Cook Co. religion notes

Adult education

The Ministry of New Beginnings, part of the Phoenix Group, is a 31-year-old, Catholic-oriented, nondenominational social support organization for separated, divorced, widowed and single persons. Meetings are 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 first visit free. For details, call (847) 891-1220.

St. Hubert Job and Networking Ministry, 729 Grand Canyon Blvd., Hoffman Estates, offers a Job & Networking Ministry which is nondenominational, free and open to all occupations. Learn the fundamentals of careering and get an in-depth knowledge from the seminars and meetings and career topic events offered. A resume review will be held from 9 to 11 a. m. Aug. 9 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 451 Terra Cotta, Crystal Lake. Professionals will share suggestions and thoughts for improving resumes. "How to Gain the Competitive Edge" will be discussed from 7 to 9:15 p.m. Aug. 11 at St. Hubert. For a calendar or more information, call Bob Podgorski at (847) 925-6005.

Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, will host a speaker series called Theology on Tap. This educational series will be presented by inspiring and challenging speakers who will lead discussions to explore young adult issues and questions. Gather on Mondays at 7 p.m. for food and conversation. The topics are: Aug. 4, "Who Was Oscar Romero?" For information, call the parish office at (847) 359-0042.

Adult VBS will meet Aug. 4-7 at Kingswood United Methodist Church, 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the same time as the children's VBS program. Dinner will be available from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The adult class will be led by Robb Micek and will reflect the overall theme but with a more in-depth look. How much time do you spend looking over your backyard fence? For information and to register call the church office at (847) 398-0770 or visit www.kingswoodumc.com.

Have you ever resolved to read the entire Bible cover to cover only to find yourself bogged down after a couple of days? St. Stephen Protomartyr Catholic Parish, 1280 Prospect Ave., Des Plaines, will host the 24-week Great Adventure Bible Timeline Story developed by Jeff Cavins.

The program will be covered in three, seven to eight session "semesters" from mid- September through mid-May. Sessions will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays led by Deacon Tony Towey. The same program will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays. The two-hour sessions will begin Sept. 16 and 17. The program begins with Genesis continues with Exodus and the historical books of the Old Testament and finishes with the Gospel of Luke and The Acts of the Apostles. The total cost of materials for the three semesters is $40.

A 30-minute preview of this program will be at 4 p.m. Sept. 6 and 9 a.m. Sept. 7 in the school library. Samples of the DVD contents and workbooks will be available for review and purchase. For details, contact Deacon Tony at (847) 699-8268 or ajtowey@juno.com.

The coed evening group of Community Bible Study, which meets in Mount Prospect, has opened its registration for the 2008-09 study year. A fee of $25 reserves a seat for adults in the class, offering area residents an opportunity for in-depth Bible study for more than 25 years.

Teaching Director Bob Kriskovich, a trained layman, has announced the course to be studied as "The Divided Kingdom," covering the Old Testament books of I and II Kings and the minor prophets. Community Bible Study, which is headquartered in Colorado Springs, offered the course for the first time during the 2007-08 study year.

For more information or to register for the course, set to begin from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 9, call class secretary Pam Reed at (847) 373-7375.

The Adult Bible Fellowships at First Baptist Church of Arlington Heights are offering four practical Bible studies this summer. One of the series is a verse-by-verse study of the Old Testament books of Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon called "Under the Sun." Another of the Adult Bible Fellowships is taking a look at the biblical reasons behind the Baptist Distinctives. A third group of adults are discussing the topic of "hospitality" from Scriptures and the last of the four options is a continuation of lessons from the New Testament book of II Peter.

These studies meet at 9 a.m. Sunday mornings at the church, 1211 W. Campbell St., a few blocks west of downtown Arlington Heights. For information, contact the church at fbc.ah@juno.com or (847) 392-1712, www.fbcah.org. The public is invited. No reservations necessary.

Faith and Fiction, a book club for the religious and irreligious alike, meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Sundays at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave. Readers should obtain their own copies of the book to be discussed. Call the church office, (847) 255-5112, for registration and location. Upcoming books are:

• Aug. 17: "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving

Children, teens

Resurrection Catholic Preschool, 30W350 Army Trail Road in Wayne, offers a stimulating, nurturing, faith-filled curriculum and play-based program. Half-day sessions for 3- and 4-year-olds are available. This program is administered by a certified teaching staff. To enroll for the 2008-09 school year or for further information, contact Debbie Schlunz at (630) 289-5400 ext. 209.

