

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.

Lenten services: Midweek services (evening prayer) will be at 7 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church (Wisconsin Synod), 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine, beginning with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25. The Ash Wednesday service is a Liturgy of Confession, Cross, and Christ. The overall theme for Lent 2009 Wednesdays is "Father, Forgive Them." The quiet evening services last about 45 minutes in the tradition of "Compline" - the last service before retiring for the evening. Free Lenten suppers are offered at 6 p.m. before all services beginning Feb. 25. www.ByFaithAlone.org or (847) 358-0230.

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.

Lenten services: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, will offer Lenten Services starting Feb. 25 with Ash Wednesday at noon, 5 and 7 p.m. and will continue each Wednesday through April 1. A light lunch will be served after the noon service and a light supper will be served after the 5 p.m. service and before the evening service in the cafeteria from 5:30-6 p.m. (847) 259-4114.

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. at 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. 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.

Fish fry: St Joseph the Worker Church, 181 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling, will host Friday fish fries from 4 - 8 p.m. Feb. 27 through April 3. All-you-can eat fish fry includes choice of potato, coleslaw and rye bread. Shrimp dinners, salad bar and soup also available. Bar and soft drinks. (847) 537-2740.

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.

Open house: Little Angels Early Learning Program will host an open house from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 751 W. Army Trail Road, Bartlett. For details, call (630) 830-3003.

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.

Chili fundraiser: A homemade chili dinner will be served at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at St. John United Church of Christ in Palatine, 1475 W Algonquin Road. The fundraiser will help this 162-year-old congregation modify one of the church's entrances to provide accessibility for its handicapped members and visitors.

Saturday Club: "Make a Joyful Noise" will be the theme for a morning of fun Saturday, Feb. 28, from 9-11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Sponsored by the Lambs of Faith Ministry, this Saturday Club event will enable children to enjoy and make music and musical instruments to play. The morning's activities also include a snack and "Jesus Time." Different groups will meet for age 3 through third-grade. Suggested donation is $5 per child to cover costs. Walk-ins welcome, but registration appreciated. Call the church office at (847) 253-4839 for more information and to register.

Book review/discussion: Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church, 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine, will host a book review and discussion at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1. The book, "A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn, tells America's story from the point of view of - and in the words of - America's women, factory workers, African Americans, Native Americans, working poor and immigrant laborers. It spans the years 1492-2000. Only the first 12 chapters will be included, and the remainder of the book will be covered at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in Room 6 at the north entrance. ccuu@ccuu.org under

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 details, call (847) 359-1936.

The Creative Process: Unity Northwest Church will present a new series called "The Creative Process" beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 3. The series will be presented by the Rev. Russ Sorensen. Unity Northwest Church is at 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. For details or to register, call (847) 297-0997.

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.

Church Women United: A World Day of Prayer breakfast and service, sponsored by Church Women United in Northwest Cook County, will be at 9 a.m. Friday, March 6, at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village. This year's service, "In Christ There Are Many Members, Yet One Body," was written by the Christian women of Papua New Guinea. The Rev. Meghan Aelabouni will share a reflection. Tickets for the deluxe continental breakfast are $5. Free child care will be available by reservation. For tickets or child care, call Nancy Duel at (847) 259-3793.

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.

Purim: Join Olive Tree and Rock of Israel Congregations to celebrate Purim Saturday, March 7, starting at 12:30 p.m. at Olive Tree Congregation, 203 E. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. Come dressed as your favorite Purim character (not required). Come early for a special service starting at 10 a.m. For details or directions, call (847) 222-1230.

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 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.

Drum circle: Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, will have Drum Circle at 7 p.m. Friday, March 13. Bring your own drum or percussive instrument or they will be provided.

Fish fry: St. Raymond de Penafort Church in Mount Prospect will host three Friday night fish fries during the upcoming Lenten season. These events will take place between 5 and 8 p.m. Feb. 27, March 13 and April 3 in the school cafeteria, accessible via the main entrance to the parish's Catholic elementary school at the corner of Elmhurst Avenue at Milburn Street. Both eat in and carryout meals will be featured. Cheese pizza will also be available. Dinner costs remain $7 for adults, $4 for children older than 2, and $6 for seniors during the 5 to 6 p.m. hour. A donation-only bar will also be available for adults.

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.

Passover seder: The Olive Tree Congregation in Prospect Heights is hosting a Messianic Passover Seder at 6 p.m. Friday, April 10, at The Atlantis Banquets, 1273 N. Rand Road in Arlington Heights. Attendees are invited to participate in a family-style seder with traditional foods and music, all pointing to Yeshua (Jesus) as the Passover Lamb. Sign language interpreters provided. Space is limited; registration deadline is March 28. Register by March 14 to receive an early registration discount. For details, call (847) 222-1230 or visit www.olive-tree.org for a registration form.

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.

Gospel of John: As a Lent event, St. Cecilia is bringing The Gospel of John to the Chicago area March 15. Brad Sherrill, a professional actor who lives in Atlanta, Ga., memorized all 20,000 words of the Gospel of John. He has performed the Gospel of John in churches and theater venues more than 500 times to over 150,000 people all over the U.S., Canada, The U.K., and Ireland. The presentation will take place at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15, (seating begins at 3 p.m.) at St. Cecilia Church, 700 S. Meier Road, Mount Prospect. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the parish office, (847) 437-6208, or online at gospelofjohn.com.

Healing work: Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, will host Dr. Janet Horton at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 22, for an overview of her healing work.

Horton Wellness & Chiropractic is a state-of-the-art chiropractic and wellness clinic in Des Plaines. Aside from offering traditional chiropractic therapies and acupuncture, the clinic director, Dr. Janet Horton, is the author of the Live Well Metabolic Makeover.

Dr. Horton looks at metabolic challenges, hormonal issues, food sensitivities, and structural stresses.

Living Beyond Stress: Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, will hold a workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 21, called Living Beyond Stress. Cynthia Hosman, licensed counselor and Unity Northwest chaplain, will conduct this workshop for coping with stress in body, mind and spirit. In her private practice in Arlington Heights she helps families and individuals of all ages use their gifts to lead happier, more fulfilled lives. Suggested freewill offering: $20.00. For details or to register, call (847) 297-0997.

Lecture on homosexuality: Christian Liberty Academy will host Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth at 7 p.m. Monday, March 23, at the academy, 502 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. LaBarbera founded Americans for Truth, which alerts Christians about threats of the homosexual agenda to families and religious freedom. Visit www.americansfortruth.com to learn more about LaBarbera's work.

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.

Clothing resale: The Barrington United Methodist Women will host a "Like New Spring and Summer Clothing Resale" from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 3, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 4, at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington. On Saturday, shoppers can take advantage of a bargain bag sale, with all the goodies you can fit into either a $3 or $5 bag. Proceeds from the sale will go toward local missions.

Donations of clothing will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, March 30, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, March 31 and April 1; and 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 2. Tax donation receipts will be readily available. (847) 836-5540.

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.

Virtual Book Fair: Congregation Beth Judea will have a Virtual Book Fair. In conjunction with Amazon.com, they have set up a selection of books and music that can be purchased online. The Beth Judea Religious School receives a portion of all purchases made. Direct your Web browser to: CBJ School Book Fair and follow the link. When you shop from this link, a portion of all purchases goes to Beth Judea. On the cbjschool.com Web site, you will see a link that takes you directly to amazon.com. This Web site will be up and running for a number of months. Beth Judea (Conservative) is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For details, call Anna Besser at (847) 634-0777.

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.