Northwest suburban religion notes

Spiritual master: H.H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, a spiritual master, will speak in Hindi with English translation at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. Maharaj had written the books "Inner and Outer Peace through Meditation" and "Empowering Your Soul through Meditation." The event is free. To learn more about H.H. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj's local schedule, contact (630) 955-1200; info@sos.org; or visit sos.org.

Kids fashion: A Spring Fashion Show Fundraiser featuring children ages 2 to 12 will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine. Donation requested of $15 per adult, $5 for children 6 and older and free for ages 5 and younger. For families of two or more children: first child $5, each additional child $3. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. livingfaithcwc.com. Deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, April 10. Call (847) 382-1830.

Cantata: The Chancel Choirs of St. John United Church of Christ, Arlington Heights, and St. Paul United Church of Christ, Palatine, present the Good Friday cantata "Song of the Shadows" at 7:30 p.m. April 10 at St. John UCC, 308 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights. Communion will be received. (847) 255-6687. churchonthepark.com

Special services: Good Friday Services will take place at 7 p.m. April 10 at St. Paul UCC, 301 E. Lincoln Ave., Barrington. ccbarrington.org. (847) 381-1294.

Good Friday: St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 342 E. Wood St. Palatine, will offer Stations of the Cross at 3 p.m. and a service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10. (847) 358-0615, stphilipspalatine.org

Tenebrae service: Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine, will have a Tenebrae service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10. (847) 358-4600.

Special services: Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 1116 E. Devon Ave., Bartlett, will hold Good Friday, April 10, services at 7 p.m.

Special services: Living Lord Lutheran Church, 1044 Congress Drive, Bartlett, will have services at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 10. (630) 830-3630 / livinglordlutheran.org.

Special services: Christ the King Lutheran Church, (Wisconsin Synod), 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine, will offer services at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10. (847) 358-0230.

Special services: Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, on Good Friday, April 10, children will learn about Easter through story, music, puppets, and crafts, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.; open Communion will be served from noon to 3 p.m.; and a Tenebrae service will be at 7:30 p.m. (847) 836-5540, or BarringtonUMC.com.

Passover services: Congregation Beth Judea, a Conservative congregation, offers Passover services: Friday, April 10, Passover service at 9:30 a.m., Beth Judea Pesach Shabbat dinner at 6 p.m. (reservations required), and Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 11, Shabbat service at 9:30 a.m.; Wednesday, April 15, Passover service at 9:30 a.m.; Thursday, April 16, Passover service and Yizkor at 9:30 a.m. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777 or BethJudea.org.

Last words: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 S. School St., Mount Prospect, offers from noon to 2:30 p.m. Friday April 10, Tre Ore, contemplative half-hour worship services, featuring devotions on the last words of Christ before his death. Come for all or part. A Tenebrae service will be at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10.

Good Friday: Elk Grove Presbyterian Church, Elk Grove Boulevard and Tonne Road, Elk Grove Village, will have Good Friday services at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10.

Special service: Good Friday service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Long Grove Community Church. longgrovecommunitychurch.org.

Special services: Church of the Incarnation (United Methodist): 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, will have a Tenebrae service at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10. Prayer Vigil will be from 8 p.m. Friday, April 10, through noon Saturday, April 11. churchoftheincarnation.com.

Good Friday: Our Saviour Evangelical Free Church, 300 S. Schoenbeck Road, Wheeling, offers a Good Friday Service at 7 p.m.

Easter concert: Cornerstone Bible Church, 400 N. Elmhurst Road in Prospect Heights, presents I See Love, the congregation's annual Easter concert, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 11. The concert will be conducted by Dennis Criser, Cornerstone's worship pastor. Free tickets are available by contacting the church office at (847)-577-9340 or by visiting cornerstone-bible-church.org and filling out an online ticket order form.

Special service: A Good Friday service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines.

German service: A special all-German service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, April 10, with the Rev. James Kellerman, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Chicago, as liturgist and homilist at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee St., Des Plaines. In addition, services will be at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, and at noon and 7 p.m. Friday, April 10.

