Notes on Religion

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.

First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Walter Thyng's sermon will be "God Does What?," based on Isaiah 7:1-25, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. service at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The theme is, "God uses what God pleases to accomplish God's will." The Instrumental Group will play in both services. The Sunday school children will watch a Christmas video.

There will be two services on Christmas Eve. At 4 p.m., there will be a family service and the 11 p.m. service will feature Candlelight, Carols and Communion. The sermon will be "The Light of Wonder," based on Luke 2:17-20. The theme is, "Never mind putting 'Christ' back into Christmas, put back the wonder."

On Dec. 30, there will be a single service at 10 a.m., which will be the Rev. Walter Thyng's final service before retirement. The theme will be "The Mystery of Ministry." For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Infidelity, Incarnation, Immanuel," based on Matthew 1:18-25, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Sunday school at 10:30 a.m.

Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. Coffee and fellowship follows the Sunday services on the second Sunday of each month.

At the 5:30 p.m. Family Christmas Eve service, Rev. Stroup will deliver the message, "I Do Declare" from Luke 2:1-20, and at the 11 p.m. candlelight Christmas Eve service, his message will be "Bad Timing -- Good News" from Luke 2:5-7. On Christmas Day, the pastor's message will be "Have You Seen His Glory?," taken from John 1:14, at the 9 a.m. service. The Mission Resale Shop will be closed on Dec. 28-29. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

Living Waters: On Sunday, the Rev. Michael E. Thomas leads worship at Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1808 Miller Road, Crystal Lake. Traditional service is held at 8 a.m. Sunday, followed by contemporary services at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. On Christmas Eve, the family services are at 3 and 5 p.m., and candlelight services at 7 and 9 p.m.

Parents and children, infant to fifth grade, are welcome to Niagara Smalls at the church for activities from 5 to 6 p.m. and pizza dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. On Jan. 16, the theme is "Family of God." The church supports the local food pantry and accept donations of nonperishable food on the fourth Sunday of the month. Call (815) 455-2424 or visit www. livingwaterschurch.com.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach at both services at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 and 10:30 a.m. services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Sunday school and nursery care are available at both services.

The Prairie Prayer Team will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday at Citizens Bank.

On Christmas Eve, a candlelight service will be held at 5 p.m. at the Cosman Center.

The confirmation class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Citizens Bank.

Prairie Ringers will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Citizens Bank. The church's bridge games will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 4 at MidAmerica Bank, 13300 Route 47 in Huntley. The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

Faith Community: On Sunday, the Rev. Bruce Cole will speak on "The Incarnation" at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Worship services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through second grade.

Christmas Eve worship will start with a family service at 4 p.m. and a candlelight service with Holy Communion at 10 p.m. There will be no adult Bible studies or youth classes the weeks of Christmas and New Year. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.

First Congregational: On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will preach at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Worship is at 9 and 10:45 a.m.

Sunday school is offered at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Each Sunday, all children, age 2 through seventh grade, will begin worship with their family. After the children's message, they will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants, and toddlers at each service.

On Sunday, the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth group will watch Christmas favorites and make Christmas cookies at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

The church will have four Christmas Eve services. The children's worship service will be at 4:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Candles, Carols and Communion service will be held in the chapel. The traditional candlelight services will be held at 9 and 11 p.m. in the sanctuary. Visit the Web site or call the church office for details, or to arrange transportation to any of the Christmas Eve services.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the children's Christmas musical, "The Mystery of the Manger," will be presented at 5 p.m. today and 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The traditional worship will be at 7:45 a.m.

Christmas Eve worship with Holy Communion will be held at 2, 4, 8 and 10 p.m. All worship services Christmas Eve will be candlelight.

The Rev. Kendall Koenig, senior pastor, will preside and give the Christmas message. At the 2 and 4 p.m. services, special music will be presented by the Good News Praise Band, directed by Melody Kuphal; the Children's Choirs, directed by Betty Roberts; and the Children's Chime Choir, directed by Jane McMullen, director of music and worship. Special music at the 8 and 10 p.m. services include the Adult Handbell Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Adult Choir and organ accompaniment under the direction of Jane McMullen.

