Your faith in Lake County

Deadline for submissions is noon Monday. Due to space limitations, not all "Your Faith" items are listed here. The complete column appears on the Daily Herald Web site, dailyherald.com., under "religion notes." To submit items, e-mail faith@dailyherald.com.

Nov. 28

Advent activities: Join in decorating the church at Community Christian Church, 1970 Riverwoods Road in Lincolnshire, at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, with traditional and new symbols. In addition, select names for gift-giving from the "tree of light." Each Sunday during Advent, beginning Nov. 29, worship services at both 8 and 10 a.m. will include the lighting of a symbolic candle in the Advent wreath. A single worship service Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. will highlight the gift of song through a choral cantata. A fellowship luncheon will immediately follow. "Brightly the Light Shines," a special children's Christmas program, will begin immediately thereafter at 12:30 p.m. (847) 945-8824 or www.ccclincolnshire.org.

Nov. 30

Body and Soul Bible Study: Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church, 5725 Stearns School Road, Gurnee, will offer Body and Soul Bible Study with yoga at 9 a.m. (bring your own mat), and Bible study at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30. www.annunciationgurnee.org or (847) 336-3730.

Dec. 2

Advent program: St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, 125 W. Church St., Libertyville, will present a program in Advent titled "On Having a Heart NOT 'Two Sizes Too Small'" Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16. Join for a simple supper at 6:15 p.m. and the program at 7 p.m. To register for child care, call (847) 362-2110 or e-mail office@stlawrencechurch.org.

Women's worship: On Wednesday, Dec. 2, enjoy a Women's Ecumenical Advent Worship Service: Bringing Our Presence to the Christ Child. Reception will be at 7 p.m. in Social Hall and 7:30 p.m. worship in the chapel of the First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville, 219 W. Maple Ave. The service features virtuoso harpist Alison Attar, Vespers Bells and soprano soloist Susan Henning. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Amy M. Heinrich and the Rev. Roberta Dodds Ingersoll, First Presbyterian; the Rev. Krista Henning-Ferkin, Holy Cross Lutheran; the Rev. Judy Sherk, United Methodist; Rector Jane Clark, St. Andrew's Episcopal; the Rev. Kathy Bostrom, Wildwood Presbyterian and the Rev. Emily Rosencrans, chaplain, Lake Forest Hospital. (847) 362-2174 or www.firstpreslibertyville.org.

Dec. 4

Meals for the starving: Holy Cross Lutheran Church is coordinating an effort of more than 5,000 community members of all ages to package one million lifesaving meals for starving children around the world during an event Dec. 4-6 at the new Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. Through a partnership of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Minnesota-based Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), volunteers will package specially-designed meals that provide the key nutrients a starving child needs to survive and thrive. FMSC will distribute these meals to orphanages, clinics, relief centers and schools in more than 60 countries in the developing world. Holy Cross Lutheran Church is seeking volunteers to help at this event. Two-hour packing sessions, each beginning with a brief orientation and overview of FMSC's work around the world, will take place at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 4, with the last day's session beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. For details or to volunteer, visit www.onemillionmeals.info or call the church at (847) 367-4060

Dec. 5

Cookie walk: St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court of the Archangels No. 2600 will host its annual Cookie Walk and Bazaar Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6. Hours will be 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday in the church hall. There will be a variety of cookies and baked treats to purchase for $7 per pound. There also will be handmade crafts and holiday collectibles such as vintage light sets, ornaments and more. Proceeds will benefit the parish and the Catholic Daughters. St. Raphael the Archangel is on Route 173, a half-mile east of Route 45, near Antioch.

Holiday Bazaar: Spay and Stay of Lake County will have its annual Holiday Bazaar from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Community Christian Church, 1970 Riverwoods Road in Lincolnshire. Spay and Stay is a nonprofit organization dedicated to humanely controlling the growth of the feral cat population in Lake County. Unique artisans will be selling jewelry, children's gifts, gourmet foods, and embroidery. A portion of all proceeds will support spaying and neutering of feral, stray and free-roaming cats in Lake County. There also will be a bake sale.

Night in Bethlehem: Come explore ancient Bethlehem on the night that Jesus was born. You can explore the city as a family, make a craft and hear the Christmas message together by visiting Mary and Joseph in the stable. Join in from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec 5, at St. John Lutheran Church, 405 W. State Road 176 in Island Lake. Reservations are not necessary but appreciated. Call the church office at (847) 526-7614. A freewill offering will be received.

Cookie Walk: The community is invited to pick out holiday treats for gift-giving and holiday parties at the eighth annual Cookie Walk from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at the United Protestant Church of Grayslake, 54 S. Whitney St. Homemade cookies, candies and holiday treats, are all priced at $7 per pound. The Cookie Walk is sponsored by the UPC Women's Christian Fellowship, with proceeds to benefit their mission activities. (847) 223-8131.

