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.

Epworth UMC: The fall worship schedule has changed at Epworth United Methodist Church, Highland Avenue and Randall Road in Elgin. The traditional worship will begin at 8:15 a.m. Sunday school for all will run from 9:20 to 10:20 a.m. The praise worship service begins at 11:30 a.m. Coffee and fellowship hour begins at 9:20 a.m. Everyone is welcome. On Sunday, Nov. 16, Epworth UMC will present a new worship opportunity at 10:30 a.m. This service will be a new interactive family style of worship to involve all family members in the presentation of God's word and celebration of the life of Christ. For details, call (847) 931-5400 or visit epworthumcelgin.org.

Country Covenant Church: On Sundays, the Rev. Mark Harder leads worship at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. This week's message will introduce the fourth of the Covenant affirmations, "The Fellowship of Believers." Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation, study, and prayer. Children's Sunday school is at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday study groups will be on "Exploring the Covenant Affirmations." This will be a discussion of Covenant Church doctrines and how they are applied to today's world and specifically to the church. It will begin with dinner at 6 p.m. and study at 7 p.m.

The Maranatha Players will be performing Oct. 5 for the entire Sunday service. This drama is a 45-minute account of the life of Simon Peter, fisher of men, and his life as a follower of Jesus. There will be audience interaction and participation. For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, Sept. 28, the Rev. Joel Kline will deliver a sermon, "When Words Are Not Enough: Embracing the Challenge of Kingdom Living," at 9:30 a.m. at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The Congregational Nurture Ministry Group is sponsoring a "Fun for Fall/Fun for All Event" that will begin during the church school hour and may continue through the day depending on members' choices. People will gather and decide among such options as a vegetarian potluck, bowling, a nature walk, board games, a jam session, and more.

The congregation is hosting a blood drive for Heartland Blood Centers from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 27. Construction on the Peace Memorial Garden is under way at the northeast corner of the church lot. The Agape Singers begin rehearsals Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel provides a full range of religious and community programs. A youth program is available for sixth grade to high school. In addition, interest groups meet regularly for men, women, seniors, and others. Consult the monthly newsletter which is available at www.ckielgin.org.

Erev Rosh Hashana is Sept. 29. Services will be led by Rabbi Kohn and guest Cantor Jack Falk. For registration, membership, or high holy day tickets, call the synagogue office.

This week's Torah portion is "Nitzavim." 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. Guests are welcome. 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 ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers friendly, participatory Shabbat services, led by Cantor Sarah Alexander, at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays and followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week."

The High Holidays are right around the corner, and tickets are still available. Rosh Hashana services begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29. Come and hear the shofar as they continue at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 1. Kol Nidre will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8. Yom Kippur services will continue at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9. A "Communal Break Fast" meal will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9.

Everyone is invited to attend as they decorate the sukkah at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. Sukkot services will take place at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14. On Friday, Oct. 17, they will have Kabbalat Shabbat services followed by "Pizza in the Hut." RSVP for the best kosher pizza in town at $6 per person. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit CongregationShiratShalom.org

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, Sept. 28, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "How to Have the Mind of Christ," at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-4,12-16; Philippians 2:1-13 and Matthew 21:23-32. The nursery is open for children age 3 and younger. Children who are 4 and older are invited to attend the multi-grade Sunday school class held in the church youth room. The rummage sale continues from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. The church will be participating in the annual CROP Walk on Sunday, Oct. 19. Donate to help end world hunger. The theme for the Hobo Show on Nov. 8 will be "Cruisin'." For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sundays, the Celebration Ringers, bell choir, under the direction of Jonathan Besancon, will perform at 9 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. The message will be given by the lead pastor, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison, based on Psalm 1, "The Transformed Live." It is the second sermon in a series of eight, based on a study book, "Invitation to the New Testament." Christian education for all ages will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The 11:30 a.m. service will feature music by the Homegrown Worship Band and a message by Rev. Hutchison, "Taking Care of Others," based on Philippians 2. The youth group meets at 12:45 p.m. On Oct. 19, the church will participate in the CROP Walk, which begins at the church at 1 p.m. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit fumcelgin.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Sept. 28, the Rev. Paris Donehoo, senior pastor, will complete his series of sermons on the "The Ten Essential Stories," with his sermon on "Last Things First," based on scripture references from 1 Thessalonians and the Book of Revelation, at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. All are welcome. At 10:15 a.m., the Sanctuary Choir will sing "O How Amiable" by Vaughn Williams. The senior pastor and the Rev. Lois Bucher, associate pastor, are offering concurrent sessions of the spiritual development program called "FaithWalk." FirstSteps, a refresher course in Christian basics. It meets Sundays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with the option to continue discussion over Dutch treat dinner at a local restaurant. Another aspect of FaithWalk is the DiscipleWay course. These classes will be training in six marks of Discipleship. Classes are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at the church. All programs are open to the public. At 10:15 a.m., the Sanctuary Choir will sing "O How Amiable" by Vaughn Williams. If you want to express yourself on failed energy policy, then "Controversial Conversations with Carl" is the place to air your opinions. Come Sunday at 9:15 a.m. to the church library and bring your attitude with you. Also at 9:15 a.m. in the fellowship hail, the senior pastor concludes his overview of Paul's writings called "Living Letters." Breakfast is served each Sunday morning and child care is available.

