Northwest suburban religion notes

Deadline for submissions is noon Monday. Due to space limitations, not all "Your Faith" items are listed here.

Bar/bat mitzvah: The following youths were called to the Torah on the occasion of their b'nai mitzvah from October-December 2009 at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove: Jeremy Harris, son of Jeffrey Harris of Buffalo Grove; Emily Samantha Kramer and Melissa Aryn Kramer, twin daughters of Linda and William Kramer of Buffalo Grove; Zachary Mellow, son of Beth Silver and Ted Mellow of Buffalo Grove; Trevor Charney, son of Denise and Stuart Charney of Buffalo Grove; Samuel Abraham Zwirn, son of Marilyn and Larry Zwirn of Long Grove; and Avi Matthew Samuels, son of Judith and Philip Samuels of Buffalo Grove. www.bethjudea.org.

Jan. 2Book group: "Home," Marilynne Robinson's sequel to her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "Gilead," will be the subject of discussion of the book group "Reading is Believing" at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, at North Northfield United Methodist Church, located at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. (847) 272-2250. www.northnorthfield.org.Men's Bible study: St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, will offer a Men's Bible Study at 7 a.m. Saturday mornings in January. A breakfast will be service on Saturday, Jan. 2. Free. (847) 998-1946, www.stphilip.info.Jan. 3White Stone Ceremony: "Your New Start" will be the theme of a White Stone Ceremony at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3, at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. This service will be led by Lynn Barrette, Licensed Unity Teacher, and Greg Barrette, senior minister of Unity Northwest. Freewill offering. (847) 297-0997 or unitynorthwest.org.Memorial service: A Communion memorial service, remembering those who died in 2009, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, at St. John United Church of Christ, 308 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights. www.churchonthepark.com. (847) 255-6687.Big challenges: Pastor Tim Haugen will speak on the subject Prayer Week, 2010: "Big Challenge - Bigger God" at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday, Jan. 3, at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Nursery and toddler care (newborn through age 3) will be available during both services. Children's Church (grades 1 through 6) will be held during the 9 a.m. service only. Adult and student ministries (junior and senior high school) 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-graders meet at 10:30 a.m. On Tuesday, Jan. 5, FUSION (junior high youth) will meet at 6:30 p.m., Entrusted With A Child's Heart (EWACH) 9 a.m., Ladies Bible Study 9:15 a.m. On Wednesday, Jan. 6, there will be the weekly adult Bible Study Prayer group and FUEL (senior high youth) will meet at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, Jan. 7, there will be Awana at 7 p.m. for children 3 years through sixth grade. On Friday, Jan. 9, there will be a Ladies Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. (847) 255-8764, www.Meadowsfamily.orgJan. 4Moms Day Out: St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, will offer a Moms Day Out from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4, for children ages 2-5. For information, call Bonnie at (847) 998-1793. Monthly cost. www.stphilip.info.Jan. 5Dreams: "How to Interpret Your Own Dreams" will be the theme of a workshop led by the Rev. Greg Barrette at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. Freewill offering. (847) 297-0997 or unitynorthwest.org.Jan. 6Epiphany: Christ the King Ev. Lutheran Church (Wisconsin Synod), 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine, will have an International Potluck Meal in the Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, and a Service of Light for the Nations in the chapel at 7 p.m.Jan. 8'The Secret': The public is invited to the movie "The Secret" at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine, with a discussion to follow. Free. This well-known and occasionally controversial film talks of "The Law of Attraction" and how it can change your life. The church is at 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine. (847) 359-8440 or ccuu@ccuu.org.Jazz concert: Park Ridge Community Church, 100 S. Courtland, Park Ridge, will offer a "Jazz in January" concert at 8 p.m. Friday Jan. 8, or Saturday Jan. 9. The Great Hall will be transformed into an intimate nightclub, featuring local jazz musicians Kent Wehman, Mike Levin, Wally Hustin, Neal Wehman and Bruce Nelson. The two-hour concert will include jazz classics, Stevie Wonder hits, and theme songs from classic TV series, such as "Mary Tyler Moore" and "Bewitched." Tickets are $25 and can be ordered by calling (847) 823-3164. After Dec. 20, the price goes up to $30. Libations and light edibles will be available for purchase. Doors open at 7 p.m. parkridgecommunitychurch.org.Scholar-in-Residence: Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield, will host a Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Jewish archival expert Rabbi Dr. Gary P. Zola from Friday, Jan. 8, - Sunday, Jan. 10. Rabbi Zola, Executive Director of the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives (AJA), will kick off the weekend with "Profiles in American Jewish Courage," in which he examines