Northwest suburban religion notes

Deadline for submissions is noon Monday. Due to space limitations, not all "Your Faith" items are listed here. To submit items, send them to faith@dailyherald.com.

Award presentation: Chicagoland Voice of the Faithful recently presented the Rev. Pat Brennan of Holy Family, Inverness, with the Priest of Integrity Award.

Respite care: Older Adult Respite Care has opened at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, Elk Grove Village. Caregivers can now bring their loved ones to a program where they can enjoy structured activities in a safe, nurturing environment, giving the caregiver the chance to run errands or enjoy a much deserved break. Older adult respite care is now available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays, at Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. Call (847) 437-2666, ext. 24, or e-mail ssondergaard@comcast.net for more information and/or to set up an interview. Participants in the program will need to be screened before starting the program. The cost for the respite care program is $15 a day, and scholarships are available.

New officers: Congregation Beth Judea's United Synagogue Youth recently had its annual elections. The new USY Executive Board for 2009-2010 includes: President Ricky Brandt, Israeli Affairs Vice President: Becca Baich, Religion Education Vice President: Sam Ganden, Membership/Kadima Vice President: Rachel Bikshorn, Social Action/Tikun Olam Vice President: Brittany Brandt, Communications Vice President Eric Krause, Programming Vice President: Eric Goldberg and Past President: Jeremy Drazner. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

New officers: Congregation Beth Judea, a Conservative synagogue which has served the Northwest suburbs since 1968, elected 11 new officers and 12 new directors at its annual meeting May 27. The new officers, who will serve from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011, are as follows: President Bonnie Sender, Executive Vice President Rick Drazner, Education Vice President Natalie Solomon, Facilities Vice President Russ Barnett, Finance Vice President Lee Silver, Membership Vice President Diane Ganden, Ritual Vice-President Sandy Victor, Programming Vice-President Brian Gurin, Ways & Means Vice-President Cindy Lipka, Youth Vice-President Debbie Dubin, and Secretary Marilyn Green-Rebnord. Elected for a 3-year term as an at-large director are: Bruce Arenson, Bruce Darin, Jeff Kostis, Debbie Limer, Karen Nagel and Joan Smith. They will serve from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2012. Elected for a two-year term as an at-large director are: Bruce Entman, Stuart Kersky and Ronna Leibach. They will serve from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011. Elected for a 1-year term as an at-large director are: Debbi Green, Barb Hyman and Wendy Wunsch. They will serve from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Rhonda Wener will serve as Immediate Past President from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011. These volunteers will be officially installed at Congregation Beth Judea's Installation Shabbat service that will take place on Friday, June 26.

Religion school graduates: The students of Congregation Beth Judea's Heh Class (seventh-graders) were honored for the completion of their regular Religious School studies. The Beth Judea Heh Class of 2009 is: Lara Braverman, Logan Brim, Miles Cushing, Samantha Drizner, Gillian Dubin, Gregory Dubin, Amanda Friedlander, Cara Golberg, Ethan Gordon, Seth Harris, Hallie Klieman, Zachary Kwasman, Benjamin Limer, Logan Soble, Sarah Steiner, Michael Tobias, Laurence Bender, Andrew Cohen, Morgan Eisenstot, Micah Fishman, Allison Flack, Daniel Greenberg, Joshua Greenberg, Sam Harris, Rachel Hoy, Benjamin Korol, Carly Leonard, Carly Riederman, Joel Spiegel, Alexandra Warren, Jessica Weil and Jared Zeidman.

Drum circle: Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, will host a Drum Circle at 7 p.m. Friday, June 5. Bring your own drum or percussive instrument or they will be provided. The drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail. It includes people of all ages. The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with self and with each other.

Rummage sale: Trinity Lutheran Church, 3201 Meadow Drive, will have a rummage and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6. The church is collecting items for the sale. (847) 398-7122, tlcrm.org.