Dec. 8

Advent events: With the Advent season approaching, St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church has scheduled several events for parishioners to prepare for themselves for the coming of Christmas. For the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Monday, Dec. 8, the parish will offer three Masses at the church at 7 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The parish also will offer two Advent Penance Services with confessions, one Wednesday, Dec. 9, and the other Tuesday, Dec. 15. The service Dec. 9 will begin at 6:30 p.m. The service on Dec. 15 will begin at 7 p.m. Both services will be in the church. The service Dec. 9 is for students in the parish's religious education program and their families. The service Dec. 15 is for all adults. St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church is on Route 173 in Antioch. Weekend Masses are 4 and 6 p.m. Saturdays and 7, 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays. Confession is from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment. For information about the parish or to register, call the church office at (847) 395-FISH (3474).

Dec. 10

'A Christmas Carol': The Beginnings Drama Team of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 10 S. Lake St., Mundelein, presents its second annual production of "A Christmas Caro," Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 10-12. Charles Dickens' play has been adapted by John and Wendi Kelly of Grayslake and features many North suburban actors, including Ethan Kofman, 9, of Mundelein, in the role of Tiny Tim. Tom Koch, Vernon Hills, stars as Scrooge. The cast includes: Anita Pahlman, Druce Lake; Megan Hutsell, John Kelly, Tania Lynn, Alexia Skye, Elizabeth Zimmerman and Michael Zimmerman of Grayslake; Claire Sural, Libertyville; Al Hitzke, Bobbi La Belle, Chris Markgraf, Sue Markgraf, Jimmy McGonagle, Colin Selbo, Rachel Selbo, Jenny Tomlin, Rebecca Van Sickel of Mundelein; and Jamie Hartman of Waukegan. This year's production will be directed by Wendi Kelly, with Assistant Director Tania Lynn and Technical Director John Kelly. Crew and logistical support is being provided by Brenda Sural of Libertyville; Tom Beyer, Brian Odino, Chuck Fitz-Hugh of Mundelein and Kenn Pahlman of Druce Lake. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. each day, with a matinee at 3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. Proceeds will benefit church programming and community outreach. Bring canned goods for a food drive to benefit COOL Food Pantry and Transitional Housing, Waukegan. For details or tickets, call (847) 752-5861 or visit www.standrewmundelein.org.

Dec. 12

Christmas 4 Kids: Faith Lutheran Church, 24300 Grass Lake Road (at Route 59) in Antioch, will offer Christmas 4 Kids at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. All children 3 years old through fourth grade are invited to this one-day free event. Children learn about Christmas through crafts, games and lessons. Lunch is included. Registration is 9:30-10 a.m. The session lasts until 2 p.m., but parents are invited back at 1:45 p.m. for a special finale. (847) 293-6101 or www.faithantioch.org

Toy collection: Bethel Lutheran Church, Cartridge World and Prairie Crossing Charter School are collection sites for Second Chance Toys. They will be collecting gently used, sanitized toys until Dec. 12 at all three locations. For details, contact Bethel Lutheran Church, 5110 Grand Ave, Gurnee, at (847) 244-9647.

Christmas Pageant: Quentin Road Church in Lake Zurich will offer a program of music, singing and drama at 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 13, 19, and 2 p.m. Dec. 20. The program features a cast of more than 500 people, dramatic costumes, live animals and, powerful music. Tickets cost $10 each, $6 for groups of 10 or more. (847) 438-4494, ext. 1040, or qrchristmas.com.

Dec. 13

Children's Christmas Program: Grace Lutheran Church, 501 Valley Park Drive in Libertyville, will have its Children's Christmas Program Sunday, Dec. 13, with one service at 10 a.m. and a Christmas luncheon following the service. www.gracelutheranlibertyville.org or (847) 367-7050

Sunday school program: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 24500 N. Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods, will have the Sunday school Christmas program at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. (847) 438-7709 or www.stmatts.net

Children's service: Faith Lutheran Church, 24300 Grass Lake Road (at Route 59) in Antioch, will offer a children's Christmas service, "Come Lord Jesus," for grades 3-8 at 4 p.m. Dec. 13. (847) 293-6101 or www.faithantioch.org

Dec. 17

Christmas program: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 24500 N. Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods, will have its Christmas program at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17. (847) 438-7709 or www.stmatts.net.

Dec. 20

Christmas Tableau: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 24500 N. Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods, will have a contemporary service Christmas Tableau, "The Christmas Rose," at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. (847) 438-7709 or www.stmatts.net

Lessons and Carols: Faith Lutheran Church, 24300 Grass Lake Road (at Route 59) in Antioch, will offer a musical service telling the lessons of Christmas at 8 and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 20. In addition, a children's Christmas service, "Come Lord Jesus," for students in kindergarten through second grade will be offered at 4 p.m. Dec. 20. (847) 293-6101 or www.faithantioch.org.

