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, Feb. 7, the Rev. Hannibal Frederich will be highlighting Lutheran Hour Ministries 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. The Rev. Hannibal Frederich will preach on the Gospel, Luke 5:1-11, in which Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James and John as disciples. The Children's Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Sunday school and Bible classes are offered in between the Sunday services, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Rev. Frederich will also begin a new members class during the Sunday school hour this weekend. For information, call (847) 741-0814.

St. Peter: On Sunday, Feb. 7, the Rev. Eric Gawura's sermon will be "For the Sake of the Call" 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 senior high youth are having a Sweetheart Bake Sale Sunday, Feb. 14, to raise funds for their mission trip to Tennessee this summer. 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.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, Feb. 7, the Rev. Paul Bischoff, interim pastor, continues his challenging sermons about New Testament insight on Christians and the influence of Christ in today's world at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Evangelical Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Campton Hills. Adult Sunday school and church activities for children are held at 9:30 a.m. The children's message will be given by George Delask. Wednesday's Bible study will focus on Psalm 23 at 6:30 p.m. March 5-7 will be the men's retreat. For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit countrycov.org.

Shirat Shalom: Rabbi Ora Schnitzer will lead the Shabbat service starting at 9:45 a.m. at Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin. He give a talk about the Torah portion of the week. This week's Torah reading is "Yitro." The next Shabbat service is at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, and will focus on the Torah portion, Terumah. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail shiratsh@comcast.net, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

St. John: On fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Feb. 7, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon titled, "God's Way" based on Luke 5:1-11, 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. There will be an Ash Wednesday dinner but no dinners after that. 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 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 stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On the Fifth Sunday After Epiphany, Feb. 7, the Rev. Lois A. Bucher, associate pastor, will preach the sermon, "A Fishy Tale," at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The open door service at 8:15 a.m. will be in the chapel. The chancel choir will assist with worship by singing "Taste and See" by A. Nikoiski. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. On this Super Bowl Sunday, FCC youth will collect an offering for the "Souper Bowl of Caring." All monies will go toward alleviating hunger locally and across the country. Chase away the winter blahs with FCC's Winter Folk Fest and Singalong at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. The Fox River Trio, the Blue Tulip Wranglers, Patti Ecker, Peg Lehman (and maybe even an Irish band) will perform songs to relieve you of cabin fever while inviting the crowd to sing along. Tickets are $7.50 and all proceeds will go to the Community Crisis Center and FCC's renovation fund. The season of Lent begins Feb. 17 with Ash Wednesday and two opportunities to start the Lenten journey. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the pastor will be in the chapel for a time of prayer with individuals, couples, or families. At 7 p.m., a Taize-style worship service will be held in the chapel. Lenten noon recitals will begin Friday, Feb. 19, with William Schnell as guest organist. "Thursdays with Jesus" begin Feb. 25 with the study of the book "Radical Renovation." For details, call (847) 741-4045 or visit fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Feb. 7, the Rev. Nathaniel Edmond will deliver the sermon, "I'm Glad I Have Blood Insurance" inspired from Exodus 12:22-28, nat the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. He extends a special invitation to men to hear this powerful message as they begin the Black History Month celebration. The Male Chorus will provide render the music for the 8 a.m. service and the Choral Ensemble will render the music for the 10:30 a.m. service. Holy Communion will be observed during both services and baptisms will be performed during the 8 a.m. service. 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 National Scout Sunday, Feb. 7, the Rev. Aaron James' sermon is based on Luke 5:1-11 (Jesus Calls the First Disciples) at 9 and 11 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Youth and adults in scouting will be recognized during the services. Holy Communion will be offered. S(o)uper Bowl Sunday Collection continues through Sunday, Feb. 7, Super Bowl Sunday. 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 Is Baptized." 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 Joy Ringers, directed by Jane McMullen; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist. The 11 a.m. service will feature songs and music by Mark Frystak, guitar and vocals, and Linda Gilmore, keyboard.

The first Sunday of each month is set aside for donations of nonperishable food items for FISH Food Pantry and/or size 4-6 diapers for the Community Crisis Center. These gifts will help those less fortunate in the area.

The high school youth group meets with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries, at 4 p.m. Sunday for a Super Bowl Party. The middle school youth group will meet for mini golfing in the dark from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10. The cost will be $15 per person and friends are welcome. 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. On Sunday, Feb. 7, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley will hold a House Blessing at 1 p.m. at 140 Lord St. in Carpentersville. The community is invited to attend, walk through the house that volunteers helped build and meet the new homeowners. The house was completed in record time; a three-bedroom home built by volunteers in less than 6 months. The winter blood drive, in conjunction with Heartland Blood Centers, will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 13. All February donors will be automatically entered in a drawing to win a $100 gas card. There will be five lucky winners every day in February. Call Rick Gilmore at (847) 421-8676 to schedule an appointment. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit fccdundee.com.