Living Lord Lutheran Preschool will offer three separate summer camps. All camps are open to children age 3-5 years (entering kindergarten in the fall) and will be held from 9-11:30 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays. Remaining camp week is Aug. 11-14. For more information or to register, contact Nancy Collins at (630) 830-7158 or send an e-mail to nancy.collins@livinglordlutheran.org. A minimum of 10 children per week are required to run each camp. For more preschool information, visit the preschool page at www.livinglordlutheran.org. Living Lord Preschool is located at 1044 Congress Drive, just south of Stearns Road on Route 59.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran (Missouri Synod), 1116 Devon Ave., Bartlett, has preschool openings for the fall session for 2-, 3- and 4-year-old children. (630) 483-9611.

St. Hubert Catholic School, 255 Flagstaff Lane, Hoffman Estates, continues registration for new students for the upcoming 2008-09 school year for preschool, kindergarten, first- through sixth-grade elementary, and seventh and eighth-grade junior high. New to the 2008-09 school year will be a five-day, full-day combined 3- and 4-year-old preschool program, in addition to the current half-day early childhood program offerings. (847) 885-7702.

Prince of Peace preschool and kindergarten, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, has begun registration for the 2008-09 school year. It offers several different options for preschool and kindergarten classes, and an extended day through a Parents' Day Out program. (847) 885-7036.

The Big Barn Preschool, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, has openings for its special summer program and for the fall school year. The preschool accepts both part-time and full-time day enrollees ages 3 to 6. There are openings for a limited number of Action For Children subsidized families. Call Mary Fisher, director, at (847) 895-3257.

The Community Church of Barrington welcomes area youth to participate in its Kids Who Rock Christ group. Led by Youth Pastor Ashley Barlow, kids can experience a lot of fun, fellowship, and food on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For information, contact Youth Pastor Ashley Barlow at Ashley.barlow@garrett.edu or (847) 381-1294. The Community Church of Barrington is at 407 S Grove Ave., Barrington.

Immanuel Lutheran School, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, has openings in its all-day and afternoon half-day kindergarten classes for the 2008-09 school year. After-school care is available until 6 p.m. Call the school office at (847) 359-1936 to request information or a tour.

Christ the King Lutheran Church, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine, offers summer camp for kids ages 3 to 6 in August. The theme is "B.O.O.T. Camp 2008: Bible stories, Outdoor fun, Open play, and Time with friends." The staff includes Valerie Schultz, Christ the King preschool director. The next camp is Aug. 11-15 from 9:30 a.m.-noon. The fee is $75/week. Register by calling (847) 358-0230 or visit www.ByFaithAlone.org.

Christ the King Lutheran Preschool, 100 W Michigan Ave., Palatine, is accepting registrations for the 2008-09 school year for children ages 2 to 5. The 3- to 5-year-old program is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The 2-year-old program is Tuesday mornings. A preschool extension, the Lunch Bunch, is offered Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. Call Valerie Schultz at (847) 358-0230; send e-mail to preschool@ByFaithAlone.org or visit ByFaithAlone.org.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1190 N. Hicks Road, Palatine, is having a SportsLife Camp from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 11-14 for 6- to 11-year-olds. The theme is "Just Jump." Cost for the camp is $70. For the main focus, you can choose from basketball/street hockey, dance/cheerleading, soccer/ultimate Frisbee or arts extravaganza. Stop by the church or call (847) 359-3451 for information.

St. Thomas of Villanova School in Palatine is accepting enrollment for the 2008-09 school year for preschool through eighth grade. St. Thomas is a recipient of the National Blue Ribbon for academic excellence awarded by the U.S. Secretary of Education. (847) 358-2110 or www.stvschool.org.

Registration for the 20082-09 school year for the Kingswood Parent's Day Out program has begun. Children must be 2 or 3 years of age by September 1, 2008 to enroll. If space permits, children will be accepted during the school year as they reach the age of 2 and 3.

Class time is from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Children attend either a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday class. Parent's may enroll their child/children for one day per week. Class size is limited to 16 children. The first day of class starts the week of Sept. 2.

Participants in the class pay a monthly tuition fee along with a $25 nonrefundable registration fee which is due at time of registration. The monthly tuition fee is as follows: Tuesday-$95, Wednesday-$100, Thursday-$95, Friday-$95.

Questions and applications will be received by Barb Symonds, minister of children and family life at (847) 398-0770, ext. 16. Kingswood United Methodist Church is at 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove.

The students of Congregation Beth Judea's Heh Class (seventh-graders) were honored for the completion of their regular Religious School studies May 13. This ceremony marked their passage to the Beth Judea High School Program (Beth Judea University), which is available for eighth- through 10th-graders.

