Northwest suburban religion notes

Deadline for submissions is noon Monday. Due to space limitations, not all "Your Faith" items are listed here.

Metal vibration instruments: In honor of Supportive Living Week, Older Americans Month, and National Meditation Month, a program will be presented by Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski on "The Seven Metal Vibration Instruments of Tibet and Nepal" at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 1, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Learn how these instruments are used for meditation in ancient times, by the monks of Tibet, in religious groups and for yoga classes. Free and open to the public, but reservations encouraged. (630) 213-0100.

Church Women United: May Friendship Day will be celebrated by Church Women United in Northwest Cook County at 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, at the Living Word Center, 800 N. Fernandez, Arlington Heights. The program "Building on Our Stories," was inspired by Joshua 4:1-9. There will be a potluck salad luncheon, so bring a favorite salad to share. Fellowship of the Least Coin offerings will be collected. No reservations are necessary unless child care, provided at no charge, is needed. Contact Nancy Duel, (847) 259-3793.

Rummage sale: Community Presbyterian Church of Mount Prospect will hold its 24th annual rummage sale Friday to Saturday, May 1-2. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. A half-price sale will be held Saturday. In addition to clothes, toys, household goods, books and more, there will be a hot dog lunch and bake sale. The church is located at 407 N. Main St. (Route 83), Mount Prospect. (847) 392-3111.

History of Broadway at LAFF: At 7:30 p.m. Saturday May 2, the Life after Fifty-Five Group of Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates will present a program with Charles Troy, a musical theater historian with a multimedia presentation of Broadway musicals and their creators. Installation of new officers will be another highlight of this meeting. Nonmember fee at door $3. Member fee $1. Call Leora at (847) 359-0439 to let her know if you will be there.

Spaghetti dinner: St. John United Church of Christ, 1475 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, will have its annual family-style spaghetti dinner, prepared by chef Bill Davenport, May 2, with 5, 6, and 7 p.m. seatings. Tickets cost $7.50 per person, or $30 for five tickets; children under 3 eat free. Seating is limited. Call (847) 202-5562 or e-mail myltrs@aol.com for information or reservations. Dinner includes choice of spaghetti with meat sauce or fettuccini Alfredo, meatballs, sausage, salad, garlic bread, homemade desserts, coffee and soft drinks. Proceeds will help provide handicapped accessibility at one of the church entrances.

Rain barrels and composting: In honor of Earth Day, St. Mark Lutheran Church is offering free demonstrations on using rain barrels and composting with worm farms from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 2, in the church parking lot at 200 S. Wille St., Mount Prospect.

Poetry reading: People attending the book group "Reading is Believing" will have an opportunity to share their favorite poems when they meet at North Northfield United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 2. While the group normally discusses a book they read, this month they decided to focus on poetry. The public is invited to attend the event held at the church, located at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. People are also invited to bring book suggestions for the summer months as the group plans its next few meetings. (847) 272-2250, northnorthfield.org.

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.

Celebrate LSSI: Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, invites the community to "Celebrate Good Shepherd/LSSI Sunday" during the 5:30 p.m. service Saturday, May 2, and the 8 and 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, May 3. ELCA congregations across Illinois will have a special offering in support of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. (847) 827-4215.

New pastor: After a nearly two-year search, Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett has found a new lead pastor. The community is invited to attend the installation service for the Rev. Sue E. Allen at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the church, 1044 Congress Drive. A pie fellowship will follow the service. livinglordlutheran.org or (630) 830-3630.

Hymn sing: The Orchard Evangelical Free Church of Arlington Heights will host the fifth in a series of hymn sings at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the church, 1330 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The 90-minute program will feature hymns and spiritual songs of the past and contemporary music of today. While the program highlights audience singing, it also includes special selections featuring soloists and vocal groups as well as instrumentalists from the area. Admission is free. (847) 392-4840.

Concert: The Spirit of Life Chorus will present a free concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The more than 100-member ecumenical Christian concert chorus performs throughout northern Illinois. For information on the chorus, visit www.spiritoflifechorus.org. (847) 253-4839.

Blessing of the Hands: Trinity Lutheran Church, 657 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will host its annual Blessing of the Hands service at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3. This service is designed to recognize nurses and all health-care professionals, and focuses on the key role that hands play in the health-care ministry. (847) 827-6656.