Book group: "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows will be the subject of discussion of the book group "Reading is Believing" at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at North Northfield United Methodist Church, located at Sanders and Dundee in Northbrook. (847) 272-2250. northnorthfield.org

Concert: The South Church presents the second in its 2009 series of music recitals, with The Chicago Pan-American Ensemble at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 6. Formed by husband and wife American cellist Andrew Snow and Mexican pianist Beatriz Helguera, the Pan-American Ensemble performs a standard cello and piano repertoire. In addition to Snow and Helguera, the June 6 recital will feature guest violinists Gregory Maytan and Mathias Tacke. The afternoon program will include the Mozart quartets in G Minor and E flat Major, as well as the Frescobaldi-Cassado Toccata for cello and piano.

The South Church is located at 501 S. Emerson St. in Mount Prospect, and is wheelchair-accessible for those with physical limitations. A suggested donation is $10 per adult, and $5 for students. thesouthchurch.com. (847) 253-0501.

Men's Bible study: a four-session early Saturday morning men's Bible study will be offered 7-8 a.m. June 6, 13, 20 and 27 at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.

Car wash: A car wash will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. A $5 donation is requested. (847) 255-8764.

Celebrating service: A special celebration will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 7, at Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, to recognize LeRoy and Pauline Kennel who are retiring after 60 years in the ministry, including the last 20-plus years in Schaumburg at Christ Community Mennonite Church.

Concert: The seventh annual St. Marcelline Spring Concert will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 7, in the church, 822 S. Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg. The 39-member Sanctuary Choir will be performing both sacred and popular songs, such as those from Broadway, among others. Also on the bill that night will be the Jubilation Ringers handbell choir and the Joyful Noise Children's Choir. The free two-hour performance is family-friendly. A reception will follow afterward in the church's Family Life Center. (847) 524-4429 or at stmarcelline.com

Guest speaker: Special guest at Congregational United Church of Christ during Trinity Sunday worship service, 10:30 a.m., Sunday, June 7, is Nancy Mullen of Youth Outlook, a northwest suburban agency which works to support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. Mullen will speak briefly during worship and be available for conversation and questions following the service. The church is located at 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.

Outdoor worship: St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, will offer pet-friendly outdoor worship services at 7:30 a.m. Sundays, from June 7 through Labor Day weekend. Pets are blessed at the end of worship. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.

Rummage sale: St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic School will hold its annual Rummage Sale June 13 and 14 in the gym. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday with 50 percent off everything. Please no "early birds," as Mass is going on until noon. A special "Pre-Sale" is open to the public the night before the sale, June 12, from 6 to 10 p.m. only. Admission to the Pre-Sale is $4. Concessions will be available in the dining hall. Donations may be brought to the gym from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 7, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 8-11. All items should be in clean, working order. Old computers cannot be accepted. St. Alphonsus is located at 411 N. Wheeling Road in Prospect Heights. saintalphonsus.com.

Jewish spiritual practice: Introduction to Jewish Spiritual Practices is offered the first Sunday of the month from 1:30-2:15 p.m. at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. For those seeking to enrich their spiritual life, join Rabbi Lisa Sari Bellows to explore and engage in Jewish spiritual practices of prayer, study, meditation and yoga. This class is free.

Mission: The Rev. Tim Haugen will speak on the topic "New Community" in the current sermon series, Mobilized for Mission, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday, June 7, at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Sunday Bible classes have been curtailed until September with the exception of one adult class meeting through June 21 at 9 a.m. Nursery and toddler opportunities (newborn through 3 years) will be available during both services throughout the summer. Children's Church (grades 1 through 6) will be held at 9 a.m. only. (847) 255-8764

Summer camp: Immanuel Discovery Camp, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, is a Christian summer camp with flexible hours for children 4 years of age through fifth grade. Campers will enjoy pastimes like arts and crafts, theme-based field trips, and swimming. Discovery Camp will operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 8 to Aug. 14. http://immanuelpalatine.org, "school" and "Discovery Camp.