The Beth Judea Heh Class of 2008: Yohay Hahamy's Class: Jayne Chorpash, Jeffrey Epstein, Jenny Fliegel, Ford Hayden, Rebecca Friedlander, Naomi Goldstein, Emily Greene, Marni Levin, Samuel Levin, Mackenzie Levy, Jaime Moskowitz, Hannah Perl, David Ribot, Talia Rossi, Aron Salzberg, Brianna Schiff and Mark Weinberger. Mark Alexander's Class: Samuel Alhadeff, David Appelbaum, Alexis Bauer, Beth Brownfield, Adam Cohen, Abigael Finkle, Rebecca Fooden, Allison Goldstein, Brian Kahn, Lily Katz, Cassidy Levy, Anna Podber, Jennifer Pollack, Joanna Rozemberg, Bennett Saltzman and Samantha Tarnoff.

Beth Judea (Conservative) is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For information about Beth Judea, call (847) 634-0777 or visit the Web site at www.BethJudea.org.

St. Peter Community Church, 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook, has started the 2009 Confirmation Class. If you have children between the age of 12 to 14 who would like to be enrolled in the class, call the church office. (847) 272-2246. The confirmation class is held on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. starting Aug. 24. St. Peter is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

Chabad Community Hebrew School (CCHS) of Northbrook is offering "Aleph Champ," a cutting-edge Hebrew reading program. Modeled after the karate/martial arts motivational system, it works by dividing different reading skills into levels defined by color. Students understand that their teacher is a black aleph champion and their goal is to reach that level. Private tutoring for bar/bat mitzvah prep available upon request. For more information, visit Northbrook

HebrewSchool.com or call (847) 564-8770

Children of the Shepherd Preschool, a nondenominational preschool open to children of all backgrounds and religions, is registering children for fall 2008 classes. Children will experience a variety of hands-on activities and participate in stories, songs and socialization with other children and adults. Classes are offered Monday through Friday 9-11:30 a.m. Tuition for two days/week is $94 per month; three days/week is $141; four days/week is $188; and five days/week is $235 per month. A $50 nonrefundable registration fee is due at the time of enrollment. For more information about the preschool, call (847) 459-7992.

Mother's Day Out Preschool at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village, will be expanding to three days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) beginning in September. Programs are offered for children ages 2 to 5. The hours are 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Registration has begun. Call Lynn Cooper at (847) 439-0668 for a registration packet or more information about MDO Preschool.

Lutheran Church of the Cross is opening a new before- and after-school care program for children ages 5 to 12. All faiths are welcome.

Hours are 6 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. nonschool days (except major holidays); early dismissals and half days are in accordance with school district schedule,

A breakfast food will be given for a morning snack and a healthy snack is provided in the afternoon. Lunches are provided through a catering service. Meal prayers and some Bible stories are included. A weekly religious art project is optional. Time is scheduled for homework, arts and crafts, games, outings and more!

For details, to register or get the tuition list, contact Sharon Stephan at (847) 437-5176 during daytime hours or at home from 7 to 9 p.m. at (224) 678-9062.

Lutheran Church of the Cross is at 2025 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights.

First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights will offer the following junior high and senior high summer activities:

• Silly Olympics Competition: 6-8 p.m. Aug. 17.

For more information, call (847) 255-5112 or visit www.ahfumc.org. First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights is at 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.

A Summer Music Camp, featuring selections from "Godspell" will be offered from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 4-8 at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave. Performance will be Aug. 10 during the 9:30 a.m. worship celebration. Open to those who have completed kindergarten through senior high school. Cost: $45.00 per person. Led by the Alex DeTogne and the staff of Setting the Stage Children's Theatre. Call (847) 255-5112 or visit www.ahfumc.org.

Family

St. Andrew U.M.C. hosts its Annual Cornfest from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 2. Brats or barbecued pork, hot dogs, soda and "all the sweetest Illinois corn you can eat" will be served. There also will be music, bake sale, children's games, fire trucks, paramedic squad, and more. St. Andrew United Methodist Church is at 250 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream. (630) 653-6117.

Potluck and Fellowship is from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Community Church of Barrington, 407 S Grove Ave., Barrington. Due to the kitchen remodel, bring your own plate/fork/drink. For details, call (847) 381-1294.

Congregation Beth Judea invites the community to welcome Shabbat with other families who have young children in a relaxed, fun and child-friendly atmosphere at the synagogue at Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. The Families with Young Children Committee will hold its regular services at 6:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month for a 30-minute Tot Shabbat session with. Debbie Frager, a teacher in the Board of Jewish Education Early Childhood Centers, who is also a Beth Judea congregant. The group will then enjoy their own Oneg Shabbat. For further information, call the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Debbie Frager You need not be a member of Beth Judea to join the many activities of the Families With Young Children group.

