Fox Valley religion events

Great Adventure Bible Timeline Seminar: Join in "Great Adventure Bible Timeline Seminar With Jeff Cavins" from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at St. Mary Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Cavins, renowned Catholic author and biblical scholar who has unlocked the mystery of the Bible for thousands of people, is coming to the area to present his Bible Timeline Seminar. According to Cavins, many Christians pick up their Bibles, resolving to read them cover to cover, only to become frustrated after a month or so because they have lost the story. The Great Adventure focuses on teaching people to learn narrative books of the Bible before they begin a deeper study of scripture. The cost for the one day seminar is $35, which includes all materials and lunch. Space is limited, so call Janet Marmion at (847) 669-3137, ext. 101, or e-mail at marmionj@aol.com.

Clothing drive, raffle: The St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary's Church in Elgin will hold its Spring Fling Raffle, Bake Sale and Clothing Drive Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31. Clothes and small household items will be accepted in the church parking lot from noon Saturday, May 30, through 1 p.m. Sunday, May 31. The raffle and bake sale will be in St. Mary's church hall (Binsfeld Hall) after the 5 p.m. Mass Saturday and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. There will be more than 50 prizes, including a weekend at a condo in the Dells, Chicago Cubs and White Sox tickets, a HDTV, girl's bike, theater and restaurant certificates and toys. All proceeds will benefit the poor in the community. St. Mary's Church is on the corner of Fulton and Gifford streets in Elgin. For details, visit svdpfundraiser@yahoo.com.

Flea market: On Saturday, May 30, St. Mark's Church, 337 Ridge Road in Barrington Hills, will host a flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a selection of gently-used household items, toys and clothing. Also, professional vendors such as Avon, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple and Usborne Books. There will also be a barbecue and baked goods for sale.

Perennial plant sale: The Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry needs perennial plants for its annual perennial plant sale Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31, in the east parking lot of the church. Pot up your unneeded perennial plants and donate them to the parish's garden ministry. Proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase new shrubs to landscape the new church. If you have empty pots to share, leave them in the parking lot gazebo or take some if you need them for the sale. For details, call (815) 385-5673.

Fine Arts Festival: Barrington United Methodist Church hosts its "5th Sunday Fine Arts Festival" from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington. Performers include three generations of the gifted Preucil family of string musicians, including grandparents Doris and William Preucil, Stephanie and Walter Preucil, and their children, Zachary, Anthony and James; Dennis and Gail Rossow will portray Edith and Archie Bunker of "All In the Family" singing "Those Were the Days," and their son David Rossow will sing "You're Just in Love" by Irving Berlin. The "Flute Family" will be represented by Denise Calderon playing the piccolo, Sam Oliver, Kathy Liska and Karen Maxwell playing flutes, alto flute played by Lisa Wait, and bass flute played by Belinda King. Singing "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge will be Gail Rossow, Rosalyn Wesley, Kathy Ochenrider, and Laura Olsen. Dancers include Kristy Mahoney with daughters Kassidy and Kylie. Visual arts displays include: photography by Jay Crithfield, Dennis Rossow and Ken Rossow; Russian nesting doll collections by Pam McCord, Donna Alexander, Karen Maxwell, and her mother, Neva Pfouts, Joyce Causey, and Bill Morse; family trees created by Kathy Liska, Bill Morse, Gillian Wells; family tartans by Gillian Wells, Ray Maxwell, Jim and Char Wilson; and "The Family of Man," designed by Sam Oliver and Karen Maxwell. For details, call (847) 836-5540 or visit BarringtonUMC.com.

Art series: The Bethany Art Series presents Winds Off the Lake in concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. The group consists of Sue Childress on flute; Kathy Krepel, oboe; Joyce Beermink, clarinet; Randy Sundell, bassoon; and Russ Henning, horn. The ensemble, formed in 1994, is based in McHenry County. The concert will involve a variety of music, from traditional concert literature for woodwind quintet to popular American music arranged for the group. Admission is free.

