Lake Co. religion notes

Basketball for the family: Basketball games are being played at Kirk of the Lakes Presbyterian Church from 11 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The games are organized by Coach Bret Reed and are open to anyone from the fifth grade to adult. All skill levels are welcome. They will be meeting weekly, with the last game March 21. For details, call (847) 949-8670.

Recycling: On the third Sunday of each month, youth will man the recycle bin between services, from 9:30 to 10 a.m., and after the second service, after 11 a.m. Bring your old newspapers, junk mail, and catalogs. Youth will be ready to assist with the unloading of your car as you drive up to the bin in the Grace parking lot. Just head toward the back of the lot by the gold and green recycling bin. Can't come on Sunday morning? The recycle bin is in place on a daily basis, so come any time it's convenient for you. (We do not accept cardboard or phone books.) A portion of the cash credits for all paper donations will be used toward a green gift for the community. Grace Lutheran Church is located at 501 Valley Park Drive in Libertyville. www.aboutgracelutheran.org or (847) 367-7050.

Ultrasounds: Life Line Screening will offer five ultrasound screenings that can help you avoid a stroke Friday, March 13, at Faith Lutheran Church, 24300 Grass Lake Road in Antioch. The following screenings will be offered: stroke/carotid artery; heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation); abdominal aortic aneurysm; peripheral arterial disease; and osteoporosis. The first four tests can be taken for the cost of $139. Add the osteoporosis screening and the total cost is $149. Preregistration is required. Call Life Line Screening at (800) 324-1851 or visit www.faithantioch.org.

Auction: The First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville's ninth annual Triple Treasure Auction will be from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at the church, corner of Maple and Douglas in Libertyville. The theme is "A Night at the Hollywood Awards." Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children, who attend their own separate program featuring a magician. After March 8, adult tickets cost $25 and children's tickets will no longer be available. Tickets are available in the church office or by calling (847) 362-2174. Visit www.firstpreslibertyville.org.

Clothes for the needy: Clothing in sizes ranging from infant to size 16 boys and girls is available the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Andrew Episcopal Church's Elijah's Mantle for Children in Need community service project, 31 Park Ave., Grayslake. Next dates are: March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12. There is no cost. Donations of gently-used children's clothing in good condition are always welcome. standrewsgrayslake.org or (847) 223-2310.

Lenten program: St. Mary of the Annunciation at Fremont Center in Mundelein will host a Lenten day of reflection and dramatic presentation, "The Life of Jesus," at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15, in the main church, 22333 W. Erhart Road, Mundelein. Presenter Michael Hugo brings to life the qualities and character of Jesus to help us better understand Jesus as a real human being who came to show us exactly who God is and what he asks of us. Presentation recommended for anyone in sixth grade and older. For details, visit www.stmaryfc.org or call (847) 223-0010.

New pastor: Messiah Evangelical Church in Wauconda will formally install the newest pastor, Dirk van der Duim, on Sunday, March 15. Bishop Wayne Miller of the ELCA will be preaching and presiding and there will be a reception at 4 p.m. The congregation and the public is invited. Pastor van der Duim comes to Messiah from Chicago to replace Pastor Chuck Merkner who retired in February. Pastor van der Duim and his wife, Jill, are both excited to become a part of the Messiah family and look forward to meeting members of the church and their community. Service hours are Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Messiah Evangelical Church is located at 25225 W Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda. www.messiah-wauconda.org and (847) 526-7161.

Lenten Mission: St. Mary of Vernon will have a Parish Lenten Mission for three evenings, Sunday through Tuesday, March 15-17, at 7 p.m. in the Worship Center. Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson will present "The Paschal Mystery: Cheerleader or Participant?" The topic will cover how we are invited to actively live the Paschal Mystery and use Christ's passion, death and resurrection as a model through which to live our lives. Sunday night's gathering will include a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. in the John P. Finnegan Parish Center, a simple Lenten meal Monday at 6 p.m., and a dessert reception following the presentation Tuesday evening. For details, contact Maureen Evers at mevers@maryofvernon.org and (847) 362-1005, or by visiting www.maryofvernon.org.

Woman's group: Sojourners in the Spirit Woman's Group is exploring the women "who dared" - inspirational women at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 16 at Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church, 5725 Stearns School Road, Gurnee. www.annunciationgurnee.org, (847) 336-3730.

