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.

St. John: On Sunday, Jan. 31, the Rev. Hannibal Frederich will preach on the Gospel appointed for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Luke 4:31-44, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John's Lutheran Church, 115 N. Spring in Elgin. Luke records that the people of Capernaum were astonished at Jesus' teaching and were amazed when he exorcised an unclean spirit from a man simply by his command. The question they ask is the theme for the message: "What is this word?" The congregation will consider how Jesus' word is still astonishing and powerful. This weekend, the Sounds of Praise Bell Choir and Chancel Choir will sing at the service at 8 a.m. and the junior choir of St. John's School will sing at the service at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Sunday school and Bible Classes meet at 9:15 a.m. For information, call (847) 741-0814.

St. Peter: On Sunday, Jan. 31, the Rev. Eric Gawura's sermon will be "I Want to Know What Love Is," at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 18N377 Galligan Road, Gilberts. Christian education classes for 3-year-olds through high school starts at 9:15 a.m. The Sunday adult Bible study will begin a study based on the book "The Shack" by William P. Young. The Tuesday adult Bible study from 9:30 to 11 a.m. has begun a new study titled: "How to Share Your Faith Confidently." Sonshine is now registering for fall 2010 for 3- to 5-year-olds. The 3-year-olds meet from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 4-year-olds from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. They also are offering a new five-day enrichment class from 12:30 to 3 p.m. for 4- to 5-year-olds that will be going to kindergarten the following year. For details, call (847) 551-9935. For details, call (847) 428-4054 or visit stpeterlutheran.org. The Sonshine Christian Preschool offers classes for 3- and 4-year-olds. For details, call (847) 551-9935.

Evangelical Covenant: On Sunday, Jan. 31, Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Ave. in Elgin, gathers for traditional worship at the 10:30 a.m. service. The high school and adult Sunday school classes start at 9:15 a.m. On Jan. 31, worship will be followed by a potluck lunch. For details, call (847) 888-2302.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel offers 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 "B'Shalah." 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. Prospective members, interfaith families, and guests of all faiths are welcomed. 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.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, Jan. 31, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison will ask "Is It Clear Yet?" at the 9 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. The 11:30 a.m. sermon by lay speaker Pat Hargis will be "Go Forth and Witness." Special music will be provided by the Celebration Ringers and the Cathedral Choir under the direction of Jonathan Besancon and John Slawson in the 9 a.m. service. In the 11:30 a.m. service the Homegrown Worship Band will provide the music. There are Christian education classes for all ages from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The youth group meets at 12:45 p.m. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. Peter: On Sunday, Jan. 31, the Rev. Pastor Gerhard Mau preaches on "The Load of Love" at 9 a.m. at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Road (a quarter-mile east of Route 47) in Hampshire. Sunday school and Bible class meet at 10:20 a.m. Items for the pantry may be dropped off that morning or from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Fridays. Wednesday Ladies' Bible Study meets at 9:30 a.m. Men's Bible Breakfast meets at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 at Hampshire's Rose Garden. For details, call the church office at (847) 464-5721. Little Saints Preschool is accepting registrations for a new 3-year-old Intro to Preschool class for those who missed the September age deadline and for the 2010-11 academic year. Call Kristina, preschool director, at (847) 464-5134.

St. John: On fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Jan. 31, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon titled, "The Holy One of God" based on Luke 4:31-37, at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship is at 9 a.m. and the Family Education Hour from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. St. John will serve as a collection point for materials to provide long-term support for the Haitian people. They are working with the Lutheran Church Charities headquartered in Hillside. People can get details on the project by calling (847) 683-2338 or visiting www.lutheranchurchcharities.org. St. John will be working with the local census bureau to help provide the opportunity to accomplish an effective low-cost 2010 Census. The church will serve as a satellite station for the Angel Food Ministry program under the supervision of the ministry team at St. Peter's North Plato. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Jan. 31, Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin, will have joint services with Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren. The Rev. Nathaniel Edmond will deliver the word at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren at 9 a.m. and Rev. Joel Kline will deliver the message at SBC at 11 a.m. The church will still hold its regular 8 a.m. service. The Evangelism Ministry will host its annual conference from noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. The theme is "Beyond the Walls" and lunch will be served. Call the church office to confirm your attendance. For the month of February, the church will be celebrating Black History Month. Join in and wear your African attire to help celebrate the month's festivities. On Wednesday Bible study will begin at noon followed by Wonderful Wednesday 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 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, Jan. 31, the Rev. Aaron James' sermon is based on Luke 4:21-30 (Jesus Rejected at Nazareth) at 9 and 11 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. S(o)uper Bowl Sunday Collection continues through Sunday, Feb. 7, Super Bowl Sunday. In January, the Mission Ministry is collecting cans of soup for FISH Food Pantry. Donate one or two cans to make someone's winter a little warmer. Children, age 4 to 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 their new Sunday school rotation rooms for Children's Worship Workshops to study "Jesus in the Synagogue." Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 9:45 to 12:15 a.m. Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by the Chancel Choir, with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist. The 11 a.m. service will feature songs and music by guitarist Mark Frystak and Linda Gilmore on keyboard. The high school youth group meets with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays. The group will go through a couple of tests to see who they think they are, who the rest of the group thinks they are and, then, who they actually are. The middle school youth group will meet at 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, for "Challenge." What challenges you? What does it take to overcome those challenges? Is it easier to overcome challenges alone or with friends? Where exactly is your breaking point? Adult Bible Study with the Rev. Aaron James begins from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, and 9 to 10 a.m. Thursdays for an in-depth discussion of the Scripture reading for the upcoming Sunday. Fourth-grade Bible study and dinner will be held from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 10. Fourth-grade youth are requested to bring their Bibles for an engaging study and dinner with the pastor. A new member orientation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. The class is an opportunity to explore what it means to be a member. New members will be welcomed on Sunday, Feb. 14. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit fccdundee.com.