Rummage sale: Trinity United Methodist Church, 1647 Ravine Lane in Carpentersville, will have its "Huge Rummage Sale" from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 5, and 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 6. There are things for the house, things for the yard, things for everyone in the family. There will be a silent auction and a $3 bag sale Saturday. Money raised by the auction goes to global and local missions. If anyone (even nonchurch members) wishes to donate items for the sale, contributions can be dropped off at church between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 1-4. They cannot accept computer equipment, large appliances (stoves, refrigerators, etc.), large exercise equipment or large furniture. If you have something large, however, you can take a photo and they will post the photo for you. For details, call (847) 428-1627.

Special guest at Vineyard: On Sunday, June 7, Vineyard Church of Elgin, 220 Division St., will welcome guest speaker Rob Rienowest. Worship begins at 10 a.m. Rienowest attended Wheaton College, then completed a master's degree in theology at Wheaton College Graduate School, a divinity degree from Trinity International Divinity School, and a doctor of ministry in Christian Leadership from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He served as a youth pastor at Wheaton Bible Church from 1993-2004, and now serves in the role of marriage and family pastor. For details, call (847) 697-8001.

Fundraiser BBQ: The Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, will have a "Spiritual Journey and Fundraising BBQ" at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, June 7. The Rev. Dan Larsen will give some instruction for the "Spiritual Scavenger Hunt" that will lead them from the church to the main pavilion in Emricson Park in Woodstock, where they will enjoy a barbecue catered by Famous Dave's. Meal tickets must be purchased in advance and will be sold after services at noon Sunday, May 31. You must have a meal ticket upon arrival. There will be games, raffles, entertainment and a drumming circle. If you are unable to attend with a meal ticket, you are invited to bring a sack lunch. Donations will be accepted at the park. For details, call (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org, or visit www.cucw.org.

Flea market: Vendors are wanted for the outdoor flea market to be held Saturday, June 13, at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin. For details, call Cindy Meseke at (847) 468-8160.

Summer gathering: A College Student Summer Gathering with a "Meal and a Message" will discuss "What Does the Bible Say about Choosing a Career or a Life Direction?" with the Rev. Steve Knox at St. Mary Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. The program will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 16. Young persons are frequently asked: "What do you want to do when you grow up?" The Bible contains a great deal of practical wisdom that can provide young adults with guidance as they make decisions about career choices. There will be pizza, followed by reflections by Fr. Steve on the topic followed by discussion. All college students are welcome to attend. To RSVP, contact Elizabeth at (847) 669-5612 or StMaryYM@aol.com.

Walk in Her Shoes: St. John's Lutheran Church and School, 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin, invites the community to "Walk in Her Shoes" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18. This program is an opportunity for men and women to learn about the lives of domestic violence victims. Program participants will learn how to help and how to find help. Joan Fenton from Phoenix, Ariz., will be the presenter. For details, call (847) 658-9300.

Rummage sale: St. Mary's Church of McHenry will hold its annual rummage sale June 18-20 at Montini Middle School, 1405 N. Richmond Road (Route 31 North). It is one of the largest rummage sales in the area. Thirteen rooms of quality merchandise will be available. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Friday is half-price day, and on Saturday clothing and books will be $1 or $2 per bag. For details, call St. Mary's Parish Office at (815) 385-0024, Traci Stevens at (815) 385-5631, or Mary Kay Welter at (815) 385-3281.

Confirmation camp: If you are a student currently enrolled in sixth or seventh grade, you are invited to attend the Confirmation Camp at St. John's Lutheran Church and School. The camps will be held Monday, June 22, to Friday, June 26, and again Monday, June 29, to Thursday, July 2. If you are interested in learning more about the Lutheran faith and what it means to be confirmed in the faith, call church office at (847) 658-9300. St. John's is at 300 Jefferson St. in downtown Algonquin.

Ice cream social: Ridgefield Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church will sponsor the ice cream social during the Woodstock City Band Concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at the Park on the Square. Members will bake cookie and brownie recipes from their own collections and from their recent cookbook, Beyond the Cookie Walk. Culver's Oreo Cookie Sandwiches and Vanilla and Chocolate Frozen Custard and toppings will be available. Proceeds will be used for the Church's Cookie Lift Project, which sends care packages to soldiers in the Woodstock National Guard in Afghanistan. For details, contact (815) 459-1132 or cookielift@rclpc.org.

