Fox Valley religion events

Mobile food pantry: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Crystal Lake will sponsor a mobile food pantry from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, in the parking lot at 1023 McHenry Ave. The mobile food pantry is a traveling food pantry filled with meat, produce and nonperishable food. There will be enough food to feed up to 300 families. Anyone needing assistance is welcome. For details, call the church at (815) 459-3033.

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.

Winter blood drive: First Congregational Church of Dundee, in conjunction with Heartland Blood Centers, will sponsor a Winter Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 13, in the church's lower level common area, 900 S. Eighth St., 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. For rules and conditions, visit heartlandbc.org or call (800) 7-TO-GIVE. To be a blood donor, individuals must be at least 17 years old or 16 with written parental permission; weigh at least 110 pounds; be symptom free of cold, flu and allergies and be in general good health. All volunteers receive free mini-medical exams on site and information about their temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and hemoglobin level. Donors who have traveled outside the U.S. within the past 12 months should call Heartland to determine eligibility. Bring a photo ID. Call Rick Gilmore at (847) 421-8676 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

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.

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.

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. 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.

Open houses: Westminster Christian School, 2700 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin, is hosting open houses at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 16, March 30, April 20 and May 4. This school, accredited by the Association of Christian schools International, offers preschool through 12th grade, as well as before and after school care. Westminster offers separate preschool classes for 3- and 4-year-old students. Three year-old preschool classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Preschool classes for 4-year-olds will be held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. All preschool classes begin at 8 a.m. and end at 11:20 a.m. If you can't attend an open house, call (847) 695-0310, ext. 208 or visit westminsterchristian.org to request an information packet.

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.

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.

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.

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. . For information, call (847) 426-2217.

Concert celebration: Tom Steffens, music director of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock, will celebrate 20 years as a church member and 22 years of musical service with a free concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 at the church, 221 Dean St. A multitalented pianist, choral director, musical theater maven, arranger, composer and recording artist, Steffens will be joined by seven of his musical friends for an evening showcasing jazz, musical theater favorites, Irish/Celtic music, and original compositions. Steffens first began as a substitute organist at the church in 1989. He found a musical and spiritual home and joined the congregation two years later. After serving as choir accompanist for some years, he assumed leadership of the choir and has built it to 25 plus voices performing his original arrangements of traditional church tunes and an eclectic range of music. The concert is free and open to the public. A free-will collection will be taken to benefit the congregation's Latino outreach program. A reception will follow the performance. For information, call the church at (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucofwoodstock.org or visit uucofwoodstock.org.

Walkathon: On Saturday, Feb. 27, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley will host its 20th annual walkathon from 8 to 10 a.m. at Spring Hill Mall, West Dundee. This year, Habitat would like to raise $4,000 through the walkathon to be able to purchase a construction trailer. Participants must obtain pledges which can be done per lap or a flat fee. As in the past, Habitat will recognize the organization that earns the highest pledge amount. And new this year is also recognizing the individual who raises the highest pledge. Those interested in being a part of this year's event, contact Connie Kitzinger or Bill Klaves at (847) 836-1432 or visit hfhnfv.org for details. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley is celebrating its 20th anniversary of providing affordable housing in the community. To commemorate the 20 years, they are doing 20 projects, 10 rehabs and 10 "A Brush with Kindness," a new exterior painting and landscaping program. Also, this summer, the group will host its first "Women Build" and a "20-Day Blitz Build."

Bowling for Babies: Join The Life Center for fun with the whole family at the eighth annual bowling fundraiser, "Bowling for Babies 2010," from noon to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at Bowlway Lanes, 810 Villa St. in Elgin. Registration at 11:30 a.m. A minimum of $50 per person in pledges will earn you free shoe rental, three games of bowling, pizza and soda. Door prizes will be drawn throughout the afternoon. Top prizes will go to those who collect the most in pledges. Scout troops, youth groups, families, or individuals are encouraged to participate and raise funds for The Life Center. The center provides pregnancy support including diapers, clothing and baby food in addition to free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to hundreds of women in need each month. For details, call (847) 622-1235.

