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.

Sept. 18

Holy days: Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St., Elgin, announces its schedule of services for the upcoming observance of the High Holy Days for year 5770 in the Hebrew calendar. Services for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18; 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; and 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. Children's services will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Services for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will be at 6:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, and at 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, with Yizkor prayers said at approximately 11:45 a.m. Children's services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday. A break of the fast will follow the concluding Yom Kippur service, which begins at 4:45 p.m. Sept. 28. Tickets are required for admission. For details on tickets or CKI membership, call (847) 741-5656.

Respite Care Giver Project: Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 1116 E. Devon Ave., Bartlett, in connection with Voice of Care will be sponsoring Respite Care training by Julia Pandya of Marklund. The 10-week course will be given Fridays starting Sept. 18 at Marklund Philip Center, 164 S. Prairie Ave., Bloomingdale. After completion of the course, certified caregivers will be available to assist special-needs children in their homes. For details, call (630) 837-1166.

High holiday: Congregation Shirat Shalom is now offering High Holiday tickets for Erev Rosh Hashana which begins on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m. The location of Congregation Shirat Shalom is near I-90 and Route 59 in Elgin. Rabbi Ora Schnitzer, will lead High Holiday services. Rosh Hashana service are at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9: a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. Kol Nidre service will begin on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. sharp. 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: single $100, couple $150, and family $200. (847) 695-6246, e-mail shiratsh@comcast.net, or visit CongregationShiratShalom.org.

Octoberfest: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 S. School St., Mount Prospect, will offer its fourth annual Oktoberfest on Friday, Sept. 18. Come for an evening of German food, German music and "Gemuetlichkeit." Tickets cost $20 per person and are available in the church office or by calling (847) 255-0332. saint-paul.org.

Drum Circle: All are invited at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, to Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, to join a Drum Circle. Bring your own drum or percussive instrument or not (they will be provided), and experience an amazing change in consciousness and personal vibration. 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.

High Holy Days: Anshe Tikvah will have High Holy Days at Stevenson High School - Performing Art Center in Lincolnshire. Cantor Rob Jury will be spiritual leader and choir members from Chicago Symphony Choir will be featured. Rosh Hashana is Sept. 18-20 and Oct. 1; Yom Kippur is Sept. 28. Tickets are available. For details, call (847) 917-7726 or visit anshetikvah.org.

Sept. 19

Flea market: The 35th annual Flea Market and Craft Fair at St. John UCC in Palatine, will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. There will be a variety of beautiful craft items, plus new and used tools, kitchen gadgets, jewelry, clothing, games, electronics, books, and many other items. Lunch will be served. Soft drinks, popcorn, ice cream, and homemade goods will be available. The Flea Market and Craft Fair will be held on the church grounds at Algonquin and Roselle roads near Harper College in Palatine. A donation of $1 per vehicle is requested for parking.

Personal discernment: A Gifted Discovery Lab will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Facilitated by the Gifted Ministry Team - Mimi Ferlita, Irene Wise, Stephen Wise. Many times we ask the question - Why am I here? What is my life's purpose? The Gifted Lab is an opportunity for you to devote six hours to personal discernment of your Gifts. The process will include discernment guided Scripture, new concepts, learning to listen to your own wisdom, sharing with others. To register, contact Dee at (847) 907-3441 or dselesky@holyfamilyparish.org. Holy Family Parish, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness.

Family fair: St. Hubert Catholic School, serving the Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg area for preschool through eighth grades, will hold its annual fall Track-a-thon and Family Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. The event will take place outside behind the school lunchroom and extending into the adjacent park. The track-a-thon opens with the first lap at 8 a.m.; the last lap will start at 11 a.m. The park will be open to all and will have various attractions along with refreshments from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Knights from Medieval Times in Schaumburg will arrive at 10:30 a.m. to share in the festivities.

Fall dance: New Beginnings will have its September to Remember Fall Dance from 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, in the Hughes Center at St. Matthew's Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks provided. Bring a snack to share. Music provided by Paul Adams. Tickets cost $8. For details, call (847) 397-9643. New Beginnings is a Catholic-oriented, nondenominational social support organization for the separated, divorced, widowed and single persons.

Interpretive service: Congregation Beth Judea is offering a Shabbat Morning Interpretive Service from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Saturdays in Room 10 on the lower level of the synagogue. Not a Yeshiva graduate? Puzzled about the structure of the Shabbat service? Would you like to know when to bow, when you rise up on your toes, when to kiss your tallit, etc.? Come to a class that will teach you all of this, plus walk you through the prayers so that you can relate to the service in a meaningful way. The only prerequisite is a desire to participate in services. It does not matter how well you can read Hebrew or how fast. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Golf outing: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 100 S. School St., Mount Prospect, will hold a golf outing Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Mount Prospect Country Club. Cost is $90, which includes greens fee, cart and dinner. To register, call (847) 255-0332. www.saint-paul.org.

High Holidays at Chabad: Looking to reconnect with the Jewish Community this high holiday season? The Shul @ Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook invites you to high holiday services. The traditional services are easy to follow. English-Hebrew prayer book provided. Special children's programs. Membership and tickets not required. Rosh Hashana, Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning 9: a.m., Childrens Program - 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20: beginning 9 a.m. Childrens Program - 10:45 a.m. shofar - Approx. 11:30 a.m. For more information and to make reservations call (847) 564-8770 or visit ChabadNorthbrook.com.