Summer basketball camp: St. Peter Lutheran School 111 W. Olive, Arlington Heights, will host the 15th Annual Summer Basketball Camp. Registration forms are available at the school office, as well as the school's Web site. The camp is open to students of any school who are in grades 3-8 for the upcoming school year. The dates for fifth-eighth grade are June 8-11 and the dates for third and fourth grade are June 15-18. (847) 253-6638, ext. 129.

Men's club: Rinkey Dinks Christian Men will meet on Tuesday, June 9, at the Palm Court Restaurant, 1912 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights for lunch (11:30 a.m.). The speaker will be Susanne (Suzie) Bassi, state representative from District 54. She has been a state representative since 1999 and has lived in the District since 1974. She taught high school for 10 years and spend eight years on District 15 school board. She is presently on the Speaker's Task Force on Senior Services.

Summer preschool: Summer Preschool Program is available for 3- to 6-year-olds at Sonshine Preschool of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Prospect Heights. Enjoy a fun-filled five-week adventure from June 9 - July 9. Classes meet mornings from 9 -11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tuition for this class is $170. for a three-day-a-week program, $125 for a two-day-a-week program. Call for details, (847) 520-1116, Ask for Barb Orze.

Pride worship: A Pride Worship Service will be held 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 10, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. The Congregational UCC is a member of the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Congregations. CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.

Fun fest: Our Lady of Ransom Parish in Niles will host its 18th annual Family Fun Fest on the parish grounds, at Greenwood and Normal avenues, June 10-14. Entertainment on the main stage will be Incognitos at 7 p.m. June 10; The Associates at 7 p.m. June 11; Skip Towne & the Greyhounds at 8 p.m. June 12; Undercover at 8 p.m. June 13; and Downtown Sound at 5:30 p.m. June 14. (847) 823-2550.

Shabbat: Am Chai will be holding its celebration of Shabbat at 8 p.m. Friday, June 12, at the Devonshire 1515 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates, Services followed by an oneg shabbat. The women's and men's club will hold a joint meeting. (847) 604-4060.

Rummage sale: Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, will host its annual rummage and garden sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 12; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 13; and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, June 14. Browse from shop to shop for household goods, furniture, holiday items, jewelry and purses, sports equipment and toys. Donated items can be dropped off at the Holy Family gym from 3-7 p.m. June 8-11. No clothes or books accepted. (847) 359-0042.

Slow food, slow money: The public is invited to view a series of short video segments as well as a feature-length film on the subject Slow Food and Slow Money, with discussion and exploration between each, at 7 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church, at 1025 N. Smith Road, Palatine. Free. ccuu@ccuu.org, (847) 359-8440.

Dinner-theater: Beth Tikvah Congregation's seniors group is having a dinner-theater night on Saturday, June 13. Dinner be at 5 p.m. at Durty Nellie's in Palatine. To reserve your place for dinner, call Leora at (847) 359-0439. After dinner, the group will go to Cutting Hall in Palatine to see "Clue- The Musical." Call Leora concerning theater reservations, which cost $14 per person.

Baha'i prayer session: Baha'is in the Northwest suburbs invite the public to join them in marking the one-year anniversary of the imprisonment of seven Baha'i leaders in Iran. The public meeting and prayer session will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Des Plaines Public Library. The seven Baha'is have spent a year in jail without formal charges or access to their lawyer, Local Bahá'ís, several of whom have relatives in Iran whose civil rights are denied because of their faith, are also writing to their members of Congress, and urging others to do the same, to gather additional co-sponsors for two resolutions, H. Res 175 and S. Res. 71, currently before the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate respectively, which call for the release of the Iranian Baha'i leaders and other Bahá'í prisoners. To learn more about the situation of Baha'is in Iran, visit http://iran.bahai.us/.

Baby-sitting course: St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, will offer Baby-sitting 101 from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 13, for boys and girls ages 10-14. Free. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.

