Tri-Cities religion notes

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Special events

• St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Galena Boulevard and Orchard Road in Aurora, will host a dodgeball tournament and a 5K and 1K Run Friday to Sunday, May 29-31. This event will help raise money for the school's technology and scholarship programs. The dodgeball tournament for junior high, high school and adults starts Friday at 4:30 p.m. and runs all weekend. On Saturday, the 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 1K starts at 9:30 a.m. There will also be a kids carnival on Saturday. For dodgeball team and 5K/1K fees and applications, visit the Web site at events.stpaulaurora.org or call (630) 896-3250.

• "Women Who Influenced My Life" is the special program sponsored by Celtic Connections from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at Calvary Episcopal Church, 222 S. Batavia Ave. Attendees will be invited to share stories about the powerful, spirited and, yes, sometimes crazy women who have had a great influence on their lives. The insightful and extremely humorous program will be presented by Brigid Duffield, an attorney, mediator and public speaker who concentrates on family law and domestic relations. Using her work and life experiences, she provides inspiration and appreciation for audiences of all sizes. Celtic Connections is an organization for the personal development of women. It believes wisdom happens when a woman invests in lifelong learning. Ticket prices, which include tea, coffee and dessert, are $15 or $20 for nonmembers, or $30 at the door. Tickets are available at celticconnect.com or by calling (630) 406-6439.

• On Thursdays, June 4 to July 9, Fox Valley Unity Church, 230 Webster St., Batavia, is offering a six-week class titled "The Simple Truth." It will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 7 to 9 p.m.

This class strives to make sense of God and life. It answers some of the following questions: "Who or what is God?" "What does it mean to be a 'Child of God'?" "Why am I here?"

The answers to these questions are usually very simple. Though this class may not answer every question you might ask, it will answer some of the more significant ones on your spiritual journey.

Small and large group discussion will be utilized. The text "The Simple Truth" was written by Mary-Alice and Richard Jafolla. It is one of Unity's classics. Everyone is welcome. Offered on a love offering basis.

To register for the class, call Fox Valley Unity at (630) 879-1115. More information can be found on the Web site at www.foxvalleyunity.org.

• Fox Valley Unity Church, 230 Webster St., Batavia, is hosting Dr. Saul Shaye and a healing workshop 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 7. A licensed chiropractor for more than 20 years, his lectures blend unforgettable tales, practical wisdom, spiritual healing and wonderful humor. Focused on taking charge of your well-being, his workshops are highly motivational and uplifting. His presentation tells the story of his own spiritual transformation with unique healing demonstrations that show the chronological unfolding of his gift. Dream work has played a major part in the unfolding of Dr. Shaye's abilities. Having recorded more than 15,000 dreams since 1975, Shaye relies on guidance from his dreams to reveal important information for his direction and growth. This led him to write the book, "He Who Walks On Two Worlds." He's written numerous articles on health, healing and dreams. On June 8-10, Shaye will offer individual healing sessions by appointment. For information, call Fox Valley Unity at (630) 879-1115 or visit foxvalleyunity.org.

• On June 19, the Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva will present "Beyond Our Differences" as part of its ongoing Friday Flicks series at 7 p.m. Winner of numerous film awards, "Beyond Our Differences" aired earlier this year on "Bill Moyers' Journal" on PBS. The film features interviews with the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Ela Gandhi, and Van Jones, as well as leaders of Judaism, Islam and major figures in politics, culture, arts and science. Together, this diverse set of influential individuals creates a unified message of hope that extends across all major religions. More information about the film is available at beyondourdifferences.com.

The film promises to provoke a lively discussion as we examine this important, yet rarely-examined perspective. This is part of the free monthly third Friday Film programs which are sponsored by the Social Justice Committee. You are encouraged to register at content.uusg.org/friday-flicks/ to receive e-mail notices of future programs.

The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva, established in 1842 and the oldest church in Geneva, is a diverse, welcoming community that endeavors to make its Covenant a living reality. It provides religious education and opportunities for spiritual growth. They encourage individual and mutual responsibility as together they work to be a liberal religious voice in the community and a force for compassionate social justice. For information, visit uusg.org.

Music

• St. Mary's School in West Chicago presents "Godspell" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Cost is $10, $7 for children and seniors. Tickets will be sold at the door or via St. Mary's School, 147 Garden St., West Chicago. For details, call (630) 231-1776.

• A guest singer/musician will open the outdoor summer worship in Sugar Grove. Nashville recording artist Virginia Hill will share her message in music on Sunday, June 7, to start the summer worship series at Sugar Grove United Methodist Church.

Every Sunday in June, July, and August, the first worship will be at 8 a.m. at an open-air pavilion recently built on the church's 40 acre campus at 4S633 Harter Road (three-quarter mile west of Route 47 and Waubonsee Community College). The second worship service will be 9:30 a.m. in the1888 sanctuary at 176 Main St., Sugar Grove. Hill, a guitarist and vocalist, weaves her faith into her music. She will share some music from her latest recording, "Truth and Love." For information, contact Sugar Grove UMC at (630) 466-4501 or visit sgumc.net.

Bible school

• Registration is now under way for Rejoice Lutheran Church's 2009 vacation Bible school, which will be held June 15-19. All children who were in kindergarten through fifth grade during the 2008-09 school year are welcome to this year's VBS, which is following the theme "Jesus Recycles Our Hearts."

"We will learn all about recycling and ways to help keep our earth clean," says Barb Loomis, director of children's ministries at Rejoice. "But recycling isn't just about keeping God's world clean; it's about how Jesus recycles our hearts, makes us new and sends us out into the world to share His love with others."

Activities will include making crafts from recyclables, Bible stories, environmentally focused science experiments, mission projects, "Garbage Games" and songs.