Peace Walk: On Sept. 19, the South Church, 501 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect, will host a communitywide afternoon Peace Walk and an evening Peace Day Celebration to commemorate International Day of Peace. Civic, community and religious groups will walk together from the South Church at 2 p.m. to the Mount Prospect village hall. On the village green, there will be a short ceremony at 3 p.m. to reflect on the importance of global and personal peace. Speakers will include Mount Prospect Mayor Irvana Wilks, and other civic and community leaders. Following the ceremony, the walk will continue back to The South Church for a Peace Day Celebration at 4 p.m. The route is handicapped-accessible. The activities for the evening Peace Day Celebration include a tree planting, peace-related crafts, games, food and live music by Voodoo Cadillac and Friends. Additionally, the South Church welcomes all to join an interfaith community worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20.

Food donations: For the 13th consecutive year, the Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea of Long Grove will be sponsoring Project Isaiah, giving life to the Jewish traditions of "tzadakah" (charity) and "Tikkun Olam" (repairing the world). As in past years, Beth Judea congregants will be asked to take home specially marked grocery bags on Rosh Hashana, Sept. 19-20, and return them at Kol Nidre services Sept. 27 filled with kosher food, paper goods and baby products. Everything collected will be donated to the ARK, a Chicago social service agency that provides comprehensive services for the homeless and the indigent. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. The entire community is invited to bring food and paper goods to the synagogue before Sept. 25. Contact the Beth Judea office at (847) 634-0777 if you wish to donate.

Sept. 20

Drumming circle: Gifts of the World, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, will sponsor a drumming circle and vibration meditation instrument program at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. Registered music therapist Rita Lopienski of Bartlett will lead the hourlong presentation, first featuring drums from around the world and their use in different cultures and religious groups, and how they are used for healing, stress reduction, creative expression and spirituality. The second part will include the seven metal singing bowls, chimes, gongs, bells and tingshaws of Tibet and Nepal. Learn how the monks of Tibet and various religious groups use them in prayer and how yoga classes use them to meditate and relax. Instruments will be included, all ages are welcome. For details, call (847) 895-3676.

Schaumburg's Genealogy: Hear a brief history of Schaumburg Township at "St. Peter's Founding Families: Part 1" from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 20, in the Rasmussen Room of the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Larry Nerge, genealogist and direct descendant of the early German residents, will discuss the founding of St. Peter's and discuss the genealogy of 10 families and their impact on this once rural township. For details, call Jane Rozek at (847) 923-3331. No registration required.

Children's programs: Those whose children are between the ages of 3 and 6 and are looking for a progressive spiritual education for them are invited to check out Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church, 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine. Classes begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. For registration information, contact Colleen Vahey at (847) 359-8440, ext. 4, or visit ccuu.org.

Public forums: "Advocating for God's Children" will be the first in a series of public forums where guest speakers will be invited to discuss the injustices of our society and what we as a community can do to help implement changes. The first forum is planned for 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at The Community Church of Barrington, 407 S Grove Ave. in Barrington.

Anniversary: Christ the King Lutheran, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine, will mark 40 years in Palatine at its services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. Guest preacher will be the Rev. James Naumann, pastor at Christ the King from 1984-1996. There will be a community picnic following the late service. (847) 358-0230, ByFaithAlone.org

Peace vigil: Sisters of the Living Word will host a peace vigil at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, celebrating the International Day of Peace. No reservations needed. The SLW Center is located at 800 N. Fernandez Ave., Arlington Heights.

Adult study: "Covenant," a central concept at every level of Judeo-Christian belief, provides a source for adult study sessions beginning Sunday, Sept. 20, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. The sessions will study covenant at it relates to every level of the church and the Bible including the Hebrew Testament, Jesus Christ, God, church history, and the United Church of Christ. Participants will utilize "Covenant," a study written by Jane Fisler Hoffman, former conference minister with the Illinois conference of the United Church of Christ. Sessions will meet from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday mornings through Nov. 29. For information, visit CongUCC.org. To register for the sessions, call (847) 392-6650.

Adult education: Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2025 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights, will offer "Religions of the World: Judaism" at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. This adult education class will delve into Judaism's beginnings and its evolution into modern times. A discussion will follow. For details, call (847) 437-5141 or visit www.sharegodslove.org.

Ten Commandments: Elk Grove Presbyterian Church, 600 E. Elk Grove Blvd., will begin a series of sermons on the Ten Commandments. The Rev. Lynne Savidis will share an overview of this Scripture with the congregation. Over the next several Sundays, starting Sept. 20, (except Oct. 11) the sermons will focus on two commandments each week. Worship is at 10:15 a.m.

Wired Word: Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will start the fall session of Wired Word Sunday, Sept. 20. The morning class will meet from 9:15-10:15 a.m., between Sunday services. A second class will start Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 6:15-7:30 p.m. (847) 827-6656 or www.trinitydesplaines.org.

Bible class: Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will begin a Steppingstone "My Bible Class" at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, in Fellowship Hall. All families of third- to fifth-grade students who have not received their Bibles are invited to attend this class, which meets for five consecutive weeks. There will be a Bible presentation on Sunday, Oct. 18. (847) 827-6656, trinityldp@amertictech.net.

