Northwest suburban religion notes

Deadline for submissions is noon Monday. To submit items, send them to faith@dailyherald.com.

Awards: Cardinal Francis George, archbishop of Chicago, recently presented the Archdiocesan Catechetical Ministries' Awards to nine area recipients for their outstanding contributions to catechesis and youth ministry in Catholic parishes across Cook and Lake counties. The 2009 Archdiocesan honorees include: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults team from St. Emily Parish, 1400 E. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Melissa Hajdu, Peter Hajdu, Len Mondi, Michael Schiller; and director of religious education from St. Joseph Parish, 121 E. Maple Ave., Libertyville, Rosalind Camardella.

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.

Hike to Celebrate Life: Join St. Peter Lutheran Church 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, Saturday, May 16, to hike for Lutherans for Life and Caris Pregnancy Centers and Prevention Services. From 8:30-9 a.m. will be registration and collection of pledge sheets and donations by the pavilion. The walk will be from St. Peter, around the Lutheran Home and back.

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 kingswoodumc.com.

Plant sale: The South Church of Mount Prospect will be holding its annual plant sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 16, in the church parking lot located at the corner of ShaBonee Trail and South Maple Street. A wide variety of flowers, bedding plants, accent plants, vegetables, and herbs will be sold, individually and in flats, as well as baskets and pouches. Plants may be purchased the day of the sale, or pre-ordered and picked up the day of the sale. To pre-order, visit thesouthchurch.com, download an order form, and mail it to The South Church no later than Sunday, May 10, along with a check. The order form contains detailed descriptions of the plants being sold; other varieties may be requested as well. Monetary donations to The South Church "Plant a Row" garden, which benefits the CEDA Northwest Self-Help Center Food Pantry, may also be made on the day of the sale. The South Church is located at 501 S. Emerson St. thesouthchurch.com.

Holocaust speaker: Holocaust survivor, author & speaker Sidney Finkel will speak at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at Elk Grove High School Theater, 500 W. Elk Grove Blvd. Free. No reservations required. Q&A and book signing will follow. Copies of Finkel's book will be available for $10. Parking will only be available in front of the school or on the street. The event is sponsored by Christus Victor Lutheran Church's Saturday Morning Women's Bible Study

Biblical stories: Professional dramatist Ted Swartz of Harrisonburg, Va., interpreter of biblical stories and producer of DVDs, will be at Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17. (847) 895-3654.

Hymn fest: Grace Lutheran Church, 1624 E. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect, will sponsor a hymn festival at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 17, as part of a yearlong celebration of Grace's 50th anniversary. All are welcome to attend. (847) 824-7408

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

Pet blessing: All pet lovers who would like to have their animal blessed, visit Christ Church UCC, 1492 Henry Ave., Des Plaines, at 1 p.m. Sunday May 17. Pastor Virginia Ericson will perform the blessing outside in the parking lot. If you wish to participate, bring your pet on a leash or in a carrier. If it rains, we will have the service in Wobbe Hall. (847) 299-1417.

Faith in Action: Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, and the Christian Church of Arlington Heights, 333 W. Thomas, will hit the streets Sunday, May 17, and put their Faith In Action. Members joined together in small action groups will be gardening, packing lunches for street people in Chicago and holding a baby shower for needy babies. Groups will begin their work immediately following commissioning services at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. www.CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.

Connecting: Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, will host an event, "Connecting to Our Caring, Jewish Community," on Sunday, May 17. It is free and open to the community. Registration and information tables available at 1 p.m., program from 1:30 - 4 p.m. This program, presented by the Synagogue Federation Commission of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, will provide resources and practical tips to community members during these challenging times. This is a unique opportunity to connect with social service agencies. Topics include: "How to Find a Job and Stay Motivated in a Tough Market," "It's Your Turn - Benefits and Resources for Older Adults," "Managing Debt in an Uncertain Economy," "Talking to Kids about Tough Times," and "Taking Control of Your Stress." There is no cost to attend, but reservations are requested. Please consider a donation of nonperishable food for Congregation Beth Am's food pantry. They are especially in need of nutritious canned goods (beans, vegetables, peanut butter) or boxed goods (rice, pasta and other staples). Online Registration: http://www.juf.org/congregants/community.aspx. For more information, call (312) 357-4864 or email SynFed@juf.org.

Fear factor: The Rev. Tim Haugen will speak on the topic "Fear Factor" at the 9 and 10:30 services Sunday, May 17, 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. (847) 255-8764.