Soup supper and service: Before the Good Friday Service April 10, Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road in Des Plaines, will have its annual Soup Supper at 6 p.m. Bring a donation of soup, breads, or finger desserts. Call the church office at (847) 297-0997 to let them know what you are bringing. After the Soup Supper, attend the service at 7:30 p.m.

Good Friday: St. Mark, 200 S. Wille St., Mount Prospect, will host a children's worship open to all at 10 a.m. Friday, April 10, that will feature a unique mobile worship experience. At 7 p.m. Friday, April 10, St. Mark will offer a Tenebrae service.

Good Friday: Trinity Lutheran Church of Rolling Meadows, 3201 Meadow Drive, will have a Good Friday Worship at 7 p.m.

Special services: St. Philip Lutheran, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, will offer "The 7 Last Words" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10.

Special services: St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights will have services Good Friday, April 10, at noon, 5 and 7 p.m. At 7 p.m. will be the Tenebrae service, focusing on the Seven Words from the Cross and accompanied by our Voices of Worship choir. (847) 259-4114. A Good Friday service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10, at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows.

Community service: A Rolling Meadows Community Worship Service will be from noon to 3 p.m. (come and go as time permits) Friday, April 10, at the Community Church of Rolling Meadows. 2720 Kirchoff Road. Pastors from the Kingdom Life House of Prayer, St. Colette Catholic Church, Bethel Lutheran Church, Cardinal Drive Church of Christ, Trinity Lutheran Church, Meadows Baptist Church and Community Church of Rolling Meadows will participate.

Special services: St. John Lutheran Church (LCMS), 3020 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, will have services at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10. (847) 296-5727, churchinthewoods.org

Special services: St. Matthew's Ev. Lutheran Church, 9081 N. Maryland St., Niles, will have services at 7:15 p.m. Friday, April 10. (847) 827-4360.

Special services: Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village, will have a service at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10. (847) 437-2666.

Good Friday: A Children's Good Friday service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 10, at the church. Children will go from room to room learning about Jesus' life through dramatic presentations by youth of the church.

Special service: The South Church, 501 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect, on Friday, April 10, come for contemplation, prayer and Communion from 5-7 p.m. in the sanctuary. thesouthchurch.com.

Special services: Christ Church UCC, 1492 Henry Ave., Des Plaines, will have a Tenebrae service at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10.

Special services: North Northfield United Methodist Church, Sanders and Dundee roads, Northbrook, will have services at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10. (847) 272-2250 or northnorthfield.org.

Good Friday: Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, will observe Good Friday, April 10, with an 11:30 a.m. service followed by a light lunch. Good Friday Tenebrae service is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., April 10.

Passover: Feast of Pesach/Passover will be Saturday, April 11, at Comfort Inn Suites Hotel, 2480 Bushwood Drive, Elgin, and hosted by Ha Mishkan David. After the seder will be worship/food/fellowship/Israeli music and dance. The cost is $10 for adults, free for children. Registration ends Wednesday, April 8. hamishkandavid.org. Make checks payable to: The Tabernacle of David, 876 Clover Lane, Pingree Grove, IL 60140. (847) 464-5477 or hamishkandavid.org.

Egg hunt: An Easter egg hunt will be from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Poplar Creek Church, 300 Schick Road in Bartlett. The community is invited to attend this event with thousands of eggs to be found by kids of all ages. Call (630) 483-1000 for details.

Men's Club Shabbat: The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea will lead the Shabbat service at the Annual Men's Club Shabbat at 9:30 a.m. the third day of Passover, Saturday, April 11, at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. The Kiddish that will follow the service will be sponsored by the Men's Club. (847) 634-0777 or BethJudea.org.

In-between: Life Community Church, 1500 E. Central Road, Mount Prospect, offers "In Between ... Celebrating life lived in-between brokenness and redemption" from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, April 11. (847) 296-3242.

Eggs and more: An egg hunt will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at Northwest Assembly Church, 900 N. Wolf Road, Mount Prospect. This free egg hunt will feature 25,000 eggs, a petting zoo, food, balloons and more. nwaog.com or (847) 299-2400.

