Fox Valley religion briefs

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.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, Sept. 6, the Rev. Audrey deCoursey's sermon will be "Labor Pains" at the 9:30 a.m. service at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. Church school for all ages will begin on Sunday, Sept. 13. The Spirited Sisters will have lunch on the patio at the deli, In the Neighborhood, at noon Sept. 13.

The congregation has created a resource sharing bulletin board for work opportunities and assistance. It is located in the library. For information, call (847) 741-5124 or visit hacob.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel offers a full range of services: Torah school for prekindergarten to high school, adult education classes, a youth program for age 6 to 12, Sisterhood and Men's Club, and age-based interest groups. This week's Torah portion is "Ki Tavo." The service is led by Rabbi Jonathan Kohn in prayer and study. Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St. in Elgin. Guests are welcome. Registration is now being taken for the new school year. Information on High Holy Day services is also available by calling the office. Rosh Hashana begins Friday, Sept. 18. Guests are welcome. CKI believes that each person can participate in the observance of Shabbat through the use of English, Hebrew, and age-appropriate activities. For details, call (847) 741-5656 or visit www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers friendly, participatory Shabbat services at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays and followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the parsha of the week. On Saturday, Sept. 5, this week's Torah reading is "Ki Tavo." It is about the tithes given to the Levites and to the poor, and detailed instructions on how to proclaim the blessings and the curses on Mount Grizzim and Mount Ebal. Moses reminds the people that they are G-d's chosen people, and that they, in turn, have chosen G-d. Shirat Shalom will hold High Holiday services beginning Friday, Sept. 18. Ticket information is on the Web site, CongregationShiratShalom.org. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail shiratsh@comcast.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, Sept. 6, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison will feature sermons, "Failing In One Point," based on James 2:1-17, in the 9 a.m. service, and "Miracles and Faith," based on Mark 7:24-37, in the 11:30 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. Special music will be provided by John Slawson, Laura Johnson, Marcy Gloede and Carolyn Hutchison. There are Christian education classes for all ages from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Homecoming Sunday is Sept. 13 when children in Christian education classes will be advanced to the next year level. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On the 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept. 6, the Rev. Loren Krout will preach the sermon, "The Working Faith" based on James 2:1-10, 14-18, at the 9 a.m. service at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. The summer schedule includes a 9 a.m. Sunday service and a 7 p.m. Wednesday service. The church will be switching to its fall/winter worship schedule starting Sept. 20 with worship at 8 and 10:30 a.m., followed by fellowship at 9 a.m. and the Family Education Hour from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The final Wednesday night service will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 9. The New Lutheran Study Bible will be available starting this fall on Reformation Day, Oct. 25. St. John will begin Sunday school and Sunday morning Bible studies Sunday, Sept. 13. All are welcome from preschool (potty-trained) and up. The church has paper recycling bins in their parking lot for local residents. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Sept. 6, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will conclude the series, "Bumper Sticker Theology" at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. He will discuss the thoughts of those completing the statement "I'd Rather Be. " The 8:15 service is in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is in the sanctuary. Holy Communion will be celebrated. The renovation work on the exterior of the church is winding down, and a few of the inside projects are finishing. Sunday school rooms are changed around, but Beth Mitchell, chair of the renovation committee, says that Sunday school rooms will be ready. Associate pastor the Rev. Lois A Bucher, Sunday school superintendent Jan Embree, and Christian education chair Michael Blackwood will be ready to get children to the correct rooms for Rally Day Sunday on Sept. 13. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Sept. 6, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message for the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services while baptisms will take place at the 8 a.m. service. The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service and the Choral Ensemble will provide the music for the 10:30 a.m. service. Come out and support the Evangelism Ministry at the Community Outreach Festival from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at Clifford Court. There will be great fun, games, food, music, and a special gospel message. On Wednesday, Bible study will begin at noon followed by Wonderful Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. Bus and child care services are available. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On the 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept. 6, the Rev. Aaron James, senior pastor, will preach "Jesus Opening," based on Mark 7:24-37, at the 9 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday's Ministry of Music will be "Heart of Worship," a vocal duet by Sonja Boekenhauer and Penny Mensik, with Linda Gilmore, piano accompanist. The service will also feature songs by the Praise Singers: Mark Boekenhauer, Sonja Boekenhauer, Rick Gilmore, Penny Mensik, Sue Schmidt and Sara Tustin. The first Sunday of each month is set aside for donations of nonperishable food items for FISH Food Pantry and/or size 4-6 diapers for the Community Crisis Center. These gifts will help those less fortunate in the area. Children, age 3 through fifth grade, will begin their worship in the sanctuary with their families at 9 a.m. After the children's message, they will be dismissed to God's Big Backyard for "Fruits of the Spirit." This Kids' Travel Guide adventure leads children on a 13-week scripture based discovery of how God's Spirit helps express his love to others through caring actions and healthy attitudes. Children will explore how to be strong in the decisions they make and how to live out the "Fruits of the Spirit" in their own daily lives. A snack time for kids will be held from 10 to 10:10 a.m. Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 8:45 to 10:15 a.m. Children should be signed in and out. The high school youth group will meet for Movie Night from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. The middle school youth group will meet from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. Bring your friends, both old and new. The summer blood drive, in conjunction with Heartland Blood Centers, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 5. Call Rick Gilmore at (847) 421-8676 to schedule an appointment. Every Heartland blood donor will receive a certificate good for $11 in retail purchases at any Oberweis Ice Cream and Dairy Store. Habitat for Humanity Work Day will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at 140 N. Lord Ave. in Carpentersville. Homes are built primarily through volunteer construction labor which helps keep the cost of the homes affordable for buyers. Volunteer to help by calling Gerry Witt at (847) 428-0234 or visit www.hfhnfv.org. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Epworth UMC: On Sunday, Sept. 13, bring the family to sign up for Sunday school for all ages at Rally Day at 9:45 a.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W041 Highland Ave. in Elgin. Classes are available for ages 2 and older, and range from Bible-based children and youth classes, men's and women's classes, current events and small group Bible study on Sundays, and more. Classes on Sunday morning begin Sept. 20 at 9:45 a.m. Visit www.epworthumcelgin.org for information on community, ministry, service and other programs and activities for families. For details, call (847) 931-5400.

