Notes on Religion
To include your church in the free listings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, fax to (847) 608-0849, or mail to 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin IL 60123.
McHenry County Jewish Congregation: The McHenry County Jewish Congregation is hosting an adult education series, led by MCJC congregants, exploring Jewish ethical teachings as they relate to us today.
Attorney Rob Perbohner will discuss "Jewish Legal Ethics" Thursday, and physician Dr. Jonathan Kaufman will explore "Jewish Medical Ethics" on March 6. All three sessions will be held at 7 p.m. at the synagogue. The series is free and open to non-members.
The McHenry County Jewish Congregation will welcome the Israeli quartet Esta for a musical Shabbat service at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Esta has a pan-global sound. Esta will perform for part of the evening service and discuss their instruments and musical style with members. The service/performance will be followed by a Kiddush. The event is free to MCJC members and guests (RSVP to the MCJC office). The group will also be performing the next evening at the Elgin Community College.
"The Presidential Race: A Jewish Perspective," will be the topic of Rabbi Joseph S. Ozarowski's address to be held in Sun City, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21. Without endorsing parties or candidates, the Rabbi will look at Jewish sources on some issues of importance in the upcoming election, including the economy, the role of government in our lives and terrorism. His talk is part of an adult education series being cosponsored by MCJC, Congregation Tikkun Olam and the Shalom Group of Sun City and is free and open to the public. Call MCJC at (815) 455-1810 for details.
MCJC will be observing Shabbat Across America at 6:30 p.m. March 7 by hosting a Shabbat dinner for unaffiliated Jews in the area. The event is designed to introduce Jews with limited Jewish knowledge and background to the joy and beauty of the Jewish Sabbath. The evening will feature an explanatory Friday evening service followed by a relaxed communal dinner. There is no charge. RSVP to the MCJC office at (815) 455-1810.
MCJC will be hosting a Jewish Artist Showcase the weekend of April 5-6, and invites area artists to participate in the art show and sale. The art may include watercolor, pottery, weaving, jewelry, acrylics and others. For details, call Elaine Kadakia via the MCJC office at (815) 455-1810.
The synagogue is still accepting registration for membership and its religious school for the year. Instruction on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings is offered to students in second through eighth grade. Sunday-only instruction is provided to children in kindergarten and first grade and high school. For information on membership or a registration packet, call (815) 455-1810.
Shabbat services are at 6:30 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 8617 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake. Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Maralee Gordon and are free and open to everyone. This is the only Conservative Jewish congregation in McHenry County. Interfaith families are welcome. It is on Ridgefield Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake, accessible from Route 14. For details, call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.
New Life Baptist: On Sunday, learn the secrets of wise living from King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, as the Rev. Mark Wood continues his sermon series from the book of Proverbs titled, "Wisdom for a New Year" at the 10:30 a.m. service at New Life Baptist Church, 9228 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills.
New Life begins each Sunday with a fellowship time at 9 a.m. Sunday school classes for infants, children, youth, and adults begin at 9:15 a.m. The adult class is currently in a study of the New Testament book of Philippians. Child care is available during the morning worship service for infants through 3-year-olds; children's church is held for children, age 4 through second grade.
The church's annual Super Bowl Party will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday. The evening includes football, fun, fellowship, games, prizes, and lots of food. The church men play basketball at the church at 6 p.m. Thursdays.
Several small group Bible study gatherings are held throughout the week. Groups meet each week in Algonquin, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, and Woodstock. Visit the church Web site for the schedule and locations. The church men play basketball each Thursday evening at the church.
The church youth group will travel to Lake Ann Baptist Camp in Lake Ann, Mich., Feb. 8-10 for the annual Freeze Out Snow Camp. The teens also will participate in World Vision's 30-Hour Famine Feb. 22-23.
For details, call (847) 458-9726 or visit www.newlifebaptist-il.com.
First Congregational: On Communion Sunday, the Rev. Dan Hinckley will preach at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley.
The Chancel Choir will sing in both services and the Crusader Bells will play in the first. The Sunday school children will begin the theme; "Jesus and Nicodemus." Another rehearsal for this year's Hobo Show will begin at 10:30 a.m. for performances on March 8-9.
The Knit/Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. The Ash Wednesday service will be held at 7 p.m. The Rev. Lloyd Kamps will give the sermon, the Chancel Choir will sing and Holy Communion will be served.