Sermon series: "Wisdom" is the sermon topic for the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, Sept. 20, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. Following a brief opening during the worship service, school-age children will attend the first session of fall church school. Nursery and child care are available for infants and toddlers. www.CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.

Meadows on Mission: Pastor Tim Haugen will speak on "The Holy Spirit and Prayer" in the series "Meadows on Mission" at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services Sunday, Sept. 20, at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. Nursery and toddler care (newborn through age 3) will be available. Children's Church (grades 1 through 6) will be held during the 9 a.m. service only. Adult and student ministries (junior and senior high school) meet at 9 a.m. A second adult Bible class, the Adventure Club for children ages 4 through fourth grade, and Club 56 for fifth- and sixth-graders meet at 10:30 a.m. On Monday, Sept. 21, a Ladies Bible Study will meet at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, Sept. 22, a Ladies Bible Study will meet at 9:15 a.m. and FUSION (junior high youth) will meet at 6:30 p.m. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, the weekly adult Corporate Prayer group and FUEL (senior high youth) will meet at 6:30 p.m. On Thursday, Sept. 24, Awana Clubs for preschoolers through sixth-graders will meet at 7 p.m. On Friday, Sept. 25, a Ladies Bible Study will meet at 9:30 a.m. (847) 255-8764. Meadowsfamily.org.

Sept. 21

Shop & Share: Congregation Beth Judea in Long Grove will hold a Shop & Share Days fundraising drive at all Jewel-Osco stores on Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 21-23. When you present a Shop & Share identification slip at the time of purchase, Jewel-Osco will donate 5 percent of all purchases (including groceries, pharmacy, photo and liquor purchases), less tax, to the Congregation Beth Judea General Fund.

Sept. 22

Adult education: Rabbi Robert Gamer will teach the class "What Do You Mean There Are Two Torahs?" at Congregation Beth Judea. This class will survey some of the classical texts used to make the Written Torah eternally relevant in our daily lives. Classes will meet at 8 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Sept. 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20. To register, call (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.

Hebrew literacy: The Men's Hebrew Literacy Class will be held on Tuesday nights from 8 to 9 p.m. The dates are: Sept. 22 and 29; Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17 and 24; Dec. 1 and 8. "Graduation" will be at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. In this beginner's class, instructors Howie Goodman and Sandy Victor will teach you how to read Hebrew regardless of your level of previous instruction, through a 12-week program from the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs. The class is open to any adult. The cost is $30, which includes the "Shalom Aleichem" textbook, payable to the Beth Judea Men's Club. To register, contact the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

Sept. 24

High holy days: Ron Raben, past education director of Congregation Kneseth Israel in Elgin, will talk at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, about the history of Rosh Hashana and upcoming Yom Kippur, which follow 10 days later at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Enjoy sampling the traditional chola, hearing the sounds of the blowing of the shofar ram's horn and high holiday prayers will be read. Free. Reservations are encouraged. For details, contact (630) 213-0100 or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com.

Catholic Bible study: St. Mary Parish in Des Plaines will offer The Great Adventure Timeline Story Study this fall. This Catholic Bible study will begin Sept. 24. Sessions will meet from 9-11 a.m. and repeat from 7-9 p.m. Thursdays in Room L-25 on the first floor of the St. Mary Community Center, 794 Pearson St. in Des Plaines. A $40 fee will cover all materials. To register, call the rectory at (847) 824-8144.

Adult confirmation: For anyone who would like to review their confirmation experience or be confirmed. Begins Thursday, Sept. 24, from 8-9 p.m. at St. Philip Lutheran, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.

Sept. 25

Drumming circle: Celebrate Native American Day and Active Aging Week with the Drumming Circle led by Music Therapist Rita Lopienski at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Learn about the history of drums and how they are used in their cultures, and experience first hand the therapeutic benefits of playing them, such as stress reduction, self expression and spirituality. Free. Reservations are encouraged. For details, contact (630) 213-0100 or rlopienski@pathwaysl.com.

Electronics recycling: First Congregational United Church of Christ of Des Plaines will host two electronics recycling drop-off sessions to help offset the cost of sending several church members to New Orleans this fall to aid Hurricane Katrina rebuilding efforts. The community is encouraged to drop off unwanted electronics at the church, 766 Graceland Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 25. The minimum recycling donation is $10. Accepted items include personal computer systems, keyboards, mice, power cords, monitors, speakers, printers and scanners. Televisions made by Sony, LG, Goldstar and Zenith also will be accepted. (847) 299-5561.

Game night: The public is invited to join members of North Northfield United Methodist Church in Northbrook for fellowship, snacks and games from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. Group and board games will be played during this informal gathering. The food will include baked potatoes with toppings, as well as desserts, snacks, and refreshments. There is no admission charge for the event, which will be held at the church, Sanders and Dundee roads. (847) 272-2250 or northnorthfield.org.

Sept. 26

Marriage Encounter: A Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held Sept. 26-27 at Holy Family Parish, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. The schedule is 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, including Mass. For registration, call (847) 359-0042 or (847) 907-3441. holyfamilyparish.org.

Harvest fest: Immanuel United Church of Christ, 451 W. North Ave., Bartlett, will host its second annual Harvest Fest Sept. 26 with food being catered by Fay's Chicken & Chop BBQ. Tickets may be purchased in advance or at the fest. Drive-through will also be available. For details, call (630) 289-1320.