Elgin rector retiring: On Sunday, Jan. 31, the Rev. Thomas M. Atamian will be celebrating his last services at 8 and 10 a.m. at St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church, 36W957 Highland Ave., Elgin. The parish will be recognizing his 30 years in ministry and his retirement with a reception honoring the rector and his wife Marilyn from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Eagle's Club in Gilberts. For details, call Karen at (847) 695-7695.

Hoagie sandwich fundraiser: The Chancel Choir of First Congregational Church of Dundee is offering Super Bowl Sunday hoagie sandwiches for sale as a fundraiser. The cost of each hoagie is $6. Sandwiches made following the Dundee Scots "secret" recipe will be available for pickup at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. Order deadline is Sunday, Jan. 31. The church is at 900 S. Eighth St., West Dundee. To place an order, call (847) 426-2161 ext. 210 or visit fccdundee.com.

Sacred music concert: A celebration of sacred music by a variety of Barrington churches is coming to Barrington United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59). This year's show features original compositions written by two local church choir directors: Rory Cooney and Tim Brubacker. There also will be a variety of sacred music styles from the individual churches as well as massed choir pieces. There will be a free-will offering. For details, call (847) 359-6663.

Quilting group starts: Several ladies from Trinity Lutheran Church, 11008 N. Church St. in Huntley, have formed the"Galloping Horses Quilters" to design and assemble quilts to be sent to relief efforts throughout the world. The ladies hope to complete and dedicate 100 quilts for Lutheran World Relief, the Lutheran Women's Ministry League, and the Orphan Grain Train. The quilters meet at 9:30 a.m. the second, third, and fourth Mondays in Sun City. Women interested in this project are encouraged to join them. No experience is required, just a desire to learn and quilt. Call the church office at (847) 669-5780 for details. Services are at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

End-of-life issues: What is advance health care planning? From 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake, is hosting a one-act play, "B.O.A.T.I.N.G.," and panel presentation led by the Northwest Branch of the Chicago End of Life Coalition (formerly McHenry County's Partners Coalition to Improve End of Life Care). This forum is an opportunity to get information about and the tools needed for having these important conversations about future health care needs. The themes introduced in this forum will continue into a five-week study beginning Feb. 24. Scheduled for 6:45 to 7:45 p. m. Wednesdays, these study sessions will include discussion about the range of choices that surround dying and death: advance directives, palliative and hospice care, estate planning/stewardship and rites of passage/planning a funeral. Nursery care as well as programming for children of all ages will be available. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or fcc-cl.org.

Tips on journaling: First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake, will host "Observations About Life: Journals, Notebooks, Sketchbooks, Diaries, Blogs, and More" at a Women's Fellowship program on Thursday, Feb. 4. Barbara Schneider will share a visual presentation about the beautiful and creative ways to journal, both traditional and electronic. She will explore how journals can be used to observe and reflect on the world. All women are invited. Lunch will be served at noon with the program at 1 p.m. Child care is available by calling the church, (815) 459-6010.

Guest to speak on MOMS: St. Thomas More Parish in Elgin will welcome co-founder of MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) on Saturday, Feb. 6. Sister Paula Hagan is facilitating a morning of spiritual reflection at St. Thomas More in Elgin from 8:30 a.m. to noon. She is best known as a member of St. Paul's Monastery and co-founder of the Ministry of Mothers Sharing. She directs retreats for parishes and organizations working with mothers and families throughout the U.S. The Elizabeth Ministry is sponsoring this event and welcomes women of all ages and stages of spiritual growth. Registration is required. Cost is $15 before Feb. 1 or $20 at the door. To register or for details, contact St. Thomas More at (847) 888-1682 or e-mail Meg Wojtas at meg@frankbucaro.com.