Christmas Day worship will be at 11 a.m. in a barn at 12407 W. Main St. in Huntley. All are welcome to experience this natural setting in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. Heaters will be provided but dress warmly. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, the fourth candle on the Advent wreath will be lit at 7:45, 9 and 10:45 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the 7:45 a.m. service. Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m. There will be no Sunday school on Dec. 30. Child care is available at the 9 and 10:45 a.m.

Christmas Eve start with the Family Service at 5 p.m., followed music from the Harp Trio at 6:30 p.m. The candlelight service with Holy Communion will be at 7 p.m. The Bell Canto Choir, Brass, Timpani and Organ will perform at 10 p.m., followed by a candlelight service with Holy Communion at 10:30 p.m. The Rev. Harold J. Hoekstra, senior pastor, will share the message.

The Christmas/Epiphany program, "On the 13th Day of Christmas," will be at 3 p.m. Jan. 6. Confirmation classes resume for the winter quarter on Jan. 9. Students will be studying the Old Testament.

The elementary retreat, "Walking Wet," is planned for Jan. 18-19 at Lutherdale Bible Camp in Elkhorn, Wis.

Registration is under way for the annual women's retreat on Jan. 25-26 at the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Center, Oregon, Ill. This year's theme is "Exploring Ways to Re-balance Your Life." For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: As the year comes to a close, the McHenry County Church of Religious Science will focus on the magic that the month of December and Christmas holidays bring. Discover the magic and wonder in your life. This Sunday before Christmas, the congregation will differentiate between the teachings about Jesus the Christ and the teachings of Jesus the Christ, and they will unwrap his most profound gift. The Rev. Anne S. Muelleman will discuss "The Magic of Christ." Music will be by Tricia Alexander.

Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday celebration service, and children's program at the Country Inn and Suites, 600 Tracy Trail in Crystal Lake. If you arrive early there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m.

The new fall curriculum is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." December lessons relating to the second step of treatment are about "Unifying with God." Your kids will develop an understanding that "Love is What I Am." This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Gift of Love." Your kids will develop an awesome awareness of God's loving presence in all that is. The Metaphysical discussion group will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at The School of Intuitive Arts and Sciences, 314 Northwest Hwy., Fox River Grove. All are welcome. For details, call (815) 444-0942 or www.rscgc.org/McHenry.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, the the Rev. Michelle McNamara will preach at 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The meditation will be based on Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7 and Matthew 1:18-25. The Cherub and Chapel choirs will provide special Christmas songs and readings. Christmas Eve services will be at 9 and 11 p.m. Both evening services will include a candlelight "Service of Lessons and Carols." The services will end with the singing of "Silent Night" as parishioners are invited to the "Living Nativity."

The 9 p.m. service will feature the Joyful Sound Handbell choir and the 11 p.m. service will feature the Senior Choir. For details, call (847) 658-5308.

St. Mary Episcopal: St. Mary Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave. in Crystal Lake, plans three services to mark the Feast of the Incarnation.

On Christmas Eve, a Community Eucharist will be offered at 4 p.m. In this Communion service, designed especially for younger families, youth will take part in various aspects of the service, such as ushers and readers. In addition, a fun Christmas pageant will be offered, involving many of the parish's youth. The traditional Festal Choral Community Eucharist will begin at 10:30 p.m. with a Candlelight Service of Carols, featuring the senior choir under the direction of organist/choirmaster, Sandra L. Molyneux. This liturgy will be the most ornate of the three Christmas Communion services offered.

On Christmas Day, there will be a celebration of a Community Eucharist, with Christmas music, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The parish congregation of St. Mary is a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and extends an invitation to all to join its members in celebrating the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. For details, call (815) 459-1009 or visit www.stmaryepiscopal.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Matthew 1:18-25 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Both the given and symbolic names of Jesus testify that God is with you in your present situations, to make you "networkable" with God. Join the church at its recently renovated handicap accessible building. 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.

