Religion - Special events

St. Joseph's Table: St. Laurence Parish, 226 Orchard St. in Elgin, will sponsor a St. Joseph's Table from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 22. A freewill donation will be accepted, which will be used to support the poor and homeless in the Elgin Community. This is a gift for the people in honor of St. Joseph. All are invited to enjoy this tradition. In the Middle Ages when a famine hit Sicily, the farmers prayed to St. Joseph to help end the famine. Their prayers were answered and they thanked St. Joseph by sharing food with all. Call (847) 468-6900.

Palm Sunday Interfaith Concert: The 15th annual Palm Sunday Interfaith Concert will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 5 at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St., West Dundee. Six weeks of ecumenical organ recitals culminate with a colossal finale when 100 singers, handbells, a brass ensemble and clergy from seven area churches join together in music and prayer to celebrate the sorrow and joy of the Lenten season. Call (847) 515-8743 or e-mail slvrshu35@comcast.net.

Easter egg hunt: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will hold an Easter egg hunt at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 4 sharp, rain or shine, to benefit a local family. The Easter egg hunt will be held in the field outside Good Shepherd's Christian Life Center at Nesler Road and Route 20. Groups will consist of 2- to 4-year-olds, 5-7 year olds, and 8-year-olds and up. A freewill donation for the Easter egg hunt of $2 per child is appreciated, and all proceeds will benefit families with unemployment issues. Juice and muffins will be available at 8:30 a.m. to raise more funds for families. Come enjoy breakfast and join Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in helping people and celebrating Easter. Good Shepherd Lutheran School is accepting enrollment for the 2009-10 school year. It houses an all-day kindergarten and first through eighth grades at 1111 Van St., and preschool at its Nesler Road location. Before-school care is available for preschool and after-school care is available at both sites. Call the preschool office at (847) 697-4745, or visit the Web site at www.goodshepherd-elgin.org.

Passion of Christ Through Music: Cornerstone Baptist Church, 9625 Haligus Road in Lake in the Hills, presents "The Passion of Christ through Music" with soprano Shellie Beeman at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 5. The journey of Christ's life is perhaps one of the most picturesque moments in human history. What better way to stir the heart than with the message of Christ in music. E. Y. Harburg stated it best when he said, "Words make you think a thought. Music makes you feel a feeling. A song makes you feel a thought." Join them on Palm Sunday, April 5 and experience this journey as the life of Christ is portrayed from His birth to His victorious resurrection through sacred music. For details, visit www.cornerstonehuntley.org.

Holy Week at Huntley church: During Holy Week, there will be two services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The Maundy Thursday Service will be a Seder Meal adapted for those who walk the Christian journey at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9 in the fellowship hall. This meal includes a worship-filled liturgy. There is no charge but reservations can be made by calling the church office at (847) 669-3691. At 7 p.m. Good Friday, there will be a Tenebrae service in the sanctuary, which will include a portrayal of the disciples and those closest to the Lord. This is a powerful service that begins in light and ends in relative darkness. Everyone is welcome.

Easter weekend in Huntley: Join Morning Star Church and The River Church for a special worship conference featuring Sean Feucht, Easter Weekend, on Thursday, April 9 through Easter Sunday, April 12. Feucht will be accompanied by Will Reagan of United Pursuit Band. Meeting times of this worship celebration weekend are as follows: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9; 7:14 p.m. Friday, April 10; 6 p.m. Saturday, April 11; 10 a.m. Sunday, April 12. There is no charge for these meetings. Morning Star Church and The River Church are at 41W350 Powers Road, just north of the I-90-Route 47 exit in Huntley. Call (847) 669-9800 or visit www.morningstarwoc.org and www.theriver-church.com.

Eggstravaganza: Good Friday, April 10, will be observed through a service of music and scripture, with a message focusing on "I Thirst" at Elgin Bible Church, 1580 E. Chicago St. The service begins at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, April 11, bring the family to a fun, free Easter "Eggstravaganza" from 10 a.m. to noon. The event includes an egg hunt, a giant basket drawing, and a show by an award-winning puppet team which will focus on the true significance of Easter. The Easter service at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, April 12, will feature praise and worship to the risen Lord, and a Biblical message with application to life. Call (847) 888-1978. All are welcome and encouraged to attend these events.

Easter egg hunt: First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee, invites the community to an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 12 in celebration of springtime. The hunt will be held on the church grounds, weather permitting. Children will be grouped by age and every egg will have special treats inside. Prizes will be awarded. There will be plenty of family fun on the ground while the kids hunt for the eggs. Refreshments will be served free of charge. Call (847) 426-2161 ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Flea market: Vendors are wanted for the outdoor flea market to be held Saturday, June 13 at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin. Call Cindy Meseke at (847) 468-8160.