Anniversary celebration: A Gala 50th Anniversary Celebration is planned for June 13 and 14 for Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. The celebrations begin with a Gala Reception from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at the Hotel Indigo in Palatine. The program will recall the highlights of the congregation's history that begins in 1958 with a door-to-door canvas of more than 2,500 houses by founding pastor the Rev. W. Rowland Koch. "Our Value: Courage" is the theme as the celebration continues during worship, 10:30 a.m., Sunday, June 14. A catered brunch follows worship. Children will participate in the festivities and worship. Nursery and child care will be available for infants and toddlers. CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.

Saturday Club: Story Time is the theme of the Saturday Club meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. This event will involve reading and sharing stories and also include arts and crafts and "Jesus Time." Different groups will meet for age 3 preschool through third grade. Adults are welcome to stay or come back to pick up their children. Suggested donation is $5 per child to cover costs. Walk-ins welcome but advance registration appreciated. Call the church office at (847) 253-4839 for more information and to register.

Survivors of Suicide: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago invites those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide to participate in its Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide program meetings the second Sundays from 7-9 p.m. on June 14 and July 12 at Catholic Charities Northwest Office, 1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines; third Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. on June 17 and July 15 at Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. (847) 376-2118.

A cappella group: A Musical Event at AYSH Northbrook Community Synagogue, 2548 Jasper Court, Northbrook, will present the a cappella group Listen Up at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14. The event includes a silent auction, light supper and dessert. Cost is $36 per person. R.S.V.P. either by e-mail - office @aysh.org or call (847) 509-9204.

Bowling and bocce: Maot Chitim, which has been providing holiday food for needy Jews for 100 years, celebrates its centennial with "Bowling, Bocce and Benevolence" a day of fun on Sunday, June 14, at Pinestripes Boce and Bowling, 1150 Willow in Northbrook. Activities including games and lunch begin at 11 a.m. Cost is $50 for adults, $25 for kids 2-12 and special rates for grandparents and families. For reservations and information, e-mail 100th@maotchitim.org, visit maotchitim.org/100th.html or call (847) 674-3224. Maot Chitim purchases, packs and delivers thousands of pounds of holiday foods from kosher chickens to fresh produce to 12,000 needy Jews throughout Chicago.

Genealogy: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois proudly welcomes national lecturer and author Beau Sharbrough, who will be presenting "Jewish Research on Footnote.com" and "Automated Search Tools" at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie. The lecture is free to JGSI members, $10 for nonmembers, which can be applied to JGSI membership when you join by July 1. For more information and to reserve your seat, call (312) 666-0100 or e-mail rsvp@jgsi.org

Unity lecture: Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook will host 'The Unity Lecture,' a simultaneous Webcast of Torah study, a lecture with Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, former Chief Rabbi of Israel, current Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv and chairman of Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial. The Webcast will be from 6:45-7:45 p.m. Sunday, June 14, at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, 755 Huehl Road, Northbrook. Free Admission. Refreshments will be served. (847) 564-8770 or UnityLecture.com

A Healer's Odyssey: Dr. Saul Shaye will be at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, for a workshop, "A Healer's Odyssey," the story of his own spiritual transformation from atheist to spiritual healer. In the wellness lecture, "If You Want to Know About Health, Don't Ask Your Doctor," he will inform individuals how to take charge of their well-being: spirit-mind-body, explaining the part dreams play in each. Call (847) 297-0997 to register. Suggested offering is $20.

Vacation Bible school: Take a walk on the wild side at Kingdom of the Son: A Prayer Safari VBS, from 9 a.m. to noon June 15-19, at Living Lord Lutheran Church, 1044 Congress Drive in Bartlett. This year's focus for kids entering kindergarten through fifth grade is on learning the Lord's Prayer through a fun and exciting safari-themed program. Traveling praise band Captive Free will lead the music. Kids entering sixth and seventh grades can register for their own program featuring fellowship and service projects. (630) 830-3630, or livinglordlutheran.org. Registration is $20.

VBS: Vacation Bible school for children ages 3-14 will take place in Christ the King Ev. Lutheran Church, 100 W Michigan Ave., Palatine, from 9:30 a.m. to noon June 15-19. The theme is "Dive In!" Freewill offerings will pay for VBS costs and a Lutheran World Mission. To register, call (847) 358-0230, e-mail office@ByFaithAlone.org or visit ByFaithAlone.org.

