Fox Valley religion notes

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.

Special events

Christmas singalong: "Joy to the World," a community Christmas carol singalong, will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at First Congregational Church of Elgin, 256 E. Chicago St. Admission is $5 per person. Proceeds will be divided between the church renovation fund and the Community Crisis Center. It will feature the Blue Tulip Wranglers and other musical accompanists. For details, call (847) 741-4045.

Christmas dinners: On Saturday, Dec. 19, St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St. in West Dundee, will be giving out 162 Christmas dinners to local families in need. Each dinner feeds a family of six. This is the second year St. James has successfully raised the money and administered the Christmas Dinner Outreach program. This year, 60 dinners are being given to the Kane County Veterans Affairs in support of local veterans and 102 dinners are being given to the clients of the FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville. Last year, St. James gave away 118 dinners to local families. Recipients will pick up dinners between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. For details, contact (847) 426-5612 or stjames324@sbcglobal.net. Visit stjamesdundee.org.

Christmas play: Westlake Community Church presents "No Wonder!" at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at Cosman Cultural Arts Center, 12015 Mill St., Huntley. This is a musical story about a group of kids who discover the amazing things that can happen when "the church" leaves the building. Admission is a nonperishable food item for the MORE and Grafton food pantries. For details, call (847) 669-0475.

Christmas musical: On Sunday, Dec. 20, Elgin Bible Church, 1580 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, will present the musical drama "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" at the Christmas service at 9:30 a.m. A time of fellowship follows. Join with Elgin Bible Church and Grace Evangelical Church families on Christmas Eve as they celebrate the birth of the Savior at the 6 p.m. candlelight service at Grace Evangelical Church, 1800 Bowes Road, Elgin. For details, call (847) 888-1978 or visit elginBiblechurch.org.

Longest Night Service: The Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 Highland Ave. in Elgin, welcomes those who find the holiday season to be difficult or stressful because of loneliness, grief or loss in a "Longest Night Service" at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. The service will offer times of silence, music and a meditation by the Rev. Audrey deCoursey, associate pastor. Participants will be invited to light a candle in memory and release. There will be a bowl of salt water to symbolize tears, and participants will be invited to add salt as a symbol of the healing power of grief. For details, call (847) 741-5124.

Blue Christmas: At 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division St. in Elgin, will offer a "Blue Christmas" service for people who find the holidays difficult due to the loss of a loved one, a change in employment or other challenges. This quiet service includes readings and music, candlelight and time for reflection. For details, call (847) 742-2025.

Winter solstice: Join Pagan Unity-Elgin to celebrate Yuletime and the Winter Solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year, with a ritual and potluck feast at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at Unitarian Universalist Church, 39W830 Highland Ave., Elgin. To attend, visit meetup.org.

Living Nativity: High school and junior high youth re-enact the Christmas story outdoors with farm animals at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11008 N. Church St., Huntley. You can sing along to your favorite carols and enjoy light refreshments. The stable closes at 5:30 p.m. or earlier, depending on attendance and weather. For details, call (847) 669-5780.

Blue Christmas Service: On Sunday, Dec. 20, St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St. in West Dundee, will host its fourth Annual Blue Christmas Service at 4 p.m. St. James will offer its annual Blue Christmas Service to those who might find comfort in bringing their grief to God. For details, call (847) 426-5612, e-mail stjames324@sbcglobal.net or visit stjamesdundee.org.

Living Nativity: Costumed actors and live barnyard animals retell the Christmas story every half-hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at Epworth United Methodist Church, corner of Highland Avenue and Randall Road, Elgin. A freewill-offering spaghetti dinner is available inside, and kids can make ornaments, get their photos taken and help fill stockings with toiletries for the Elgin PADS shelter. For details, call (847) 931-5400.

Christmas at St. Catherine: Celebrate Christmas and Christ's birth at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 845 W. Main St. in West Dundee. In preparation of Christmas, the Sacrament of Penance (confession) will be offered: Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 22, 7 to 8 p.m. On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, the Vigil of Christmas will be at the 4 p.m. Mass with adult choir concert at 3:30 p.m.; 7 p.m. Mass with music prelude at 6:45 p.m.; and Midnight Mass (with Incense) and music prelude at 11:30 p.m. On Friday, Dec. 25, The Nativity of the Lord Christmas Day begins at 9:30 a.m. with Mass (with incense) and 11:30 a.m. Mass. For the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Holy Day of Obligation, there will be a New Year's Eve Mass at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, and 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1. For details, call (847) 426-2217.

