Northwest suburban religion notes
Deadline for submissions is noon Monday. Due to space limitations, not all "Your Faith" items are listed here.
Food collection: St Paul United Church of Christ is collecting for the Palatine Food Pantry every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. The church is at 144 E. Palatine Road in Palatine and any nonperishables would be appreciated especially pasta, pasta sauce, tuna, peanut butter. This Outreach program will run through the end of August. (847) 358-0399.
New officers: Congregation Beth Judea, a Conservative synagogue which has served the Northwest suburbs since 1968, elected 11 new officers and 12 new directors at its annual meeting May 27. The new officers, who will serve from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011, are as follows: President Bonnie Sender, Executive Vice President Rick Drazner, Education Vice President Natalie Solomon, Facilities Vice President Russ Barnett, Finance Vice President Lee Silver, Membership Vice President Diane Ganden, Ritual Vice-President Sandy Victor, Programming Vice-President Brian Gurin, Ways & Means Vice-President Cindy Lipka, Youth Vice-President Debbie Dubin, and Secretary Marilyn Green-Rebnord. Elected for a 3-year term as an at-large director are: Bruce Arenson, Bruce Darin, Jeff Kostis, Debbie Limer, Karen Nagel and Joan Smith. They will serve from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2012. Elected for a 2-year term as an at-large director are: Bruce Entman, Stuart Kersky and Ronna Leibach. They will serve from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011. Elected for a 1-year term as an at-large director are: Debbi Green, Barb Hyman and Wendy Wunsch. They will serve from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Rhonda Wener will serve as Immediate Past President from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011. These volunteers will be officially installed at Congregation Beth Judea's Installation Shabbat service that will take place Friday, June 26.
Called to Torah: The following youths were called to the Torah on the occasion of their b'nai mitzvah during April, May and June at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove: Cara Golberg, daughter of Abby and Steven Golberg of Long Grove; Micah Fishman, son of Deborah and Scott Fishman of Buffalo Grove; Zachary Kwasman, son of Gayle and Steven Kwasman of Buffalo Grove; Jared Paul Zeidman, son of Rebecca and Marc Zeidman of Buffalo Grove; Benjamin Limer, son of Deborah and Stephen Limer of Vernon Hills; Talia Grossman, daughter of Rachel and Alan Grossman of Buffalo Grove; and Gabrielle Dylyn Taxer, daughter of Audrey and Scott Taxer of Buffalo Grove.
June 19
Shabbat: Am Chai will hold the celebration of Shabbat at 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the Devonshire, 1515 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates. Following services, oneg Shabbat will begin, followed by the men's and women's club meeting. (847) 604-4060.
Rummage sale: St. Thomas Becket Parish will hold a rummage sale from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, June 19, and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, in the church hall, 1321 Burning Bush Lane, Mount Prospect. There will be Saturday specials on all items, including a paper grocery bag of clothing for $4. (847) 299-6571.
Cinema under the stars: Everyone is invited to Cinema Under The Stars featuring the free movie "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears A Who" to be shown on a large outdoor screen in the parking lot of Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows, at sunset (about 8:45 p.m.) on Friday, June 19. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to make yourself comfortable. Refreshments will be available for sale. The movie will be shown indoors if the weather does not cooperate. (847) 255-8764
June 20
Church picnic: North Northfield United Methodist Church's picnic will have a "Carnival Times" theme this year. The event will be Saturday, June 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. Activities will include food and games, as well as fellowship. In case of rain, activities will be held in the church's fellowship hall. For details, call (847) 272-2250 or visit northnorthfield.org.
Yard sale: The public is invited to shop at the Multi Family Community Yard Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. More than 20 local vendors will display everything from books to household items. Convenient parking is available on-site. For details, call (847) 392-6650.
Dance: New Beginnings will have a dance from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at St. Matthew's Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Tickets cost $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Bring a snack to share. For information, call Joan Neville at (847) 397-9643.
Feed the starving: St Paul UCC, 144 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, will be participating in Feed My Starving Children Saturday, June 20, in the Aurora FSMC facility. Volunteers will be filling nutritional food packs to be mailed internationally for children in need. We have committed to 30 volunteers for the 9-11 a.m. shift and rides will be provided. Call the church office at (847) 358-0399 for more details. All are welcome.
Pet blessing: Trinity Lutheran Church of Rolling Meadows will hold its third annual Pet Blessing from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Pastor Ben Bergren will open the event with a message and blessing at noon, followed by a picnic lunch for all guests. A complimentary photo and certificate will be given to all pet families, and local vets will be on hand to answer questions. A photo of your pet is also welcomed for a blessing if traveling is not possible. All species of every denomination are welcomed. Trinity is located at 3201 Meadow Drive, just south of Kirchoff Rd. (847) 398-7122.