Summer music camp: Praise-Rocks @ CLC Summer Music Camp will be held June 15-26 at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road in Palatine. This two-week intensive, half-day music camp is from 9 a.m. to noon and costs $150. Open to all instruments and vocalists in sixth to 12th grade. Beginners are welcome. Students will play in bands, receive instrument instruction from professional musicians and teachers, lead worship, and get a chance to show their skills at the final concert. Extra activities include song writing, hands-on sound tech instruction, a rock history class and Guitar Hero 101. (847) 358-4600.

Pray for peace: A Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 15, at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 E. Main St., Barrington. A special guest, Ali Amr, will share his exceptional musical talents during and after the service. Additionally, he will share his personal story that encompasses life with his family in Ramallah on the West Bank, learning and performing music from an early age, and current studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston. This service is held on the 15th of each month as part of an ecumenical effort in the United States and the world to pray daily until a just and lasting peace comes to all citizens of the Middle East. It includes reading from the Bible, music, and prayers. For more information, call (847) 381-0243 or visit http://elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls. aspx.

Rummage sale: St. Thomas Becket Parish will hold a rummage sale from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday & Friday, June 18-19, and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, in the church hall, 1321 Burning Bush Lane, Mount Prospect. There will be Saturday specials on all items, including a paper grocery bag of clothing for $4. Donated items may be dropped off on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, June 15, 16, and 17, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Clean items in good working condition only, please. No computers or computer equipment.) For information, call (847) 299-6571.

Rummage sale: St. Cecilia's Church will hold its annual rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the church, 700 S. Meier Road, Mount Prospect. A $3 bag sale will start at 1:30 p.m. Donations may be brought from noon to 7 p.m. June 15-19 at the Parish Center. All items should be clean and in working condition.

VBS: Vacation Bible school will be offered June 15-19 at Grace Lutheran Church, 1624 E. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. The vacation Bible school is titled, "Here I am Lord" and will meet daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children ages kindergarten through sixth grade are invited. (847) 824-7408

Community meal: Lutheran Church of the Atonement will host The Community Meal from 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, June 17 and July 15. The public is invited to attend these free meals. The church is at 909 E. Main St., Barrington. (847) 381-0243

Shabbat: Am Chai will hold the celebration of Shabbat at 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, at the Devonshire, 1515 Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates. Following services, oneg Shabbat will begin, followed by the men's and women's club meeting. (847) 604-4060.

Cinema under the stars: Everyone is invited to Cinema Under The Stars featuring the free movie "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears A Who" to be shown on a large outdoor screen in the parking lot of Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows, at sunset (about 8:45 p.m.) on Friday, June 19. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to make yourself comfortable. Refreshments will be available for sale. The movie will be shown indoors if the weather does not cooperate. (847) 255-8764

Dance: New Beginnings will have a dance from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at St. Matthew's Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Tickets cost $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Bring a snack to share. For information, call Joan Neville at (847) 397-9643.

Feed the starving: St Paul UCC, 144 E Palatine Road, Palatine, will be participating in Feed My Starving Children on Saturday, June 20, in the Aurora FSMC facility. Volunteers will be filling nutritional food packs to be mailed internationally for children in need. We have committed to 30 volunteers for the 9-11 a.m. shift and rides will be provided. Call the church office at (847) 358-0399 for more details. All are welcome.

Yard sale: Free space in the Multifamily Community Yard Sale is available to local residents who wish to participate. The yard sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. For information, call (847) 392-6659

Pratishtha Mahotsav: The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago announces a grand Pratishtha Mahotsav of the reconstructed and expanded temple at 435 N. Route 59, Bartlett. This 10-day celebration will begin Saturday June 20, and continue through June 29. Volunteers are actively working on developing a dedicated Web site, registration forms, souvenir, invitation and organizing the cultural events For details, visit jsmc2009.org or jsmconline.org, or contact JSMC President Atul Shah at (630) 886-6928 or abshah24@yahoo.com.