Christmas in Cary: On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, St. Barnabas Lutheran Church, 8901 Cary-Algonquin Road in Cary, will have a 4 p.m. family service and 7:30 and 10 p.m. candlelight services with Holy Communion. For details, call (847) 639-3959.

Christmas message: First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee, will celebrate Christmas Eve with services at 7, 9 and 11 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24. The Christmas messages will be delivered by the Rev. Aaron James, senior pastor. Children and adults will enjoy a family-friendly service of Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. with handbell music by the Tinkerbells, directed by Charlotte Norman; and Joy Ringers, directed by Jane McMullen; and vocal music by the Junior Choir, directed by Charlotte Norman. Traditional candlelight services will be at 9 and 11 p.m. Vocal music will be sung by the Youth Choir, directed by Charlotte Norman, during the 9 p.m. worship. At 11 p.m., vocal music will be provided by the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, accompanist; and handbell music will rung by Reverberations and the Bells of Dundee, directed by Jane McMullen. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210, or visit fccdundee.com.

Candlelight Christmas: On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, bask in the wonder of Christmas in candlelight with carols at 4 and 9 p.m. services at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Road, Hampshire. Sunday worship is at 9 a.m. For details, call (847) 464-5721.

Majesty of Christmas: Come marvel in the miracle and majesty of Christmas Eve at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road. Become "as a little child" at the special 4 p.m. children's service with festive music by the Cherub Choir directed by Sydney Whitley and youth soloist Maggie Eastham. Worship by candlelight at the 7 p.m. Carols and Candlelight service, with the Chancel Choir music directed by Karen Maxwell and accompanied by organist Jeff Neufeld, pianist Jeremy Neufeld, the Preucil Family Strings, with hand bell choir and soloist Roslyn Wesley. Harp music will fill the rotunda at 10:30 p.m. The church's 11 p.m. Holy Communion, Carols and Candlelight Service features soloists Roslyn Wesley and Kimberly Albrecht, with harp, piano and organ. Child care is available at the 4 and 7 p.m. services. Once more, the church's Christmas offering will help "the poorest of the poor" through the ChildServ and Marcy-Newberry agencies and the Humboldt Park United Methodist Church. For details, call (847) 836-5540 or visit BarringtonUMC.com.

Prophetic New Year's Eve celebration: Join Morning Star Church for a Prophetic New Year's Eve celebration featuring the ministry of Barbara Williams of Ministry of the Watchman, including rap group The Foundation, Wednesday, Dec. 30, and Thursday, Dec. 31. The service will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30. The special New Year's Eve celebration will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31. The evening will include food, fellowship, worship and the prophetic word. Morning Star Church is at 41W350 Powers Road in Huntley, just north of the I-90, Route 47 exit. For details, call (847) 669-9800 or visit morningstarwoc.org/events.

Catholics Returning Home: St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 111 S. Hubbard St. in Algonquin, invites you to its "Catholics Returning Home" program at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 12. No reservation is required. For details, call (847) 658-7625.

'Our Whole Lives': Beginning the second week of January, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Woodstock, 221 Dean St., will offer the award-winning sexuality education program "Our Whole Lives" to sixth- and seventh-grade level students. "Because this is such a unique and worthwhile program, we would like to extend the offer to students in the wider community," said religious education director Sam Jones. "Space is limited, but we can accommodate seven or eight additional students." Unlike traditional curricula, which mostly focus on the mechanics and physicality of sexuality, OWL includes the values of self-worth, sexual health, responsibility, justice and inclusivity for all genders. It addresses moral dilemmas and peer pressure when it comes to making wise choices in various life predicaments. The OWL curriculum was jointly developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ but does not include religious instruction. The program is being offered in Woodstock at no charge, but the purchase of the book will be necessary. There is also an optional parent manual that compliments the course and encourages open discussion within families. To receive an information packet, call the church office at (815) 338-0731 or e-mail office@uucofwoodstock.org with your mailing information.

