NW suburban religion notes

Deadline for submissions is noon Monday. To submit items, e-mail faith@dailyherald.com, or send fax to (847) 427-1301.

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.Placement tests: At 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, Catholic high schools across the Archdiocese of Chicago will administer their annual placement tests for eighth-grade students. For answers to questions related to placement testing, a guide for students and their families is posted on the Catholic schools' Web page on the Archdiocesan Web site, www.archchicago.org. Area schools include: Notre Dame College Prep, 7655 W. Dempster St., Niles, (847) 779-8616 or www.ndhsdons.org; and St. Viator High School, 1213 E. Oakton St., Arlington Heights, (847) 392-4050, ext. 256, or www.saintviator.com.Men's Bible study: Men's Breakfast Bible Study will be at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, in the fellowship hall at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. Men of all ages are invited to gather for fellowship and Bible study. (847) 437-2666.Sibling Loss: Adult Loss of Sibling, a six-week group for adults grieving the loss of a sibling, is from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 9 and 23, Feb. 6 and 20, March 6 and 20, at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 444 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 145, Park Ridge. Registration is required. Fee is $90 for six sessions. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.Saturday worship: St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, will have a Saturday worship service at 5 p.m. Jan. 9. Visit www.stphilip.info or call (847) 998-1946.Jan. 10Concert of Prayer: A Concert of Prayer will be from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Film 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."Effective Prayer: The Rev. Tim Haugen will discuss "The Connection Between The Bible and Effective Prayer" in the series titled "Fuel For Prayer" at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services Sunday, Jan. 10, at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Nursery and toddler care will be available during both services. Children's Church (grades one through six) will be held during the 9 a.m. service only. Adult and student ministries (junior and senior high school) will 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 will meet at 10:30 a.m. On Monday, Jan. 11, a ladies Bible Study will meet at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, Jan. 12, EWACH (Entrusted With A Child's Heart) will meet at 9 a.m., a ladies Bible Study will meet at 9:15 a.m. and FUSION (Junior High youth) will meet at 6:30 p.m. On Wednesday, Jan. 13, an adult Bible Study Prayer group and FUEL (senior high youth) will both meet at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, Jan. 14, Awana, for children 3 years through sixth grade, will meet at 7 p.m. On Friday, Jan. 15, a ladies Bible study will meet at 9:30 a.m. Call (847) 255-8764 or visit www.Meadowsfamily.orgJan. 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.Concert: The Chamber Chorale, one of the top touring choirs at Millikin University will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church, 1600 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. They will be under the direction of Dr. Guy Forbes, the chairman of music education at the university and, an award-winning composer. Choral groups from Glenbard North High School in Streamwood and Schaumburg High School will also be performing. A free will offering will be taken to support the program at Millikin. For more information contact the church at (847) 882-6116. Spiritual stretching: Relax with Max will be presented at 7 p.m. Mondays, beginning Jan. 11, at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. This will provide an opportunity to stretch, relax and meditate. Call Maxine at (847) 724-6117 or visit www.stphilip.info.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.Widowed Support Group: This is an ongoing support group that addresses the losses faced by persons who have been widowed less than two years. Meets from 7-8:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 9 and 23, at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 444 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 145, Park Ridge. Fee is $5 per session. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.Younger Widowed Support Group: This ongoing support group for younger widowed persons who are 55 years of age or younger meets from 7-8:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 9 and 23 at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 444 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 145, Park Ridge. Fee is $5 per session. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.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. Reservations are encouraged. For details, contact (630) 213-0100 or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com. Prayers for peace: At 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, a Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East will be held at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 E. Main St. in Barrington. Following the service, members of a group that visited Israel, the West Bank in the Palestinian territories, and Jordan this past November will share their experiences and photos.A magical night: At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, Congregation Beth Judea invites the Jewish community to join them for Havdalah, crafts and a special presentation of "Magic by Randy." Cost is $5 per family for congregants; $10 per family for non-congregants. RSVP by Friday, Jan. 15. Congregation Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. For details, call (847) 634-0777.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 Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.Labyrinth Path through Grief Workshop: By walking the labyrinth, participants will connect with this ancient symbol of wholeness. This program will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 16, at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 444 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 145, Park Ridge. The labyrinth is a mirror of our grief journey. Registration is required. Fee is $15. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.Art class: A Beginners Art Class will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 16, 23 and 30, at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. Cost is $5 for materials. For details, call Maxine at (847) 724-6117 or www.stphilip.info.Jan. 17Preschool open house: Resurrection Catholic Preschool in Wayne will host two open house dates for the fall 2010 enrollment year from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17, and 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. Resurrection Catholic Preschool offers fun-filled curriculum and play-based program for 3- and 4-year-old children. The 4-year-old program incorporates an academic focus in order to prepare children for kindergarten. Students registering by March 1 will receive $25 off the first month's tuition. For details, call Missy Rubino at (630) 289-5400, ext. 205. Documentary: 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. Children's grief program: Good Mourning Program is a monthly support group for children, teens and families who have lost a loved one through death. Preliminary interview required prior to registration. This program meets from 6:45-8 p.m. the third Monday of the month, Jan. 18, Feb. 15 and March 15, at Lutheran General Family Care Center, 9375 Church St., Des Plaines. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.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. 24Recital: A trumpet and organ recital will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Our Saviour's organist Don Mead will combine musical talents with Chicago Symphony Orchestra trumpet player John Hagstom. For details, call (847) 255-8700 or visit www.oursaviours.orgJan. 25Services for the disabled: St. Matthew's Church, 9081 N. Maryland St. in Niles, is offering a unique church service geared toward individuals with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism or with brain injuries. The next service is at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25. The service will follow the pattern of a regular church service but will be simplified and less formal. The pastor will use PowerPoint to lead participants through the service. Symbols will be projected onto the screen to help communicate what is happening. Regular Sunday worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Call (847) 827-4360.Jan. 26Life Transitions Group: This is an ongoing support group for those who have been widowed for one to four years. It meets from 7-8:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month, Jan. 26, Feb. 23 and March 23, at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 444 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 145, Park Ridge. Fee is $5 per session. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.Jan. 27Spousal Loss: Holding Onto Hope is a monthly daytime group for widowed persons who are grieving the loss of a spouse. It is offered from 1-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 27, Feb. 24 and March 24, at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 444 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 145, Park Ridge. Registration required; fee is $5 per session. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.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 beat 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. 30AA support: A Fourth Step Seminar will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 30, at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. The purpose of this free program is to provide those working the AA program an opportunity to work the fourth step. Visit www.stphilip.info or call (847) 998-1946.Job fair: The Northwest Suburban Annual Job Fair, Career Opportunities Home Loan Modification Conference, with the theme "Take Delight in the Lord!" (Psalm 37:4), will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the Bethel Lutheran Church Building, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine. Cost is a $10 donation at the door (covers breakfast, lunch, conference materials and child care); free for kids 12 and younger. For details, visit www.livingfaithcwc.com and click on the job fair link. Registration open to the first 70 registrants only.Jan. 31New parents night: St. Hubert Catholic School, 255 Flagstaff Lane, Hoffman Estates, will host a Catholic Schools Week Prospective New Parents Night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, in the school library. Registration has begun for the 2010-2011 school year. Those interested are invited to attend the Catholic Schools Week Mass at 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, followed by the Catholic Schools Week Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in St. Hubert Catholic School. Tour the school, visit with the administration and faculty and staff, and enjoy refreshments. Catholic 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. Memorial service: An Interfaith Memorial Service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines, 668 Graceland, Des Plaines, for family and friends whose loved ones were served by Rainbow Hospice or who participate in the Adult Grief Groups. Registration is requested. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884Special worship: Global Worship Sunday will be held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. combined worship services Jan. 31. The Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman, executive director for Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission for the ELCA, will be the guest preacher. Hear his perspective on the relationship of mission, hunger, immigration and global and local congregational concerns. For details, call (847) 255-8700 or visit www.oursaviours.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. 8Networking support: The Northwest Suburban Jewish Networking Group is working together to host professional networking support meetings from 10 a.m. to noon Mondays. On Feb. 8 and 22, the meetings will be at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Members of the networking group provide information and discussion on job hunting. They share "war stories," interview tips and circulate information on job sites, other networking groups and open postings. They provide industry speakers at various meetings to help members learn what the business world is like in today's environment and how best to handle the challenges they face. For details, contact Linda Kesselman at LKesselman3600@gmail.com.Feb. 13Grief workshop in Polish: Memories by the Fireside is a general grief workshop for Polish-speaking adults from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 13, at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 444 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 145, Park Ridge. Registration is required. Fee is $15. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.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.Feb. 24Parental Loss: Adult Loss of Parent, a six-week group for adults grieving the loss of a parent, meets from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 24 to March 31. Registration is required. Fee is $90 for six sessions. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.March 22Art Therapy: Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 444 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 145, Park Ridge, will offer Art Therapy - General Grief from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, March 22. This general grief Art Therapy workshop is for adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one. No art experience necessary. Registration is required. Fee is $15. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.March 30Grief workshop: The Gifts of Grief Workshop is a film that chronicles the grief experience of seven individuals who lost a spouse, partner, friend, parent, sibling, or child. The film will be shown from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, 444 N. Northwest Hwy., Suite 145, Park Ridge. Discussion will follow the video. Registration is required. Fee is $15. For details or to register, call (847) 692-8884.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.