three little known but fascinating figures who lived lives of Jewish courage, during worship services at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 8. The program continues with "What This Week's Torah Portion Can Teach Us About American Jewish History" at 9 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 9. Dr. Zola will look at the talented 19th century satirist and writer Gershon Rosenzweig, whose commentaries and poems shed light not only on the Torah but on life as a Jewish immigrant in America. The program concludes with a brunch and program, "Great Voices, Civil Rights and American Reform Judaism," at 10 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 10. Rabbi Zola will look at how leading American rabbis handled such pivotal world events as the outbreak of World War II and the Civil Rights movement from their pulpits. He will present a series of digitized vocal recordings with visuals of several towering rabbinic voices from the AJA's extraordinary collection. The weekend is open to the community at no charge and is funded by the Bill and Norma Brown Fund for Life Long Learning.Jan. 9Variety show: At 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, Beth Tikvah Congregation is holding a one-of-a-kind Variety Show. The show will be held at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts. It will be an evening of family entertainment featuring singers, dancers, instrumentalists, comedians and much more. Afterward there will be a Gourmet Dessert Buffet. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children. Though the show is almost sold out, some good seats remain available. For more information or for tickets, call Beth Tikvah at (847) 885-4545.Jan. 10Film discussion: Come to a thought-provoking film and discussion series, "The Holocaust Film," at 1:15 p.m., Sundays, Jan. 10, Jan. 24, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7 at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. Holly Price, a Holocaust educator and teacher at Temple Jeremiah, will lead this program which examines films dealing with the Holocaust from different vantage points. All four programs are open to the community at no charge. The series features the following films: Jan. 10 "Imaginary Witness," Jan. 24 "God on Trial," Jan. 31 "Europa Europa," and Feb. 7 "The Quarrel."Jan. 11Inspirational speaker: The Elgin Area Women's Connection will hold a luncheon meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the Villa Olivia Country Club (Route 20 in Bartlett). Teri Elliot-Burke, inspirational speaker, physical therapist and busy mother, will share with us the "top 10" ways for women to preserve their good health. Then Teri will share her experience of finding peace when life seems out of control. For reservations, call Jan at (630) 837-2632 or Carolyn at (630) 213-1205 or e-mail Car644@gmail.com by Monday Jan. 11. Cost for luncheon meeting is $15 inclusive, with complimentary child care.Jan. 12Christian men: Rinkey Dinks Christian Men will meet Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Palm Court Restaurant, 1912 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, for lunch (11:30 a.m.). The speaker will be Stu Bentley, owner of Bentley Sales Company, Des Plaines. Bentley Sales has been in business since 1969.Spiritual enrichment: "Jesus' Teachings in the Bible" is the next Spiritual Education and Enrichment offering coming to Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. This five-week class will be led by the Rev. Diane Venzera at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 12. The required book for the class is The Bible. The New Revised Standard Version is recommended, however, a variety of translations in the classroom adds a richness to our understanding. Optional materials are a journal to record your thoughts, and "Prayers of the Cosmos" by Neal Douglas-Klotz. Freewill offering. (847) 297-0997 or unitynorthwest.org.Jan. 13Touchstones of Grief: Laurie Geschrey, a hospice chaplain and certified grief counselor, will facilitate a six-week class on "The Ten Touchstones of Grief" from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 13, at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. On the last night of class, there will be a Service of Remembrance to honor the loss of loved ones. A freewill offering will be accepted. To register, call (847) 297-0997. Meditation: Inside Tracks moves forward with a meditation on The Sefirot, the Tree of Life, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. The Sefirot is an integral part of the Kabbalah tradition, which originated hundreds of years ago as a part of Jewish tradition. The Tree of Life is a ladder or map of existence. It shows the laws, structure, functions and dynamic flows of the universe. It also reflects the evolution of human consciousness.Theology series: Theology of Park Ridge starts its winter program titled "Seeking Wisdom - Seeking Hope" on Wednesday, Jan. 13. The first speaker is Rabbi Evan Moffic who will present "The Dignity of Difference: A Jewish View of Interfaith Understanding fro a Global Age." To register for the full series, send a check for $35, payable to Theology of Park Ridge, with name address and phone number to: Mary Lou Murphy, 5813 N. Nicolet, Chicago, Il 60631. Single session cost is $10. The series will be held from 9:15-11:15 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Church, 9711 