Mission: A Tri-Parish Mission will be held at St. James, Our Lady of the Wayside and St. Edna Catholic churches, all in Arlington Heights. The mission will be at 7:30 p.m. May 3 (St. James, 820 N. Arlington Heights Road), May 4 (Our Lady of the Wayside, 432 W. Park) and May 5 (St. Edna, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Road). Presenter is Brother Mickey O'Neill McGrath, illustrator, teacher and author of nine books. He will speak on the many and varied relationships between art, catechesis, and religious faith.

Mental Health Month: The weekly Sunday morning adult program, Kaleidoscope, salutes Mental Heath Month in May by welcoming representatives from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 3. They will present "In Our Own Voice," an introduction to living with mental illness that includes personal reflections from the presenters. Kaleidoscope meets at 10 a.m. in Room 10 (lower level), First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. (847) 255-5112, www.fumcah.com. No reservations needed.

Anniversary: It's "Back to the Future" Sunday, May 3, when Congregational United Church of Christ commemorates the 50th anniversary of the church's first worship service at Pioneer Park. The church, 1001 W. Kirchoff in Arlington Heights, is holding its Sunday worship service at 10:30 a.m., May 3, at Pioneer Park, 500 S. Fernandez in Arlington Heights, in the same location where the congregation held its first worship in 1959. The service will follow the format and include a sampling of the hymns sung 50 years ago. Children will participate in the historic service. Nursery and child care will be available for infants and toddlers. A continental breakfast will be held at 9:30 a.m. preceding the service. www.congucc.org or (847) 392-6650.

Home front: Pastor Tim Haugen will preach on the current series "Home Front" at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services Sunday, May 3, at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Adult, student ministries and children's church Bible classes meet at 9 a.m. A second adult Bible class, the Adventure Club for children ages 4 through fourth grade, and Club 56 for fifth- and sixth-grade children meet at 10:30 a.m. The Awana Club has ended for the season and will start up again in the fall. (847) 255-8764.

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 donation of regular size toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, lotion) and jumbo sized "zip lock bags." (847) 540-5634.

Biblical reflections: The Jewish Learning Institute presents a six-week course, "Biblical Reflections: Finding Your Self in the Stories of Genesis." The course will be offered six Tuesday evenings beginning May 4, or six Wednesday mornings beginning May 5 at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, 755 Huehl Road, Northbrook. To register, visit JLIChicago.com or call (847) 564-8770.

Atheism discussion: The public is invited to discuss "Agnosticism, Humanism and Atheism" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church, 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine. The discussion will be based on a six-part lecture series by Ron Miller of Common Ground, a center for inquiry, dialogue and understanding, on the newer 2000-2009 atheist writers. Countryside is a satellite campus for Common Ground (www.cg.org). Two of Countryside's members attended the series and will use one of the tapes to provide material for discussion in Room 6 at the north end of the building. (847) 359-8440.

Spiritual arts: The Master's Touch Artistic Team of Hanover Township will present a spiritual program of dance, song, drama, storytelling, mime and art at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 7, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Free; reservations are encouraged. For information, call (630) 213-0100.

Day of prayer: A National Day of Prayer service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at St. Peter Lutheran Church 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. Join as the Day School children in first grade and older participate with faculty to present songs and Scriptures focusing on several different prayer needs of our nation.

Plant sale: The 10th annual flower and plant sale will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, May 8, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 9. The sale will be in front of the church. Annuals, border plants, potted plants, flats, hanging baskets, and planters from Arte Verde will be available. Proceeds benefit the Capital Improvement Fund. (847) 253-4839.

Spring Blood Drive: Living Lord Lutheran Church, 1044 Congress Drive in Bartlett, will host a community Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 9. Heartland Blood Centers will sponsor the event. For an appointment, call Holly Gould at (224) 238-3093. Walk-ins are welcome.

Rummage sale: The Presbyterian Women at Church of the Cross will have a spring rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the church, 475 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. (847) 885-1199.

Family fun: LEGO CLUB will meet from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. This is an intergenerational experience for friends, neighbors, children and adults to join in a morning of creativity and play. Enter the church through the doors at the top of the ramp on the south side of the church. Free admission. (847) 259-4839.