Yard sale: Free space in the Multifamily Community Yard Sale is available to local residents who wish to participate. The yard sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. For information, call (847) 392-6659
Rummage sale: St. Cecilia's Church will hold its annual rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the church, 700 S. Meier Road, Mount Prospect. A $3 bag sale will start at 1:30 p.m.
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 jsmc2009.org or 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.
Car wash: A Car Wash will be held in the south parking lot of Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Freewill donations will be accepted to benefit the Faith Youth Organization. Call (847) 253-4839 for more information.
June 21
Summer schedule: Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights, begins its summer schedule at 9:30 a.m. worship beginning Sunday, June 21. "Living on the Edge (Experience and Discover God Everywhere)" will be the sermon topic for the first summer worship service at Congregational UCC. The theme provides an adult look at the lessons to be offered children attending Camp EDGE vacation Bible camp June 22-26 at the church. Service includes commissioning of the vacation Bible camp staff and a special recognition on Father's Day for all men attending the service. "Super Sundaes" are planned for children who participate in church school while adults are in worship. Nursery and child care will be available for infants and toddlers. After worship, everyone will enjoy "dogs and Dads" (root beer). The church is at 1001 W. Kirchoff Road in Arlington Heights. For details, visit CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650.
Vacation Bible school: Crocodile Dock vacation Bible school will be presented from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 21, through Thursday, June 25, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, at the southwest corner of Army Trail and Petersdorf in Bartlett. This event is for kids ages 3 through sixth grade and the cost is $15. Register by calling (630) 830-3003.
Summer services: Christus Victor Lutheran Church will add both an 8 a.m. service on Sundays, as well as a 7 p.m. service on Wednesdays throughout the summer. These casual services will be held outside in the courtyard starting June 21 through Aug. 30. For information, call Christus Victor Lutheran Church at (847) 437-2666 or visit christusvictoregv.org. The church is at 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village.
June 22
Vacation Bible school: Poplar Creek Church, 300 Schick Road, Bartlett, will offer Crocodile Dock vacation Bible school. Children 3 years through sixth grade are invited to attend from 9-11:30 a.m. June 22-26. The cost is $5 before June 22; at the door $10. Register at the church or call for information (630) 483-1000.
Summer camp: Christ the King Lutheran Preschool offers two summer camps for children ages 3-7. Session 1 is June 22-26 and Session 2 is Aug. 10-14. Times are 9:30 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday. Fee is $75 per session. See ByFaithAlone.org for registration information, or call Valerie Schultz at (847) 358-0230 to register. Christ the King Preschool is operated by Christ the King Lutheran Church, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine.
Vacation Bible school: The Presbyterian Church of Palatine (Palatine Road at Rohlwing Road) presents Crocodile Dock: Where Fearless Kids Shine God's Light from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. the week of June 22-26 for kids 4 years old to those entering sixth grade. To register, visit pcop.us or call (847) 358-4650.
VBS: Evening vacation Bible school will be offered from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26, at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, for children age 3 through fifth grade. Cost is $5 per child. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.
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.
June 23
Bible study: Summer Bible Study is offered at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road in Barrington. "What's So Spiritual About Your Gifts?" by Henry Blackaby will be discussed. Morning Women's Session on Thursdays June 25 to Aug. 13, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. or evening sessions Tuesdays June 23 to Aug. 11, 7 to 9 p.m. The cost of the book is $14. (847) 836-5540. www.BarringtonUMC.com
June 24
Ice cream social: Northwest Covenant Church will have an ice cream social on the lawn at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24. There is no cost to participate. Northwest Covenant Church is at 300 N. Elmhurst Ave., Mount Prospect. For details, call (847) 255-4671.
Organ Recital: St. John's Episcopal Church, 200 N. Main, Mount Prospect, invites the public to join them for a Midsummer Evensong and Organ Recital featuring organist Michael Soto at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24. All are welcome to attend. For details, call (847) 392-1700.
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 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.
June 26
Rummage sale: The St. Emily Youth Ministry will host a giant Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday, June 26-28, in the school gym, 1400 E. Central Road, between Rand and Wolf roads, in Mount Prospect. The event will begin with a pre-sale Thursday, June 25, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission to the pre-sale is $5. Don't miss the "Sunday bag sale" for even greater savings. Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 20-22 at the rear gym entrance in the north parking lot. For details, call (847) 824-5049 or visit stemily.org.
