McHenry County religion notes

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First Congregational: On Mother's Day Sunday, May 10, the Rev. Michelle McNamara's sermon will be "Abiding and Pruning" at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The Sunday AM's Bell Choir will play in both services and Helen Suarez will sing a solo in both. The Sunday school children, after attending the first part of the 9 a.m. service, will do a Mother's Day project, talking about the importance of mothers and making gifts for them. There will be a special offering for the Mission of the Month. This month's mission is Heifer International, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to supply domesticated animals to families in need throughout the world. At 7 p.m. Monday, May 11, the Women's Circle will meet at the Casey's home. On Wednesday, Clickin Sticks, the knit/crochet group, will meet at 1 p.m., the Crusader Bells will practice at 4:15 p.m., and the Chancel Choir will practice at 7 p.m. On Thursday, the Genesis Bells will practice at 6 p.m. and the Whitechapel Bells will practice at 7 p.m. On Saturday, May 9, the Emergent Worship will be a small group Bible study in the sanctuary. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691 or visit www.firsthuntley.org.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Who Is Your Gardener?", based on John 15:1-8, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Sunday school children meet at the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, and are excused to go to their classes after the pastor's children's message. Adult Bible class Sunday at 9:15 a.m. and Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. A supervised nursery is offered at the 10:30 a.m. service. The Mission Resale Shop, located on Washington Street, is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gifts and good quality used clothing, and small household items can be purchased at reasonable prices. Donations are gratefully appreciated, and proceeds benefit mission work locally and afar. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org. St. John's Lutheran School offers a day school program for first to eighth grade; all-day kindergarten and morning and afternoon preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Church membership is not required. To register or schedule a school tour, call Principal Ralph Peterson at (847) 658-9311.

Faith Community: On Monday's Day Sunday, May 10, the Rev. Bruce Cole will lead blended service at 9 a.m. and contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through middle school.

Interested in learning more about membership at Faith Community Church? Join us at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, May 3 to hear more about its mission, vision, values and direction. Meet pastor and other members of the staff. Childcare will be available.

Alcoholics Anonymous holds a weekly closed meeting at noon Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Mondays. On Tuesdays, TOPS meets at 11:30 a.m.

The middle school youth will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 for dinner, study and worship. The eighth-graders will have rehearsal for their Affirmation of Faith celebration at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17.

The Men of Faith will meet for breakfast, discussion and fellowship at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 9 at the Old Country Buffet in Crystal Lake. All men of Faith and their sons are welcome.

Do you have any questions, concerns or comments about the direction we're going? If so, join them for "Pizza with the Pastor" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9. This is an informal get together with no agenda, other than to have open conversation.

Enrollment is now open for vacation Bible school's "Crocodile Dock," scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon July 27-31. To register, visit www.fccwired.org or stop into the church office for a form. Early bird registration is $25 per child if registered by May 10. Open enrollment for preschool has begun. To schedule an appointment call Director Michelle Sullivan at (224) 569-6512.

Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, May 10, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, will celebrate mothers at the 10:45 a.m. service.

The Rev. Dan Larsen will lead a traditional Mother's Day service with the opportunity for people to pay tribute to their mothers. The Men of the Adult Choir will sing to the mothers of the congregation. They will recognize the religious education co-directors, Pam Lopatin and Sue McCowin, on this their last day in this capacity. For information, call the church at (815) 338-0731 or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, May 10, the Rev. Dave Inglis will deliver the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. All children, age 2 through seventh grade, will begin worship with their families. They will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class early in the service. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants, and toddlers at both services. There will be "One Great Hour of Sharing" collection at each service. The church council meets at 7 p.m. Monday, May 11 in the multipurpose room. On Tuesday, May 12, an Outreach Potluck will be held at 5:30 p.m. at ministry chair's home.

On Wednesday, May 13, Seasons of the Spirit Bible study is held at 10:15 a.m. in the Banner Library. On Thursday, May 14, a "Friendly Service" will be held at 9 a.m. in the multipurpose room and Living the Questions will discuss the topic, "Embracing Mystery" 7 p.m. in the Youth Room. On Friday, May 15, the Men's Retreat begins. On Saturday, May 16, a calligraphy workshop will be offered at 9:30 a.m. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: On Mother's Day Sunday, May 10, the Center for Spiritual Evolution, McHenry County Church of Religious Science will honor mothers at 10 a.m. The Rev. Anne Muelleman will ask some of the mothers in the congregation to discuss the spiritual gifts of motherhood. The service will include a presentation from the children. Dominic Dragoo will perform special music. Join the 11:30 a.m. video presentation called "The Story of Stuff," a revealing look at the cradle-to-grave costs of "stuff" from 11:30 a.m. to noon.

Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service at 204 Spring St., lower level in Cary. There is a children's program and toddler care. If you arrive early, there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m. The children's Science of Mind curriculum is "Castles of Creation."

Join them for free prosperity classes being offered at 7 p.m. the first two Mondays in May.

There is a Tuesday morning mediation with Bhanta Sujatha at 10 a.m. for a $10 donation.

As a trans-denominational church, all services and activities are open to everyone without obligation. For details, call (847) 516-1950 or visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org.

The Spiritual Entrepreneur Networking Group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 8 at the church.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On the Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, the Rev. Brian Cope will preach at the 8:30 and 10 a.m. services at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The message is "The Vine is Not Dying, But It Does Need Nurturing," based on John 15:1-8. Special music will be offered by the Children's Choirs and the Chimers.

The adult education group is concluding their DVD study of the "Seven Deadly Sins According to Gilligan's Island." The "Death and Resurrection of CHRIST" DVD study has been postponed til fall. In its place a study of biblical biographies. It meets every Sunday from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.

On Tuesdays at 7 p.m., there is a Bible Study with the pastor, comparing Christianity, Judaism and Islam. "Shepherd University," children's Sunday school for preschool through sixth grades meets at 8:45 a.m. Sundays.

The Yarn Works group meets every Thursday at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Beginner are welcome. They have needles, hooks, patterns and yarn to get you started. There is no beginning class, nor ending. Attend only the number of classes you need to learn what you wish to learn. You are welcome to visit for knitting and crocheting anytime. Knitting will be taught by Barb Hess. Crochet will be taught by Sally Cope. If you already know how to do the yarn work of your choice, just come, work and chat. For information, call Sally Cope at (224) 678-9332.

May 31 is Confirmand Sunday. It is an important day as they recognize the commitment of young people to grow in their faith as they become adults and welcome them as members of the church. A special service will be held at 3 p.m.

This year's vacation Bible school will be July 27-31 with the theme, "Camp EDGE."

Shop at the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop, 307 S. Main St. in Algonquin. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The church is handicap accessible at the rear entrance. For details, call (847) 658-5308.