Fox Valley religion special events

Memorial Day celebration: On Sunday, May 24, the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 40 Center St. in Elgin, invites veterans, military personnel and their families for a special Memorial Day celebration. During the 9 a.m. service, they will remember fallen soldiers and honor those who have served in our nation's armed forces - both retired and active duty. Everyone is invited. For details, call (847) 742-2428.

Fun fair: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St. in West Dundee, is having its annual Fun Fair from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 24, before the Memorial Day parade. There will be balloons, a clown, games for young and old, popcorn, and lots of free food from area restaurants. Restaurants participating include Dominick's Pizza, Van's Frozen Custard, ReMark Restaurant (new in East Dundee), Piece-A-Cake Bakery, Buffalo Wild Wings, Trader Joes, Village Pizza, Ruby Tuesday restaurant, Maxwell's (new in West Dundee), Red Robin restaurant, Chili's, Noodles & Company, Pot Belly, Rosatti's, and Olive Garden and more. Oppulence salon will have giveaways. Come and enjoy the afternoon before the parade, have some free food, bring a lawn chair and relax.

Great Adventure Bible Timeline Seminar: Join in "Great Adventure Bible Timeline Seminar With Jeff Cavins" from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 30 at St. Mary Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Jeff Cavins, renowned Catholic author and biblical scholar who has unlocked the mystery of the Bible for thousands of people, is coming to the area to present his Bible Timeline Seminar. According to Cavins, many Christians pick up their Bibles, resolving to read them cover to cover, only to become frustrated after a month or so because they have lost the story. The Great Adventure focuses on teaching people to learn narrative books of the Bible - to get the "big picture-before they begin a deeper study of scripture. The cost for the one day seminar is $35 which includes all materials and lunch. Space is limited so call Janet Marmion at (847) 669-3137, ext. 101, or via e-mail at marmionj@aol.com to register as soon as possible.

Perennial plant sale: The Church of Holy Apostles in McHenry needs perennial plants for its annual perennial plant sale to be held Saturday and Sunday, May 30-31 in the east parking lot of the church. Pot up your unneeded perennial plants and donate them to the parish's garden ministry. Your donated plants will add beauty to someone's garden and help the church at the same time. Proceeds from the sale will be used to purchase new shrubs to landscape the new church. If you have empty pots to share, leave them in the parking lot gazebo or take some if you need them for the sale. For details, call (815) 385-5673.

Rummage sale: Trinity United Methodist Church, 1647 Ravine Lane in Carpentersville, will have its "Huge Rummage Sale" from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 5, and 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 6. There are things for the house, things for the yard, things for everyone in the family. Come on down, shop, enjoy and save. There will be a silent auction and a $3 bag sale on Saturday. Money raised by the auction goes to global and local missions. If anyone (even nonchurch members) wishes to donate items for the sale, contributions can be dropped off at church between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, June 1-4. They cannot accept computer equipment, large appliances (stoves, refrigerators, etc.), large exercise equipment or large furniture. If you have something large, however, you can take a photo and they will post the photo for you. For details, call the office at (847) 428-1627.

Flea market: Vendors are wanted for the outdoor flea market to be held Saturday, June 13 at King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin. For details, call Cindy Meseke at (847) 468-8160.

The Crocodile Dock: St. John's Lutheran Church and School, 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin, is already accepting registration for this summer's vacation Bible school. The theme this year is "The Crocodile Dock - Where Fearless Kids Shine God's Light." The sessions will be from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, June 22 through Friday, June 26. All children, age 3 to students who have completed fifth grade, can "come and take a romp through the Swamp." They will use their imaginations to hop on a flat bottom boat and drift on a lazy, hazy waterway under the tall cypress trees. Registration forms are available through St. John's church office at (847) 658-9300.