Egg hunt: St. Peter Lutheran Church 111 West Olive St. Arlington Heights, will be having their third annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 11. Children may come at 1 p.m. to decorate a bag for their eggs, with the hunt beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Pancake breakfast: The South Church will host a Community Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11. The menu will include pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee. The cost is $5 per adult, free for children ages 12 and younger. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance from 9 to 11 a.m. to pass out goody bags to children and pose for photos. The South Church is at 501 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. thesouthchurch.com or (847) 253-0501.

Easter Breakfast: Church of the Cross, 475 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates, will serve breakfast from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Sunday, April 12. Free.

New church: Join Dr. Robb and Linda Thompson at 11:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 12, as they launch the new Sunday morning worship services of City Harvest Church at the Marriott Hotel, 50 North Martingale Road in Schaumburg. City Harvest is a nondenominational, contemporary church. For details, call the Rev. Jacques Jacobs at (708) 614-6000 or visit cityharvestnorth.org.

Survivors of Suicide: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago invites those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide to participate in its Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) program from 7-9 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Catholic Charities Northwest Office, 1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines, and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. For details, call (847) 376-2118.

Easter breakfast: Youth will serve breakfast from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Sunday, April 12, in Fellowship Hall at Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. All proceeds benefit the youth summer mission trip to New Orleans. Cost is $7.50 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families. Menu includes sausage, eggs, cinnamon rolls, juice, coffee and milk.

Egg hunt: Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will host a free Easter egg hunt for children up to fifth grade after the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, April 12.

Easter egg hunt: All children in sixth grade and younger can search for eggs after the first worship celebration (about 10 a.m.) Sunday, April 12, on the church grounds at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. There will be separate hunting areas for preschoolers and older children. Containers will be provided. (847) 255-5112 or fumcah.com.

Seder: A Passover Seder will be led by Ron Raben, education director of Elgin Congregation Kneseth Israel, at 10 a.m. Monday, April 13, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. He will talk about the history of Passover and participants will experience firsthand the traditions of Passover. (630) 213-0100.

Women's Passover Seder: Reservations are being taken now for Beth Tikvah Congregation's annual Women's Passover Seder. The event pays tribute to the Jewish observance of Passover from a woman's spiritual perspective. The full-course dinner and service begin at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, at the temple, 300 Hillcrest Blvd., in Hoffman Estates. Tickets are $20 per person. Make checks payable to Beth Tikvah Sisterhood. Advance sales only. To reserve your spot, contact Naomi Lee at (847) 359-0814 or mamanheureuse.lee@gmail.com, or Dawn Bernstein, (630) 307-0325.

Support group: Rainbows Groups, for people who have experienced a loss through death, divorce or other painful transition, will meet from 7 to 8 p.m. on Mondays at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, for eight weeks beginning April 13. There will not be sessions on May 25, Memorial Day. Groups will be available for all age levels, from preschool to adult. For details, call Shirley Laube or Lynne Manning at the church office (847) 253-4839.

Carbon footprint: Come walk through the east hallway at Kingswood United Methodist Church this spring and follow our human carbon footprint. Sponsored by Peacemakers, Kingswood's young Sunday school artists and adult leaders have decorated the hallway with posters, banners, artwork and displays as a reminder of how we can be good stewards of our planet. Visitors will walk through years of mounting landfill waste and discover how it's taken a toll on our planet. Before you exit, you'll find ways you can reduce, reuse and recycle to help keep our planet green for future generations. The display will be up through Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, at Kingswood UMC, 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove.

Men's meeting: Rinkey Dinks Christian Men will meet at 11:30 a.m. April 14 at the Palm Court Restaurant, 1912 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, for lunch. Speaker will be Suzanne Stantis, Honor Flights -Chicago, director, and she will discuss the 2009 flights scheduled for: April 15, May 12, June 17, July 15, and August 12. Visit honorflightchicago.org for more information about this group which provides free trips for World War II veterans to Washington D.C.

Women's Bible Study: Women's Corner meets Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. at Church of the Incarnation (United Methodist), 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights. Ann Tani leads the study, "Mother-Daughter Wisdom (Understand the Crucial Link Between Mothers, Daughters, and Health)." churchoftheincarnation.com.

Pray for peace: A Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 E. Main St., Barrington. (847) 381-0243 or visit http://elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls. aspx.