Congregation Beth Judea will host its 10th Annual BBQ/Picnic and Shabbat Under the Stars Service Aug. 22 on the grounds of the synagogue, at Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

Join the congregation at 6 p.m. for an outdoor BBQ/picnic, to be followed by a Kabbalat Shabbat Service Under the Stars at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blankets if you wish; dress comfortably. In case of inclement weather, the picnic will move indoors.

Kosher BBQ cost: $10/adult; $7/child (3-12); under 3/free; family (household)/$30. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

Come to the outdoor service even if you cannot attend the dinner. Prospective members are welcome. RSVP to the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 for dinner reservations by Aug. 15. Visit the Beth Judea Web site at www.BethJudea.org for membership information about Beth Judea, a Conservative synagogue.

The community is invited to a free fair from 5 -8 p.m. Aug. 3 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 200 S. Wille, Mount Prospect. There will be a Moon Walk, dunk tank, water slide, games, activities and more.

Fundraisers

St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 250 N. Gary Ave., Carol Stream, is searching for crafters for this year's Corn Fest on Aug. 2. If you are a crafter or a local artisan who would like to sell your creations at this year's event, call Vicki Wright (630) 510-0145 to receive booth information.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church and Preschool 1116 E Devon Ave, Bartlett, will hold a Corn Roast and Corn Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 9. Fresh corn can also be purchased to take home. (630) 837-1166.

Immanuel United Church of Christ of Streamwood will host its 41st Annual Chick-N-Chop and Bake Sale from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 10. The menu includes grilled pork chops, chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs with fresh sweet corn, french fries, applesauce, homemade coleslaw, dinner roll with butter, dessert and coffee, tea or lemonade.

The prices for a full dinner is $12 in advance/$13 day of; half dinner is $9 in advance/$10 day of; children's dinner is $4 in advance/$5 day of. Drive-up is available.

Entertainment will be provided by Immanuel's Music Ministry. Immanuel UCC is at 1500 Old Church Road in Streamwood. For details and tickets, call (630) 837-0190.

St. Peter Lutheran School in Schaumburg, invites everyone to purchase Market Day products for its summer sale. It will run throughout August. Look online to order at wwww.marketday.com. Questions, call Lorri Retzer at (847) 312-5334.

St. John United Church of Christ, 1475 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, is seeking exhibitors for its 34th Annual Craft Fair and Flea Market, which will be Sept. 20 on the church grounds, Algonquin and Roselle roads. Booth reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. For reservation forms, call (847) 255-2848.

The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea will host its annual rummage sale from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 3 in the Beth Judea Social Hall. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

Proceeds from the rummage sale will help fund many of the synagogue and youth activities. For further information and directions, call the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777.

The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea of Long Grove will host its 13th annual golf outing Aug. 24 at the Buffalo Grove Golf Club, 48 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove. First tee off will be at 11:30 a.m. New this year will be a Handicap Scramble (come as a foursome or the Men's Club will arrange one). Handicap: adjusting the scores by an amount that will even out the scores of the groups. Scramble: golfer takes the best shot and everyone in the group plays from that spot and the same with the following shots.

In addition to 18 holes of golf with an electric cart, there will be a 7 p.m. dinner at Lou Malnati's. Golfers, nongolfers and businesses can sponsor a hole for $100. The cost for golf and dinner is $95 per person. Dinner only for adults is $20 and $5 for kids.

The proceeds from the Memorial Golf Outing go directly to the Jack Rizman Memorial Fund, which is used to provide Jewish musical concerts and programs for Beth Judea and the local community.

To register or for more information, leave a message for Men's Club Golf Outing Chairperson Chuck Walcer, at the Beth Judea office at (847) 634-0777. Or you can send a check to Congregation Beth Judea Men's Club at 5304 RFD, Long Grove, IL 60047 - Attention: Chuck Walcer.

Crafters are wanted for PumpkinFest 2008 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27 at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. For details, call (847) 439-0668 or contact dsimek-RN@comcast.net for an application.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will be sending 19 youths and four adults to Toronto, Canada, this summer to serve the urban poor. The group is in need of support. The youth are selling a stock share, which is also a ticket to the Stockholders Banquet on Sept. 14 in fellowship hall. The students will share their experiences from the trip with everyone in attendance at the banquet. The stock shares are $15 each. Children under 12 may attend the banquet for free. Everyone is welcome to participate in this program. For information, contact Pastor Leslie Williamson at (847) 827-6656 or send e-mail addressed to lesliewilliamson@ameritech.net.

Crafters are wanted for the Fall Fest and Craft fair which will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic School, 411 N. Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights. The fee is $35 for an 8 x 8-foot space and includes one table and chair, or $60 for two spaces with two tables and two chairs. For details, call (847) 828-2111.

A car wash will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 9 at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. Freewill donations accepted to benefit the Faith Youth Organization. (847) 253-4839 or visit www.faithlutheran-ah.org.