Blessing of the Animals: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 119 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, will have a Blessing of the Animals service beginning at 3 p.m. and blessing service at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. All are welcome. For details, call (847) 895-8877. In addition, there will be a book sale Sept. 25-27.

Fall festival: The fifth annual Fall Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Christ Lutheran Church, 41 S. Rohlwing Road in Palatine. The fest will feature live music, carnival games with prizes, crafts, raffles, a Baggo tournament and refreshments. There will be a chicken wing cook-off, chili cook-off, brats, pizza, and baked goods. (847) 358-4600.

Buddhist tradition: Gilbert Gutierrez, Dharma Heir in the Chan Buddhist tradition, will visit Mount Prospect. Schedule includes: "Meditation ABCs" from 9:30 a.m.-noon and "How to Change Your Environment - Fundamentals of Chan" from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26; "Lessons for (Seasoned) Chan Practitioners, as inspired by Master Xu Yun," from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. All events are free and take place at 1234 N. River Road, Mount Prospect. For details, visit ddmbachicago.org.

Women's conference: On Saturday, Sept. 26, women across North America will crowd hundreds of auditoriums, church sanctuaries and halls to hear an inspirational lineup of speaking and musical talent live via satellite on Church Communication Network. In conjunction with CCN and the American Association of Christian Counselors, Living Hope Church brings Extraordinary Women 2009: Free to be Real to Elk Grove Village, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. Registration is available via walk-in registration at Living Hope Church, 777 Meacham Road, Elk Grove Village. Parking is provided in the church lot and in the adjacent Walmart lot. Tickets for the Extraordinary Women Conference cost $35 per person without lunch; $40 with lunch. Visit lhconline.org and print out your registration form, or call (847) 985-6446 for more information.

Ransom Royale: Our Lady of Ransom Parish, 8300 Greenwood Ave. in Niles, will host a casino night from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door, and are available after all Masses or at the Ministry Center. Winnings can be cashed in for prizes. For information, call (847) 823-2550.

Sept. 27

Sukkot: Ha Mishkan David, The Tabernacle Of David, will celebrate the Feast of Sukkot/Tabernacles at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Lighthouse Church, 325 S. Street, Elgin. Call for more information at (847) 464-5477. Registrations taken by phone or e-mail Fee is $10 for adults, children free. Registration ends Sept. 27. Bring a kosher dish. hamishkanddavid.org.

Fall festival: Community Church of Barrington, 407 S Grove Ave., is hosting its annual Fall Festival and Rally Day Sunday Sept. 27. Come and join for worship at 10 a.m., festival will begin at about 11:30 a.m. Fun will include games, raffles, food, and prizes.

Concert: Music from the Heart will be presented at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Jim and Alex Strobel will play classical to contemporary music on keyboard and guitar. Freewill donation. (847) 253-4839.

Adult education: Lutheran Church of the Cross, 2025 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights, will offer "The History of God" at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. Originally aired on the History Channel, this three-part DVD traces man's understanding of God throughout the ages. For details, call (847) 437-5141 or visit www.sharegodslove.org.

Zen And The Art of Piano Music: Will Tuttle, Ph.D., a pianist, composer, educator, and author based in Northern California, will be at Unity Northwest Church at 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, Sunday, Sept. 27, and Monday, Sept. 28. A former Zen monk and philosophy professor, Dr. Tuttle has performed and lectured widely throughout North America and Europe. Tuttle's Monday workshop, at 7 p.m., "Opening The Intuitive Gate," an exploration of "the inner realms of intuitive imagery, opens doors into the art of meditative listening and transmits healing energy, peace, and joy into the world." The Sunday evening piano concert, at 7 p.m., "Concert For A New World," will be an inspiring and uplifting instrumental prayer for world peace and for celebrating the beauty of the earth and the potential of the human spirit. He will also perform two solo piano pieces at the church's 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, as well as presenting the meditation and the morning message, "Awakening Your Inner Genius." Appointments are also available early in the week for individuals or couples who would like to have their own personalized music and art portraits done. The workshop and concert are free, though an offering will be collected at each. For information on Dr. Will Tuttle's visit, call (847) 297-0997.

Sept. 29

Rummage sale: The Women's Guild of Christ Church UCC, 1492 Henry Ave. at Cora Street in Des Plaines, is having its fall rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, and 8-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. This fundraiser includes everything from knickknacks to clothing. Wednesday is $3 per bag day. Proceeds will benefit the church and missions. Donations will be accepted at the church from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday Sept. 28.

Oct. 1

Holy Play: Church Women United of the Barrington area invites all women for a Whole Day of Holy Play from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Techny Towers, Northbrook. Visit www.technytowers.org. Based on the biblical story of Queen Esther, we will explore how women of God may play, be pampered, love our sisters and serve our God by serving others. For a reservation, send $40 (no later than Oct. 1), payable to Church Women United of Barrington Area, to: Candee Nustra, 503 Brown St., Wauconda, IL 60084. There are only 50 spots available for this event.

Oct. 2

Rummage sale: Immanuel United Church of Christ, 1500 Old Church Road, Streamwood, will have its fall rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Clothing, household items, electronics and more. For details, call (630) 837-0190.