Bible class: Beginning Wednesday, April 15, Trinity Lutheran Church, 657 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will expand its Wired Word Bible class and discussion group to Wednesday nights from 6:15-7:30 p.m. The class currently meets at 9:15 a.m. Sunday mornings and will continue at that time also. (847) 827-6656 or trinitydesplaines.org.

Men's Bible Study: The Men's Group meets for breakfast and meditation each Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, for a light breakfast and participative discussion. All men are welcome. churchoftheincarnation.com.

Drumming circle: In honor of Stress Awareness Month and Day and Celebrate Diversity Month, a Drumming Circle will be led by Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 16, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. (630) 213-0100

Special service: A special service for Yizkor will be held at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St., Elgin. For information, contact the synagogue office, (847) 741-5656 or visit the Web site, ckielgin.org.

Bible study: Christus Victor Lutheran Church will offer three new Bible studies - Living the Question, NOOMA Study and Alpha. LtQ is held on Thursdays, beginning on April 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. Spring into the NOOMA Spirit on Thursdays, beginning April 16 from 7-8:30 p.m. The Alpha course will take place on Saturday evenings, beginning April 18 from 6-8:30 p.m. For more information about any of these studies, contact Christus Victor Lutheran Church at (847) 437-2666 or visit christusvictoregv.org. The church is located at 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village.

Mother's Celebration: Mothers and Daughters are invited to an early Mother's Day Celebration at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1111 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights. Gather for ice cream with all the trimmings, other goodies, fun, and entertainment. Tickets are $5 for adults and children 3 and older, $3 for children younger than 3. To order tickets, call (847) 537-4353 before April 16.

Hymn sing: New Hope Community Church, 1023 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, will have a Hymn Sing at 7 p.m. Friday, April 17. (847) 358-4224.

Rummage sale: The Presbyterian Church of Palatine Spring Rummage and Bake Sale will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 17 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at 800 E. Palatine Road, The Presbyterian Women will distribute all proceeds to charities, many of which are local.

Reading room: First Church of Christ, Scientist, Arlington Heights, invites all to come to our April Reading Room Open House Friday to Sunday, April 17-19. The Reading Room is located at 402 S. Arlington Heights Road. Explore our publications that can give you spiritual answers to your questions about the economy, family relationships, employment and healing. Also take advantage of the huge book sale and get a free gift with every purchase. Regular Reading Room hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Special Open House hours are 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, featuring a book talk on "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18; and 11:15 a.m.- 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19. (847) 255-4853.

Movie night: Come to Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, at 7 p.m. Friday, April 17, for a showing of "Henry Poole Is Here." A donation of $2 is suggested; bring your own snacks and drinks. The movie starts promptly at 7 p.m., and there will be a discussion about the movie afterward.

Anniversary celebration: Living Lord Lutheran Church, 1044 Congress Drive, Bartlett, will celebrate its 30th anniversary in worship at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, and at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 19. Participants will enjoy a multimedia presentation of the congregation's history, an inspiring message, and special music. Cake, coffee, and other goodies will be served before, between, and after services. livinglordlutheran.org, (630) 830-3630.

Concert: Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine, will be hosting a concert by the Spirit of Life Chorus at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, in Bethel's sanctuary. Coffee fellowship will follow the concert in the Social Hall. A freewill offering will be taken for the Benevolence Fund in support of Bethel's mission congregation in Elgin. (847) 397-4372.

Book discussion: Book group will meet at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19, to discuss "and the Shofar Blew" by Francine Rivers at Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine.

Concert and quilts: The youth at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 1044 Congress Drive, Bartlett, will host a special Anniversary Concert & Quilt Silent Auction at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19. The concert will be one hour long, followed by a yummy dessert buffet. A freewill offering will be collected. Participants are also invited to bid on the beautiful quilts on display. All proceeds will benefit the senior high youth mission trips. livinglordlutheran.org. (630) 830-3630.

Faith in Action: Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, and the Christian Church of Arlington Heights, 333 W. Thomas, kick off plans for Faith In Action. The four-week program includes daily devotionals, sermon emphasis and small group lessons over a four-week period, April 19, April 26, and May 3. It culminates in Outreach Sunday, May 17, when members of both churches will take on service projects in the community. For details, visit CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650.