W. Devon Ave., Rosemont. For details, call (773) 774-4421.Jan. 14Vibration instruments: Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski presents a program on "The Seven Metal Vibration Instruments of Tibet and Nepal" at 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 1105 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Learn how these instruments are used for meditation in ancient times, by the monks of Tibet, in religious groups, and for yoga classes. Experience firsthand how they are played and the therapeutic benefits of vibration instruments. Free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. For information, contact (630) 213-0100, or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com.Jan. 15Drum circle: In honor of Celebration of Life Month, join a Drumming Circle led by Music Therapist Rita Lopienski at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 1105 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Learn about the history and culture and religious value of exotic drums from around the world and experience firsthand how playing the drums enhances self-expression, spirituality and creativity. Drums are provided and all ages are welcome. This drumming program won the International Council on Active Aging 2007 Innovations Award. Free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. For information, contact (630) 213-0100, or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com. A magical night: At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, Congregation Beth Judea invites the Jewish community to join them for Havdalah, crafts and a special presentation of "Magic by Randy", a fun and interactive magic show for the whole family. Cost:$5/family for congregants; $10/family for non-congregants. R.S.V.P. by Friday, Jan. 15. Congregation Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Call the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 for further information.Jan. 16Sisterhood Shabbat: At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea will lead Shabbat services at their annual Sisterhood Shabbat. Sisterhood members will lead the service - from opening the Ark to reading the Haftorah and Torah portions and everything else in-between. Co-presidents of the Sisterhood are Rhonda Cohn and Lauri Rosenbloom. After the service, there will be a Kiddush luncheon sponsored by the Sisterhood. Phyllis Udany is the Chairperson of the Sisterhood Shabbat. (847) 634-0777 or www.BethJudea.org. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.Jan. 17Documentary: In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Temple Jeremiah, in cooperation with the Interfaith Housing Center of the Northern Suburbs, will host the famed documentary, "Banished: How Whites Drove Blacks Out of Town in America," at 1 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 17 at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. The film looks at three U.S. towns which, at the turn of the last century, forced the exodus of their entire African-American population and explores what, if anything, can be done now to repair this injustice. A discussion will follow with Dino Robinson and Doria Johnson, the great, great-granddaughter of Anthony Crawford, who was lynched in South Carolina in 1916. This program is suitable for ages 13 and up.Jan. 18Spiritual art: The Master's Touch Artistic Team of Hanover Township will present a spiritual program on the theme of hope, with dance, song, drama, storytelling and refreshments at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 1105 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. For information, contact (630) 213-0100, or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com.Jan. 19Zohar's worldview: Rabbi Robert Gamer at Congregation Beth Judea will teach the course "Readings from the Zohar." The class will take a look at the Zohar's worldview. The Zohar is the foundational work in the literature of Jewish mystical thought known as Kabbalah. Classes will meet at 8 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Jan. 19 and 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23; March 2. To register, contact the synagogue at (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.Jan. 21Iraqi Christian Relief: The speaker for Jan 21 at the social meeting for the Knights of Columbus will be Juliana Taimoorazy, president of the Iraqi Christian relief council, to talk about the suffering that has been inflicted on Iraqi Catholics loyal to the Pope, and that celebrate Masses in Jesus' native tongue. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 15 N. Hickory Ave., Arlington Heights.Jan. 22Job fair: The Eighth Annual "Job Fair, Career Opportunities and Home Loan Modification Conference" by Living Faith Cathedral Worship Center Church will be from 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Bethel Lutheran Church building, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine. Registration is required by Friday, Jan. 22. $10 donation at the door (covers breakfast, lunch, conference materials and child care); free for children 12 and younger. (847) 382-1830 or livingfaithcwc.com.Jan. 28Course for attorneys: The JLI presents special course for attorneys, You Be the Judge: Behind the Steering Wheel of Jewish Law. A six-week course that explores how secular and Jewish law relate by examining actual cases brought before a beit din, or court of Jewish law. The course is accredited by the MCLE board of the Illinois Supreme Court for Attorneys. The class runs six Thursdays beginning Jan. 