Wine tasting: Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Church, 3700 Dundee Road, Northbrook, will host its first ever Wine Tasting at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Old Willow Wine Shoppe, 1500 Paddock Drive in Northbrook. The evening, which runs from 6 to 9 p.m., will include a light buffet as well as wines from across the globe. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance, or $30 at the door. For information, contact Mary Beth at (847) 409-7918. olbparish.org.

Vacation Bible school: Crocodile Dock vacation Bible school will be presented from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 21 through Thursday, June 25, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, at the southwest corner of Army Trail and Petersdorf in Bartlett. This event is for kids ages 3 through sixth grade and the cost is $15. Register by calling (630) 830-3003.

Summer camp: Christ the King Lutheran Preschool offers two summer camps for children ages 3-7. Session 1 is June 22-26 and Session 2 is Aug. 10-14. Times are 9:30 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday. Fee is $75 per session. See ByFaithAlone.org for registration information, or call Valerie Schultz at (847) 358-0230 to register. Christ the King Preschool is operated by Christ the King Lutheran Church, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine.

Vacation Bible school: The Presbyterian Church of Palatine (Palatine Road at Rohlwing Road) presents Crocodile Dock: Where Fearless Kids Shine God's Light from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. the week of June 22-26 for kids 4 years old to those entering sixth grade. To register, visit pcop.us or call (847) 358-4650.

VBS: Evening vacation Bible school will be offered from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26, at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, for children age 3 through fifth grade. Cost is $5 per child. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.

Vacation Bible school: Crocodile Dock will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 22-26 at St. Peter Lutheran Church 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. You may register online at stpeter-ah.org or in the church office. There is a $5 fee per child to cover supply costs.

Farmers market: Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Community will be the site of a weekly farmers market in Northbrook this summer. The market will kick off Wednesday, June 24, and will be held every Wednesday through Oct. 14 from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. The market will feature dozens of vendors, selling the freshest produce, flowers, organic foods, artisan cheeses, baked goods and much more. There is plenty of free parking, and samples will be available. Our Lady of the Brook is located at 3700 Dundee in Northbrook, and can be contacted at (847) 272-5686 or at olbparish.org.

Vacation Bible school: Register now for Son Rock Kids Camp vacation Bible school at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Roadi, Palatine. Son Rock Kids Camp will run from 9 a.m. to noon the week of July 13-17 and is for 3-year-olds through sixth- graders. Register before Friday, June 26. Walk-ins will not be accepted this year. Contact the church office at (847) 358-4600 for more information and to register. .

Genealogy: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will hold its annual meeting and presents "Ask the Experts" at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster Street, Skokie. You may ask any genealogical-related questions you may have regarding your research into your family's history. The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth Israel will open at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate members/guests who want to use library materials, get help with genealogy Web sites on the Internet, or ask genealogical related questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Visit jewishgen.org/jgsi or phone (312) 666-0100.

Vacation Bible school: SonRock Kids Camp VBS will be offered from 9 a.m. to noon the week of July 13-17 at the First United Methodist Church of Palatine, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. Program are offered for kindergarten through sixth grade Monday through Friday and for 3-year-olds Tuesday and Thursday and for 4-year-olds Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Registration deadline is June 30. Suggest donation: $25 per child. Friday night program will be at 7 p.m. (847) 359-1345, fumcpalatine.org.

Vacation Bible school: From Sunday, July 12, to Thursday, July 16, children ages 4 through sixth grade are invited to attend "Wildwood Forest" vacation Bible school at Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village. From 6:30 p.m. to 8:35 p.m. the kids will be exploring the awesome nature of God, playing games, singing, enjoying crafts, snacks and drama. Admission is free; however, the children will have the opportunity to give toward Camp Ray Bird, a camp for underprivileged, inner-city children. Register at elkgrovebaptistchurch.org or call (847) 593-8337.

