Fox Valley religion notes

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.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, May 3, worship at 9:30 a.m. will feature a sermon by the Rev. Joel Kline titled "It Takes a Village and Then Some" at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. At noon, there will be a potluck to express appreciation to the congregation's church school teachers. At 1 p.m., there will be a congregational business meeting in the fellowship hall.

The young adults, called the Finders Class, will be on retreat Friday evening through Sunday afternoon at Starved Rock State Park.

This past week, three senior high youth have been attending the Church of the Brethren Christian Citizenship Seminar in New York City and Washington, D.C. Member Anna Speicher has been a presenter. The event was planned by member Chris Douglas, who is director of youth and young adult ministries at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin.

For information, call (847) 741-5124 or visit hacob.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel has been serving the Fox River Valley for over 116 years. As a member of United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, it offers a full range of services: Torah school for prekindergarten to high school, adult education classes, a youth program for age 6 to 12, Sisterhood and Men's Club, and age-based interest groups.

This week's Torah portion is "Aharai Mot-Kedoshim." The service is led by Rabbi Jonathan Kohn in prayer and study. Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St. in Elgin. Guests are welcome. CKI believes that each person can participate in the observance of Shabbat through the use of English, Hebrew, and age-appropriate activities. For details, call (847) 741-5656 or visit www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers friendly, participatory Shabbat services, led by Cantor Sarah Alexander, at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays and followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week."

This week's Torah reading is "Acharei Mot - Kedoshim." It contains the "holiness code," which teaches you how to make your life holy. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, April 26, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the theme, "Righteous Children of a Righteous God" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The scripture lessons are Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7 and Luke 24:36b-48.

The nursery is open for children age 3 and younger. Children who are 4 and older are invited to attend the multi-grade Sunday school class held in the church youth room.

There will be a benefit concert for the Community Crisis Center and PADS to be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 17 in the church sanctuary. Holly McNeil, Claude and Jan Quisenberry, Act of Grace, Steve and Sylvia Francois and the Rev. Steve Mindrup will be the featured musicians. Admission will be a canned good and there will be a free-will offering.

Each Sunday's service is now being digitally recorded and is available on the Web site on Monday. If you are unable to attend, visit the Web site.

For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, May 3, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison will preach on "The Power of the Good Shepherd" at the 9 a.m. service and "Certainty of God's Promises" will be the message at the 11:30 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church at 216 E. Highland in Elgin. The children's choirs, under the direction of Laura Johnson and Lynda Fox, will provide special music at the 9 a.m. service. The St. Charles North Bassoon Quartet will provide special music for the 11:30 a.m. service. Holy Communion will be served at each service.

There are Christian education classes for all ages from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The youth group under the direction of Keith Duncan meets at 12:45 p.m. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On May 3, the Fourth Sunday of Easter and Confirmation Sunday, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Dear Mom and Dad," based on 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship is at 9 a.m. and family education hour from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

With Easter now over, they will begin to prepare for confirmation set for May 3. A date has been set for the first Friendship Sunday in three years, May 17. They are also planning a church picnic for late July in the Burlington Park. The day will include an outdoor service.

The board of Christian education has picked the vacation Bible School program "Crocodile Dock" from Group Publishing; the planned date is July 20-24. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On the Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, the Rev. Paris N. Donehoo, senior pastor, and the Rev. Lois A. Bucher, associate pastor, will lead worship at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. On the first Sunday of every month, the sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated at both services. The Communion Table is an open one and that all are welcome at 8:15 a.m. in the chapel, and at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. At the second service, the Chancel Choir will sing Aaron David Miller's arrangement of "Jesus Is Calling."

"Reading someone else's mail" is Rev. Donehoo' s description of the study of the New Testament Book of 1 Corinthians. The 9:15 a.m. in-depth study class has found that St. Paul spoke his mind when apparently answering questions put to him, then offering his advice, sorting out opinions, sometimes praising and often criticizing in his letters to the members of that first-century church. This is an opportunity to grow in faith. Study challenges, breakfast is served, and child care is available.

After the 10:15 a.m. service, Mark and Mary Hartwig will lead a group called "Spirituality of Finance." This week's topic of conversation will be philosophies of money and tips for budgeting. The group will meet in the second-floor junior high room.

Rev. Donehoo is planning his summer sermon series around the bumper stickers we all see. Anyone have a new one to suggest? Pastor will address "Bumper Sticker Theology" during summer Sundays.

The church's long-awaited renovation is under way. The church and the sanctuary are still open but some parking areas and rooms are closed. Signs are posted to guide attendees to the right locations. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, May 3, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the 8 and 10:30 a.m. messages at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The sermon title is "I know I've been changed" inspired by Jeremiah 18:1-4.The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Choral Ensemble will render the music for the 10:30 a.m. service. Holy Communion will be observed during both services and baptisms will take place during the 8 a.m. service.

The SBC Choral Ensemble musical drama will be performed at 5 p.m. May 16. All are welcome.

The Brotherhood Ministry invites all men to come out every fourth Saturday of the month to fellowship with your Brothers in Christ. Free haircuts will be provided by the "barbershop" beginning at 9 a.m.

On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. Bus and child care services are available. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, May 3, the Rev. Donald Longbottom will present the sermon, "Shepherd", based on Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee.

Traditional worship, with the Chancel Choir and a vocal or bell choir, will be at 9 a.m. Progressive worship, a spirit-filled experience with the Praise Singers and Band, will be at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by the Chancel Choir. The 10:30 a.m. service will feature songs and music by the Praise Singers and Band: Cheri Blazek; Robert Blazek; Sonja Boekenhauer, Penny Mensik, Sue Schmidt and Sara Tustin with Robert Blazek, saxophones; Mark Frystak, guitar; Linda Gilmore, keyboard; Noah Katsma, bass and Rich Robotham, drums.

Children, age 3 through fifth grade, will begin their worship in the sanctuary with their families and move to Sunday school classes at 9 a.m. and to God's Big Backyard for KidsOwn Worship at 10:30 a.m. A new snack time for kids will be held in God's Big Backyard from 10 to 10:10 a.m. Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. Children should be signed in and out.

The high school youth group meets from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. Sundays with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. The middle school youth group will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6.

The women's book/Bible study meets from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays with Karen Gundersen. The group will be reading "Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out" by Joanna Weaver. The book is available at all major bookstores. If child care is needed, call the church office. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sunday, May 3, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will observe fourth Sunday of Easter by looking at the theme "The Good Shepherd Dies For His Sheep," based on John 10, at the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. services.

The regular weekly worship schedule includes a more traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sundays, as well as a contemporary style worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band.

Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:20 a.m. They also offer during the school year various midweek educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as youth programs for various age groups.

On Mondays, join "The Refuge" and connect with God in a different, informal way at 7 p.m. Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship.

For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, May 3, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Acts 4:5-12 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. The theme will be Peter's courage before the council in Jerusalem begins the greatest spiritual adventure of all time. It is an open and affirming congregation, welcoming all to their services. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available during the service. For details, call (847) 428-1712.