Conference on marriage: St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and School, 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin, invite the community to the "Love and Respect: A Marriage Video Conference" from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. At the conference, couples will discover how to "crack the communication code" and understand one thing: that unconditional respect is as powerful for him as unconditional love is for her. Each couple will enjoy the fellowship of other couples, young and old, and with Emerson and Sarah Eggerich (via video) will work toward the same goal of renewing and strengthening their marriage. Admission includes light refreshments Friday, breakfast and lunch Saturday and a workbook. Cost is $25 per person or $50 per couple. Registration is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. To register today, call (847) 658-9300.

Wayside fundraiser: "Walk a Mile in My Shoes ... Elgin," a benefit for the Elgin Wayside Center, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 13. It will start at 9 a.m. at Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Ave., Elgin. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The 1.43 mile walk will end with a tour of the Elgin Wayside Center, 1732 Berkley St. Shuttles will return you to your vehicle. Register at www.walk-a-mile-elgin.org. The Wayside Center operates the Discipleship House, a home facility in Elgin.

Dance benefit: A benefit for Butter the Comfort Dog will be held in conjunction with Greater Fox Valley Chapter - Dance USA, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a free waltz lesson from 7:30 to 8 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran's Activity Center, 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin. Admission is $12 per person or $8 for USA Dance members. The waltz is included in the admission price is taught by professional ballroom dance instructors Frank and Joyce Penze. Ballroom, Latin and swing music provided by DJ " Rod." Snacks and beverages are available. Complimentary cake and coffee are provided. Dress code is dressy casual; no blue jeans or gym shoes. For details, call St. John at (847) 658-9300.

Movie premiere: Life Church will host the premiere of "Furious Love" at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 at the Arcada Theater, 105 E. Main St. in St. Charles. It is new feature film from Darren Wilson, the director of the 2008 feature "Finger of God." It is the story of one man's journey into some of the darkest spiritual climates on earth to test the limits of God's love. Watch his discovery and witness God's response to the demon possessed in Africa, the heroine addicts of Madrid, and witches in Salem, Mass. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5. There will be a guest appearance by Wilson, an independent filmmaker and assistant professor at Judson University. He earned his master in fine arts in script and screenwriting from Regent University, in Virginia Beach, Va. His first feature film, "Finger of God," details his personal journey around the world in search of the miraculous. Tickets may be purchased online at www.gotlifechurch.com or by calling (630) 443-8822. Ian Andrews will be the guest speaker from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 at Life Church, 8 N. Second Ave. in St. Charles.

Open houses: Good Shepherd Lutheran School will host open houses for preschool, all-day kindergarten and first through fifth grades. The elementary school at 1111 Van St. in Elgin will hold open houses from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 30. Good Shepherd Lutheran preschool's open house dates are 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 20 and 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11 at its Nesler Road and Route 20 location. All of the open houses include refreshments and child care is available. Information and registration for each school will be held, along with tours and teacher introductions. Learn about the quality Lutheran education and all-day kindergarten program. Good Shepherd will offer kindergarten to fifth grades for the 2010-11 school year at 1111 Van St. Preschool is at its Nesler Road and Route 20 location and offers programs for both 3- and 4-year-olds. Before-school care is available for preschool and after-school care is available at both sites. Church membership is not required. To schedule a tour at a different time or for details, call the school office at (847) 741-7795 or the preschool office at (847) 697-4745.

Organ concert, hymn sing: The public is invited to enjoy an organ concert and hymn sing at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. The organ is one of the finest in the area, having recently been rebuilt and enlarged. The guest organist is Paul Satre, professor of music in the School of Music at Trinity International University in Deerfield. He performs regularly in the Chicago area, has performed on numerous recording projects, and is principal organist of the Moody Church in Chicago. The church's original organ, a 1924 Austin pipe organ, was restored in 2008 by S.B. Smith & Associates. The restoration included the installation of a new Rodgers Model 1038, 4-manual digital organ console. Also included in the restoration was the addition of 20 ranks of pipes and 150 digital ranks. It has 60 ranks of pipes, the smallest being only 6 inches long and the largest is 16 feet, with a Ruffatti Trumpet En Chamade in the back of the church. The organ still maintains most of its original relay and leather "ciphers" that control the air to the pipes. These mechanisms have been carefully maintained over the years by several generations of church organists, including Mark Johnson, the current church organist.

Newman Singers: Enjoy the enthusiasm, joy and faithful expression of liturgy in song! St. Catherine of Siena Church will host the young adult Newman Singers from Iowa City, Iowa who will perform a free concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 at the church, 845 W. Main St. in West Dundee. For information, call (847) 426-2217.