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 555 Skokie Blvd., Northbrook. For more information or to register, call (847) 564-8770 or visit www.Chabadnorthbrook.com/cle.Jan. 29Mass: Father Xamie Reyes of St. Ansgar Catholic Church in Hanover Park will lead a mass at 10:45 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 1105 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. For information, contact (630) 213-0100, or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com. Choir concert: The renowned Chicago Children's Choir will join in song at Temple Jeremiah's Shabbat Shira Service at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29, at the synagogue, 937 Happ Road, Northfield.Jan. 31Catholic Schools Week: On Sunday, Jan. 31, Queen of the Rosary School in Elk Grove Village will kick off Catholic Schools Week, the national celebration of Catholic education, with an open house for prospective students, their families and the community. Visitors can learn about the school and its mission. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests may tour the school; meet the principal, teachers and parents; view student work; see the student-run TV studio; witness Promethean interactive whiteboard in action; and hear first hand about the new full-day preschool program for the 2010-2011 school year. For more information, contact Kathleen McGinn at (847) 437-3322, or visit the school's Web site www.qrcougars.org. Genealogy: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will present Genealogical Resources at the National Archives and Records Administration - Great Lakes Region, Chicago, led by Barry Finkel at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster, Skokie. The JGSI meeting facilities will open at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate members and guests who want to use library materials, get help with genealogy Web sites on the Internet or ask genealogical related questions. jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.Author: Maggie Anton, author of the best-selling "Rashi's Daughters," will speak about the latest book in her trilogy, "Rachel: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France" at 10 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 31, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield.Feb. 2Leadership course: The Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) will launch its winter course, Portraits in Leadership: Timeless Tales for Inspired Living. Portraits in Leadership is a study of the inspiring life story of six figures whose courage and determination helped Judaism weather its darkest hours. Course will be offered six Tuesday evening beginning Feb. 2, or six Wednesday mornings beginning Feb. 3 at Chabad of Northbrook, 755 Huehl Road (corner Dundee), Northbrook. For information or to register, visit www.ChabadNorthbrook.com/cle or call 847-564-8770.Feb. 6Fun fest: A February Fun Fest, hosted by Congregation Beth Judea of Long Grove and open to the public, will take place from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, in the gym at Woodlawn School, 6362 Gilmer Road in Long Grove. Fun for all ages. Food will include appetizers, a buffet meal, popcorn, a Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Bar and cotton candy. There will be a live auction, a silent auction, a special auction of sports and entertainment memorabilia as well as other raffle prizes. Games will include baggo, a putting contest, horse, free throw contests and board games such as Euchre, Sorry, Backgammon, Scrabble and Boggle. There will be bridge, mah-jongg, hearts and canasta tournaments, and, of course, bingo. Cost: adults $25; children under 13 years of age $10. R.S.V.P. to the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 or e-mail LNeiman@BethJudea.org.Feb. 21Genealogy: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will present "Ask the Experts and Knocking Down Those Brick Walls" at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, 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. www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.Through MayJewish law: A weekly class studying Jewish Law will meet from 8-9 a.m. Sunday mornings at Congregation Beth Judea through May 30. The Jewish Law Study Group, led by Rabbi Robert Gamer, will be examining in depth some of the recent decisions of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Conservative Movement. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.July 31Mission trip: The youth from Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will be heading to Wyoming for their summer mission trip July 31-Aug. 8, serving on the Wind River Reservation, which is home to both the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. For details, contact the Rev. Leslie Williamson at (847) 827-6656 or e-mail lesliewilliamson@americtch.net.OngoingBingo Bus to Hines Hospital: Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bartlett is forming groups to visit with and play bingo with veterans at Hines Hospital in Maywood one Saturday each month. For details, call (630) 837-1166. New store hours: Gifts of the World, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, a not-for-profit fair trade store managed by Christ Community