Crocodile Dock: First Congregational Church of Dundee, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee, invites children, age 3 to fifth grade, to "Crocodile Dock," vacation Bible school from 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26. Everyone involved in this program will learn God is alive, active in your life and with you always. Each day your children will be a part of amazing Bible adventures that they can see, hear, touch and even taste. Crawfish Crafts, team building Gator Games, lively Bible songs in the Swamp Stomp, a daily visit with Chadder at the Dockside Drive-In and tasty treats at the Snack Shack are the fun bayou activities at Crocodile Dock that help faith grow into real life. School-age kids should sign up for the grade they are currently completing. To register, visit www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/fccdundee, click on the Participant Registration link on the menu at the left of the screen. The registration deadline is Wednesday, June 17. The cost is $30 per child or $70 for families of three or more. Kids will receive a collection of five Bible Buddies, a Crocodile Dock T-shirt and one Sing and Play Swamp Stomp Music CD per family. Parents can be a part of the fun, go to the Web site and check the volunteer box the registration form and complete a volunteer registration form as well. Nursery care is available for your other children, 2 and under, while you volunteer. For details, call (847) 426-2161 ext. 204 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Camp EDGE: The Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St., hosts the vacation Bible school, "Camp EDGE" from 9 to 11:45 a.m. July 27-31. They are inviting all children, age 3 to having finished fifth grade, to be a part of the excitement at "Camp EDGE" "Experience + Discover God Everywhere!" Join an extreme camp adventure where they will come to know that their strength and might come from God. Extreme Bible treks will introduce them to Bible characters who have experienced and discover God in many ways. Kids will learn an EDGE Pledge with each story to encourage them to live on the EDGE every day. Your children will extend their learnings through every activity: making their own special memories at the Art Apex, singing new music at Music Max, experiencing science activities at Exploration Ridge, participating in recreational activities at the Rex Plex, and enjoying tasty snacks at the Snack Express. For details, call (847) 658-5308.

Angel Food Ministries: Hunger is a very real problem in this nation - each year over 5 million Americans face life without adequate food. With today's economic challenges, many ordinary families have fallen on hard times and just need a little help to make ends meet while they get back on their feet. That's where Angel Food Ministries can make the difference. Angel Food is a nationwide program offering low-cost food relief to anyone in need. However, Angel Food Ministries is available to everyone that wishes to order. Orders are usually due mid-month with delivery usually the last Saturday of each month about 9:30 a.m. If you or someone you know needs help - Angel Food is here for you. For details, including what is available and the cost, visit www.angelfoodministries.com and type in the ZIP code 60120, select Community of Christ Church or call (847) 741-1366 to leave a message. Your call will be returned. Community of Christ, 1675 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, is participating in this program to provide food assistance to families across America. For details, visit elgin.chicagomissioncenter.org.

School registration: St. John's Lutheran School, 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin, is now accepting kindergarten through eighth grade day school registration for the 2009-10 school year. St. John's Day School offers an all-day kindergarten program and first- through eighth-grade classes. St. John's School Program offers core subjects as well as computers, art, music, band, chapel and physical education. The program is complemented by after school extracurricular programs including art classes, chess club, foreign language classes, scouting programs and sports programs including: soccer, volleyball, basketball and pep squad. St. John's also offers BASS (Before and After School Services) program for all enrolled students. It has limited class sizes and acceptance is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enrollment is open to the community and is not limited to church members. For information, call (847) 658-9311 or e-mail stjohns@covad.net.

Register for school: St. Laurence School, 572 Standish St. in Elgin, is now accepting registration for kindergarten for the 2009-10 school year. It offers a full day kindergarten with a comprehensive curriculum, small class size and experienced teachers. St. Laurence School is accredited by the state of Illinois and the Diocese of Rockford. They offer classes from preschool through the eighth grade. To make an appointment for a personal tour, call the school office at (847) 468-6100. Visit stlaurenceschool.com.

Preschool at Light of Christ: Light of Christ Preschool, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin, is continuing enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year. A new curriculum is being offered for children ages 3-5. Enrichment program with lunch also available. Visit locpreschool.com or contact Preschool Director Michele Niehoff at (658)-0955 for information.

Register for Griffin school: Griffin Christian School, a ministry of Fox Valley Baptist Church, is now accepting enrollments in all grades for the 2009-10 school year. The school, located at 16N562 Vista Lane in East Dundee, is for preschool through 12th grade. They offer a full, Bible-based academic schedule, along with classes in art, music, computer skills, gym, and several foreign languages. After school care is also available. The preschool program is for both 3- and 4-year-olds. Parents will be able to choose between a two-day or a five-day program, either mornings or full day. The kindergarten program is either mornings or full day. Both programs feature early learning activities with a low student-to-teacher ratio, and include phonics-based reading instruction. The elementary program is a multi-age class, but with traditional classroom instruction and a phonics-based reading program. The middle and high school programs use a technology based individualized program, utilizing the latest in computer technology to assist in the learning process and prepare students for the modern collegiate experience. For several of their subjects the middle and high school use an online curriculum with real time assistance, where each student can complete his subjects with lessons specifically tailored to his needs. Traditional classroom instruction in several subjects is also included. For details, or to make an appointment to visit the school, call (847) 428-5413 or visit griffinchristianschool.org.

Register at Good Shepherd: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 1111 Van St. in Elgin, is accepting applications for enrollment for the 2009-10 school year. Good Shepherd will offer kindergarten to fifth grade for the 2009-10 school year at 1111 Van St. The preschool is located 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 more information, contact the school office at (847) 741-7795 or the preschool office at (847) 697-4745.