On Feb. 9, the third monthly contemporary service will be held at 5 p.m. This is a relaxed service featuring modern praise music and a refreshing approach to worship. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.
Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach at both services at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 and 10:30 a.m. services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service.
Sunday school and nursery care are available at both services.
Sunday is Grafton Food Pantry Day.
The Prairie Prayer Team will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday at Citizens Bank.
Shepherd Voices will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at Citizens Bank.
The "Red Tent" book study will continue from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Citizens Bank.
Prairie Points Quilting will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Citizens Bank.
Ash Wednesday services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cosman Center. The following Wednesdays, Feb. 13 through Lent, a light soup/bread supper will be served at 6 p.m. followed by a short worship service at the Cosman Center.
The confirmation class will be held from 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Citizens Bank with pizza at 6 p.m.
Prairie Crafters will meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Bring your lunch.
Shepherd of the Prairie Family Retreat will be Feb. 22-23 at Lutherdale. Sign up for this fellowship time.
For details, call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.
Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, continues its two-part sermon series asking "How can I catch up with life?" at the 10:45 a.m. service.
In "It's February and I'm Already Falling Behind (Part 2)," the Rev. Dan Larsen continues to discuss spiritual development, ethical development, Unitarian Universalist identity, and faith development.
Church school students will remain at worship until after Sue McCowin's Children's Story and then go to religious education class.
For details, call (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org or visit www.cucw.org.
First Congregational: On Sunday, Felicia Moller, wife of Rev. Dave Inglis, will bring the message at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake.
At each service, Inglis will be installed as the new associate minister for children, youth and families. Everyone is invited to the fellowship hall for a special reception after each service.
This is also Food Pantry Sunday. FCC members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Crystal Lake Interfaith Food Pantry.
Sunday school is offered at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Each Sunday, all children, age 2 through seventh grade, will begin worship with their family. After the children's message, they will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants, and toddlers at each service.
After each service, coffee is served in the fellowship hall.
On Sunday, the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth will make and sell Super Bowl subs. Money raised will help fund activities throughout the year.
On Tuesday, the Great Decisions Discussion Program begins at 7 p.m. in the youth room. There is a fee for course materials.
Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. The Men's Fellowship group will host a pancake supper beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Tickets are $5 per person, or $10 per family. After the supper, a simple Holy Communion service will be held in the chapel at 7:15 p.m. that will include, for those who wish it, the traditional imposition of ashes.
On Thursday, the Women's Fellowship luncheon and program will be held at noon in the fellowship hall. The program, "McHenry County Conservation District," will be presented by Weg Thomas and Kim Hankins.
Friday Night at the Movies, hosted by the Enrichment Ministry, will present "Whale Rider" at 7 p.m. in the library.
On Feb. 9, Living the Questions study group will meet at 9 a.m. in the library. The topic for the study is: "A Kingdom Without Walls."
For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.
St. Mary Episcopal: St. Mary Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave., Crystal Lake, will mark the beginning of the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday with services at 6:30 and 9 a.m., and 7:30 p.m.
Each service begins with the imposition of ashes derived from burning the blessed palms from last Palm Sunday, continues with special prayers for this day of penitence and new beginnings, and concludes with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist. At the evening service music will be presented by the Parish's Senior Choir under the direction of Sandra L. Molyneux, Organist/Choirmaster.
Members of the community who do not presently belong to a church are warmly invited to participate in these services.
The parish congregation of St. Mary is a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
For details, call (815) 459-1009 or visit the Web site at www.stmaryepiscopal.org.
Bethany Lutheran: On Global Mission Sunday, the Global Mission Team will share about this outreach ministry at 7:45, 9 and 10:45 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. Holy Communion will be celebrated.
During 2007, 19 people participated in three different mission trips. These included: Guyana, learning about the ministries being supported by the ELCA; Panama, providing dental care; Arusha, Tanzania learning about the ministries, growing personal relationships and celebrating the fourth anniversary of the church's partnership with the Kiutu Parish in Tanzania.
Thought the Global Mission Team Bethany participates in the ELCA Mission Sponsorship program, the friends of Mwangawa sponsorship program, the Lutheran Church in Costa Rica, the Mount of Olives Housing Project in Jerusalem, the Heifer Project, Lutheran World Relief, the Lutheran World Hunger Appeal and Young Adults in Global Mission Program.
Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m. Child care is available at the 9 and 10:45 a.m.