Immanuel Lutheran: On Sunday, the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will be sharing the message, "My Tiny King," at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the 10:45 a.m. service, which also will have some student-led worship from Faith Factory Sunday school.

The Saturday evening and Sunday morning 8 a.m. services are traditional with organ, hymns and liturgy. The Sunday 10:45 a.m. service is a contemporary service of worship and praise featuring worship leaders and a worship ensemble. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m.

On Christmas Eve, the children's Christmas celebration service will be at 4 p.m. with a family service of carols and candlelight at 7 p.m., and a candlelight service of lessons and carols at 11 p.m. On Christmas Day, the church will have one festival service with Holy Communion at 10 a.m. For New Year's Eve, Immanuel will worship at 6:30 p.m. The Rev. William Yonker will be sharing a message, "Living Each Moment".

On Jan. 6, Immanuel will have cantata celebration services of music and the Word at the 8 and 10:45 a.m. worship with special music from the vocal, instrumental and handbell ensembles of Immanuel's music program. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Steven Mindrup leads worship at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-10; Romans 1:1-7 and Matthew 1:18-25.

Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through high school at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

The Christmas Eve services are at 5 and 7:30 p.m. The Scripture lessons for the 5 p.m. service are Genesis 3:8-15; 17-29; Genesis 22: 15-18; Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; Isaiah 11: 1-4a, 6-9; Luke 1: 26-35, 38; Luke 2: 1-16 and John 1:1-14. The Scripture lesson for the 7:30 p.m. service are Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14 and Luke 2:1-20. The theme for these services is "Angels' Songs? Or Business as Usual?" with the Rev. Steven Mindrup presiding. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the 7:30 p.m. service.

The Mitten Tree in the Fireside Room welcomes donations of hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for children of area elementary schools. Brass Christmas ornaments are being sold for $10 after church Sunday. These are great stocking stuffers for new, old and existing members. The ornaments are brass replicas of the church. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline's sermon will be "A Journey of Worship and Wonder" at the 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The children's and youth choirs will perform a Christmas musical called "Angels Aware!" at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. It will tell the story behind the Christmas story -- how the angels found out that God was going to earth and why God chose to go as a baby.

The Witness Ministry Group is collecting items for PADS, the homeless shelter, through Monday. Members may choose an ornament from the Christmas Wish Tree in the fellowship hall and purchase the item listed on the ornament, then placing it under the tree for delivery. The congregation's annual Christmas Eve candlelight service will be at 7:30 p.m. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will bring 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 for the 8 a.m. service while the Choral Ensemble will render the music for the 10:30 a.m. service.

The church, in cooperation with the African-American Ministers Alliance, will host the Citywide Interfaith Choir Musical at 5 p.m. Sunday in the multi-purpose facility. Call the church office for details.

New Year's Eve Watch Service celebration will begin at 10 p.m. This celebration of Watch Services -- also known as Freedom's Eve -- in the black communities can be traced back to Dec. 31, 1862. President Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation -- the promise that all slaves of the Confederate States were legally free -- set the stage for this yearly celebration. The slaves gathered at the churches awaiting the strike of midnight. On Jan. 1, 1863, when the slaves received news of their freedom, they prayed and fell to their knees giving thanks to God. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Rev. Richard Nye, transitional pastor, will present theme, "The Message of the Candles," based on Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 2:8-14, at the 8 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 10:15 a.m. service will feature the Joy Ringers, directed by Linda Gilmore; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, accompanist.

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. Children should be signed in and out. 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 "Jesus Is Born" based on the Bible story in Isaiah 2:1-20 and Hebrews 1:1-4: Jesus is born. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

Highland Fellowship: Highland Fellowship Church, 2250 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin, invites you to "The Heart of Christmas" at the 10 a.m. Sunday services. On Sunday, in "God of Miracles," there will be special musical guests leading the congregation in songs of the season with a message, "A Sacrifice that Brought a Miracle." On Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to noon, celebrate Emmanuel with the church. For details, call (847) 741-6629.