Senior fellowship: The "off-Broadway Ladies" will be featured during the Senior Fellowship potluck lunch at noon Tuesday, May 19, at North Northfield United Methodist Church, located at Sanders and Dundee, Northbrook. The two ladies, a vocalist and a keyboard player, will perform for the group. The public is invited to attend, and to bring a friend and a dish to pass. The "Senior" group is all-inclusive, so persons attending don't need to qualify as a "senior" to come and enjoy the lunch, fellowship, and singing. (847) 272-2250, northnorthfield.org.

Community meal: Lutheran Church of the Atonement will host The Community Meal from 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, May 20, June 17 and July 15. The public is invited to attend these free meals. The church is at 909 E. Main St., Barrington. (847) 381-0243

Men's Bible study: The Wednesday night men's Bible study of Saint Paul Lutheran Church of Mount Prospect will be stepping out into a new adventure of study and encouragement. Pastor Marc will be leading over the next couple months as we explore the questions you bring around the table to see what God's word has to say about it. This group meets in the upper room of the Blues Bar (downtown Mount Prospect) on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of every month at 7:30 p.m. St. Paul is at 100 S. School St., Mount Prospect. (847) 255-0332, saint-paul.org.

Open house: St. Thomas of Villanova School, 1201 E. Anderson in Palatine, will host an Open House for prospective students from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, May 21. The Open House will held in conjunction with our Spring Art Fair. (847) 358-2110.

Ascension service: St. John Lutheran Church, 1100 Linneman Road, Mount Prospect, will celebrate Ascension with a service of praise at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21. Choirs from St. John, along with Immanuel Lutheran Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Des Plaines, will join forces to sing praise songs and anthems. Handbells will also perform along with a praise band. (847) 593-7670, ext. 1.

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.

Honoring veterans: Cardinal Drive Church of Christ, 2300 Cardinal Drive, Rolling Meadows (near city water tower in Florey Park), will be "Honoring our Veterans." All men and women from local and nearby communities who have served in the armed services are invited to join the congregation on Sunday, May 24, where we will recognize, honor and give a token gift of our appreciation to them for their sacrificial service to our country. Worship hour is at 10:15 a.m., but come at 9:45 a.m. for free coffee and pastries. (847) 259-2995 or cdfamily.org.

Living rosary: The Living Rosary will be presented at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 1201 E. Anderson, Palatine at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27. Mission rosaries blessed with holy water from Lourdes will be available to everyone. As each bead is recited, a candle will be lit until the formation of the rosary is illuminated, surrounding the congregation. Other languages besides English will be represented. We will close with May Crowning, and hospitality will follow in the Gathering Area.

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.

Taize service: St. Colette Church, 3900 Meadow Drive, Rolling Meadows, will hold a Taize Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28. Taize is a meditative form of prayer in which singing, readings and silence play a significant part.

'Flanagan's Wake': Holy Family Parish presents "Flanagan's Wake" with proceeds to benefit The Timothy J. Schueneman Fund. "Flanagan's Wake," a hilarious interactive Irish wake, will be presented at Holy Family Parish, Inverness, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30. Watch as the Rev. Pat Brennan, pastor of Holy Family Parish, makes a guest cameo appearance. Doors open at 7 p.m. Reserve your ticket(s) at itickets.com - type in Flanagan's Wake or call 1-800-965-9324. Also, go to the parish Web site at holyfamilyparish.org or call (847) 359-0042. Holy Family Catholic Community is located at 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness.

Game night: The public is invited to join members of North Northfield United Methodist Church in Northbrook for fellowship, snacks and games from 6:30 to about 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 29. Group games and board games will be played during this informal gathering, and prizes will be awarded. The food will include "sloppy joes" and other snacks. There is no admission charge for the event, which will be held at the church, located at Sanders and Dundee. For more information, call (847) 272-2250. northnorthfield.org.

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.

Pentecost service: The South Church will present a Pentecost worship experience at 10:30 a.m. May 31 led entirely by its youth group, whose members range in age from 12 to 20. They will lead the congregation in prayer, perform a variety of vocal, guitar and piano music, and present an original play titled "Honking Spirit," which explores the way Spirit communicates with humankind. The South Church is at 501 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. www.thesouthchurch.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.

Drum circle: Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, will host a Drum Circle at 7 p.m. Friday, June 5. Bring your own drum or percussive instrument or they will be provided. The drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail. It includes people of all ages. The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with self and with each other.

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.

