McHenry County religion notes
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McHenry County Jewish Congregation: The McHenry County Jewish Congregation will welcome the Israeli Consulate Senior Policy Advisor Bob Schwartz as he discusses "Settlements and the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process," at an adult education session scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at MCJC. His speech will be preceded by a dinner of Israeli food, catered by Expressly Leslie of Woodstock. RSVPs are requested by phone (815) 455-1810 or e-mail hamsa@mc.net by Feb. 5. There is no charge for the event, but donations are welcome to cover dinner costs.
On Saturday, Feb. 6, they will host a fundraiser and dinner designed to allow participants to swap unwanted treasures with others at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit MCJC. For details, call Shelley at (815) 455-1492, or MCJC at (815) 455-1810.
Rabbi Maralee Gordon offers a class for adults called "Feeling at Home in the Synagogue: What does Judaism have to Say About -" from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays. The classes are open to all adults. Adult education is also offered at noon Wednesdays. Religious school meets each Wednesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon. Twice-a-week instruction is offered to second- to seventh-grade students, and Sunday-only instruction is offered for the parent-tot, pre-K and kindergarten to first grade classes, and those in eighth grade through high school. Adult education is also offered at noon Sundays and Wednesdays.
Shabbat services are at 6:30 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 8617 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake. Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Maralee Gordon and are free and open to everyone. This is the only Conservative Jewish congregation in McHenry County. Interfaith families are welcome. It also operates a gift shop offering a range of Judaica items. It is located on Ridgefield Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake, accessible from Route 14. For information, call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.
At its next meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, the Book Club will explore the life and times of the famous Jewish scholar Rashi when it discusses the book, "Rashi's Daughters, Book I: Joheved: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France." The book, the first in a series of three, is historical fiction, as the author, Maggie Anton, attempts to create what life may have been like for Rashi's daughter, Joheved. Little is known about Joheved and her two sisters, however legend holds that all three were learned at a time when women were forbidden from reading sacred texts. The book is available in paperback from stores and online book sellers. All are welcome to attend the Book Club.
On Sunday, Feb. 28, MCJC will celebrate the holiday of Purim with the reading of the Story of Esther followed by a carnival. The Story of Esther (Megillah) reading will begin at 9 a.m., and various groups in the congregation will be charged with retelling the story through song, using the melodies from Broadway musicals. A carnival with traditional foods and games will follow. The event is open to all, and costumes are encouraged.
St. John Lutheran: On Sanctity of Life Weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Life Under the Cross," based on Romans 12:1-2, 9-13, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Adult Bible class Sunday at 9:15 a.m. A supervised nursery is offered at the 10:30 a.m. service. Sunday school children meet at the 10:30 a.m. service, and are excused to go to their classes after the children's message. Coffee and Fellowship follows the Sunday services. The Mission Resale Shop, located on Washington Street, is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gifts and good quality used clothing, and small household items can be purchased at reasonable prices. Donations are gratefully appreciated, and proceeds benefit mission work locally and afar. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org. St. John's Lutheran School offers a day school program for first to eighth grade; all-day kindergarten and morning and afternoon preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Church membership is not required. To register or schedule a school tour, call Principal Ralph Peterson at (847) 658-9311.
Shepherd of the Prairie: This weekend, worship will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Sunday school and nursery care is available at both Sunday services. On Tuesday, the first music team will meet at 5 p.m. with the second music team at 6 p.m.; the Little Lambs Learning Program will be from 9 a.m. to noon; and the pastor leads a Bible discussion group from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday. On Wednesdays, confirmation class will meet at 6 p.m. for pizza and class at 6:30 p.m. The Shepherd Voices Choir will meet at 7 p.m. The women's evening out will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11. On Thursdays, the Prairie Ringers Bell Choir will meet at 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. On Friday, Feb. 12 and Saturday, Feb. 13, an "All Generation Winter Retreat" will be held at Lutherdale in Elkhorn, Wis. On Sunday, Feb. 14, "Bring a Friend" to Sunday school. Call (847) 669-9448 or visit www.sotp.org.
Faith Community: On Sunday, Feb. 7, the Rev. Bruce Cole leads worship with part three of the series, "Better Together - What Destroys Relationships and What Builds Them?," at the 9 a.m. blended service and 10:30 a.m. contemporary service at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through middle school. Awana meets Mondays with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Kids Club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. "Friends" Bible study meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. They are currently studying the book "The Power of a Woman's Words" by Sharon Jaynes. All women are welcome. Adult Bible studies are offered at 9 a.m. Wednesdays to discuss the scripture of the upcoming sermon. There is also a 7:30 p.m. Bible study on the the Parables of Jesus. Kids in sixth to eighth grades meet each week for Wednesday Night Live. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. followed by large group, worship and praise at 6 p.m. and small groups at 6:30 p.m. Pickup is at 7:30 p.m. The Faith Community Food Pantry is open from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays. First-time clients should bring a photo ID and proof of residency. The middle and high school students will host a Valentine dinner Saturday, Feb. 13. For ticket details, call the church office. A portion of the proceeds will help fund a summer mission trip. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv. "Play 2 Learn" playgroups for children ages 2-4 will be offered each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning here at FCC. For details, call April LoCoco at (847) 309-8445.