The program will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 15 to Thursday, June 18, at the church. On Friday, June 19, it will be held at Heritage Prairie Farm and Market. The farm is just minutes away from the church, just north of Mill Creek Elementary School on Brundige Road. Drop off and pickup on Friday will be at the farm. Parents are invited to stay with their children at the farm for a morning of fun in a place that cares for God's earth.

Registration and medical forms may be downloaded from rejoiceinthemission.org.

The cost is $20 per student or $50 per family. Rejoice Lutheran Church is located at 0N377 Mill Creek Drive in Geneva. For information, call (630) 262-0596 or visit rejoiceinthemission.org.

• The Salvation Army Joe K. Anderson Community Center, 1710 S. Seventh Ave., St. Charles, will be offering residential summer camp for ages 6 to 17. Camp Wonderland, owned and operated by The Salvation Army, is located in Camp Lake, Wis. "Camp Wonderland" features cabins, a lake, Olympic size swimming pool, basketball courts, climbing wall, hiking, boating, Bible lessons, trained staff and more. Transportation is provided. These camps are open to the public. For information or to register your child, call (630) 377-2769.

Support

• From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fox Valley Unity Church, 230 Webster St., Batavia, facilitates a discussion of "A Course in Miracles." It's open to new attendees. Call (630) 879-1115 or visit foxvalleyunity.org.

Fundraisers

• The Swedish American Children's Choir will present its seventh annual Swedish Pancake Breakfast fundraiser from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 S. Lincoln, Batavia. The breakfast will feature Swedish pancakes, sausage, Swedish cardamom coffee cake, lingonberries, juice, milk and coffee. Also available at the breakfast will be a bake sale, Scandinavian gift items and books for sale and Swedish music. All proceeds will be used to defray expenses for the choir's tour to Door County, Wis., in June of 2010. The choir is the largest of its kind in the Midwest. It is comprised of children ages 4-18 who present performances of Swedish songs and Scandinavian dances throughout the area. Tickets are by reservation only and are $9 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-10 and free for kids younger than 4. Reservations can be made by calling (630) 414-9700.

• On Thursday, June 4, celebrate the end of the school year when the United Methodist Church of Geneva hosts a drive-up Fay's BBQ dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot west of the church, 211 Hamilton St. The dinner features pork chops or chicken or a combination, baked beans, coleslaw, applesauce and rolls with butter. Tickets are $9 or $10, depending on the entree. Reservations are strongly suggested and more information can be found by calling the church office at (630) 232-7120 or online at www.genevaumc.org. All proceeds of the fundraiser will help support the church's mission trip to the Dominican Republic later this summer.

• 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.

• The Sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Wheaton invite you to celebrate its 400th anniversary at the Loretto Gala Sunday, July 26, at Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. The silent auction begins at 3 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by the live auction. Tickets are $80 per person. A table of 10 is $750. Advance paid registration is required by July 10 by calling (630) 682-9097 or e-mailing development@ibvm.org.

Proceeds from the Loretto Gala help support infirmed and retired Sisters, the ministries of the Sisters in education, in retreat work and spiritual direction, and among the poor, disadvantaged and homeless.

Congregational

• The Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S. Batavia Ave., celebrates "Senior High Sunday" on Sunday, May 31. Graduating high school seniors and their families will be recognized at a breakfast at 9 a.m. and during the 10:30 a.m. worship service, which is planned entirely by the students. In the service, 25 students will be commissioned for their June mission trip to West Virginia. For details, e-mail bataviaucc@sbcglobal.net.

A new monthly contemporary worship service will debut at the Congregational Church of Batavia at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 7. Presented by the church's young adults, the service will feature upbeat Christian worship songs and a short message, followed with light refreshments. The service is open to all. For details, call the church at (630) 879-1999.

Evangelical Covenant

• On Sunday, May 31, the Rev. Paul Bischoff, interim pastor, invites you for Sunday worship at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Campton Hills. Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles for Scripture-related conversation, study, and prayer. Children's Sunday school is at 10:30 a.m. The Wednesday study group continues "Rocksolid," an exploration of faith for the mature Christian and new Christian, at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit www.countrycov.org.

Lutheran

• On Sunday, June 14, Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 S. Lincoln St. in Batavia, will be worshipping at one service for the summer. The service will be at 9 a.m., with a coffee hour following. The Rev. Steven Srock will host a Bible study during coffee hour regarding "Taking Sunday into the Week." A nursery for children will continue during the summer as well. For details, call (630) 879-3444 or visit bethanybatavia.org.

Methodist

• Starting the first Sunday in June through the last Sunday in August, Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, 176 Main St., will have an 8 a.m. outdoor worship at 4S633 Harter Road, three-quarter mile west of Route 47. The 9:30 a.m. service will be at the church. Nursery care is provided at 9:30 a.m. worship. For details, call (630) 466-4501 or visit sgumc.net.

Unity

• On Sunday, May 31, Fox Valley Unity Church, 230 Webster St. in Batavia, will hold a Gong Meditation with recording artist Kenny Kolter at 1 p.m. All are invited to an afternoon of the relaxing and energizing song of the gong.

The sound and vibration works at a cellular level and can help with stress, fatigue, depression, anger and blocked energy. Suggested offering is $20. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Bring a yoga mat, blanket or pillow and water. For details, call Fox Valley Unity at (630) 879-1115 or visit foxvalleyunity.org.

• On Friday, June 5, Fox Valley Unity Church will be hosting its monthly Sacred Chant Circle at 7 p.m. at the church, 230 Webster St., Batavia. Chanting holds a sacred position in many spiritual disciplines and is one of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world. For details, call Fox Valley Unity at (630) 879-1115 or visit www.foxvalleyunity.org.