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. Keynote speaker is Marianne Williamson, best-selling author and internationally acclaimed speaker on spiritual, political and personal issues. For details, visit thespiritofleadership.net.

Oktoberfest: St. Alphonsus Liguori, 411 N. Wheeling Road, Prospect Heights, will host its fourth annual Oktoberfest at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. The evening, open to adults over 21, will feature traditional Oktoberfest music by the Johnny Wagner Band; other performances include Yodeling, the Alphorn and Cowbells. Tickets are $20 prior to Sept. 22, $25 after Sept. 21 or at the door, and include a dinner of grilled bratwurst, potato salad, sauerkraut, dessert and coffee. The Beer Tent will offer imported German beer, domestic beer, wine, Jägermeister and soft drinks. New this year: souvenir mugs and beer specials. (847) 255-7452.

Oct. 3

Pumpkin patch: The Prince of Peace United Methodist Church in Elk Grove Village will be hosting a Pumpkin Patch beginning Saturday, Oct. 3 through Halloween. Everyone is invited to do their Halloween shopping by stopping by the church property at the corner of Devon Avenue and Arlington Heights Road. Colorful gourds will also be available for purchase. Pumpkin Patch hours are as follows: Monday-Friday: 3-7 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Sunday: noon-4 p.m. Prince of Peace Church is located at 1400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village.

Craft fair: Space reservations are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for the Pumpkinfest Craft Fair at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3. Pumpkinfest kicks off the church's Pumpkin Patch, which runs through October. The Oct. 3 event includes the pumpkin patch and several outdoor booths of crafters. Food and children's games will be available. Admission is free. Crafters can reserve a 10-by-10-foot space for a cost of $50. For more information, call (847) 439-0668 or e-mail princepeaceumc@sbcglobal.net.

Blessing of the Animals: Everyone is welcome to bring their pets to the third annual "Blessing of the Animals" outdoor interfaith service at North Northfield United Methodist Church in Northbrook at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. All animals are welcome, but participants are asked to keep their pets on a leash or in a cage or carrier. Water dishes will be available. A pet food drive will be held in conjunction with the service. Contributions and donations will benefit the Buddy Foundation, a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter in Arlington Heights. The service will be held rain or shine at the church, Dundee and Sanders roads in Northbrook. (847) 272-2250 or northnorthfield.org.

Crafters wanted: Community Presbyterian Church, 407 N. Main St. Mount Prospect, will hold its annual Fall Arts and Craft Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct 3. Crafters are needed for this event. Vendor 8-foot-long tables are $30 each or two for $50. No jewelry. For details, call (847) 392-3111.

Parent power: The Evangelical free Church of Des Plaines, 55 W. Golf Road, will host a Parent Power workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 3. A continental breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. The event is free. Child care provided up to age 9. Workshop sessions will be presented by Caris Prevention Services. (847) 635-7776

Oct. 4

Handicapped accessible: St. John United Church of Christ, Algonquin and Roselle roads in Palatine, announce the completion of its long-awaited handicapped lift addition. In celebration, there will be a dedication ceremony following regular worship Sunday, Oct. 4, at 11:30 a.m., followed by the regular coffee hour.

Fall fest: St. Alphonsus Liguori will host a Fall Fest and Craft Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at St. Alphonsus, 411 N. Wheeling Road in Prospect Heights. Crafters are needed. The fee is $35 for an 8-by-8 foot space and includes one table and one chair, or $60 for two spaces with two tables and two chairs. Electrical outlets are available upon request. Crafters will be allowed access as early as 7:30 a.m. for setup in the gymnasium. For details, contact Lisa Gould at (847) 644-1914 or Lgould5934@aol.com.

Oct. 6

Meditation service: Greg Barrette will lead a free Silent Meditation Service at 6 p.m. Tuesdays in October at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, beginning Oct. 6. For details, call (847) 297-0997 or visit unitynorthwest.org.

New class: "Lessons in Truth" will be taught by Greg Barrette at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in October at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines, beginning Oct. 6. The topics to be discussed will include: The Nature of God, The Power of our Thoughts, Tools for Elevating our Consciousness and Engaging the Spiritual Discipline of the Mystics. The class will consist of interactive presentation, small group discussion and meditation. The class will be preceded by a 45-minute meditation service at 6 p.m. An offering will be taken. (847) 297-0997 or unitynorthwest.org.

Oct. 10

Crafters wanted: The United Methodist Women of Kingswood UMC in Buffalo Grove is seeking crafters of all types for the church's fall Harvest Fest Fair Saturday, Oct. 10. The fair will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with set up beginning at 8:30 a.m. Items for sale should be handmade. The cost is $25 per 8-foot table space, which includes two chairs. Additional tables are $5 each. Lunch will be available for purchase. The church is at 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. For details and an application, call Arleen Messina at (847) 537-1441 or the church office at (847) 398-0770.

Harvest Fest: Kingswood United Methodist Church will hold its fourth annual Harvest Fest Family Carnival and Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Activities include: petting zoo, games, food, pumpkin sale, bake sale and music. A craft show will be held inside the church activity center. The Glory Fingers Puppet Team will put on a special performance in the sanctuary. Admission is free. The church is at 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 398-0770 or kingswoodumc.com.