Epworth UMC: Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W040 Highland Ave. in Elgin, offers Connections Family Worship at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. This monthly family worship gives out of the box and "out of your seat" methods of worship. Like vacation Bible school and other fun activities for kids, Connections gets kids up out of their seats while still teaching valuable lessons about God and life. This month, Connections will focus on Love and Lent. Check them out this month as they sing songs, learn lessons, and love each other at all ages. Connections is designed to let everyone, the youngest to the oldest members of the family, do something fun together. Traditional worship is at 8:30 a.m. or a praise worship at 11 a.m. Sunday school for all ages begins at 9:45 a.m. For details, visit epworthumcelgin.org or call (847) 931-5400. Or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

St. James Episcopal: On the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Feb. 7, the Rev. Don Frye will be preaching a two-part, instructed Eucharist to help the congregation understand why they do what they do each Sunday at the 8 and 10 a.m. services at St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St., West Dundee. This is a great learning opportunity for curious newcomers and lifelong Episcopalians alike. For details, call (847) 426-5612 or visit stjamesdundee.org.

Pancake breakfast: Boy Scout Troop 2 invites you to its annual pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, at St. John Lutheran Church, 115 N. Spring St., Elgin. The menu includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, French toast, sausage, fry bread, cereal, coffee, juices and more. Cost is $6 or $4 for seniors, 60 or older, and $20 for the family. Children 3 and younger eat free. For details, visit Troop2.com.

House blessing: On Sunday, Feb. 7, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley will hold a House Blessing at 1 p.m. at 140 Lord St. in Carpentersville. The community is invited to attend, walk through the house that volunteers helped build and meet the new homeowners. The house was completed in record time; a three-bedroom home built by volunteers in less than 6 months.

Winter Wonder Land: First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake will be hosting a Talents Winter Wonderland from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7. Members, longtime visitors and children under the supervision of their parents will display, sell or arrange signups for their talents. Everything from social occasions to social networking will be shared, along with sewing, tutoring, music, massage, cleaning, cooking, driving, baked goods, shoveling, etc. Each participant received a handmade purse with "seed money" to develop and use for their talent. The Winter Wonderland is open to the public.

Haiti donations needed: First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake, in cooperation with the Northwest Haiti Christian and Waves of Mercy Missions in Port-De-Paix, is collecting for a second shipment of much needed items to help the Haitian earthquake victims. These items will be flown directly into Port-De-Paix (150 miles north of Port-au-Prince, Haiti) at the beginning of February, bypassing the congestion at the Port-au-Prince airport. first aid medical supplies; infant's Tylenol; children's Tylenol; cold medicine; bandages; band-aids; peanut butter; sleeping bags; Neosporin (antibiotic cream); and bags of rice or beans. Drop off the following items by Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Park in the circular drive on the west side, enter Door 1 and follow the signs. For information, call (815) 459-6010.

Course in Miracles: A Course in Miracles study group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sundays in room 7 at the Center for Spiritual Evolution, 204 Spring St. in Cary. The study group is free; however, a love offering to the church for the use of their facilities is welcome. The study group is ongoing and you can join at anytime and come when you can. The first and third Sundays they will study the text. The other Sundays are for exploring the workbook lessons. All are welcome to join in this course of self-study, self-awareness and healing of mind. It is a modern spiritual path, a program in spiritual development. Its aim is to wake you up to how you perceive this world and transform the meaning that you see in life. A miracle is a shift in perception. It leads you out of ego and into what is truly real in the metaphysical sense: into a spiritual awakening. For details, call Kerry at (847) 609-1292.

Catholics Returning Home: Nonpracticing Catholics who feel disconnected and seek a return to the Church are invited to attend the "Catholics Returning Home" sessions from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, through March 8, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 845 W. Main St. (Route 72) in West Dundee. The six-week program, titled "Catholics Returning Home," includes: Feb. 8, "Sharing Stories of Faith"; Feb. 15, "The Church Today"; Feb. 22, "Explanation of the Mass"; March 1, "Explanation of Confession"; March 8, "What Do Catholics Believe?" St. Catherine of Siena Church, which is part of the Rockford Diocese, along with the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Diocese of Joliet, is participating in the Catholics Come Home Program. Its mission is to inspire, educate and evangelize inactive Catholics in the community. For details, call Deacon Bill Whitehead at (847) 426-2217.

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.

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. St. Thomas More Parish's Elizabeth Ministry is sponsoring this event and welcomes women of all ages and stages of spiritual growth. Join Sister Paula and the Elizabeth Ministry for a morning of spiritual reflection. 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.

