Fox Valley religion notes

To include your church in the free listings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, fax to (847) 608-0849, or mail to 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin IL 60123.

Church of the Redeemer: Church of the Redeemer, 40 Center St. in Elgin, invites clergy, music staff, and lay leaders to a worship music workshop with Guy Jansen from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8. Guy Jansen of Wellington, New Zealand, will present theological, liturgical and aesthetic considerations for choosing music for worship, as well as sharing a variety of music styles from historic, contemporary and global resources. He has served as a worship leader, choral director, band leader and professor in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and England. In the U.S., he most recently was a guest lecturer and conductor at Wheaton College. For details, call Margaret Brady at (847) 742-2428 or margaret_brady@sbcglobal.net. Visit www.redeemerelgin.org.

St. Peter: On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Rev. Gerhard Mau preaches on "Equipping the Saints" at the 9 a.m. outdoor service at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Road (one mile east of Route 47) in Hampshire. It will be repeated at the 7:30 p.m. Monday service. Registration is open for Little Saints Preschool, including the Intro to Preschool class and prekindergarten class. Call Kristina at (847) 464-5134 for a tour or for details. Members of the community are encouraged to apply.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, Aug. 2, 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 and enjoy good, 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 for the new Christian, at 7 p.m. Vacation Bible school will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10 to Friday, Aug. 14. Join them for "Crocodile Dock" and dance the "Swamp Stomp!" A light dinner will be served. Parents are invited to spend the evening also. They will have preregistration and registration on the first night, Aug. 10. For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit www.countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Rev. Audrey deCoursey's sermon will be "Rain of God" at the 9:30 a.m. service at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The "Living the Questions" series meets at 10:45 a.m. Sundays, to Aug. 16, in the lounge. Carol Davis, CEO of Pinecrest, the Church of the Brethren Retirement facility at Mt. Morris, Ill., will meet with members at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12. The congregation will have a booth at the Fox FireFest on Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2. The women of the church are invited to gather at the home of Mabel Rice for a meal and storytelling at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6. Members will attend together a Kane County Cougars ballgame at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10. Members are invited to an Interfaith Hunger Conference on Aug. 16-17 at the Conference Point Center in Williams Bay, Wis. Vacation Bible school will meet on the theme, "Discovery Canyon: Explore the Wonders of the Word!" from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, and Thursday, Aug. 20; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 22. A light, drop-in supper will be offered for children and parents at 5:30 p.m. preceding the two evening sessions. All children age 3 through sixth grade are welcome to come, and bring friends. For information, call (847) 741-5124 or visit hacob.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel offers a full range of services: Torah school for prekindergarten to high school, adult education classes, a youth program for age 6 to 12, Sisterhood and Men's Club, and age-based interest groups. This week's Torah portion is "Va'et'hanan." The service is led by Rabbi Jonathan Kohn in prayer and study. Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St. in Elgin. Guests are welcome. Registration is now being taken for the new school year. CKI believes that each person can participate in the observance of Shabbat through the use of English, Hebrew, and age-appropriate activities. For details, call (847) 741-5656 or visit www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers friendly, participatory Shabbat services at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays and followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the parsha of the week. This week's Torah portion is "Devarim." For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the theme, "You Are What You Eat" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The scripture lessons are 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a; Psalm 51:1-12; Ephesians 4:1-16 and John 6:24-35.