The fourth annual Mega Yard Sale at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., in Arlington Heights, will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 9. There is no admission.

Proceeds from the Mega Yard Sale will help support the many ministries of the church.

If you have items you would like to donate, the church is still accepting donations at the church. For larger items or furniture, call the church office, (847) 255-5112, so arrangements may be made for pick up or drop off.

Lectures, seminars

The public is invited, at no charge, to view and discuss the documentary film "Iran (is not the problem)" at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine.

Following the movie will be a discussion about whether or not truth will be the first casualty of our next war. A one-page handout will be provided for the informal discussion, and people are encouraged to come with both questions and answers about the U.S.-Iran situation, war, peace and national security.

Countryside Church is located at 1025 Smith Road in Palatine. (847) 359-8440, ext. 7, or go to the church's Web site www.ccuu@ccuu.org.

The Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will host "Hidden Treasures in the JGSI Library and Highlights from the IAJGS Conference" at 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie. 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 genealogical Web sites on the Internet or ask genealogical-related questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. For details, visit http://www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or call (312) 666-0100.

With the high holidays around the corner, Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook presents a Hebrew Reading Crash Course.

The course for beginners with little or no knowledge of the Hebrew language, will give you the basic reading skills you have always wanted. Review class also available.

It is offered at 8 p.m. six Thursdays beginning Aug. 21. Preregistration required. Fee is $36. It is at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook 755 Huehl Road (corner Dundee), Northbrook. For information and registration, call (847) 564-8770 or www.ChabadNorthbrook.com

"Prisoner Exchange in Jewish Law and Tradition" will be discussed at 5:45 p.m. Aug. 10 at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, 755 Huehl Road. (847) 564-8770.

Ever wonder what your nightly messages mean? "The Power of Dreams" class explores your dreams and what they mean. Join the class at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, for this powerfully transformative class. Jennifer Childers of the School of Metaphysics facilitates. Call (847) 297-0997 to register or if you have questions.

Make your relationships better by using intuition. You can improve any relationship, be it a boss, co-worker, sibling, friend, and spouse if you know how to discipline your mind. "Intuitive Relationships" class will explore positive thinking, intuition, how to neutralize any experience and more. It meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. Jennifer Childers of the School of Metaphysics facilitates. Call (847) 297-0997 to register or if you have questions.

Miscellaneous

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago invites those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide to its Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide Program from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 14 at Catholic Charities Northwest Office,1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines; 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17 at Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness; and from 7-9 p.m. Aug. 28, Sept. 25, Oct. 23, Nov. 13 and Dec. 18 at Carmel High School, One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein. For details, call (847) 376-2118.

Faith World Outreach, 6N100 Route 59, Bartlett, is partnering with Angel Food Ministries to provide groceries to those in need. For $25, a family in need receives a box of quality groceries, both fresh and frozen items. (630) 830-0193 or visit the Web site at angelfoodministries.com.

The Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada recently awarded Fr. Patrick J. Brennan a third-place award for his book "The Mission Driven Parish" in the category of Pastoral Ministry. Brennan, the founder of the National Center for Evangelization and Parish Renewal, is currently pastor of Holy Family Parish in Inverness, is the author of 14 other books, and is in his 27th year of hosting the radio show "Horizons."

All kinds of school supplies - paper, pencils, pens and books - are needed in Tanzania. The Missions Ministry Group at Barrington United Methodist Church is asking the community to bring school supplies of all types to the church and put them in a special receptacle in the narthex marked "Tanzania." The church learned of the need from Peace Corps volunteer Pete Wesley, who grew up in North Barrington and has been stationed in Tanzania. For more information, contact Kiran Frey at (847) 382-5410. Barrington United Methodist is located at 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) in Barrington. (847) 836-5540 or visit the Web site at barringtonumc.com.

A book review and discussion will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine. The book, "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver, is about local food and sustainable agriculture. People should use the north entrance. Countryside Church is handicap-accessible and is located at 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine, between Northwest Highway and Dundee. A map can be found by going to the church's Web site ccuu@ccuu.org under "visitors."

Rick Carlson has begun serving as pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in Barrington. Rick and his wife, Renee, are from Bolingbrook, where he was instrumental in the start up of a new congregation, Crossroads of Faith United Methodist Church.

Congregation Beth Judea (Conservative), Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove, is now accepting 2008-09 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. For further information contact Executive Director Lisa Neiman, Education Director Anna Besser or Youth Director Aaron Polansky at the synagogue office (847) 634-0777 or check out Beth Judea's Web site at www.bethjudea.org.