Hayride: New Beginnings will sponsor a hayride and bonfire from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at the front shelter of Randall Oaks Park, 17N350 Randall Road, West Dundee. The event includes a 30-minute hayride, hot dogs, s'mores, chips, cookies and apple cider. Cost is $10 per person. Contact joe Pizzo at (847) 922-8007 to purchase tickets.

Oct. 11

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 (LOSS) program meetings in October: 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Catholic Charities Northwest Office, 1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines; 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness; and 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Carmel High School, One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein. For details, call (847) 376-2118.

Oct. 12

Scripture study: Holy Family Catholic Community will host a Catholic Scripture Study, "Christology of the New Testament" presented by Jim Papandrea, from 7-9 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 12, 19 and 26. This Catholic Scripture Study course will show the connection between the New Testament and church doctrine, as well as give everyone a preview of Jim Papandrea's new book, "The Earliest Christologies: Trinitarian Orthodoxy before Nicaea" from InterVarsity Press. To register, call (847) 907-3441 or visit holyfamilyparish.org. Fee is $30. Holy Family is at 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness.

Columbus Day celebration: The Holy Rosary Council of the Knights of Columbus is having its second annual procession to the park Monday, Oct. 12, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 15 N. Hickory in Arlington Heights. The schedule will be: 8 a.m. Mass; 9 a.m. coffee and rolls; 10 a.m. procession to the park; 11 a.m. rosary at the park; noon dismissal from the hall.

Oct. 14

Farmers market: Our Lady of the Brook Catholic Community is the site of a new weekly farmers market in Northbrook this summer. The market is Wednesdays through Oct. 14 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market features 30 vendors, selling the freshest produce, flowers, organic foods, homemade pet treats, artisan cheeses, toffee and baked goods. There is plenty of free parking, and samples will be available. Consider attending the 8:30 a.m. Mass. A raffle is available each week, with one lucky winner taking home a bag of goodies valued at $75. Our Lady of the Brook is at 3700 Dundee in Northbrook. For details, call (847) 272-5686 or visit olbparish.org.

Oct. 15

Olive trees for hope: The Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Barrington, in collaboration with the Environmental Education Center of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, plans to offer a peaceful, green response to the violence in the Middle East by assisting in an ongoing project of "Planting New Olive Trees . . . Planting New Hope." Members of Atonement will be planting olive trees in November while making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This simple act of planting new olive trees in areas around Jerusalem and Bethlehem will help to reforest lost olive groves and provide years of tangible support to local farmers who suffer daily trauma as the cycle of violence continues. For $20, you can help plant and nourish an olive tree. Orders must be in before Oct. 15. To purchase a tree, visit www.churchofatonement.org to download an order form, or send checks to: Olive Tree Project, Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 East Main St., Barrington, IL 60010.

Oct. 16

Catholic festival: The 2009 Catholic Festival of Faith, an opportunity for Catholics to come together to dialogue, exchange ideas and strengthen their faith, will be conducted on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 16-17, at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. The Festival will include a wide-range of practical workshops and sessions for teachers, principals and families including such topics as interventions with families in crisis, sexuality of the body for high school students, connecting schools to parish life, using Catholic School Boards effectively and a retreat for second-graders before first Communion. Also, providing important and topical presentations will be experts on ecology, catechesis and the arts, who will talk about many subjects including journaling, understanding "helicopter" parents, and infusing social teaching into curricula. Keynote speakers scheduled to appear at the festival include Chicago native, the Most Rev. Wilton Gregory, archbishop of Atlanta; Fr. Louis J. Cameli, Cardinal's Delegate for Faith and Mission, who has written numerous books on spirituality; the Rev. Guillermo Campuzano, C.M., a Vincentian priest from Colombia, currently teaching at DePaul University and advising the Archdiocesan project for Latino young people; R. James Nicholson, the former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, along with his wife, Suzanne; and ValLimar Jansen, a singer, cantor and recording artist known for her work with Gospel, contemporary Christian and gospel-jazz style music. Go to catholicfest.org for online registration or to learn more about the 2009 Catholic Festival of Faith. For additional information, call the Catholic Festival of Faith at (312) 534-3100 or e-mail decw@archchicago.org.

Service in the Round: A special Shabbat dinner and a casual Service in the Round in honor of those families and individuals who have recently affiliated with Congregation Beth Judea will be held at the synagogue Friday, Oct. 16. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a casual Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. New members will be welcomed, and those members celebrating membership milestones will be recognized. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777 or www.BethJudea.org.

Oct. 17

Pumpkin Fest: Community Protestant Church, United Church of Christ, will host its annual Pumpkin Fest from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Activities will take place in the church parking lot or in Fellowship Hall if weather is inclement. Children 12 years old and under are welcome to carve or decorate a pumpkin. There is no charge, but donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted. Pumpkins and decorating equipment will be supplied by Community Protestant Church. The church is located at 418 N. Prairie Avenue in Mundelein. Call (847) 566-4000 for information.

Oct. 18

Quilt dedication: Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 119 W. Wise Road, will celebrate its annual dedication of quilts Oct. 18. As in the past, the quilts will be displayed in the narthex during services and blessed. These quilts will then be sent to a distribution center to be forwarded to Third World countries. For details, call (847) 895-8877.