German Christmas service: The fifth annual German Christmas service will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. This service is conducted entirely in German. A hospitality hour following the service features German cakes, sweets and coffee. Faith Lutheran Church is at 24300 Grass Lake Road (at Route 59) in Antioch. (847) 293-6101 or www.faithantioch.org.

Dec. 24

Candlelight Christmas Eve service: A Christmas Eve candlelight worship service will be at 7:30 p.m. at Community Christian Church, 1970 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 945-8824 or www.ccclincolnshire.org.

Holiday services: Faith Lutheran Church, 24300 Grass Lake Road (at Route 59) in Antioch, will have a traditional Christmas service at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 24; a candlelight service at 10:30 p.m. Dec. 24: and a Christmas Day Service at 9 a.m. Dec. 25. (847) 293-6101 or www.faithantioch.org

Holiday services: Grace Lutheran Church, 501 Valley Park Drive in Libertyville, will offer the following services Christmas Eve: 4:30 p.m. Family Candlelight, 8 p.m. Family Worship and 11 p.m. Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion. On Dec. 27, there will be one worship service at 10 a.m. www.gracelutheranlibertyville.org or (847) 367-7050.

Holiday services: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 24500 N. Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods, will have Christmas Eve services at 5:30 p.m. (family candlelight service) and 11 p.m. (choral cantata candlelight Communion service with music by handbell choir starting at 10:30 p.m.) Dec. 24; Christmas Day Communion service at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25; and New Year Communion worship service at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31. (847) 438-7709 or www.stmatts.net

Dec.

Stuffing stockings: The Sunday school at Community Protestant Church, United Church of Christ in Mundelein, is gathering items to stuff into Christmas stockings that will be distributed by the Night Ministry of Chicago. During the week before Christmas, the Night Ministry's Health Outreach bus visits six regular Chicago neighborhoods and gives out the stockings to hundreds of their guests, as well as hot chocolate and cookies. Items such as thermal socks, lip balm, candy, hand warmers and magic gloves are put in the stockings. Community Protestant's Youth Group will be taking a tour of the Night Ministry facilities in early December and see firsthand the wide ranging programs offered to the homeless. Community Protestant Church is at 418 N. Prairie Ave., Mundelein. For details, call (847) 566-4000.

Ongoing

Church activities: Kirk of the Lakes Presbyterian Church, 1500 W. Hawley St. in Mundelein, offers a variety of activities. Photo Club meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Craft Club meets at 9:30 a.m. every Monday. Open gym for basketball is every Saturday at 11 a.m. Women's Bible Study is at 11 a.m. every Friday. Men's Bible Study is every Saturday at 8 a.m. For questions, call (847) 949-8670 or visit kirkofthelakes.org

Parenting: Hope Church, 32475 N. Alleghany Road, Grayslake, will offer Hope from 7-8:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays, September-December. Topics include Real Parenting, Real Financial Freedom and Real Belief. (847) 543-1659 or hopeepc@hopeepc.net

Youth group: The Junior and Senior High Youth Groups of Community Protestant Church, United Church of Christ, in Mundelein will meet Sunday evenings this fall. Junior High Youth will meet from 3:30 to 5 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays, while Senior High Youth meet from 3:30 to 5 p.m. the first and third Sundays. The groups meet at Community Protestant Church, 418 N. Prairie Ave. in Mundelein. For details, call the Rev. Alisha Mills at (847) 566-4000.

Services in Spanish: Church of the Holy Family/Sagrada Familia (Episcopal) in Lake Villa offers services in Spanish at 5 p.m. Sundays. Sunday Eucharist service in English is at 9 a.m. The church is at 24219 Lehmann Blvd. (847) 356-7722, theholyfamilychurch.com. Thrift Shop is open 9 to noon Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. $2 bag sale last Saturday each month. Donations are welcome.

Friday Friends: Friday Friends has been organized within The Kirk of the Lakes Presbyterian Church in Mundelein for the purpose of fun and fellowship. The group meets the second Friday of the month, each time at different members' homes. For details, call (847) 949-8670.

Recycling: On the third Sunday of each month, youth will man the recycle bin between services from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and after 11 a.m. Bring your old newspapers, junk mail and catalogs. Youth will be ready to assist with the unloading of your car as you drive up to the bin in the Grace parking lot. The recycle bin is in place on a daily basis. A portion of the cash credits for all paper donations will be used toward a green gift for the community. Grace Lutheran Church is at 501 Valley Park Drive in Libertyville. aboutgracelutheran.org or (847) 367-7050.

For seniors: The senior group, The Primetimers, meets at The Kirk of the Lakes Presbyterian Church in Mundelein the fourth Monday of the month for refreshments, book studies and guest speakers. In addition, the group sometimes attends local plays, historical activities and visits tourist attractions. For details, call (847) 949-8670.