Messiah: Messiah Lutheran Church, 500 Church Road in Elgin, will feature a brief Healing Service on Sunday, Sept. 6 after its regular 9:30 a.m. service. On Sunday, Sept. 11, there will be a special Family Day Program at the 9:30 a.m. service. Special music will be given by the Prairie Voices of Del Webb Sun City, Huntley. Brunch will follow the service. For details, call the church office at (847) 695-0144.

King of Glory: On Sunday, Sept. 6, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will observe the 14th Sunday after Pentecost by looking at the theme, "Are We Still Amazed?" based on Mark chapter 7, at the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. services. The regular weekly worship schedule includes a more traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sundays, as well as a contemporary style worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band. Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:20 a.m. They also offer during the school year various midweek educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as youth programs for various age groups. On Mondays, join "The Refuge" and connect with God in a different, informal way at 7 p.m. Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Sept. 6, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Mark 7:24-37 with "Good News for the Desperate" at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. The theme will be on how God has created man to be givers. Nursery care is available during the service. The free Sunday school program for children age 3 through seventh grade will begin at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 in the fellowship hall. Youth classes are offered for children attending eighth grade and up. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

St. James Episcopal: On the 14th Sunday After Pentecost, Sept. 6, the Rev. Don Frye will be preaching at the 9 a.m. service at St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St., West Dundee. His sermon will be "God's Choice." The readings appointed for this week are Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; Psalm 125; James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17 Mark 7:24-37. The church office will be closed Sept. 7, Labor Day. St. James will return to two services at 8 and 10 a.m. Sept. 13. Sunday school classes will also resume. Students are invited to bring their backpacks for a special "Blessing of the Backpacks." The pastor will be in the office Fridays, Sept. 4, 11, 25, and Thursday Sept. 17. To schedule an appointment, call Liz Jackson, parish administrator, at (847) 426-5612. For details, call (847) 426-5612 or visit stjamesdundee.org.