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 co-sponsoring an adult education series on hot-button topics with other Jewish organizations in McHenry County.

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, "The Presidential Race: A Jewish Perspective" will be the topic addressed by visiting lecturer Rabbi Joseph S. Ozarowski. His talk will be held at the Sun City Prairie Lodge on Del Webb Boulevard in Huntley. 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 co-sponsored by MCJC, Congregation Tikkun Olam and the Shalom Group of Sun City. It is free and open to the public. Call MCJC at (815) 455-1810 for details.

MCJC is hosting an adult education series, led by MCJC congregants, exploring Jewish ethical teachings as they relate to you today. Physician Jonathan Kaufman will explore Jewish medical ethics on March 6. The sessions will be held at 7 p.m. at MCJC. The series is free and open to non-members. For details, call MCJC at (815) 455-1810.

The synagogue 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. To RSVP, call the MCJC office at (815) 455-1810.

The synagogue will host a Jewish Artist Showcase the weekend of April 5-6, and is inviting area artists to participate in the art show and sale. The art could include watercolor, pottery, weaving, jewelry, acrylics and others. For details, call Elaine Kadakia via the MCJC office at (815) 455-1810.

The religious school offers two-day a week on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Instruction is offered to students in second to eighth grade, and 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.

Each Tuesday at noon, Rabbi Maralee Gordon holds a "Lunch and Learn Torah Study."

The synagogue operates a gift shop offering a wide array of Jewish themed gift and holiday supplies that is open during religious school hours.

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 located on Ridgefield Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake, accessible from Route 14. For information, call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.

Tikkun Olam: Congregation Tikkun Olam will hold a Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. Non-members and interfaith families are welcome.

On Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Joseph S. Ozarowski, Rabbinic Chaplain to the Jewish Healing Network of Chicago, will present a program on "The Presidential Race: A Jewish Perspective." His discussion will tie a number of current political issues to the Jewish biblical teachings on the subjects. This program is part of a continuing Adult Education Series sponsored jointly by Congregation Tikkun Olam, the McHenry County Jewish Congregation, and The Shalom Group of Sun City, and will be held at the Sun City Prairie Lodge Game Room, 12880 Del Webb Boulevard in Huntley. The event is free of charge, but RSVPs are requested to (815) 334-7110.

Congregation Tikkun Olam, a Reform congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, welcomes interfaith families and those who may wish to return to their Jewish roots.

For details on the congregation, its religious school or adult programs, visit the Web site at www.tikkun-olam.org or call (815) 334-7110.

New Life Baptist: This Sunday, the Rev. Mark Wood continues his sermon series on "Key Principles of Stewardship" 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. 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.

A women's Bible study takes place at 1 p.m. each Wednesday. The church men play basketball at the church at 6 p.m. each Thursday.

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 teens will participate in World Vision's 30-Hour Famine Feb. 22-23 to raise money for world hunger.

A Ladies' Night Out is planned for Feb. 25 with the theme "Commence to Conquer Clutter." As their mission project, the women will assemble the annual college student care packages. A list of items needed for the care packages is available on the church Web site.

Church women are encouraged to register for Moody's Spring Women's Conference held April 26 at the Moody Church in Chicago. The theme of this year's conference is "Living Hope."

For details, call (847) 458-9726 or visit www.newlifebaptist-il.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Lloyd Kamps 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 Whitechapel Bells will play in the second. 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. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Born Again -- of the Spirit," based on John 3:1-17, 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 the Lenten service at 7 p.m. The Lenten theme this year is "Tears Tell the Story" and the message, taken from John 16:16-24, will be "Impossible Tears: Jesus' Promise."

The Mission Resale Shop, located on Washington Street, is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gifts and good quality used clothing, and small household items can be purchased at reasonable prices. Donations are gratefully appreciated, and proceeds benefit mission work locally and afar. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

St. John's Lutheran School offers a day school program for first to eighth grade; all-day kindergarten and morning and afternoon preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Church membership is not required. To register or schedule a school tour, call Principal John Kirchhoff at (847) 658-9311.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Sue Ellen Grudt 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.