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. The evening will include bingo, prizes, food and friends. Cards can be purchased before the event at a discounted rate, call (847) 459-1677 for more details.

Confirmation: The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, will officiate at a service of confirmation at St. Simon's Episcopal Church in Arlington Heights at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9. This will be Bishop Lee's first official visit to the parish since his consecration in February 2008.

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, at the church, 605 W. Golf Road, Mount Prospect. 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 be available. For details, visit trinitymp.org or call (847) 439-0950.

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, May 10 and 24, and June 14 and 28 at CLC's Holy Grounds coffee shop. (847) 358-4600.

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. (847) 634-0777, ext. 115.

Book fair: Join a Buy One/Get One Free Scholastic Book Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 11, 12 and 13 at Prince of Peace Preschool and Kindergarten, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. For more information, call (847) 885-7036.

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.

Pray for peace: The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary will host a special prayer service to pray for peace at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at St. John the Evangelist Church, 502 S. Park Ave., Streamwood. The service includes praying the rosary and a short homily for peace. For information, contact Barbara at (630) 837-8017.

May crowning: All boys and girls ages 6-14 are welcome Tuesday, May 12, for the May crowning at Knights of Columbus Hall, Holy Rosary Council, 15 N. Hickory, Arlington Heights. Practice at 7 p.m. Rosary will start at 7:30 p.m.

Memories: Christian Author Patti Lacy will present "Your Life: A Kaleidoscope of Memories" from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, in the Adult Classroom of the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. In this interactive seminar, participants will learn to gather the unique pieces of the past for writing a personal memoir. Lacy is author of "An Irishwoman's Tale," and "What the Bayou Saw." Participants are welcome to enter a drawing for a tote bag full of Irish goodies and an autographed copy of "An Irishwoman's Tale." Limited copies of Lacy's books will be available for purchase and signing, and attendees may bring their own copies to be autographed. For details, visit www.pattilacy.com. Registration for "Your Life: A Kaleidoscope of Memories" is free. To register, call (847) 923-3347.

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.

Pray for peace: At 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, a Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East will be held at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 E. Main St. in Barrington. This service is held on the 15th of each month as part of an ecumenical effort in the United States and the world to pray daily until a just and lasting peace comes to all citizens of the Middle East. (847) 381-0243 or http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls.aspx. Guest speaker following the service will be Julie Kanak, executive director for the Christian/Jewish/Muslim interfaith organization, Hands of Peace, founded in Chicago's Northern suburbs in 2002.

Vacation Bible school: Take a walk on the wild side at Kingdom of the Son: A Prayer Safari VBS, from 9 a.m. to noon June 15-19, at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 1044 Congress Drive in Bartlett. This year's focus for kids entering kindergarten through fifth grade is on learning the Lord's Prayer through a fun and exciting safari-themed program. Traveling praise band Captive Free will lead the music. Kids entering sixth and seventh grades can register for their own program featuring fellowship and service projects. (630) 830-3630, or www.livinglordlutheran.org. Registration is $20. Kids registered by May 15 will get a free T-shirt.

Rummage sale: The Kingswood United Methodist Church's annual rummage sale will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. Proceeds will support the mission work at the church. (847) 398-0770 or www.kingswoodumc.com.

Anniversary: The parishioners of St. James Catholic Church invite everyone to celebrate the Rev. Bill Zavaski's 40th anniversary of his priesthood at the 5 p.m. Mass Sunday, May 17, in the Parish Center, 820 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. (224)-345-7200

Outreach Sunday: Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, and the Christian Church of Arlington Heights, 333 W. Thomas, will culminate a Faith in Action program in Outreach Sunday, May 17, when members of both churches will take on service projects in the community. All ages are welcome to participate. www.CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.

Golf fundraiser: St. John Lutheran School, 501 W. Park Ave. in Libertyville, will hold a golf outing Sunday, May 20, at Chevy Chase Country Club. Tee times begin at 4 p.m. for nine holes, scramble format. A buffet dinner will follow at 7 p.m. The cost is $60 per person for golf and dinner. Not a golfer? Bring the family and join everyone for Chef Walker's famous St. John Dinner Buffet for $20 per person. All proceeds from this event go toward the St. John Playground Fund. Reservation forms available in the St. John School office; deadline is Thursday, May 14. For more information, call Joe Lofsness at (224) 627-0860 or e-mail at jlofsness@wheelingparkdistrict.com.