Mini Mitzvah Day will be Aug. 10. Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove, is collecting for children from at-risk families. Packing is from 10 to 11 a.m. Drop-offs requested include: backpacks, pencils, pens, pocket folders, spiral notebooks, crayons, washable markers, boxes of tissues, notebook paper and other school supplies. Call (847) 634-0777,

The Rev. Dr. Margaret Gramley and Kingswood United Methodist Church are planning an 11-day spiritual and educational pilgrimage to Greece and Ephesus (Turkey) Nov. 5-15. The 11-day tour includes a three-day cruise. Cost is $2,799 per person in double occupancy (single add $699), round-trip cost out of Chicago. Not included are airport tax and fuel surcharges, tips, travel insurance and entrance visa to Turkey, cruise port charges and fuel surcharge. Brochures and registration information is available by contacting Gramley at (847) 398-0770 or margramley@sbcglobal.net.

Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook is once again publishing the popular Northbrook Jewish Art Calendar for the upcoming Jewish New Year.

The Jewish Art calendar includes detailed information on upcoming holidays, educational messages, Shabbat and holiday candlelighting times, traditional Jewish recipes, and popular thematic artwork by famed artist including: Yoram Lukav, Michoel Muchnik, Baruch Nachshon, Chenoch Lieberman and Zalman Kleinman.

To receive your free copy call (847) 564-8770 or e-mail calendar@ChabadNorthbrook.com with your name and address.

St. Peter Community Church, 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook, will have a Pickup Choir Aug. 3. Anyone is welcome to come at 9:20 a.m. to rehearse and join together to sing a familiar tune for the 10 o'clock worship service. You don't have to be a member of St. Peter to come to this service. (847) 272-2246.

A free yoga class will be offered from 9-10 a.m. Saturdays at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church, 1 W. Euclid Ave. (corner of Euclid and Route 83). This will be a beginning level class of hatha yoga. Bring your yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. (847) 259-3018.

St. Nicholas Episcopal Church opens its Supplemental Food Pantry from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays to the hungry of Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.

Bags of groceries are given to anyone in need, with no eligibility requirement. The church is at 1072 Ridge Ave., Elk Grove Village. (847) 439-2067 or visit online onebreadonebody.org.

Rite of healing will be held 5:30 p.m. contemporary service Aug. 30 and 8 and 10:30 a.m. services Aug. 31; Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines. Open to anyone who wishes to receive an individual blessing in the struggle with any type of illness. (847) 827-6656.

Donations of materials for school kits are under way at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. The kits will be sent to children in impoverished schools, refugee camps and other settings where the basic tools of learning are needed. Each kit includes a pair of round tip scissors, three notepads of 8-x 11 inch ruled paper (taped or spiral bound, not loose leaf), a 30-centimeter (12-inch) ruler, a hand-held pencil sharpener, a large eraser, 6 new pencils with erasers and a box of 24 crayons. A canvas bag at least 12-by-14 inches is needed to hold the supplies. Directions for making the canvas bags are available for anyone interested. For details, call (847) 392-6650.

New location: As of Aug. 10, Living Faith Cathedral Worship Center Church has a new home at The Bethel Lutheran Church Building at 3839 W. Frontage Road, Rolling Meadows.

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. For information, call the church at (847) 398-3362, ext. 318.

Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church will host GriefShare, a 13-week biblically-based grief educational and support group for those who have lost a loved one. The group starts at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 in Fellowship Hall. There is a $15 registration fee. Call (847) 392-4840 to register.

Holy Wanderers is an excursion ministry of First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave. Upcoming events are:

• Aug. 14: The Museum of Science and Industry. Depart church parking lot 8 a.m., return 3:30 p.m. Admission: seniors $22, adults $23. Van transportation $16 or use your free Metra ride if you're a senior. Lunch on your own tab. Stop by the church office to register or call and a form will be mailed to you. Call (847) 255-5112 or visit www.ahfumc.org.

Holy Wanderers also invites individuals to join them on a fall 2008 Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills of South Dakota trip Sept. 7-13. Hosted by the Rev. Bonnie Beckonchrist and Leah Nakamura, this seven-day, six-night trip features deluxe coach transportation, lodging, 10 meals and visits to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, Bear Country and Deadwood for the price of $649 double occupancy. Call (847) 255-5112 or visit www.ahfumc.org.

Performances

Come experience African and Korean traditional folk songs presented by the Jirani Children's Choir from Nairobi, Kenya during a special concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at Kingswood United Methodist Church, 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove.

The choir is composed of 32 musically gifted children who have grown up in the Korogocho-Dandora slum in Nairobi, which is the poorest region in Kenya. Most of the children have nothing to eat and scour the nearby garbage dump for food. Many live in houses with no electricity and don't go to school because of a lack of money. Even the adults live on selling garbage collected from the dump. Jae Change Kim of Seoul Korea witnessed the desperate situation and began recruiting the children to start up a choir. Through music, these children are finding a way to help themselves and their community.

