Notes on Religion

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.

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.

This week's Torah portion is Vayera. 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.

Shirat Shalom: Celebrate the joys of Conservative Judaism at Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road, Elgin. Friendly, participatory Shabbat services are 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." Adult education classes are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

This week's Torah portion is Vayera, in which Abraham demonstrates the mitzvah of welcoming guests by welcoming strangers into his tent. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www. CongregationShiratShalom.org

Bethlehem Lutheran: This weekend, the festival of the Reformation is celebrated in traditional services at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday and blended worship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St., West Dundee. The theme for this weekend's worship will be "The Crossroads of Faith," based on Romans 3:19-28.

Sunday school, adult Bible classes, and junior confirmation classes meet at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. Additional Bible classes meet throughout the week; call the church office for schedules and topics.

Plan to attend Bethlehem's "Trunk-or-Treat" celebration at 1 p.m. Sunday. The Sunday school will sponsor the activity as members of the congregation sponsor spots in the parking lot to share treats with the children of the congregation and community. Join in the fun for this inaugural event. Costumes are not required; the church requests the costumes include no pretend weapons.

A class for adults interested in membership or learning more about the ministry of Bethlehem meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. For details, call the Rev. John Carrier. For details, call (847) 426-7311 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays or visit www.bethlehemdundee.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Joel 2:23-32; Psalm 65; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 and Luke 18:1-89-14. Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided. Apple pies are available for sale for holiday parties. Art & Soul Ministry will meet at 4 p.m. Sunday in the dining room.

Recycle your cell phone by dropping it off in the Fireside Room. Also FISH Food Pantry donations are welcome as well as Campbell's Soup UPC codes. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison will preach on "Humbled -- Again!" based on Luke 18:9-14, at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin. Special music will be presented by the children's choirs. Christian education for children, youth and adults begins at 8:50 a.m. with the youth group meeting at 11:15 a.m.

The contemporary worship service, "Get Hooked … on the Lord," will be held at 6 p.m. at the church.

In November, several church members will be participating in a work mission trip to Slidell, La. A fund-raising effort to help cover some expenses for that trip will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Epworth United Methodist Church, Highland and Randall in Elgin. Brats and pork sandwiches, along with a bake sale, will be held. Dine in or carry out. This will help support the 18 church members of Epworth UMC, First UMC and Wesley UMC who will be going to the New Orleans area Nov. 24 to Dec. 1 to help in the rebuilding with United Methodist Committee on Relief. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Paris N. Donehoo, senior pastor, and the Rev. Lois A. Bucher, associate pastor, invite those interested to the new members class in the library of First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. It will be held right after the 10:15 a.m. service. Anyone interested in joining the church, and those who have inquired about membership, will meet with the pastors and other church leaders to learn about the ministries and programs of the church. If you need child care, call the church office and it will be arranged. There will be a luncheon during the class on Sunday and Nov. 4.

The senior pastor will preach about "A Name Not in the Program" at the 8:15 a.m. service in the chapel and again at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. The Sanctuary Choir will assist in the leading of worship at 10:15 a.m. singing "St. Patrick's Hymn" by K. Lee Scott. Jason Flaks, church member and leader of the Illinois Brass Band, will be playing trumpet accompaniment. The Handbell Choir will be ringing the anthem, "Be Thou My Vision" in their first appearance of this church year. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline's sermon will be "Celebrate Abundance: Nourish Life" at 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. At noon there will be the Fall Deacon Gathering. Member of the congregation will meet at the church at 11:30 a.m. today to take a bus to downtown Chicago to participate in a peace rally at Union Park and Federal Plaza.

The Seasoned Servants will volunteer at the Northern Illinois Food Bank from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday. The senior high youth will have a District Retreat on Nov. 2-4.

The Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice and the church's Witness Ministry Group invite members of the community to the Kimball Street bridge at 5 p.m. each Wednesday for vigil to encourage peace and an end to violence. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Praise and Worship Leaders will render the music at 8 a.m. while the Choral Ensemble will sing at 10:30 a.m.

The Healthcare Ministry will sponsor a Healthcare Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 3. There will be a variety of vendors present. For details, call the church.

Join the Missionary Ministry from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 10 for a Day of Prayer. The prayer will be held in the church's sanctuary. Ministry leaders are encouraged to attend. For details, call the Rev. Janie McCutchen or Denise Holt at the church office.

The Choral Ensemble will host its annual fall concert at 3 p.m. Nov. 11. The concert theme is "All I Want is to Bless Your Name," inspired by Psalms 96:2.

Mid-day Bible study begins at noon on Wednesday followed by evening Bible Study starting at 7 p.m. SBC is studying the Book of Revelation. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. Bus and childcare services are available. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Richard Nye, transitional pastor, presents the theme, "A Celebration of Faithfulness," based on Psalm 8 and Matthew 28:16-28, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m. Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 10:15 a.m. service will be "People Need The Lord" by the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with accompanist Linda Gilmore.

Education for all ages takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sundays. Programs offered include Sunday school for children age 3 through eighth grade and adult teaching.

Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers age 5 and under from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Coffee and fellowship time will follow the services in the narthex hosted by the Hospitality Team.

Children are invited to go to the Sunday 10:15 a.m. service with their parents. After the KidsOwn Worship message, children age 3 through sixth grade may attend KidsOwn Worship, a special children's church designed especially for them. The theme will be "Elijah Helps a Widow," based on the Bible story in 1 Kings 17:7-24: We honor God by trusting Him. Confirmation for eighth-graders will take place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

Habitat for Humanity Work Day will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 3 at 1203 Sycamore in Lake in the Hills. Homes are built primarily through volunteer construction labor which helps keep the cost of the homes affordable for buyers. Volunteer to help by calling Charles Mensik or Karin Quist at the church. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

Country Covenant: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Harder's message is titled "Empowering Each Individual," based on Acts 18:24-28, at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. It is the basis of study for the Wednesday evening gathering. Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation and study.

Children's Sunday school meets during the 9:30 a.m. service. Childcare is also available during the service.

Sunday's sermon correlates with the new Wednesday evening study group. During October and November, the church will be studying and discussing "The Church You've Always Longed For." Each Wednesday evening will begin with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. and discussion at 6:30 p.m. This series is designed for adults, children, and students with appropriate books available for each age group. All are welcome to come and participate. Sunday will be a Praise Sing Night at 7 p.m. Favorite hymns, new songs, and classic church music will be sung.

During the month of November, the pastor will offer an Inquirer's Class. If you are interested in the church or are just interested in general, call for days and times.

On Nov. 2-3, intern Greg Applequist will offer a seminar titled "Good Sense Budgeting." For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit Web site www.countrycov.org.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe Reformation in the church year as they look at the topic "Never Say Never," based on Jeremiah 31. The blended service is at 6 p.m. Saturday, traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sunday with a contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band.

Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. along with a special educational program for children called Kingdom Kids.

The church also offers various mid-week educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds during the school year, and youth programs for various age groups.

The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on Scripture from Luke 18:9-14 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St., Carpentersville. History teaches you that minor mistakes can get out of control and destroy you, unless you see your secret faults and seek forgiveness.

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. For details, call (847) 428-1712.