Jewish spiritual practice: Introduction to Jewish Spiritual Practices is offered the first Sunday of the month from 1:30-2:15 p.m. at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. For those seeking to enrich their spiritual life, join Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows to explore and engage in Jewish spiritual practices of prayer, study, meditation and yoga. This class is free.

Summer camp: Immanuel Discovery Camp, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, is a Christian summer camp with flexible hours for children 4 years of age through fifth grade. Campers will enjoy pastimes like arts and crafts, theme-based field trips, and swimming. Discovery Camp will operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 8 to Aug. 14. http://immanuelpalatine.org, "school" and "Discovery Camp.

Summer basketball camp: St. Peter Lutheran School 111 W. Olive, Arlington Heights, will host the 15th Annual Summer Basketball Camp. Registration forms are available at the school office, as well as the school's Web site. The camp is open to students of any school who are in grades 3-8 for the upcoming school year. The dates for fifth-eighth grade are June 8-11 and the dates for third and fourth grade are June 15-18. (847) 253-6638, ext. 129.

Rummage sale: Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, will host its annual rummage and garden sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 12; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 13; and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, June 14. Browse from shop to shop for household goods, furniture, holiday items, jewelry and purses, sports equipment and toys. Donated items can be dropped off at the Holy Family gym from 3-7 p.m. June 8-11. No clothes or books accepted. (847) 359-0042.

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

A Healer's Odyssey: Dr. Saul Shaye will be at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, for a workshop, "A Healer's Odyssey," the story of his own spiritual transformation from atheist to spiritual healer. In the wellness lecture, "If You Want to Know About Health, Don't Ask Your Doctor," he will inform individuals how to take charge of their well-being: spirit-mind-body, explaining the part dreams play in each. Call (847) 297-0997 to register. Suggested offering is $20.

VBS: Vacation Bible school for children ages 3-14 will take place in Christ the King Ev. Lutheran Church, 100 W Michigan Ave., Palatine, from 9:30 a.m. to noon June 15-19. The theme is "Dive In!" Freewill offerings will pay for VBS costs and a Lutheran World Mission. To register, call (847) 358-0230, e-mail office@ByFaithAlone.org or visit www.ByFaithAlone.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.

Pratishtha Mahotsav: The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago announces a grand Pratishtha Mahotsav of the reconstructed and expanded temple at 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett. This 10-day celebration will begin Saturday June 20, and continue through June 29. Volunteers are actively working on developing a dedicated Web site, registration forms, souvenir, invitation and organizing the cultural events For details, visit www.jsmc2009.org or www.jsmconline.org, or contact JSMC President Atul Shah at (630) 886-6928 or abshah24@yahoo.com.

Wine tasting: Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Church, 3700 Dundee Road, Northbrook, will host its first ever Wine Tasting at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Old Willow Wine Shoppe, 1500 Paddock Drive in Northbrook. The evening, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m., will include a light buffet as well as wines from across the globe. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance, or $30 at the door. For information, contact Mary Beth at (847) 409-7918. olbparish.org.

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.

Farmers market: Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Community will be the site of a weekly farmers market in Northbrook this summer. The market will kick off on Wednesday, June 24, and will be held every Wednesday through Oct. 14 from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. The market will feature dozens of vendors, selling the freshest produce, flowers, organic foods, artisan cheeses, baked goods and much more. There is plenty of free parking, and samples will be available. Our Lady of the Brook is located at 3700 Dundee in Northbrook, and can be contacted at (847) 272-5686 or at olbparish.org.

Genealogy: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will hold its annual meeting and presents "Ask the Experts" at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster Street, Skokie. You may ask any genealogical-related questions you may have regarding your research into your family's history. The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth Israel will open at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate members/guests who want to use library materials, get help with genealogy Web sites on the Internet, or ask genealogical related questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Visit jewishgen.org/jgsi or phone (312) 666-0100.

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.

Crafters wanted: St. John United Church of Christ, 1475 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, is seeking exhibitors for its 35th Annual Craft Fair and Flea Market, to be held Sept. 19 on the church grounds at the southwest corner of Algonquin and Roselle roads. Booth reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. (847) 255-2848.

Sunday school signup: Registration for Sunday school 2009/2010 at Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett is now under way. Three programs are designed especially for preschoolers, K-fourth-graders, and fifth- and sixth-graders. Sunday school runs from September through May. Visit livinglordlutheran.org for information and registration materials, or call the church office at (630) 830-3630. Living Lord Church is located at 1044 Congress Drive, on Route 59 just south of Stearns Road.

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.