Ticket sales will be utilized to raise money for their tour and ongoing mission of bringing educational opportunities to children in poverty in Africa. The goal is to build a music school for the children of Korogorcho. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children. For tickets to the performance at Kingswood, call the office at (847) 398-0770 or visit the Web site at www.kingswoodumc.com.

Seniors

The following events are at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. They are free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. For information, call (630) 213-0100.

• Aug. 5 at, 6:30 p.m.: Enjoy a Polish Program led by Daniela Kowalska and other members of the outreach team of St. John the Evangelist in Streamwood. Included will be Polish song, dance and worship.

• Aug. 22 at 2 p.m.: A Quarterly Memorial Service will be held honoring all those who have passed away. Vitas Hospice Chaplain Nicole Sassey will lead the service, and candle-lighting, special music and a time for sharing memories are included. Everyone is welcome from all faiths.

Special services

Addison Aglow International will hold a praise and worship titled "One Hour with Jesus" from 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 4 at Addison Presbyterian Church, 233 N. Mill Road, Addison. The service is open to women, men and teens. Baby-sitting is not available. For details, visit www.aglow.org or call Nancy at (630) 543-3016.

Ha Mishkan David, The Tabernacle Of David, will have Sabbath worship service at 11 a.m. Aug. 9 at the Comfort Suites, 2480 Bushwood Drive, Elgin. (847) 836-9500. www.hamishkandavid.org

Congregation Kneseth Israel holds Shabbat service at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St., Elgin. Religious school for prekindergarten to high school. Classes will resume in September. (847) 741-5656 or ckielgin.org.

Congregation Shirat Shalom offers Shabbat services at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays, followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Tot Shabbat services are the third Friday of the month, and adult education classes are Thursdays and Saturdays. Havdalah and Tisha B'Av services will be at 8 p.m. Aug. 9.

Congregation Shirat Shalom presents "D'rash Ud'vash - Stories and Honey", a pre-High Holiday family program for all ages, at 1 p.m. Aug. 17. The program will include storytelling, singalongs, shofar blowing, goodies, and much more. Following this, the celebration will continue with fresh kosher desserts and games. The entire community is invited to come for this fun afternoon.

For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit CongregationShiratShalom.org.

Our Saviour's United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, has begun their summer schedule for services. Church services are held at 5 p.m. Saturdays and 9:30 a.m. Sundays. Summer Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Sundays for children preschool age through sixth grade.

Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church, 1600 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, continues its 633 summer series, "Holy Spirit DNA," which examines the six names of God given in the Old Testament. 633 worship gatherings begin at 6:33 p.m. every Sunday evening through Aug. 10. For more information, call (847) 882-6116; or go www.orumc.org.

Outdoor worship will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road in Palatine through early September. Come casual to this outdoor contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. There is also a traditional service every Sunday indoors at 8:30 a.m. For details, call (847) 358-4600.

A Summer Sermon Series through Aug. 31 at the Community Church of Barrington, 407 S Grove Ave., are topics that were chosen by the congregation. Topics include "What is original sin and what does it have do with me?" "Is God keeping Score?" and "Is happiness overrated?"

Barrington United Methodist Church will have summer worship times through Labor Day. Summer Sunday worship services will be at 8 and 9:30 a.m. at 98 Algonquin Road (corner of Route 59) in Barrington. There will be children's church after the children's message at the 9:30 service for all preschoolers (age 3 and up) through fourth-graders. Professional nursery care for infants and toddlers is available at both services. (847) 836-5540 or www.BarringtonUMC.com.

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 Dundee Ave., Barrington, has begun its summer worship schedule. Sunday services will be at 8 and 9:30 a.m. and an additional service will be held at 7 p.m. Mondays. The Monday evening service is a smaller, more intimate and informal worship service. Twice during the summer the Monday evening service will be held on Tuesday. Child care will be available during both Sunday morning services. For information, call (847) 382-7002.

Shabbat worship services are offered at 7:30 p.m. Fridays (Kabbalat Shabbat) and at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Birthdays and anniversaries will be recognized at the first Friday night service of the month. Daily minyan services are: Mondays at 6:15 a.m.; Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 9 a.m.

Tot Shabbat services are held in the main sanctuary of the synagogue at 6:30 p.m. on the second Friday of every month. Gan Shabbat services are held every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Beit HaMidrash on the Religious School level. (847) 634-0777.