Barrington CROP Walk: Representatives of area churches, schools, businesses and civic organizations are preparing for the 27th annual Barrington Area CROP Hunger Walk, determined to improve upon last year's outstanding performance of 442 walkers and more than $65,000 in receipts. The event will take place throughout the village of Barrington, beginning at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 401 E. Main St., with registration at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. To learn more, contact one of the event chairs, Pat Enders, representing Salem United Methodist Church at (847) 381-0524 or John Grom, representing Community Church of Barrington, at (847) 381-1294.

Worship for Shut-Ins: "The Kingdom Is Yours" is the title of the Rev. Richard Mau's message, which will be aired on the television program "Worship for Shut-Ins" at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, on the Total Living Network (TLN). This 30-minute Lutheran worship service is shown every Sunday. "Worship for Shut-Ins" can be found on Comcast Cable station 138. Additionally, it can be seen on DIRECTV Channel 377 at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Mau has served for 10 years as senior pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Des Plaines. For details about the TV ministry, visit www.worshipforshutins.org.

Concert: Unity Northwest Church will host its second annual Favorite Performers Concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. The concert features local celebrities, including Elise Steglinski, Bradford Newquist, Connie Sampson, Maggie Kain and Trisha Alexander. Seats were sold out last year and it is recommended that you arrive by 1:45. The church is located at 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. A suggested offering of $20 will be accepted. (847) 297-0997.

Genealogy book: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will celebrate the completion of JGSI's latest project - the publication of the third edition of "A Translation Guide to 19th-Century Polish-Language Civil-Registration Documents" by former JGSI President Judith R. Frazin - at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster, Skokie. The presentation will be followed by a book signing. For details, visit jewishgen.org/jgsi/theguide.html or call (312) 666-0100.

Oct. 21

Mental Health: The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea is having a special program on Mental Health Awareness at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. Hugh Brady, the president of the Barrington Area Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and the vice president of NAMI Illinois, will discuss the impact of mental illness on families, the quality and funding of mental health programs in Illinois, and the help and services that NAMI provides. The meeting, to be held in Beth Judea's Social Hall, is open to everyone and is free. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.

Oct. 24

Crafters needed: Crafters are being sought to take part in the Craft & Holiday Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at 1500 Old Church Road, Streamwood. Applications and additional information is available by contacting LaVerne Ryman at (630) 837-7337, e-mail l_ryman@yahoo.com; Pam Patterson at (815) 308-5313, e-mail pamp8207@comcast.net; or the Church office, (630) 837-0190.

Oct. 25

Beginning genealogy: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will host a Beginners' Workshop led by Judith R. Frazin, former JGSI president at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook. For more information, visit jewishgen.org/jgsi or phone (312) 666-0100.

Oct. 27

Adult education: Rabbi Howard Lifshitz will teach a course called "A Moral Life" at Congregation Beth Judea. Using translations of traditional sources, the class will discuss concepts such as compassion, zeal, modesty, humility, shame, peace, and knowing God and loving God. Classes will meet at 8 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Oct. 27; Nov. 3, 10 and 17; Dec. 1, 8, 15. To register, call (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.

Oct. 28

Faith enrichment: Holy Family Catholic Community invites all to Community on Wednesday, an evening of faith enrichment and adult formation, from 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Guest speaker Paul Wilkes will present "A Catholic Life." He is the author of "In Due Season: A Catholic Life." Wilkes will be available sign books after his talk. All are invited to Holy Family Parish, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness, (847) 907-3441. holyfamilyparish.org.

Nov. 7

Seeking crafters: St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, is seeking crafters for its Arts & Craft Fair, which will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in the Hughes Center. For details or an application, call Judy Ambrose at (847) 891-1255 or e-mail jambrose@stmatthewparish.org or ambrose90@comcast.net.

Holiday craft sale: Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Women's Club Queen of Peace Guild will hold its 37th annual Holiday Craft and Bake sale Nov. 7-8 in Paluch Hall, 8300 Greenwood Ave., Niles. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 7 and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8. (847) 823-2550.

Nov. 8

Online Genealogy: Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will present "Online Genealogy," led by Harriet Rudnit, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster, Skokie. Learn how to research your family's history using resources available on the Web. The JGSI meeting facilities will open at 12:30 p.m. for those who want to use library materials, get help with genealogy Web sites on the Internet or ask questions before the main program begins. www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.

Ongoing

Bingo Bus to Hines Hospital: Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bartlett is forming groups to visit with and play bingo with veterans at Hines Hospital in Maywood one Saturday each month. For details, call (630) 837-1166.

New hours: Gifts of the World, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, a not-for-profit fair trade store that specializes in handcrafted jewelry, instruments, wall hangings, scarves, coffee and unusual gifts from developing countries, has new store hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. A new section featuring Amish items from Shipshewana has been added, including quilts, Amish dolls, rocking horses, small wood items, apple butter and peanut butter. For details, call (847) 895-3676.

Food drive: The Barrington Ministerial Alliance has set its sights on gathering 50,000 pounds of food to be distributed through the Northern Illinois Food Bank to food pantries in Cuba, Barrington, and Ela townships, as well as Carpentersville and Palatine. The food drive is kicking off in September and will culminate in early October.