Angel Food Ministries: Hunger is a very real problem in this nation - each year more than 5 million Americans face life without adequate food. With today's economic challenges, many ordinary families have fallen on hard times and just need a little help to make ends meet. That's where Angel Food Ministries can make the difference. Angel Food is a nationwide program offering low-cost food relief to anyone in need. Orders are usually due midmonth, with delivery usually the last Saturday of each month at about 9:30 a.m. For details, including what is available and the cost, visit www.angelfoodministries.com and type in the ZIP code 60120, select Community of Christ Church, or call (847) 741-1366 to leave a message. Your call will be returned. Community of Christ, 1675 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, is participating in this program to provide food assistance to families across America. For details, visit elgin.chicagomissioncenter.org.

School registration: St. John's Lutheran School, 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin, is now accepting kindergarten through eighth-grade day school registration for the 2009-10 school year. St. John's Day School offers an all-day kindergarten program and first- through eighth-grade classes. St. John's School Program offers core subjects as well as computers, art, music, band, chapel and physical education. The program is complemented by after school extracurricular programs including art classes, chess club, foreign language classes, Scouting programs and sports programs, including: soccer, volleyball, basketball and pep squad. St. John's also offers BASS (Before and After School Services) program for all enrolled students. It has limited class sizes and acceptance is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enrollment is open to the community and is not limited to church members. St. John's is in downtown Algonquin, just one block west of Route 31. For details or to enroll your child, contact St. John's school office at (847) 658-9311 or e-mail at stjohns@covad.net.

Register for school: St. Laurence School, 572 Standish St. in Elgin, is now accepting registration for kindergarten for the 2009-10 school year. It offers a full-day kindergarten with a comprehensive curriculum, small class size and experienced teachers. St. Laurence School is accredited by the state of Illinois and the Diocese of Rockford. They offer classes from preschool through eighth grade. To learn more about the school or make an appointment for a personal tour, call (847) 468-6100 or visit stlaurenceschool.com.

Preschool at Light of Christ: Light of Christ Preschool, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin, is continuing enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year. A new curriculum is being offered for children ages 3-5. Enrichment program with lunch also is available. Visit locpreschool.com or contact Preschool Director Michele Niehoff at (658)-0955 for information.

Register for Griffin school: Griffin Christian School, a ministry of Fox Valley Baptist Church, is now accepting enrollments in all grades for the 2009-10 school year. The school, 16N562 Vista Lane in East Dundee, is for preschool through 12th grade. They offer a full, Bible-based academic schedule along with classes in art, music, computer skills, gym, and several foreign languages. After-school care is also available. The preschool program is for both 3 and 4 year olds. Parents will be able to choose between a two-day or a five-day program, either mornings or full day. The kindergarten program is either mornings or full day. Both programs feature early learning activities with a low student-to-teacher ratio, and include phonics-based reading instruction. The elementary program is a multi-age class, but with traditional classroom instruction and a phonics-based reading program. The middle and high school programs use a technology-based, individualized program, utilizing the latest in computer technology to assist in the learning process and prepare students for the modern collegiate experience. For several of their subjects the middle and high school use an online curriculum with real-time assistance, where each student can complete his subjects with lessons specifically tailored to his needs. Traditional classroom instruction in several subjects is also included. For details or to make an appointment to visit the school, call (847) 428-5413 or visit griffinchristianschool.org.

Register at Good Shepherd: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 1111 Van St. in Elgin, is accepting applications for enrollment for the 2009-10 school year. Good Shepherd will offer kindergarten to fifth grade for the 2009-10 school year at 1111 Van St. The preschool is at its Nesler Road and Route 20 location and offers programs for both 3 and 4 year olds. Before-school care is available for preschool and after-school care is available at both sites. Church membership is not required. To schedule a tour at a different time or for more information, contact the school office at (847) 741-7795 or the preschool office at (847) 697-4745.