Talent show: The first Beth Judea Talent Show will take place in Beth Judea's Social Hall on at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 19. Starring in the show are young budding artists and more accomplished performers. Admission is $5 per person with a maximum of $15 per family. Proceeds will assist Beth Judea in financing their kiddushim. (847) 634-0777.

Holy humor: The Congregational UCC, 1101 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, will celebrate "Holy Humor Sunday" on Sunday, April 19, with a worship service at 10:30 a.m. focused on laughter and joy. The celebration is based on the European tradition of observing "Bright Sunday" on the Sunday following Easter. CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.

New service: Faith RiZing, a new contemporary service, will be offered at 9:15 a.m. Sundays at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. (847) 437-2666.

Concert: First Presbyterian Church presents "Feel the Spirit" by John Rutter at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19, at the church, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. Features Chancel Choir, orchestra and soloist Lauren McFayden. Freewill offering. Childcare provided. (847) 255-5900.

Holocaust remembrance: Congregation B'nai Shalom of Buffalo Grove will host a Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance) program at 8 p.m. Monday, April 20, at the synagogue, 701 W. Aptakisic Road, Buffalo Grove. Professor Phyllis B. Lassner, who teaches Holocaust studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, will discuss "Innocent Monsters: The Kindertransport." Lassner's talk, which is free of charge and open to the public, is based on her newly published book, "Anglo-Jewish Women Writing the Holocaust: Displaced Witnesses."

Holocaust Remembrance: Yom HaShoah Community Program will be at 7 p.m. Monday, April 20, at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Join for this community service to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day. (847) 459-1677 or congregation-betham.org

Holocaust survivor: Beth Judea's Youth Group United Synagogue Youth will welcome Holocaust survivor and Beth Judea congregant Joseph Koek to speak to them about his experiences at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in the Youth Lounge directly after evening services. Cost: free for members; $10 donation for Jewish nonmembers to Tikun Olam. (847) 634-0777, ext. 114. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.

Fashion show: St. Thomas Becket Women's Guild in Mount Prospect presents Ribbons and Rubies fashion show and dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Bristol Court Banquets, 828 E. Rand Road, Mount Prospect. The latest in spring and summer fashions will be presented by Carson Pirie Scott and Cold Water Creek. The $35 admission ticket includes a chocolate fondue fountain, complete dinner, fashion show, door prizes, wine raffle, 50/50, mini raffle, mystery raffle, silent auction, plus the Grand Raffle. This year the Grand Raffle prizes are $1,000, $500 and $250. Call (847) 827-9220 for tickets or more information.

Rummage sale: Glenview United Methodist Women present the annual rummage and plant sale from 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 24 ($3 admission fee Friday only) and from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Glenview United Methodist Church, 727 Harlem Ave. (847) 729-1015. Refreshments available.

Spring luncheon: The Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America will hold its annual Spring Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, followed by flower arrangements by Gigi's. Cost is $10. Reservations may be made by calling Beverly Johnson at (847) 296-5315 or at the church, (847) 827-6656.

Spring gala: St. Raymond de Penafort, 301 S. Ioka Ave., Mount Prospect, will offer its Spring Gala - Let Your Light Shine, a 60th Anniversary Celebration, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel, Schaumburg. Ticket price: $100/person. Contact: (847) 253-8600.

Alternate worship: Experience Worship is a new alternative worship service at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine. Come gather at 5:30 p.m. Sundays, April 26, May 10 and 24, and June 14 and 28 at CLC's Holy Grounds coffee shop. (847) 358-4600.

Wine tasting: St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church will present its first Wine Tasting and Auction Saturday, May 30, at the church, 411 N. Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights. Tickets are $40 per person if purchased by April 26, $50 if purchased in May, and $60 at the door. It begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Proceeds help support St Alphonsus Church and School. Everyone 21 years and older welcome.

Hymn fest: A festival of glorious hymns and songs of the Easter season will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at the Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St. Glenview. Guest Conductor, Paul Leddington Wright (Coventry Cathedral and British Broadcasting Corp. Songs of Praise) will lead an old fashioned singalong hymn fest. Free.