Battle of the Praise Bands: On Sunday, Feb. 28, the Burlington United Methodist Church will host the third annual Battle of the Praise Bands at 2 p.m. Four groups will be performing at this fundraiser, benefiting the Burlington UMC mission trip to help repair homes in Appalachia. The New Sound band of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Elgin, along with Beacon of Epworth UMC in Elgin, Joyful Noise from Kaneville UMC in Kaneville, and then the old-time gospel acoustic sounds of The Good Ol' Boys, hailing from the Country Covenant Church in Campton Hills. This show for all ages will feature free popcorn. Tickets are $10 at the door of the church, 195 W Center St, Burlington. All proceeds will go toward the mission trip to the Appalachia Service Project in Kentucky to help repair people's homes. For information about the Appalachia Service Project, visit ASPHome.org. For details, call (847) 683-3535 or Burlington-UMC.org.

Green Film Festival: The Green Sanctuary Committee will host the third annual Green Film Festival from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28 at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock, 221 Dean St. The festival will showcase three feature documentaries and short films from the 2009 Bioneers Conference. "The Great Story," a documentary portraying the life and work of philosopher and writer Thomas Berry, will be shown at 3 p.m. The film displays the beauty of the natural world as Berry tells the story of the universe emergence and highlights the current critical environmental crisis. At 5 p.m., "Dirt! The Movie" will be screened. This winner of multiple film festival awards tells the little known story of the relationship between humans and "living dirt." "The World According to Monsanto," which chronicles how just one multinational corporation holds the keys to and patents on much of the world's food supply, will be shown at 7 p.m. The festival is free and open to the public. For information, call (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucofwoodstock.org or visit uucofwoodstock.org.

"Come to the Table": The Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders is inviting the community to the third annual "Come to the Table" event. Recognizing that many area residents desire to help make the community a better place, this year's theme is "Become a Volunteer." The event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 7 at Judson University's Lindner Hall, 1151 N. State St., Elgin. The goal of the day is help people who want to make a difference in the community to learn more about the organizations and agencies where they can volunteer to help. The event will include a chance for participants to help assemble health kits for Haiti, write letters to soldiers serving overseas, and help with projects for PADS during the event. There will be presentations that share inspiring volunteer stories and help learning the keys to becoming a good volunteer. Plus there will be displays from various agencies and organizations to share what they do, what volunteer opportunities they have, and chances for you to sign up to become a volunteer. At the event, light refreshments will be served and child care is provided. The community is invited to attend and explore how you can help make a difference. To RSVP, check with local congregations or call Beth Lawniczak at (847) 741-8141 by Feb. 28.

Handbell concert: The Barrington Area Festival Handbell Concert will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 14 at Village Church of Barrington, 1600 E. Main St., Barrington. In keeping with the tradition of past years, this concert will have something for everyone. Music will span many genres - from the beat of a South African freedom song to the hallowed sound of some of our most beloved hymns. Eight bell choirs totaling more than 100 ringers will be participating. Choirs will perform individual selections and will play several songs en masse. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. This is a free concert.

Health kits for Haiti: United Methodist Council on Relief's aid workers in Haiti have asked for bulk donations for "Health Kits." The UMC Northern Illinois Conference has arranged for transportation to Haiti for the health kits; however, they have requested bulk items because individual health kits would require separate inspection. Bulk items may be delivered to Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) in Barrington on Friday, March 19, to Sunday, March 21. These materials will be delivered to the assembly and packaging center in Markham Monday, March 22. Items accepted: one-gallon, sealable plastic bags; hand towels (of 15 by 25 inches up to 17 by 27 inches, but no kitchen towels); wash cloths; combs (large and sturdy, not pocket size); nail file or fingernail clippers; toothbrush (single brush in original wrapper, no child size); adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages; toothpaste; bath-size bar soap (3 ounces or up). UMCOR marks its 70th birthday in 2010. The anniversary is a milestone in a history of doing God's compassionate work by providing relief and hope to millions of people around the world. For details, call (847) 836-5540.

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.