At Citizens Bank, the Prairie Prayer Team will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday. Shepherd Voices will meet at 7 p.m. Monday. The "Red Tent" book study will continue from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.

On Wednesdays, 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 the Cosman Center. The pastor will hold his morning study group Wednesday. The early group will meet at 6 a.m. at the Village Inn in Huntley and the 10 a.m. group will meet at Citizens Bank.

Prairie Ringers Chime Choir will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Cosman Center.

All Shepherd of the Prairie women are invited to attend the W4 meetings on Thursday. The 1 p.m. group will meet at Jeanne Henley's home and the 7 p.m. group will meet at Carol Lilla's home.

"Homeless Helpers" will be serving dinner Feb. 24 for PADS shelter at Bethany Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake. Sign up at the Welcome Table. The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

Faith Community: On Sunday, the Rev. Michael Fish will lead worship with "Our Temptation," based on Matthew 4:17 and Romans 6:1-14, at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Worship services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through second grade.

The Silver Saints will meet for lunch and fellowship at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Village Squire in Crystal Lake.

Awana will be Mondays with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by Kids Club from 6 to 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, TOPS meets at 11:30 a.m. The "Friends" Bible study meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Century 21 office on Route 31 in Algonquin. Adult Bible studies are offered Wednesdays. At 9 a.m., study the text for the upcoming Sunday. At 7:30 p.m., they will study the book of Mark.

On Wednesday, they will offer an evening with a family dinner at 6 p.m. featuring "Creative Casseroles." Worship will begin at 7 p.m. with the topic being "God in Action: The Basics" which will continue each Wednesday evening of Lent. Nursery will be open as well as children's church for children age 4 through second grade.

The church will host a Valentine's dinner/dance today at D'Andrea Banquet Hall in Crystal Lake. The cost is $35 per person which includes dinner and dancing from 6 to 11 p.m. Call the church office for tickets. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, begins the sermon and adult education series titled "Spirit In Practice" at the 10:45 a.m. service.

In "Unitarian Universalist Spiritual Practice," the Rev. Dan Larsen begins a series of eight Sunday morning messages and Monday evening classes on Unitarian Universalist spiritual practices. The topic this week is prayer and listening.

The Adult Choir, led by Musical Director Tom Steffens, will perform.

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, the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will speak at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. The church continues its Sunday Lenten schedule with a half-hour Holy Communion service at 7:30 a.m. in the chapel.

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 meet at 6:30 p.m. in the youth room. On Monday, the FCC Book Group will meet in the library at both 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. for discussion of "90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life," by Don Piper. Participants are welcome at either meeting.

On Tuesday, the Prayer Shawl group will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the church library.

On Tuesday, the Great Decisions Discussion Program begins at 7 p.m. in the youth room. There is a fee for course materials.

On Wednesday, the Lenten Soup Suppers begin, with the Social Ministry serving soups, chili, bread, and all the fixings at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The supper will be followed by a devotional time, Lenten Encounter, at 7:15 p.m. in the chapel where participants will engage at least one of the seven last words of Jesus from the cross. Led by the pastoral staff, these sessions will involve exercises that are both imaginative and devotional as we seek to understand their implications for our lives today.

On Thursday, the Young at Heart group will meet at noon at the Crystal Lake Country Club. The program after the luncheon will feature Holly Nagel from Twist 'n Shout. At 7 p.m., an "Evening with New Members and Shepherds" will be held in the fellowship hall. At 7:30 p.m., Common Ground will meet in the chapel. The evening's topic is "Turkey, 2008" by Jim Kenney.

On Friday, the Women's Winter Retreat begins at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Participants are welcome to stay overnight, or return Saturday at 8 a.m. to continue. The retreat will end at 4 p.m.

On Friday, the Junior Fellowship middle school youth group will begin their retreat at Timberlee. The group will return Feb. 24. Details are available on their page of the Web site. On Feb. 23, the Men's Fellowship Group will host their monthly breakfast at 8 a.m. in the fellowship hall. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, Worship services are held at 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:45, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The Rev. Kendall Koenig is senior pastor and the Rev. Sharon Rogers is associate pastor.