Vacation Bible school: Kids ages 3 years old through fifth grade are invited to attend Crocodile Dock VBS. There is no cost for admission. This VBS will be held from 10 a.m. to noon July 20-24 at Grace Community Church, 431 N. Quentin Road, Palatine. Contact Gia Miller at (847) 776-1900 or gia.miller@aboutgrace.com to register.

Crafters wanted: St. John United Church of Christ, 1475 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, is seeking exhibitors for its 35th Annual Craft Fair and Flea Market, to be held Sept. 19 on the church grounds at the southwest corner of Algonquin and Roselle roads. Booth reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. (847) 255-2848.

Women's conference: The Rev. Patty Pipia will speak at a Women's Leadership Conference, "The Spirit of Leadership Reawakening the Feminine" Oct. 2 and 3. The conference is sponsored by The Present Moment, 521 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, and will be held at Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. For more details, visit thespiritofleadership.net.

Plant a garden: Garden Plots are available free to residents interested in doing a little gardening. The plots are located in the rear of Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. Space is limited. To determine availability, call (847) 392-6650 for information.

Preschool registration: Noah's Ark Christian Preschool and Kindergarten, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, is currently registering new students for the 2009-2010 school year. Classes are available for children ages 2-6. Noah's Ark is a ministry of Barrington United Methodist Church. Call (847) 844-3738 for more information.

Sunday school signup: Registration for Sunday school 2009/2010 at Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett is now under way. Three programs are designed especially for preschoolers, K-fourth-graders, and fifth- and sixth-graders. Sunday school runs from September through May. Visit livinglordlutheran.org for information and registration materials, or call the church office at (630) 830-3630. Living Lord Church is located at 1044 Congress Drive, on Route 59 just south of Stearns Road.

Preschool registration: Prince of Peace preschool and kindergarten, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, is currently registering new students for the 2009-2010 school year. Call (847) 885-7036 for more information.

Preschool registration: The Big Barn Preschool is accepting summer and fall registration. Full-day and part-day preschool are available. There are a limited number of spaces for 3- to 5-year-old preschoolers. For details, call Mary Fisher at (847) 895-3257.

School registration: St. Hubert Catholic School continues open registration for the 2009-2010 school year for preschool through eighth grade, with new student applications being accepted. For registration materials and details, call the school office between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at (847) 885-7702. Tours can be arranged, as well as appointments made to learn more about St. Hubert Catholic School.

New Beginnings: The Ministry of New Beginnings, a Catholic-oriented, nondenominational, social support organization for separated, divorced, widowed and single persons, meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in the Hughes Center in front of St. Matthew's Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. The cost is $3 per meeting, with the first visit free. (847) 891-1220.

St. Hubert Job and Networking Ministry, 729 Grand Canyon Blvd., Hoffman Estates, is nondenominational, free and open to all occupations. For details, call Bob Podgorski at (847) 925-6005.

School registration: New Hope Christian Academy is now enrolling for fall classes: preschool and kindergarten. For details or to schedule an appointment, call (847) 359-5482. New Hope Christian Academy is a part of New Hope Community Church, 1023 E. Palatine Road, Palatine.

Synagogue membership: Congregation Beth Judea (Conservative), Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove, is now accepting 2009-2010 synagogue membership registration, Sunday and Hebrew School registration, as well as "Jewish University" Class registration (grades 8-12), and membership in the various youth groups. Beth Judea's clergy consists of: Rabbi Howard Lifshitz, Rabbi Robert Gamer and Hazzan Roger Weisberg. (847) 634-0777 or bethjudea.org.

Religious education: Registration for the 2009/10 school year is now open to new families for St. Emily Religious Education classes for grades 1-8. Classes are held Tuesday evenings starting at 5 p.m. and Wednesday evenings starting at 6 p.m. Call the office at (847) 299-5865 for more information, or visit the Web site at stemily.org/religiouseducation. St. Emily is at 1400 E. Central Road, Mount Prospect.