Honor your parents: A special program called "Honor Your Father and Mother: Limits and Limitations" will be led by Rabbi Scott Looper at 7 p.m. Monday, March 16, at Hawthorn Lakes, 10 E. Hawthorn Parkway in Vernon Hills. This program is intended for adult children and their parents.

Judaism 102: Congregation Or Shalom will offer the last in a series of three classes called "Judaism 102: Religious School for Adults" for a fee of $18 for members and $25 for nonmembers Wednesdays from 7 to 8:15 p.m. On Wednesday, March 18, participants will learn how to "Spice Up Your Seder," discussing ways to add variety to the traditional Seder. These ways include having a "chocolate Seder," a women's Seder, drama and hands-on activities that fit with individual choices, depending on those participating. Treats are served at every class. The synagogue is at 21 Hawthorn Parkway in Vernon Hills.

Dessert with the Rabbi: Rabbi Looper will host Thursday morning discussions called "Dessert with the Rabbi" from 10 to 11:15 a.m. March 19 at the synagogue, 21 Hawthorn Parkway in Vernon Hills. The program features discussion, study and dessert for a fee of $25.

Shabbat Across America: Congregation Am Echod (Reform), 2945 Falling Waters Blvd., Lindenhurst, will host Shabbat Across America at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 20. Reservations required, 7:30 p.m. Shabbat service. (847) 265-1818 or e-mail amechod@sbcglobal.net

'Godspell': The Zion Conservatory of Music presents "Godspell" at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, March 20, 21, 27 and 28, and 2 p.m. Sundays, March 22 and 29, in the Christian Arts Auditorium at Christ Community Church, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion. Tickets cost $10 and are available online at www.zionconservatory.com or by calling (847) 746-1411.

Italian fest: Advance tickets (required) are now on sale for St. Andrew Episcopal Church's annual Italian Fest from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Church Hall, 31 Park Ave., Grayslake. Eat in or take out. (847) 223-2310 or www.standrewsgrayslake.org.

Feast of St. Joseph: St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph with a St. Joseph Table on Saturday, March 21, at the Antioch/Lake Villa Township Hall, 1625 Deep Lake Road in Lake Villa. The celebration will begin with the blessing of the table at noon, followed by a family celebration until 3 p.m. A table with a variety of meatless dishes will be set for guests to enjoy, to coincide with Lent. Foods will include fish, vegetables, deviled eggs, breads, assorted cheeses, fruit salads, pasta dishes, breakfast casseroles, fruit trays, desserts and more. All the food will be surround a shrine honoring St. Joseph, whose feast falls this year on Thursday, March 19. There is no charge or fees, and everyone is welcome. Donations collected at the St. Joseph Table and will be given to the poor and needy. For more information on the St. Joseph Table, call (847) 395-3474.

Got Shabbat: Families with children ages 4 to 8 can spend a Shabbat afternoon at JCC's Got Shabbat? from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Congregation Or Sholom, 21 Hawthorn Parkway, Vernon Hills. Enjoy craft projects, food, Shabbat songs and Mark Nichols Puppet Palace. Contact Susan Ellenby at (224) 406-9223.

Dating violence: "Can You Hear Me?" - an open discussion about dating violence - will be offered from 6:30-8 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 29700 N. St. Mary's Road, Libertyville. A brief introduction will be followed by two workshops and light refreshments.

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 meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, March 26 and April 23, at Carmel High School, One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein. (847) 376-2118.

Retreat: A Lenten Retreat, "The Seven Last Words of Christ," will be offered from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at St. Andrew Episcopal Church, 31 Park Ave., Grayslake. Free, but registration is necessary by calling (847) 223-2310.

Lenten mission: St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church will host its Parish Lenten Mission from Monday, March 30 through Wednesday, April 1, at the church, on Route 173, half-mile east of route 45 in Antioch. The Mission will begin each evening at 7 p.m. and include Mass. Confessions will be offered during the last evening of the Mission. Fellowship will be offered each evening after the Mission. The Mission preacher will be the Rev. Fr. John C. Cusick and his theme will be "Blessed are You! Do You Believe That?" For more information on the mission, call (847) 395-3474.

Stations of the Cross: St. Andrew Episcopal Church, 31 Park Ave., Grayslake, will offer Stations of the Cross Explored at 6:30 p.m. and Stations of the Cross at 7:30 p.m. April 1 and 8. (847) 223-2310 or standrewsgrayslake.org.

Egg hunt: A Community Easter egg Hunt and Carnival will be held from 2-4 p.m. April 11 at Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1970 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire. www.ccclincolnshire.org