Calendar

St. John: On Sunday, Dec. 20, the Rev. Hannibal Frederich will preach on"Advent Blessings" at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John's Lutheran Church, 115 N. Spring in Elgin. Based on Luke 1:45, part of Elizabeth's blessing to Mary, the text emphasizes the blessing of believing what God has promised will happen. The Chancel Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service. On Christmas Eve, a family service will be at 6 p.m. with traditional readings and carols with communion at 11 p.m. A Christmas Day service will be at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome. For information, call (847) 741-0814.

St. Peter: On Sunday, Dec. 20, the Rev. Eric Gawura will present the sermon, "Born to be the Prince of Peace" at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 18N377 Galligan Road, Gilberts. Christian education classes for 3 -year-olds through high school starts at 9:15 a.m. The Tuesday adult Bible study from 9:30 to 11 a.m. has begun a new study titled: "How to Share Your Faith Confidently." St. Peter is having a coat drive to collect new or slightly used coats for those in need in the community. Drop off coats at the church office. Christmas Eve Services will be at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Christmas Day Service is at 10 a.m. For details, call (847) 428-4054 or visit stpeterlutheran.org. The Sonshine Christian Preschool offers classes for 3- and 4-year-olds. For details, call (847) 551-9935.

Evangelical Covenant: On Saturday, Dec. 20, Evangelical Covenant Church, 1565 Larkin Ave. in Elgin, gathers for traditional worship at the 10:30 a.m. service. High school and Adult Sunday school classes at 9:15 a.m. will pick up again in the new year. On Dec. 20, there will be Christmas caroling and music led by organist Ralph Cox at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve worship will be at 7 p.m. with Christmas Day worship at 6:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 25. Families and friends will enjoy the Christmas season at Elgin Covenant. For details, call (847) 888-2302.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, Dec. 20, the Rev. Paul Bischoff, interim pastor, continues his challenging sermons about New Testament insight on Christians and Christmas in today's world at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Evangelical Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Campton Hills. On Sunday, Dec 20, a Christmas program will be held at the 10:30 a.m. service. Adult Sunday school and church activities for children are held at 9:30 a.m. The children's message will be given by George Delask. On Saturday, Dec. 19, the men's breakfast and Bible study on Matthew 1 and 2 will be at 8 a.m. Wednesday's Bible study will focus on Psalm 23 at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve candlelight service will be at 10 p.m. For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship will focus on the theme "May Christmas Come Alive in Us" at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. It will include carols, the Rev. Joel Kline's meditation titled "The Great Mystery," a "scripture in motion" retelling of Jesus' birth, anthems by the Adult and Children's Choirs, and a special storytime for children. At the conclusion of the service everyone will be invited to hang an item of winter outerwear (gloves, scarves, woolen hats, ear muffs, socks) on the Christmas tree to be shared with those hosted by the congregation at the Saturday night Soup Kettle. At 7 p.m., the congregation will hold a "Longest Night" service for those who find the holidays to be a time of sadness and stress. All members of the community are cordially invited. The annual Christmas Eve service at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, will remember the birth of Jesus through scripture, Christmas carols, choral music, and the traditional candle lighting to celebrate the promise of hope, peace, love, and joy made possible in the coming of Christ into the world. For information, call (847) 741-5124 or visit hacob.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel offers 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 "Miketz." 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. Prospective members, interfaith families, and guests of all faiths are welcomed. 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. Rabbi Ora Schnitzer will lead services starting at 9:45 a.m. and give a talk about the Torah portion of the week. This week's Torah reading is "Miketz." The next Shabbat service will be at 9:45 a.m. Jan. 2 and will focus on the Torah portion Vayehi. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail shiratsh@comcast.net, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