Moms Bible Study: The Saturday morning Saint Paul Moms Bible Study would like to welcome new members. The group meets one or two Saturdays per month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Panera Restaurant on Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village. The group is currently studying a book about Christian parenting. For details, contact Jennifer at J-Slate@neiu.edu. St. Paul Lutheran Church is at 100 S. School St., Mount Prospect. saint-paul.org.

Basic Buddhism classes continue at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church the first Sunday of the month at the church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. (847) 259-3018.

Tell your story: Writing your story is a new small group at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church in Elk Grove Village that meets the second Wednesday of the month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at 1400 Arlington Heights Road. Call (847) 439-0668 or e-mail princepeaceumc@sbcglobal.net to register. There is no cost to attend. All are welcome.

Preschool: Registration has begun for Mother's Day-Out Preschool Program at Prince of Peace UMC, 1400 Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. The hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day for children ages 2 to 5. Contact Lynn Cooper at (847) 439-0668 for a registration packet or more information.

Play group: Parents and tots are invited to join a new play group the first Monday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon at Park Ridge Community Church, 100 S. Courtland Ave., Park Ridge. The play group is designed for parents with children ages 5 and younger. Parents must remain with their children at all times. (847) 823-3164 or parkridgecommunitychurch.org.

A free beginning yoga class: From 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. Bring your yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. (847) 259-3018.

Parents Day Out: Registration has begun for the Kingswood Parent's Day Out summer session. This program is for children ages 2 and 3. The summer session of Parent's Day Out will start Tuesday, June 16, and will go until Thursday, July 30. This is a seven-week program. A $25 nonrefundable registration fee is due at time of registration. The balance is due by Friday, May 22. Refunds will not be given after June 1. The church is at 401 W. Dundee Road in Buffalo Grove. Questions and applications will be received by Barb Symonds, minister of children and family life, at (847) 398-0770, ext., 16.

Jewish Yoga: Jewish Yoga is going strong at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. A class is offered from 11:30 to 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays. The class is open to nonmembers. Call for pricing details, (847) 459-1677. In addition, a drop-in class is offered from noon to 1:15 p.m. the first Sunday of the month. This class is free with a suggested donation for attendance.

Congregation Beth Judea's Gan Shabbat program, for children ages 9 and younger along with their families, will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. After Gan Shabbat, all participants will be encouraged to join the main service and the community Kiddush. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Virtual Book Fair: Congregation Beth Judea will have a Virtual Book Fair. In conjunction with Amazon.com, they have set up a selection of books and music that can be purchased online. The Beth Judea Religious School receives a portion of all purchases made. Direct your Web browser to CBJ School Book Fair and follow the link. When you shop from this link, a portion of all purchases goes to Beth Judea. On the cbjschool.com Web site, you will see a link that takes you directly to amazon.com. This Web site will be up and running for a number of months. Beth Judea (Conservative) is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For details, call Anna Besser at (847) 634-0777.

Beth Am Food Pantry's food distribution: Offered the last Sunday of the month from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Nonperishable food donations are always welcome. Congregation Beth Am is at 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 459-1677.

Rainbows Grief and Support sessions will meet Mondays at 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The classes are for children (as young as preschoolers) and adults who have experienced the loss of a family member through death, divorce, deployment or even absence due to a serious illness. Classes are facilitated by trained adults. For details, call Shirley Laube or Lynn Manning at (847) 253-4839.

Preschool registration: The Preschool/Wee Care programs at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., are currently enrolling students for the 2009-2010 school year. The preschool has openings for children turning 3 on or before Sept. 1, 2009. Classes meet September through May Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The Wee Care Program has opening for children ages 16 months to 2 1/2 years. Classes meet October through May Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (847) 255-5119.

St. Edna Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, offers several support groups, including ones for those who have been widowed, a group for mothers who have lost a son or a daughter and a group for those struggling with divorce. (847) 398-3362, ext. 318.

Women's Bible Study: Led by laypersons, meets Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. Newcomers welcome. congucc.org or (847) 392-6650.

CoffeeHour is a women's Bible study and outreach of Arlington Countryside Church in Arlington Heights. A variety of studies are offered at different times. For details, visit acchurch.org.