Reception: Congregation Beth Judea will hold a dessert reception honoring Maureen and David Stolman of Buffalo Grove at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 26. The special guest speaker will be Douglas Bloomfield. Chairman of this event is Howie Goodman. Cost is $9/person. Congregation Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Becoming More Psychic Through Your Angels: A workshop, facilitated by Wendy Eidman, will be presented from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road in Des Plaines. Suggested offering of $20. Wendy Eidman is a certified angel therapy practitioner, medium, and professional spiritual teacher. For details, call (800) 798-9270, e-mail angelgalwendy@yahoo.com, or visit angelgalwendy.com. To register for the workshop, call (847) 297-0997.

Genealogy program: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will present Preserving Your Ancestor's Legacy: Write Their Life Story" by Mike Karsen at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 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, or ask genealogical related questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.

Film: "Amazing Grace," a full-length feature film will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2025 S. Goebbert, Arlington Heights. Based on the true story of William Wilberforce, "Amazing Grace" follows his courageous quest to end the British slave trade and reform society.

Rummage sale: The Women's Guild of Christ Church UCC, 1492 Henry Ave., Des Plaines, is having its spring rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, and from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 29. This fundraiser includes everything from knickknacks to clothing. Donations will be accepted at the church from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday, April 27. Wednesday is $3 per bag day. The proceeds will benefit the church and missions.

The Office: Beth Judea's USY will become the TV program "The Office," with participants wearing office gear, dressing like their favorite characters or even coming as a pad of paper. The event will be from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 28. Cost: free for members; $10 for Jewish nonmembers. For information, contact Youth Director Aaron Polonsky at (847) 634-0777, ext. 114, or e-mail him at YouthDirector@BethJudea.org. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.

Speaker: Archbishop Elias Chacour, world-renowned priest, peacemaker, and author, will speak at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at the First United Methodist Church in Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave. Freewill offering to support the schools he founded in Ibillin, Israel. (847) 255-5112.

Family celebration: Israel's Birthday Bash/Yom Ha'atzmaut Family Celebration will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30, at the Bernard Weinger Jewish Community Center, 300 Revere Drive in Northbrook. Experience Israel through activities and crafts, go for a camel ride, and dance and sing with a DJ. Enjoy a pizza dinner. Receive 50 percent off the price of admission when you register online. Visit gojcc.org. Admission: $18.54 per family in advance, $25.75 at the door.

Cantorial concert: The 2009 Melanie Karsen Memorial Cantorial Concert will be at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Join for a night of musical theater, liturgical music, Yiddish tunes and more. The annual Cantorial Concert at Beth Am features Cantor Diane Yomtov, along with four other highly esteemed cantors from around the country. Call (847) 459-1677 to receive reduced rates before the night of the concert. Be one of the first 300 to sign up and receive a free CD of this year's concert.

Friendship Day: The Church Women United of the Barrington Area will hold its May Friendship Day celebration at 7 p.m. Monday, May 4, at Barrington United Methodist Church, Barrington. Young women named by various churches in Barrington, Cary, Fox River Grove, Island Lake, Prairie Grove, Lake Zurich, and Wauconda who live up to the motto of CWU, "Agreed to differ, resolved to love, united to serve," will be honored. CWU of the Barrington Area continues its prison ministry by inviting attendees to bring a gift/donation of regular size toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, lotion) and jumbo sized "zip lock bags." (847) 540-5634.

Family bingo: Bingo with Bubbe will be offered at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Can you think of a better way to spend time over Mother's Day weekend than with your family, playing bingo? Join us for a night of bingo games, prizes, food and friends. Cards can be purchased before the event at a discounted rate, call (847) 459-1677 for more details.

Plant sale: Trinity United Methodist Church Women will host its 18th annual Spring Plant and Flower Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9. A variety of plants will be available, including hanging baskets, garden flowers, vegetables, and ground cover. Four master gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions. Baked goods will also be available. The sale will be held at Trinity UM Church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect, IL 60056. For your convenience, pre-orders will be accepted until March 29. An order form is available at trinitymp.org. Call (847) 439-0950.