Lenten Worship is at 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Join them for dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m. before worship. This year, each Wednesday evening will begin in song, watch a clip from "The Andy Griffith Show" have some discussion of their timeless lessons, and close in song. Join them as they take a trip back to visit Mayberry and check out how Andy, Barney, Opie and Aunt Bea solve issues that you still face today.

Registration is still available to attend Kingdom Weekend Retreat Feb. 22-24. Sign-up is in the Welcome Center at the Church. First Communion instruction begins at 5 p.m. Feb. 27. The second class takes place at 5 p.m. March 5, and the final session is at 9 a.m. March 8. Vacation Bible school volunteer information night will be held at 7 p.m. March 6. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, the Rev. Harold J. Hoekstra will share the message 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 at all services. On Sunday, a blood drive will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

"Building Bridges, Tearing Down Walls," the first of a two-part mini-series begins Sunday at 10:30 a.m. This four- week adult class is centered around the challenges of living in a diverse society. The class will be led by intern Michelle Magee.

The fourth-grade Milestone, "The Apostles Creed," will be celebrated during worship at 9 a.m.

The first of two First Communion Preparation opportunities is scheduled from 12:30 to 4 p.m. The other opportunity is from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Feb. 24. First Communion will be celebrated during 9 a.m. worship March 2. The senior high youth will host a spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m. This annual event helps raise money for youth mission trips and retreats.

Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m. Child care is available at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. Crystal Pines worship, provided by Bethany members, will be at 10:45 a.m.

Midweek Lenten Suppers and Drama continue Wednesdays, 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.

The Prayer Chain Recognition, in celebration of the 14th anniversary, will be at 9 a.m. Feb. 24. For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.

Preschool registration for fall 2008 begins this month. Programs are available for 2- to 5-year-olds. For details, call Marcia Baker, preschool director, at (815) 477-7463.

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" is based on Aman Motwane's book.

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. The Rev. Anne Muelleman's topic on Sunday is "A Deep Desire to Understand: I See You Completely -- Your Pain and Your Potential" with music 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 "I Love You." The children's program is prepared to handle toddlers, with parental support. For details, call (815) 444-0942 or www.mccrs.org.

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. His sermon will be based on the 15th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. This is the second Sunday in Lent.

The Bible Study group will meet from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. They are studying the book of John, 7th chapter. The 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 Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on Scripture on John 3:1-7 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Jesus is the free, exalted, sovereign Son of God. He does not offer himself to you for your limited proofs and validations. Rather he comes to you, offers himself to you, talks with you, and beckons you to follow him into unknown territory. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel provides a full range of religious and community programs. A youth program is available for sixth grade to high school. In addition, interest groups meet regularly for men, women, seniors, and others.

This week's Torah portion is "Tetzaveh." 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. 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, led by Cantor Sarah Alexander, at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays and followed by a community kiddush luncheon. This week's Torah portion is "T'tzave," where Aaron is ordained as High Priest. On March 7, they will be part of "Shabbat Across America." Join them for participatory services, followed by a communal Shabbat dinner. RSVPs are requested. For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

First Congregational: On the Second Sunday in Lent, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim senior pastor, presents the theme, "The Perversity of Labels," based on Luke 10:25-37, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m.

Children are invited to go to the Sunday 10:15 a.m. service with their parents. After the KidsOwn Worship message, children age 3 through sixth grade may attend KidsOwn Worship. The theme will be "Jesus Explains Eternal Life to Nicodemus" based on the Bible story in John 3:1-17: God gives us eternal life.

History Day will take place at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Church members will be asked to reflect on the history of the church. This is not so much textbook history as it is a history of events combined with your human reactions to those events. Lunch will be made available to all participants through a free will offering. Childcare will be provided.

The Dundee and Elgin Area Lenten Organ Recital Series will take place from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m. Thursday with Michael Surratt. A short reception will follow. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.