Tai chi: "East" meets "West" through Tai Chi in a Christian setting, as instructor Paul Semanic presents Tai Chi and Chi Gong workshops at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) in Barrington. Starting Tuesday, Feb. 9 through Wednesday, March 17, these free, 40-minute sessions are open to the public. The relaxed, slow, graceful, balanced, and coordinated movements of Chi Gong and Tai Chi, often called "Meditation in Movement," increase the flow of Chi (energy), and can improve balance, energy, circulation, memory, strength, flexibility, attitude and joyfulness. It also helps reduce stiffness, tension, anxiety, and depression. The movements are simple to learn, easy to do, and, with a little daily practice produce good results. Wear loose, comfortable clothes that don't restrict movement, and gym (or similar) shoes. The sessions will take place at 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays, 6:30 a.m. Wednesdays, and 8 p.m. Mondays. Semanic has studied for over 25 years with six instructors and has taught at the Medical Center at Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village for recovering patients, "Mended Hearts" Rehabilitation and Cancer Care, as well as many park districts. You may start classes at any time and attend as many as you'd like, but registration is requested via email at taichi@semanic.com so they may estimate attendance. Walk-ins and friends are welcome. To contact the church, call (847) 836-5540 or visit BarringtonUMC.com.

Blood drive: The winter blood drive, in conjunction with Heartland Blood Centers, will be from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 13 at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. All February donors will be automatically entered in a drawing to win a $100 gas card. There will be five lucky winners every day in February. Call Rick Gilmore at (847) 421-8676 to schedule an appointment. Visit fccdundee.com.

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 information, call St. John at (847) 658-9300.

Valentine dinner: A special St. Valentine's Dinner event will take place at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 at Highland Fellowship Church, 2250 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin. The dinner will benefit the scholarship fund at Highland Christian Academy. The public is invited to attend. The evening will include a spaghetti dinner followed by trivia, movie clips, and musical selections by the Rev. Jeorge Holmes, senior pastor at Highland Fellowship Church, and an alum of Judson University. Holmes is a regular performer with the Elgin Opera. The cost to attend the dinner is $25 per couple. Childcare is provided upon request for no additional fee. Advance reservations are required by Feb. 10 by calling (847) 741-5530. The academy, a private Christian school and affiliated with Highland Fellowship Church for 25 years, offers affordable rates for parents of children in preschool (age 3) through eighth grade. A needs-based scholarship program is available as well as many incentives for families considering enrollment. Flexible payment schedules are also available. Enrollment for the 2010-11 school year is now open.

Seminar on foreclosures: Courtney Clark, an attorney with Clark & McArdle, will speak on "Short Sale vs. Foreclosure" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9 in the Ministry Center at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 111 S. Hubbard, Algonquin. The Crystal Lake attorney will speak for 30-45 minutes and there will be a question-and-answer session. It is open to the public. For details, call (847) 854-8379 or email jobhelpsmm@yahoo.com.

Conference on marriage: St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and School 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 St. John's church office at (847) 658-9300. St. John's is at 300 Jefferson St. in downtown Algonquin.

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. It is a Christian family environment for impoverished men working to stabilize their lifestyle and lead stronger Christian lives. Residents are involved in local churches and also attend Bible studies, counseling and mentoring sessions at the Wayside Center.

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.

Folk concert: A Community Folk Fest Concert and Sing-along will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St. in Elgin. Cost is $7.50 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Community Crisis Center and the church's renovation fund. It will feature the Blue Tulip Wranglers, Fox River Trio, Patti Ecker and others. For information, visit fcc-elgin.org.

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. Before coming to Trinity, Satre taught at Judson College in Elgin and Crown College in Minnesota. He returned to his alma mater to teach in 1996. He performs regularly in the Chicago area, has performed on numerous recording projects, and is principal organist of the Moody Church in Chicago. At the church, Satre has performed on piano and organ on recordings and is heard regularly on over 400 radio stations throughout the world on the Moody Church Hour. First United Methodist 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. All of the electronics were upgraded to current technology which includes a full MIDI interface. 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. The Newman Singers reflect the very best in American spirituality for young adults. They are a liturgical and concert group, under the leadership of Joe Mattingly, composed of college students from the Newman Catholic Student Center at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. The Newman Singers have toured the country for the past 15 years, building a reputation for leadership in contemporary liturgical and inspirational music performing at churches, schools, and giving workshops on liturgical music and youth ministry. For information, call (847) 426-2217.

Benefit luncheon: The Philoptochos Society of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in Elgin presents "Fruit of the Spirit" benefit luncheon at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 24. The event will be held at Meridian Banquets in Rolling Meadows and will benefit individuals with Down syndrome through direct support of GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Awareness Center in Hoffman Estates. Tickets are $45 each, by reservation only. Guests will show their support for Down syndrome awareness as they feast on a gourmet lunch prepared by Meridian Banquets. Nancy Gianni, GiGi's Playhouse founder, and Shauna Niequist, author of "Cold Tangerines," will each speak and present their inspirational outlooks on life. There will be a display of over 30 prizes at the general raffle. The second raffle, "The Grand Raffle," will feature a $1,000 gift card from Woodfield Mall, Disney World tickets, diamond jewelry and more. For details, call Angy Ajroja at (312) 865-2436 or visit fruitofthespiritluncheon.com. Sponsorship opportunities are available.