Mennonite Church that specializes in handcrafted items (jewelry, instruments, wall hangings, scarves, coffee, unusual gifts) from developing countries has new store hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. A new section featuring Amish items from Shipshewana has been added, including quilts, dolls, wood marble game, rocking horses, small wood items apple butter and peanut butter. For details, call (847) 895-3676.Social club: The Gathering House at Christus Victor Lutheran Church is a weekly social club for older adults. The Gathering House is part of the Community Respite Care Program designed to offer support and resources to caregivers of older adults. The Gathering House "gathers" on Wednesdays at the church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village. There is a minimal fee, however, no one is turned away by their inability to pay. The club offers coffee, cards, crafts, and other structured activities. Trained staff is present for assistance and support. For more information contact Sara Sondergaard at sara.sondergaard@comcast.net or at (630) 217-9156.New counseling center: The Interfaith Counseling Center (ICC) offers counseling to individuals, couples and families on a freewill offering basis for up to three visits. By the third visit, clients will be able to choose to end counseling, continue off-site, or be referred to a therapist or other community service agency that will best serve the client's needs. Interfaith Counseling Center services are held in the facilities of Unity Northwest, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. For counseling appointments, call (847) 297-0997. Shabbat interpretive service: On Saturdays, Congregation Beth Judea will be offering a Shabbat Morning Interpretive Service from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. in Room 10 on the lower level of the synagogue. The focus of this new Shabbat morning service will be on examining the structure of the prayer service, learning the major prayers and becoming more comfortable with the choreography and customs of the Shabbat morning service. The only prerequisite is a desire to participate in services. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.Synagogue membership: Congregation Beth Judea (Conservative), Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove, is now accepting 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. For more information, contact Executive Director Lisa Neiman, Education Director Anna Besser, or Youth Director Aaron Polonsky at the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 or check out Beth Judea's Web site at bethjudea.org. Jewish Preschool and kindergarten: Torah Academy of Buffalo Grove is a new Jewish Day School located within Congregation Beth Am at 225 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove. The school currently provides half-day and full-day classes for pre-K and kindergarten-aged children, with planned expansion of first- and second-grade classes for the 2010-11 academic year. For details, visit www.torahacademybg.com.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. (847) 634-0777 or BethJudea.org.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.Jewish youth programs: Beth Judea offers programs for third-graders through high school students, regardless of their Jewish affiliation. Kadinkers is the youngest youth group and is for students in third through fifth grades. It meets once a month on a Sunday after Sunday school. Yearly dues are $18. Kadima is the youth group for students in sixth through eighth grades. Kadima meets once or twice a month. Yearly dues are $35. United Synagogue Youth is the youth group for all high school students. This teen group meets on a weekly basis for an assortment of activities. Yearly dues are $40. For details on these groups, contact Aaron at (847) 634-0777, ext. 114. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.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. 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.Jewish Yoga: Jewish Yoga is going strong at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. A class is offered from 11:30 a.m. 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. For young families: The Families with Young Children Committee at Congregation Beth Judea will be holding its regular services at 6:30 p.m. the second Friday of the month, with a 30-minute Tot Shabbat session with Debbie Frager, a teacher in the BJE-ECC (Board of Jewish Education Early Childhood Centers), who is also a Beth Judea congregant. The group will then enjoy their own Oneg Shabbat. In addition, Gan Shabbat, a program for children and their families, will meet every Shabbat morning in the Beit Midrash on the Religious School level. This service, specially designed for children ages 9 and younger along with their families, will run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays. For detail, call (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is at Route 83 and Hilltop RoadBeth 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.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 study: Women's Bible Study Group meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. The group is currently studying "Daughters of Eve," by Virginia Stern Owens, exploring the women in the Bible. For details, visit CongUCC.org or call (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.