Preschool price breaks: In response to economic conditions, Palatine's Christ the King Preschool has created several new programs for the 2009-2010 school year. The preschool will offer free or reduced tuition for families with unemployed parents. If both parents are unemployed, the student will receive free tuition. If only one parent is unemployed, the student will be given 50 percent reduction on tuition. Parents will need to provide proof of unemployment. In addition, the preschool will provide a similar program for active duty military personnel. Free tuition will be offered for families with a parent on an active military duty assignment overseas and half tuition for parents on active duty in the US. Proof of assignment is required. Classes begin Sept. 14. Space is limited. Christ the King Church and Preschool is at 100 W. Michigan in Palatine. For details, call Valerie Schultz at (847) 358-0230.

Catholic inquiry: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process, will begin new inquiry sessions on Tuesday evenings, at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Ministry Center, at St Hubert Church, 729 Grand Canyon, in Hoffman Estates. These sessions are open to all adults who have never been baptized and would like to investigate what the Catholic faith is all about, or who have been baptized in a non-Catholic Christian tradition and would like to come and learn what the Catholic community believes, or Catholics who were baptized but never brought up in the faith and would like to get back to their roots and prepare themselves for the other sacraments of initiation: Eucharist and Confirmation. After the inquiry sessions, individuals can choose to continue in the process toward full membership in the Catholic Church. There also are RCIA classes for children. To learn more, call (847) 885-7700, ext. 124.

Entertainment book: The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea is selling the 2010 Edition Entertainment Coupon Book. The cost for the Chicago North/Northwest Book is $20, with a voluntary $5 donation to Sisterhood. The 2010 Entertainment Books are available for purchase at the synagogue office, the Sisterhood Gift shop at the synagogue on Sundays between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. For details, call (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Linda Lippman. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

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

Entertainment books: Klesia of Christ Church is selling 2010 Entertainment Books for $20. For details, call Marilyn Comstock at (847) 827-1829, Alice Barnhart at (847) 803-8407 or Barbara Wraas at (847) 824-1591.

Food collection: St Paul United Church of Christ is collecting for the Palatine Food Pantry every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. The church is at 144 E. Palatine Road, Palatine and any nonperishables would be appreciated especially pasta, pasta sauce, tuna, peanut butter. This Outreach program will run through the end of August. (847) 358-0399.

KinderClub: Christ the King Preschool, 100 W. Michigan Ave., announces "KinderClub," a play and learning program for children ages 5-6 in kindergarten. It will be offered from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Kindergartners have a lunch date and play date with seasonal activities. Cost is $15 per day. Contact Valerie Schultz at (847) 358-0230 or preschool@ByFaithAlone.org, or visit ByFaithAlone.org.

Shabbat Worship Services: Shabbat worship services are offered at 7:30 p.m. Fridays (Kabbalat Shabbat) and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Daily minyanim are at 6:15 a.m. Mondays; 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; and 9 a.m. Sundays. (847) 634-0777 or BethJudea.org.

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.

Parents Day Out: Fall registration for the 2009-10 Kingswood Parent's Day Out program is under way. Children must be 2 or 3 years of age by Sept. 1, 2009, 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. to 1:30 p.m. Children attend either a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday class. Parents 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 Tuesday, Sept. 1. The monthly tuition fee is as follows: Tuesday-$95, Wednesday-$100, Thursday-$95, Friday-$95. In addition, there is a $25 nonrefundable registration fee. For details, contact Barb Symonds at (847) 398-0770, ext. 16. Kingswood United Methodist Church is at 401 W. Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove.

Preschool registration: The Mother's Day Out Preschool Program at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church in Elk Grove Village will be three days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) beginning in September. Programs are offered for children ages 2 to 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Registration has begun. Contact Lynn Cooper at (847) 439-0668 for a registration packet or information. Prince of Peace United Methodist Church is at the corner of Arlington Heights Road and Devon Avenue, Elk Grove Village.

Jewish youth programs: Beth Judea offers programs for third-graders through high school students, regardless of their Jewish affiliation. Kadinkers is the youngest youth group and is for students in third through fifth grades. It meets once a month on a Sunday after Sunday school. Yearly dues are $18. Kadima is the youth group for students in sixth through eighth grades. Kadima meets once or twice a month. Yearly dues are $35. United Synagogue Youth is the youth group for all high school students. This teen group meets on a weekly basis for an assortment of activities. Yearly dues are $40. For details on these groups, contact Aaron at (847) 634-0777, ext. 114. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove.

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.

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.

Jewish Yoga: Jewish Yoga is going strong at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. A class is offered from 11:30 a.m. 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.

For young families: The Families with Young Children Committee at Congregation Beth Judea will be holding its regular services at 6:30 p.m. the second Friday of the month, with a 30-minute Tot Shabbat session with Debbie Frager, a teacher in the BJE-ECC (Board of Jewish Education Early Childhood Centers), who is also a Beth Judea congregant. The group will then enjoy their own Oneg Shabbat. In addition, Gan Shabbat, a program for children and their families, will meet every Shabbat morning in the Beit Midrash on the Religious School level. This service, specially designed for children ages 9 and younger along with their families, will run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays. For detail, call (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is at Route 83 and Hilltop Road

Entertainment books: Our Lady of Ransom Parish in Niles is selling Entertainment 2010 books for $20 each. For details, call Josephine Bax at (847) 823-2550.

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.

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.