Vacation Bible school: Register now for Son Rock Kids Camp vacation Bible school at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Roadi, Palatine. Son Rock Kids Camp will run from 9 a.m. to noon the week of July 13-17 and is for 3-year-olds through sixth- graders. Register before Friday, June 26. Walk-ins will not be accepted this year. Contact the church office at (847) 358-4600 for more information and to register.
June 27
Movie: A free showing of the movie, "Fireproof," will be offered at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at St. Hubert Parish, 729 Grand Canyon, Hoffman Estates (847) 885-7700. All are welcome. Enjoy free popcorn and a movie that will strengthen your marriage.
June 28
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 call (312) 666-0100.
June 30
Vacation Bible school: SonRock Kids Camp VBS will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon the week of July 13-17 at the First United Methodist Church of Palatine, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. Program are offered for kindergarten through sixth grade Monday through Friday and for 3-year-olds Tuesday and Thursday and for 4-year-olds Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Registration deadline is June 30. Suggest donation: $25 per child. Friday night program will be at 7 p.m. (847) 359-1345, fumcpalatine.org.
July 1
Theology on Deck: The Rev. Scott Barron, rector at St. John's Episcopal Church, will lead a summer study group on the deck behind the rectory at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, July 1-29. The church is at 200 N. Main, Mount Prospect. Light refreshments will be served. For details, call (847) 392-1700.
July 2
Burning bowl service: This special service will be held at Unity Northwest Church at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 2. A freewill offering will be accepted. Come prepared to release and let go of the thoughts and burdens which do not serve you. The church is at 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines.
July 4
Pancake breakfast: The Knights of Columbus will sponsor a pancake breakfast and bingo at St Joseph the Worker Church, 181 W. Dundee Road in Wheeling, Fourth of July in conjunction with the Wheeling Fourth of July Festivities. The all-you-can-eat breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. and bingo will be played from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cards will be 50 cents each and all games will be split the pot. Bingo proceeds will benefit the Wheeling Senior Center. For details, call (847) 537-3094.
July 12
Vacation Bible school: From Sunday, July 12, to Thursday, July 16, children ages 4 through sixth grade are invited to attend "Wildwood Forest" vacation Bible school at Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:35 p.m. the kids will be exploring the awesome nature of God, playing games, singing, enjoying crafts, snacks and drama. Admission is free; however, the children will have the opportunity to give toward Camp Ray Bird, a camp for underprivileged, inner-city children. Register at elkgrovebaptistchurch.org or call (847) 593-8337.
July 15
Bible study: Holy Family Catholic Community will host Catholic Scripture Study presented by Pauline A. Viviano, Ph.D. from 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, July 15, 22, 29. Week one will focus on Joshua; week two will focus on Samson; and week three on Jeremiah. Pauline Viviano is an associate professor of theology at Loyola University, Chicago. Holy Family Parish is at 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. Fee: $30 Call (847) 359-0042 to register, visit holyfamilyparish.org
Community meal: Lutheran Church of the Atonement will host The Community Meal from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 15. The public is invited to attend these free meals. The church is at 909 E. Main St., Barrington. (847) 381-0243
July 20
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.
July 26
DNA Project: The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will present The JGSI DNA Project One Year Later with Alvin Holtzman, DNA project coordinator, at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie. 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. jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.
Aug. 9
Arts & crafts: Immanuel United Church of Christ is seeking crafters for its Arts & Craft Fair, which will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, and its Old Church Craft & Holiday Fair, which will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Both will be held at 1500 Old Church Road, Streamwood. For details or an application, call Pam Patterson at (815) 308-5313 or e-mail pamp8207@comcast.net; LaVerne Ryman at (630) 837-7337 or e-mail l_ryman@yahoo.com; or call (630) 837-0190.
Sept. 19
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-served basis. (847) 255-2848.
Oct. 2
Women's conference: The Rev. Patty Pipia will speak at a Women's Leadership Conference, "The Spirit of Leadership Reawakening the Feminine" Oct. 2 and 3. The conference is sponsored by The Present Moment, 521 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, and will be held at Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. For details, visit thespiritofleadership.net.