Unitarian church: On Sunday, Feb. 7, Sujatha Peradenye from the Blue Lotus Temple will speak on "Finding Happiness and Contentment" at the 10:45 a.m. service at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock, 221 Dean St. Church school and nursery care are available. This service will include a period of meditation. For details, call the church at (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@uucofwoodstock.org or visit www.uucofwoodstock.org.
First Congregational: On Sunday, Feb. 7, the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will preach at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. At the 9 a.m. service, Boy Scout Sunday will be observed. At the 10:45 a.m. service, new members will be welcomed. This is Food Pantry Sunday. Members are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to be donated to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry.
Sunday school is offered at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Each Sunday, all children, age 2 to seventh grade, will begin worship with their family. After the children's message, they will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants, and toddlers at each service. After each service, coffee is served in the fellowship hall. On Sunday, Feb. 7, "A Winter Wonderland," showcasing the congregation's talents and serving as a fundraiser, will be held at 10 a.m. in the fellowship hall (between services). PF (high school youth) will be selling Super Bowl subs after each service. On Monday, Feb. 8, the church council will meet at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. On Wednesday, Feb. 10, the Seasons of the Spirit Bible Study is held at 10:15 a.m. in the Banner Library. Christianity 101 will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 and 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13 in the Banner Library. Visitors are welcome to any church activity. The church is accessible to persons with disabilities. Large print bulletins and assisted listening devices are available at Sunday Services an entrance for people with mobility impairment is on the Lake Street side of the church. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.
McHenry County Church of Religious Science: On Sunday, Feb. 7, the Rev. Anne Muelleman's topic is "One Step at a Time" at the Center for Spiritual Evolution, McHenry County Church of Religious Science. When you take the first step in faith, the universe takes the next giant leap. The musical vocalist is healing sound practitioner, Patricia Caldwell. Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service at 204 Spring St., lower level in Cary. Music will be provided by Deb Powless. There is a children's program and toddler care. If you arrive early, there is a meditation at 9:30 a.m. For details, call (847) 516-1950 or visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org.
Trinity Lutheran: Trinity Lutheran Church, 11008 N. Church St. in Huntley, will have a renewal of wedding vows at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14. Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17 marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Services will be held at noon and 7 p.m. The theme for the season will be "The Sign of Jonah." Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 24 and continuing at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, March 3-24, there will be a soup and sandwich supper with services at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 669-5780.
Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, Feb. 7, the Congregational Church of Algonquin will begin their 160th anniversary featuring Gary Miller and the Dixieland Band. The 8 a.m. service will be led by the Rev. Brian Cope. At the 10 a.m. worship, the guest minister will be the Rev. Gary Miller. Music will be provided by the Senior Choir and the Dixieland Band at the church, 109 Washington St. Sunday school for seventh to 12th grade is at 9 a.m. The Adult Christian LIFE hour is at 9 a.m. Sundays with different classes. Shepherd University, the children's Sunday school program, will be at 10 a.m. Sundays. The Senior Center, located in the community room of the east side branch of the Algonquin Library, was created to provide a gathering place for senior adults where fellowship, socialization, educational and enrichment opportunities are available. The center, sponsored by the Congregational Church, is open each Tuesday from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For details, call the church at (847) 658-5308, and leave a message for Wynn Ann Roggeveen.
Tuesday with the Pastor Bible study will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays with "The Bible and Prayer," "History of Prayer," "Types of Prayer," "Prayers of Different Faiths" and "How to Pray." The Puppet Ministry will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. A new member class will be held at 9 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, or 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24. Shop at the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop, 307 S. Main St. in Algonquin. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The church is handicap accessible at the rear entrance. For details, call (847) 658-5308.
Woodstock Bible: On Sunday, Feb. 7, Woodstock Bible Church, 770 E. Kimball Ave., will continue the fourth week of the series, "The Power of One," based on the book of Philippians. It will be taught by Tim Schlung. There are two teaching times to choose from with a combined worship in between: 9 to 9:45 a.m., first teaching time; 10 to 10:25 a.m. worship and celebration; 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. second teaching time with Kidzlife for kids ages 3 years through fifth grade also at this time. The Food Pantry is open each Sunday from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. An average of 14 items, including meat, is given out each week. A free lunch is also served every week for those who would enjoy some good conversation and a warm meal. For details, call (815) 338-3006 or visit woodstockbiblechurch.com.