The nursery is open for children age 3 and younger. Children who are 4 and older are invited to attend the multi-grade Sunday school class held in the church youth room. "Saturday with the Spirit" service will be Saturdays. Come snack and socialize from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Service will follow and end by 6:30 p.m. Come for the food, come for the message or both. Each Sunday's service is now being digitally recorded and is available on the Web site on Monday. If you are unable to attend, visit the Web site. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison will ask "Until When?" at the 9 a.m. service and the Rev. Mona Walker will preach on "The Bread of Life," at the 11:30 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church at 216 E. Highland in Elgin. Special music will be presented by Allison Duncan, Chad Downey, Gwyn Downey, Eli Broxham and Mason Broxham. There are Christian education classes for all ages from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The youth group meets at 12:45 p.m. The Youth Group's Holy Grounds Coffee House will be held at the church from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14. The public is invited. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Aug. 2, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Bread for Grumbling," based on Exodus 16:2-15, at the 9 a.m. service at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. The summer schedule includes a 9 a.m. Sunday service and a 7 p.m. Wednesday service. The church continues the Walk-R-Run sessions twice a month. You can find information on the sessions by www.stjohnburlington.com. The St. John float will be in the Coon Creek Days parade set for Aug. 2. The theme will be fishers of men as they share Jesus with the world. The church has paper recycling bins in their parking lot for local residents. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will continue his series on "Bumper Sticker Theology" at 8:15 a.m. in the chapel and at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. His sermon title is "Chronologically Gifted" and the scripture lesson is Proverbs 10:27 and Luke 2:25-38. After the second service, all are invited to a fellowship hour on the lower level. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message, "You Have a Call Waiting," inspired by the first chapter of Jeremiah, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Choral Ensemble will perform at the 10:30 a.m. service. Holy Communion will be observed during both services and baptisms will take place during the 8 a.m. service. On Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. "Let's Talk: Let Your Voice Be Heard! The Teen Summit" is designed to allow youth ages 12-18, to share in a discussion on selected topics within a group setting. They will have a safe environment to talk and will leave the summit empowered, knowing that today is not the outcome of their future. Teens will have their own space to discuss the things that are important to them, like "How do I communicate with parents or relative caregivers? What are my responsibilities at home? Do I really want a relationship with my biological parents? Is college for me?" Call the church office to register. For information, call (847) 695-7757. On Wednesday Bible study will begin at noon followed by Wonderful Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. Rev. Edmond extends a special invitation to all to attend Wonderful Wednesday to hear a power sermon focusing on forgiveness. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. Bus and child care services are available. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Aug. 2, the Rev. Aaron James, senior pastor, will preach "Bread of Life," based on John 6:24-35, at the 9 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Kentucky mission trip participants will be commissioned during the worship service. The group will be traveling to Neon, Ky., Aug. 8-15 to repair homes for families in need of a safe and dry place to live. Donations of working appliances in good condition and gently used furniture are needed. Suggestions include refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, washers, dryers, freezers, chairs, tables and sofas. Waterproof tarps for covering the goods on the trailer are needed as well. If you wish to donate any of these items, call the church to arrange for pick up. The adults and youth in mission will join with HOMES Inc. (Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service) to make a difference and change lives. Sunday's Ministry of Music will be "Call on Jesus" by soprano Penny Mensik. The first Sunday of each month is set aside for donations of nonperishable food items for FISH Food Pantry and/or size 5 and 6 diapers for the Community Crisis Center. These gifts will help those less fortunate in the area. Back-to-school supplies will be collecting for underprivileged children in the area by the Mission Ministry Aug. 1-23. Any school item will be appreciated. Donations, material or monetary, can be dropped off at the church. Children, age 3 through fifth grade, will begin their worship in the sanctuary with their families at 9 a.m. After the children's message, they will be dismissed to God's Big Backyard for "Fruits of the Spirit." A snack time for kids will be held from 10 to 10:10 a.m. Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 8:45 to 10:15 a.m. Summer Parent's Day Out is offered from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Aug. 4. For details, contact Michelle Hendricks at (847) 426-2161, ext. 204 or by e-mail to mhendricks@fccdundee.com. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Messiah: Messiah Lutheran Church, 500 Church Road in Elgin, will have the theme "Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life" at the 9:30 a.m. services for four Sundays beginning Sunday, Aug. 2. For details, call the church office at (847) 695-2960.

King of Glory: On Sunday, Aug. 2, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will observe the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost by looking at the theme, "Ready to Grumble?" based on Exodus 16, at the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. services. Like the people of Israel, God hears your grumbling and answers you when you call out to him. The regular weekly worship schedule includes a more traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sundays, as well as a contemporary style worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band. Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:20 a.m. They also offer during the school year various midweek educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as youth programs for various age groups. On Mondays, join "The Refuge" and connect with God in a different, informal way at 7 p.m. Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Aug. 2, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from John 6:24-35 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Sunday school is on summer break. Nursery care is available during the service. For details, call (847) 428-1712.