First UMC-Elgin: The Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 20, a Christmas cantata, presented by the Cathedral Choir, will be featured at the 9 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. "The Promise of Light" by Joel Raney will be conducted by John Slawson. The 11:30 a.m. service will feature a sermon by the Rev. Mona Walker, "The Gift Arrives." The Homegrown Worship Band will be provide the music. There are Christian education classes for all ages from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The youth group meets at 12:45 p.m. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On the Fourth Sunday in Advent, Dec. 20, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon titled, "From Heaven Above to Earth I Come," based on Luke 2:1-15, at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship is at 9 a.m. and the Family Education Hour from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. This Sunday, the Sunday school will tell the church about the birth of Jesus with their Christmas program at 4 p.m. A dinner will follow. St. John elected new officers for the coming year and the budget for 2010. The church makes their journey to Bethlehem with rest stops each Wednesday with supper at 5:30 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m. The theme this year is "The Stories of Advent." Christmas Eve services will be at 3, 7 and 11 p.m. On Christmas Sunday, worship will be at 9 a.m. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Dec. 20, the Rev. Lois Bucher will lead Stories and Carols at the 8:15 a.m. service in the chapel at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. At the 10:15 a.m. service in the sanctuary, the Children's Christmas Pageant will be held. The church joins with all the community at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 for a community Christmas Carol sing-along. There will be guitar, mandolin and banjo for accompaniment, and singing your favorite Christmas songs. Everyone is invited. A $5 donation will go to the Community Crisis Center and to the church renovation fund. On Thursday, Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, there will be a candlelight service with Lessons and Carols, celebration of Holy Communion, Blessing of the Children and music by the Children's Choirs at 4:30 p.m. At 10:30 p.m., there will be a candlelight service with Lessons and Carols, celebration of Holy Communion, and music by both the Chancel Choir and the Handbell Choir. The Rev. Paris Donehoo will officiate at both services. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Dec. 20, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message, "Christmas for Real," at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Male Chorus will perform at both services. On Sunday, Dec. 20, Second Baptist Church will host the Citywide Youth Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. in the multipurpose facility. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 20, the Rev. Aaron James' sermon is based on Luke 1:39-55 (Mary Visits Elizabeth) at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Children, age 4 to 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 their new Sunday school rotation rooms for Children's Worship Workshops to study "The Gift of Jesus." Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by the Youth Choir, directed by Charlotte Norman; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist. The 10:30 a.m. service will feature songs and music by the Praise Singers and Band: Cheri Blazek, Robert Blazek; Sonja Boekenhauer, Penny Mensik and Sue Schmidt with Robert Blazek, saxophones; Mark Frystak, guitar; Linda Gilmore, keyboard; Patrick Infusino, bass and Cary Plettau, drums. Bethlehem Marketplace will take place between the services. Families will have a chance to experience a night in the village of Bethlehem. Hear festive music, wander through the bakery and candy shop, create fun projects in the marketplace shops and meet shepherds who can't wait to share a remarkable story. The high school youth group meets with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays. The group will be having a Christmas Party and Lock-In. Everyone is asked to bring some kind of food to pass. There will be games, Christmas movies and possibly even cookie making. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sunday, Dec. 20, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will look at the theme, "God Empowered Vision," based on II Kings 6, 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. In addition, Christmas Eve family worship will be at 4 p.m. Dec. 24, as well as a candlelight service at 10:30 p.m. Christmas Day worship will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 25. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

St. James Episcopal: On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 20, the Rev. Don Frye will be preaching at the 8 and 10 a.m. services at St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St., West Dundee. His sermon will be "The One Peace." Join the caroling and chili party at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. On Sunday, Dec. 20, celebrate "Blue Christmas" at 4 p.m. For many people, the Christmas season is not always a joyful celebration. Throughout the year, there may have been illness or the loss of a loved one or the loss of a job. This service is one of quiet contemplation and new insight into being thankful despite troubles. All are welcome. St. James will again be collecting coats, hats, and mittens for the needy in our community. Bring donations during church office hours from 7 to 11 a.m. Monday to Friday. The pastor will be in the office on Dec. 19, 24-25. To schedule an appointment, call Liz Jackson, parish administrator, at (847) 426-5612. For details, call (847) 426-5612 or visit stjamesdundee.org.

Immanuel UCC: On Sunday, Dec. 20, the church school at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 415 W. North Ave. in Bartlett, will offer their Christmas Program during worship at the 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Continuing its Season of Advent, a time of expectation and hope, candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, based on Luke 2:13-20, will be lit. Hymns will include "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" and "The First Noel." Oboe player Luke Tyrrel will provide the prelude and offertory. The Advent Wreath of Light will culminate with the lighting of the Christ Candle during Christmas Eve worship at 7 and 11 p.m. where "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night," and "Joy to the World" will be sung during worship, with meditations on Mary, Joseph, and Jesus given by the Rev. Susan Tyrrel, guest minister. For details, call (630) 289-1320 or visit bartlettiucc.org.