The first confirmation class starts from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1. Moms, come and share and help one another at your meeting from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2 in the library. Remember, a simple dinner to take home afterward is provided and baby-sitting is available. For details, call (847) 741-4045 or visit fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Sept. 28, worship will be at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Praise and Worship Leaders will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Choral Ensemble will render the music for the 10:30 a.m. service. On Saturday, Sept. 27, the church will host a community-wide health and education fair sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension. The fair will include over 50 education and health organizations including Sherman Hospital, Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Abbott Labs, McDonalds, Children Defense Fund and others. The fair is free with lots of gifts and prizes. On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. Register today for the 2008 Women's Conference. The theme is: "High Heels, High Hopes, High Calling," inspired by Philippians 3:14. The conference runs Friday, Oct. 10 to Sunday, Oct. 12 with a cost of $40. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Sept. 28, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Tale of Two Sons," based on Matthew 21:23-32, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. The church invites the whole community, kids and adults, to come out to the preview of the Progressive Service at 10:30 a.m. and then get ready to party at the first "Feast & Festival" directly following the service. The church will be roasting a hog. Enjoy some homegrown entertainment with games and activities for the kids. All attending the "whole hog feast" are asked to bring side dishes and to make a small donation toward the cost of the barbecue. Sunday's Ministry of Music will feature songs and music by the Praise Singers and Band: Cheri Blazek; Robert Blazek; Mark Boekenhauer; Sonja Boekenhauer and Sara Tustin with Robert Blazek, sax; Mark Frystak, guitar; Linda Gilmore, piano; Noah Katsma, bass and Rich Robotham, drums.

Children are invited to go to the 10:30 a.m. service with their parents. After "Our Children's Time," youth, age 3 through fifth grade, may attend "FaithExplorers in God's Big Backyard" with the Rev. Nancy Schatzeder, acting associate pastor for children's ministries. The theme will be "Cain and Abel" based on the Bible story in Genesis 4:1-16. "Dr. Don's Bible Study, The Acts of the Apostles," begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1. Education is vitally important to the members of the church. Minds and hearts are open to new ideas while studying the Bible and learning about issues important to our community and world. High school youth group meets on Sundays from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Bring your friends, both old and new. High school youth and parents mission trip 2009 meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. In the summer of 2009, high school students will be going on a mission trip through group workcamps. All youth are strongly urged to attend. Middle school youth group will meet Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 1 with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Mission Possible Ladies Night Out Bunco Party will roll from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30. Food, fellowship and fun are in store for you with a game that can be learned that night including appetizers, beverages, dessert and prizes. Join the Mission Possible sponsored Bunco Party to learn about their quest to assist the teens realize their goal of an annual mission trip. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sept. 27-28, King of Glory Lutheran Church will observe the 20th Sunday after Pentecost as they look at the theme of "Do You Have an Attitude?" based on Philippians 2, at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:20 a.m. They also offer during the school year various midweek educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as youth programs for various age groups. On Mondays, join "The Refuge." Connect with God in a different, informal way every Monday at 7 p.m. Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship. The theme for Sept. 29 is "From a Distance." Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship. The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Sept. 28, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on Scripture on Matthew 21:23-32 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Today's scripture asks if you will reject God's new revelations. Or will you be open to the new sermons that God places before you? It is an open and affirming congregation, welcoming all to their services. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available during the service. For details, call (847) 428-1712.