Kol Chaverim, a 1-year-old post-denominational, participatory, egalitarian congregation, invites prospective members to regular Shabbat morning services and kiddush lunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Jewish Council for Youth Services Northwest, 1700 Weiland Road, Buffalo Grove. Call (847) 398-2019 by Friday. www.kolchaverim.org

Hope Lutheran Church, at Arlington Heights and Checker roads in Long Grove, announces its summer service times. Through Aug. 31, Hope Lutheran will offer a traditional worship service at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday and a contemporary worship service at 7 p.m. every Wednesday. The theme for all summer services will be "Today's Fruits of the Spirit." Everyone is welcome!

The Center for the New Humanity announces the move of its Sunday celebration services to the Spiritual Awakening Center at 1645 S. River Road, Suite No. 1 in Des Plaines. The service is at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call (630) 532-1372 or visit www.thenewhumanity.org.

St. Peter Community Church, 2700 Willow Road, Northbrook, will hold Outdoor Services on the Patio (weather permitting) the second and fourth Sundays during the summer, at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend this casual service. All are also invited to food and fellowship time after the services Aug. 10 and 24.

The Lutheran Church of Martha and Mary announces its summer service schedule. A worship service will be held at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday through Labor Day weekend. Visitors are always welcome to attend. The church is located at 606 W. Golf Road. Call (847) 259-2568 for further information.

"The Gospel According To...," sermons addressing modern-day interpretations of Bible teachings, is the topic of a new series of messages to be presented by the Rev. Curt Hansen at Elk Grove Baptist Church. The series includes "The Gospel According to The Secret" (Aug. 10), and "The Gospel According to Evolution" (Aug. 17). Elk Grove Baptist's services are at 11 a.m. each Sunday at 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village. For details, call (847) 593-8337 or visit elkgrovebaptistchurch.org.

Christus Victor Lutheran Church, 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road in Elk Grove Village, has added an 8 a.m. service on Sunday mornings through the summer. This casual service will be held outside in the courtyard on Sundays through Aug. 31. For information, call the church at (847) 437-2666 or visit www.christusvictoregv.org.

A traditional Silent Unity Prayer Service will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. Enjoy an evening of prayer, meditation, silence, and music. Give yourself the gift of this time for inner reflection and inner devotion to the Spirit of God within you. Freewill offering. Call (847) 297-0997 if you have questions.

"Where's Bedrock?" is the sermon topic at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services Aug. 3 at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Adult, student ministries and children's church Bible schools meet at 9 a.m.; a second adult Bible class and the Adventure Club for children 4 years through sixth grade meet at 10:30 a.m. (847) 255-8764.

The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1111 N. Elmhurst Road, Prospect Heights, announces the Summer Worship Schedule will be held through Sept. 7 with a single service at 9:30 a.m., using the liturgy "Now the Feast and Celebration." The services will be a blend of traditional and contemporary music. Outdoor services are planned for Aug. 24. Everyone is invited to attend. For information, call (847) 870-8603.

St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, will offer Monday night contemporary services at 7 p.m. Vacation time is starting, and Monday night service meets the needs of those away on the weekends. (847) 259-4114.

Summer worship celebrations at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, will be at 9:30 a.m. Sundays through Aug. 31. One worship service only; Sunday school is also at 9:30 a.m. In addition, "Early Risers" informal outdoor worship service will be at 8 a.m. the fourth Sunday of each month during summer - Aug. 24. Folding chairs will be provided, however, you are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. These Early Risers worship services are in addition to the regular 9:30 a.m. summer worship services. (847) 255-5112, www.ahfumc.org.

Vacation Bible school

Vacation Bible school will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Mount Prospect the week of Aug. 3-8. The theme is "One" and will be led by college-aged counselors from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. The morning session (9-11:30 a.m.) is for children in preschool through fifth grade. In the afternoon, there will be service projects for junior high and high school students. Evening activities are planned for families and adults. Call the church office (847) 253-0631 for more information.

A Vacation Church School Beach Party, will be offered from 6-8:15 p.m. Aug. 4-7 at The South Church in Mount Prospect. Fun and faith for children preschool through fifth grade. $15 (cash or check) per child, which includes a T-shirt. Dinner will be served every night. For information, call The South Church at (847) 253-0501, or download a registration form at www.thesouthchurch.com. Mail registration form and fee to The South Church/VCS, 501 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect IL 60056 (must be received by July 25 to receive a T-shirt).

Women's programs

Join 11 other women Sept. 6-12 for a week of Christian fellowship, hikes, and gorgeous lodging in Minnesota's Sawtooth Mountains alongside Lake Superior's North Shore. Each day's trailside devotions and discussions are Bible-based and highlight aspects of God's creation. For details, contact TrailboundTrips@gmail.com, www.TrailboundTrips.com or (847) 381-9374.

Women's Bible Study, led by laypeople, is held every Wednesday morning, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. Newcomers are welcome. Check www.CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650 for information.