Fox Valley religion events

Teen summit, symposium: Second Baptist church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin, will host "Let's Talk: Let Your Voice Be Heard! The Teen Summit" from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. It is designed to allow youth ages 12-18 to share in a discussion on selected topics within a group setting. They will have a safe environment to talk and will leave the summit empowered, knowing that today is not the outcome of their future. Teens will have their own space to discuss the things that are important to them, like "How do I communicate with parents or relative caregivers? What are my responsibilities at home? Do I really want a relationship with my biological parents? Is college for me?" A Kinship Care Education Symposium will run in conjunction with the Teen Summit. The symposium is for those who are considering taking in a relative or have already opened their home to another family member. It will give you a better understanding about your legal and financial rights. The symposium will provide workshops on your legal rights; details on insurance, school and immunization records; tips on financial support and budgeting; and maintaining your mental well-being. Participants will be able to enter the sanctuary anytime during the symposium and pray with the Missionary Prayer Ministry. Call the church office to register or after Sunday services. The program is free; a light continental breakfast will be served. For information, call (847) 695-7757. Visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

Praise, pets and picnic: On Sunday, Aug. 23, join Epworth United Methodist Church for an outdoor praise worship, pet blessings and community picnic at 10:30 a.m. under the big tent. Enjoy the fun and free food. Free pet blessings will be offered at this time and all pets and owners are welcome. Ensure that your pet is properly leashed or crated. After the service's conclusion, Epworth UMC will host a community picnic, with games, activities and fun for all ages. Lunch will be provided and all are invited. Epworth UMC is at 37W040 Highland Ave., on the northwest corner of Randall Road and Highland Avenue in Elgin. Visit www.epworthumcelgin.org.

Mosaic Youth Group: Epworth United Methodist Church's Mosaic Youth Group is open to all kids, seventh to 12th grade. It is designed to give kids a safe place to experience life and friends, as well as a chance to develop a strong Christian understanding of the world. Mosaic Youth Group meets from 1-3 p.m. Sundays. Kids are encouraged to bring their friends and neighbors. On Sunday, Aug 23, Epworth UMC will host an outdoor praise worship service and pet blessing. Bring your pets to be blessed and stick around after for a free community picnic. On Sunday, Aug. 30, join a Mosaic Youth Group meeting at Epworth church. They will meet noon to 4 p.m. for food, Bible study and games. Mosaic Youth Group meets each season to plan activities. They welcome any ideas the kids want to share. For details, call the church office at (847) 931-5400. Epworth UMC is at 37W040 Highland Ave. in Elgin. Visit www.epworthumcelgin.org.

Pig roast: St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church will hold a pig roast from 2-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at the church, 14N205 Reinking Road in Pingree Grove. It will also feature applesauce, baked beans, coleslaw, sauerkraut, desserts and beverages. Tickets are $6 for adults or $5 for children. A moonwalk, hot dogs and gifts will be available for children in attendance. Carry-outs are available. For details, call (847) 464-5721.

Church history: The youth of Community United Methodist Church in South Elgin are looking for historical information. They will be leading worship at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30. The theme of the service will be the United Methodist heritage. They are asking anyone who has information, historical documents or photos from the church's past (back to the church's founding in 1892 if possible). Any information received would be appreciated in helping put together a meaningful service of celebration. Call the church at (847) 931-0563 or send info to cumcsouthelgin@sbcglobal.net.

Women's Fellowship: Jane Grillo, a butterfly and gardening enthusiast, will be the featured speaker at the first Women's Fellowship luncheon of the year at noon Thursday, Sept. 3, at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. Grillo works at The Natural Garden in St. Charles, oversees a butterfly garden at Blazing Prairie Stars in Maple Park and volunteers for Monarch Watch, a nonprofit organization. She will bring live butterflies and caterpillars and, weather and time permitting, will tag and release monarchs for their migration to Mexico. Guests are welcome. For details, visit www.fcc-cl.org.

High Holiday: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, is now offering High Holiday tickets for Erev Rosh Hashana, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18. Rabbi Ora Schnitzer will lead High Holiday services. Rosh Hashana services are at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20. The Kol Nidre service will begin at 6 p.m. sharp Sunday, Sept. 27. Yom Kippur services will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28. High Holiday ticket purchases can also be applied toward membership. For this year, ticket prices are $100, $150 per couple, or $200 for family. Friendly, participatory Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Schnitzer at 9:45 a.m. the first and third Saturdays of each month, and are followed by a community Kiddush. The other Saturday services are led by lay leaders of the congregation. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the Torah "parsha of the week." Guests are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail shiratsh@comcast.net, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

"Whole Day of Holy Play": Church Women United of the Barrington Area invites all women to a "Whole Day of Holy Play" from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Techny Towers in Northbrook. Candee Nustra, CWU president, describes the day: "Based on the Biblical story of Queen Esther, who really knew how to play, we will explore how we, as women of God, may play, be pampered, love our sisters and serve our God by serving others." For complete information, see downloadable details at churchwomenunited.freehostia.com, contact any Church Women United representative or call Community Church of Barrington at (847) 381-1294.

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

Register at Good Shepherd: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 1111 Van St. in Elgin, is accepting applications for enrollment for the 2009-10 school year. Good Shepherd will offer kindergarten to fifth grade at 1111 Van St. The preschool is located at its Nesler Road and Route 20 location and offers programs for both 3- and 4-year-olds. Before-school care is available for preschool and after-school care is available at both sites. Church membership is not required. Information and registration for the school will be held, along with meeting of teachers and tours of the school. Also learn about the all-day kindergarten program. To schedule a tour or for details, contact the school office at (847) 741-7795 or the preschool office at (847) 697-4745. Good Shepherd is also hosting a variety of summer camps at the Nesler Road Christian Life Center. For details, call the preschool office at (847) 697-4745.

School registration: St. John's Lutheran School, 300 Jefferson St. in Algonquin, is now accepting kindergarten through eighth grade day school registration for the 2009-10 school year. St. John's Day School offers an all-day kindergarten program and first- through eighth-grade classes. St. John's School Program offers core subjects as well as computers, art, music, band, chapel and physical education. The program is complemented by after-school extracurricular programs including art classes, chess club, foreign language classes, scouting programs and sports programs including: soccer, volleyball, basketball and pep squad. St. John's also offers BASS (Before and After School Services) program for all enrolled students. It has limited class sizes and acceptance is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enrollment is open to the community and is not limited to church members. St. John's is located in downtown Algonquin, just 1 block west of route 31. For information or to enroll your child contact St. John's school office (847) 658-9311 or via email at stjohns@covad.net.

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

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

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