The annual SOUPer Bowl Sunday with youth collecting dollars for hunger is this Sunday. Bethany's senior high youth will be manning soup kettles collecting dollars for hunger joining more than 16,000 groups nationwide who have registered to help with this outreach.
More than 100 quilts for Lutheran World Relief made by Bethany's Piecer Group will be displayed on all the pews.
The senior high youth will worship together at 10:45 a.m.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday with services at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. The midweek services continue through March 12.
Boy Scout Sunday is celebrated at the 9 a.m. service on Feb. 10.
Midweek Lenten Suppers and Drama begin Feb. 13 through March 12 with soup and salad supper at 6:15 p.m. and Holden Evening Prayer and Drama, "The Last Supper" at 7 p.m.
For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.
McHenry County Church of Religious Science: In February, the McHenry County Church of Religious Science will bring more love into the world by focusing on what love looks like. This five-week series "Yes, You Can Change the World" based on Aman Motwane's book, begins Sunday.
To "love one another" is a great spiritual practice. Each week you will learn and be offered an opportunity to put into practice tools to cultivate satisfying relationships by understanding how to love someone you don't like, how to love when you feel rushed for time, and how to love those who are rude or difficult. You will practice - not just talk about love and compassion and non-judgment and peace and being present. "A New Perspective," is the topic Sunday. Music is by Tricia Alexander.
Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday celebration service, and children's program at the Country Inn and Suites, 600 Tracy Trail in Crystal Lake. If you arrive early there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m.
The curriculum is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." February lessons relate to the realization step of treatment. Your kids will uncover wholeness and eliminate thoughts of lack and limitation. This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Love's Will." The children's program is prepared to handle toddlers, with parental support.
The Spiritual Entrepreneur Business Networking group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce office.
For details, call (815) 444-0942 or www.mccrs.org.
Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, the Rev. Michelle McNamara will preach at 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. Sunday school will be 8:45 to 9:45 a.m.
The meditation will be based on Exodus 24:12-18, Psalm 2, 2 Peter 1:16-21 and Matthew 17:1-9. Music will be offered by the Senior Choir and the Dixieland Band.
On Sundays, the Adult Enrichment Class will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Sunday school will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. The Acolyte Training and Pizza Party will be at 11:15 a.m. Sunday.
A new member class will be at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 10.
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Program will be held Tuesdays through Feb. 26. The God and Me Program for first through third grade will be from 4 to 5 p.m. The God and Family program for fourth and fifth grade will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For information, call the church office (847) 658-5308.
St. Paul's Anglican Church: At St. Paul's Anglican Church, a traditional Episcopal church, the Rev. Michael DuCette, deacon in charge, will use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the former First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock.
The deacon's sermon will be based on eighth chapter of the Gospel of Luke. The Bible Study group will meet from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. They are studying the book of John, Chapter 6.
The Ash Wednesday service will held at 5 p.m. Wednesday. If you still have palms at home, bring them Sunday for use on Ash Wednesday.
St. Paul's Parish is part of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley Anglican Church of America. For details, visit www.acahome.org or call (815) 338-0205.
First Congregational: On Communion Sunday, the Rev. Dan Hinckley will preach at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley.
The Chancel Choir will sing in both services and the Crusader Bells will play in the first. The Sunday school children will begin the theme; "Jesus and Nicodemus." Another rehearsal for this year's Hobo Show will begin at 10:30 a.m. for performances on March 8-9.
The Knit/Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. The Ash Wednesday service will be held at 7 p.m. The Rev. Lloyd Kamps will give the sermon, the Chancel Choir will sing and Holy Communion will be served.
On Feb. 9, the third monthly contemporary service will be held at 5 p.m. This is a relaxed service featuring modern praise music and a refreshing approach to worship. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.
St. John Lutheran: This weekend, guest speaker the Rev. Harold Ross will deliver the message, "Eyewitnesses of the Transfiguration," based on Matthew 17:1-9, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Sunday school at 10:30 a.m.
Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. A supervised nursery is offered at the 10:30 a.m. service. Coffee and fellowship follows the Sunday services on the second Sunday of each month.
On Wednesday, the Lenten season begins with a Lenten dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Lenten service at 7 p.m. The Lenten theme this year is "Tears Tell the Story" and the message, taken from Matthew 23:37-39, will be "Longing Tears: Jesus' Lament."