Lox boxes: The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea is selling Lox Boxes for pickup from 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday, May 10, at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. The Men's Club also will deliver to locations within a reasonable distance. Orders for delivery need to be received by May 3. A special Mother's Day Brunch can be arranged if ordered in advance. Boxes cost $25 for one, $47 for two, or $40 for one box for you and one for the ARK. Payment may be made by check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). (847) 634-0777, ext. 115.

Restaurant coupon: The Tamar-Modin Hadassah group will have a Dining for Dollars Dinner fundraiser from 4-10 p.m. Monday, May 11, at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria's 30 locations. Twenty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Hadassah organization with each order received with a fundraiser flier. Proceeds will benefit the Hadassah Medical Organization. (847) 675-6790.

Flower sale: The Boy Scout troop sponsored by Trinity Lutheran Church, 657 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will have a flower sale May 14-15, in cooperation with Pesche's Flower Shop, 170 S. River Road, Des Plaines. Mention the group at checkout and a portion of the purchase price will benefit the Scouts.

For families: Family Shabbat will be offered from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. Join for a Shabbat celebration full of songs, snacks, stories and crafts.

Church security: On May 30, Grace Baptist Church, in partnership with the Christian Security Network, will host a full-day Security and Emergency Planning seminar, designed for church leaders. Jeffrey Hawkins, executive director of the Christian Security Network, will be the featured guest speaker. The Security and Emergency Planning seminar will take place at 1900 Nerge Road, Elk Grove Village. To register, or for more information, visit christiansecuritynetwork.com. General admission is $75 and $45 for Christian Security Network members. Lunch will be served. Group discounts are available. christiansecuritynetwork.com.

Beginning genealogy: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will host a Beginner's Workshop led by Judy Frazin at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. This program is designed to help answer the question, "How do I get started researching my family?" jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.

Preschool registration: Prince of Peace preschool and kindergarten, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, is currently registering new students for the 2009-2010 school year. Call (847) 885-7036 for more information.

Preschool registration: The Big Barn Preschool is accepting summer and fall registration. Full-day and part-day preschool are available. There are a limited number of spaces for 3- to 5-year-old preschoolers. For details, 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 details, 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 St. Hubert Catholic School.

New Beginnings: 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.

School registration: New Hope Christian Academy is now enrolling for fall classes: preschool and kindergarten. For details or to schedule an appointment, call (847) 359-5482. New Hope Christian Academy is a part of New Hope Community Church, 1023 E. Palatine Road, Palatine.

Moms Bible Study: The Saturday morning Saint Paul Moms Bible Study would like to welcome new members. The group meets one or two Saturdays per month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Panera Restaurant on Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village. The group is currently studying a book about Christian parenting. For details, contact Jennifer at J-Slate@neiu.edu. St. Paul Lutheran Church is at 100 S. School St., Mount Prospect. saint-paul.org.

A small group meets to write their life stories from 2 to 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.

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 to 11:30 a.m. After Gan Shabbat, all participants will be encouraged to join the main service and the community Kiddush. Beth Judea is 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 the 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 the first Sunday of the month at the church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. (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. to 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. The class is open to nonmembers. (847) 459-1677 or congregation-betham.org.

Beth Am Food Pantry's food distribution: Offered the last Sunday of the month from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Nonperishable food donations are always welcome. Congregation Beth Am is at 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 459-1677.

Preschool: Registration has begun for Mother's Day-Out Preschool Program at Prince of Peace UMC, 1400 Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. The hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day for children ages 2 to 5. Contact Lynn Cooper at (847) 439-0668 for a registration packet or more information.

Play group: Parents and tots are invited to join a new play group the first Monday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at Park Ridge Community Church, 100 S. Courtland Ave., Park Ridge. The play group is designed for parents with children ages 5 and younger. Parents must remain with their children at all times. (847) 823-3164 or parkridgecommunitychurch.org.

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

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.

Preschool registration: The Preschool/We-e Care programs at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., are currently enrolling students for the 2009/2010 school year. The preschool has openings for children turning 3 on or before Sept. 1, 2009. Classes meet September through May Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The We-e Care Program has opening for children ages 16 months to 2 1/2 years. Classes meet October through May Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (847) 255-5119.

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 Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. Newcomers welcome. 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 acchurch.org.