Memorial service: A Quarterly Memorial Service will be held honoring all those who have passed away at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 22, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Chaplain Lori Geschrey of Odyssey 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.

Annual meeting: The Annual Meeting of Congregation Beth Judea will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, at the synagogue, Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Tikkun L'eil Shavout: Congregation Beth Judea, will host a Tikkun L'eil Shavuot at the synagogue on the first evening of the Festival of Shavuot, Thursday, May 28. Shavuot is celebrated as the time of the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. The evening will be full of learning with the Beth Judea clergy - Rabbi Howard Lifshitz, Rabbi Robert Gamer and Hazzan Roger Weisberg - and a few learned guest teachers. The Tikkun will begin after the 7:30 p.m. evening service and will continue until at least 11 p.m. There will be at least four 30-minute study sessions. There is no cost for the evening. The traditional dairy refreshments of cheese, cheesecake, ice cream and coffee will be provided. (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.

Flea market: St. Mark's Church, 337 Ridge Road, Barrington Hills, will have a flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 30. (847) 381-0596 or st-markschurch.org.

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 $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.

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.

Hearing Men's Voices: Congregation Beth Judea's Men's Club will host the second "Hearing Men's Voices" program at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 31. Breakfast will be provided. This year's event will feature three topics: "Parent or Pal - Finding the Right Balance," "Dealing with Reverses and Losses at Work," and "Aging and Illness in Parents and Loved Ones." For details, call (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

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.

Vacation Bible school: Crocodile Dock will be presented from 9-11:30 a.m. June 22-26 at Saint Paul Lutheran School, 17 S. School St., Mount Prospect. Extended Day options available. Deadline to register is June 1. Call Stephanie at (847) 951-4670 or Dari at (847) 255-0332.

Rummage sale: St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic School will hold its annual Rummage Sale June 13 and 14 in the gym. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday with 50 percent off everything. Please no "early birds," as Mass is going on until noon. A special "Pre-Sale" is open to the public the night before the sale, June 12, from 6 to 10 p.m. only. Admission to the Pre-Sale is $4. Concessions will be available in the dining hall. Donations may be brought to the gym from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 7, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 8-11. All items should be in clean, working order. Old computers cannot be accepted. St. Alphonsus is located at 411 N. Wheeling Road in Prospect Heights. www.saintalphonsus.com.

Genealogy: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois proudly welcomes national lecturer and author Beau Sharbrough, who will be presenting "Jewish Research on Footnote.com" and "Automated Search Tools" at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie. The lecture is free to JGSI members, $10 for nonmembers, which can be applied to JGSI membership when you join by July 1. For more information and to reserve your seat, call (312) 666-0100 or e-mail rsvp@jgsi.org

Summer music camp: Praise-Rocks @ CLC Summer Music Camp will be held June 15-26 at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road in Palatine. This two-week intensive, half-day music camp is from 9 a.m. to noon and costs $150. Open to all instruments and vocalists in sixth to 12th grade. Beginners are welcome. Students will play in bands, receive instrument instruction from professional musicians and teachers, lead worship, and get a chance to show their skills at the final concert. Extra activities include song writing, hands-on sound tech instruction, a rock history class and Guitar Hero 101. (847) 358-4600.

Vacation Bible school: Crocodile Dock will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 22-26 at St. Peter Lutheran Church 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. You may register online at stpeter-ah.org or in the church office. There is a $5 fee per child to cover supply costs.

Vacation Bible school: Kids ages 3 years old through fifth grade are invited to attend Crocodile Dock VBS. There is no cost for admission. This VBS will be held from 10 a.m. to noon July 20-24 at Grace Community Church, 431 N. Quentin Road, Palatine. Contact Gia Miller at (847) 776-1900 or gia.miller@aboutgrace.com to register.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jewish Yoga: Jewish Yoga is going strong at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. A class is offered from 11:30 to 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays. The class is open to nonmembers. Call for pricing details, (847) 459-1677. In addition, a drop-in class is offered from noon to 1:15 p.m. the first Sunday of the month. This class is free with a suggested donation for attendance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Preschool registration: The Preschool/Wee 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 Wee 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.