Oct. 16
Catholic festival: The 2009 Catholic Festival of Faith, an opportunity for Catholics to come together to dialogue, exchange ideas and strengthen their faith, will be conducted on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17, at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. The Festival will include a wide-range of practical workshops and sessions for teachers, principals and families including such topics as interventions with families in crisis, sexuality of the body for high school students, connecting schools to parish life, using Catholic School Boards effectively and a retreat for second-graders before first Communion. Also, providing important and topical presentations will be experts on ecology, catechesis and the arts, who will talk about many subjects including journaling, understanding "helicopter" parents, and infusing social teaching into curricula. Keynote speakers scheduled to appear at the festival include Chicago native, the Most Rev. Wilton Gregory, archbishop of Atlanta; Fr. Louis J. Cameli, Cardinal's Delegate for Faith and Mission, who has written numerous books on spirituality; the Rev. Guillermo Campuzano, C.M., a Vincentian priest from Colombia, currently teaching at DePaul University and advising the Archdiocesan project for Latino young people; R. James Nicholson, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, along with his wife, Suzanne; and ValLimar Jansen, a singer, cantor and recording artist known for her work with Gospel, contemporary Christian and gospel-jazz style music. Go to catholicfest.org for online registration or to learn more about the 2009 Catholic Festival of Faith. For additional information, call the Catholic Festival of Faith at (312) 534-3100 or e-mail decw@archchicago.org.
Sept. 19
Craft fair: St. John United Church of Christ, 1475 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, is seeking exhibitors for its 35th Annual Craft Fair and Flea Market, which will be Sept. 19 on the church grounds, Algonquin and Roselle roads. Booth reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. For reservation forms and details, visit stjohnchurchchrist.org, e-mail stjohnfleamarket@yahoo.com or call (847) 255-2848.
Other
Shabbat Worship Services: Shabbat worship services are offered at 7:30 p.m. Fridays (Kabbalat Shabbat) and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Daily minyanim are at 6:15 a.m. Mondays; 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 9 a.m. Sundays. Tot Shabbat services are held in the Main Sanctuary of the synagogue at 6:30 p.m. the second Friday of every month. Gan Shabbat services are at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays in the Beit HaMidrash on the lower level of the synagogue. Nonmembers of Beth Judea are welcome. For details, contact the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 or visit BethJudea.org.
Aleph Torah Assembly: An Aleph Torah Assembley took place at Congregation Beth Judea May 17. Beth Judea's two Aleph classes worked on a yearlong project that culminated in the Torah Assembly. The children wrote summaries and drew illustrations of the Torah stories as they learned them throughout the year. The students wrote the summaries on muslin, which they attached to dowel rods when they were finished. Each student made Rimonim, a Yad, a breast plate, a Torah Cover and a ribbon for their Torah. They walked into the assembly singing "It is a Tree of Life." Students then talked about each part of the Torah they had made and then read the summaries they had written. At the end, students went with their families to share their Torahs with them. The Beth Judea 2008-09 Aleph class were:
Peggy Weiner's Class: Rachel Aranyi, Ariana Gassel, Daniel Gottfried, Justin Gould, Andrew Greenberg, Ilyssa Muise, Samuel Nusinow, Aaron Riber, Joshua Riber, Molly Rothschild, Haley Schwartz, Ari Weiss and Camey Zussman
Carrol Hilder's Class: Brielle Ernsteen, Eli Goldman, Ari Gordon, Isaac Kahn, Eli Movitz, Hannah Neubauer, Kylie Repsold, Hannah Salzberg, Kyle Salzberg, Brett Schechter, Courtney Shub and Zachary Weil. Beth Judea's Education Director is Anna Besser and its Vice-President of Education is Mitch Weiss. Beth Judea is at Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. For details, call the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 or visit BethJudea.org.
Plant a garden: Garden Plots are available free to residents interested in doing a little gardening. The plots are located in the rear of Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. Space is limited. To determine availability, call (847) 392-6650 for information.
Preschool registration: Noah's Ark Christian Preschool and Kindergarten, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, is currently registering new students for the 2009-2010 school year. Classes are available for children ages 2-6. Noah's Ark is a ministry of Barrington United Methodist Church. Call (847) 844-3738 for more information.
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.
Synagogue membership: Congregation Beth Judea (Conservative), Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove, is now accepting 2009-2010 synagogue membership registration, Sunday and Hebrew School registration, as well as "Jewish University" Class registration (grades 8-12), and membership in the various youth groups. Beth Judea's clergy consists of: Rabbi Howard Lifshitz, Rabbi Robert Gamer and Hazzan Roger Weisberg. (847) 634-0777 or bethjudea.org.
Religious education: Registration for the 2009/10 school year is now open to new families for St. Emily Religious Education classes for grades 1-8. Classes are held Tuesday evenings starting at 5 p.m. and Wednesday evenings starting at 6 p.m. Call the office at (847) 299-5865 for more information, or visit the Web site at stemily.org/religiouseducation. St. Emily is at 1400 E. Central Road, Mount Prospect.
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.