Your faith
Adult education
First Presbyterian Church offers new First Forum (adult education) classes: "Just Do It: Spiritual Practices for Over-Programmed Adults," "The Historical Jesus and the Christ of Faith" and "What Catholics Believe" on Sunday mornings; and "Music in the West: The Rise of the Modern World, 1600-1750," "Questions of Value" and "Tools for Mission and Ministry" on Wednesday evenings. For more information, visit www.fpcah.org.
Sunday Morning Adult Education Class at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, is studying Phillip Yancey's book "The Bible Jesus Read" at 8:30 a.m. Sundays mornings, through this Sunday. The study includes seven selected books from the Bible including Job, Deuteronomy, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Prophets. Classes are led by Pastor Rex Piercy and lay leader Mark Silet. Newcomers and nonmembers of the church are welcome. For information, check www.CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650.
The Adult Bible Fellowships at First Baptist Church of Arlington Heights are offering two practical studies this fall. One of the series titled "Equipped for Life" derives from the New Testament book of Colossians. Another study option is a closer look at the New Testament book of Hebrews. These studies meet at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning at the church, located at 1211 W. Campbell St., a few blocks west of downtown Arlington Heights. For information contact the church at fbc.ah@juno.com or at (847) 392-1712. You may also visit the Web site at www.fbcah.org. First Baptist Church is located just blocks from downtown Arlington Heights at 1211 W. Campbell St.
Men's and Ladies' Studies meet from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays at First Baptist Church of Arlington Heights. Pastor Bryan Augsburger is leading the men's study from the New Testament book of II Corinthians. The women will study the New Testament Gospel of John. The groups meet at the church, located at 1211 W. Campbell St., a few blocks west of downtown Arlington Heights. For more information contact the church at fbc.ah@juno.com or at (847) 392-1712. You may also visit the Web site at www.fbcah.org.
Pastor Andrada holds a Bible study every Wednesday from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. on Our Godly Heritage at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 w. Olive St., Arlington Heights. For more information, call the church office at (847) 259-4114.
Adult Bible Fellowships are held each week according to the following schedule in the Douglas Room of the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church, 1330 N. Douglas Ave. All are invited. Refreshments follow each presentation.
"Lessons from the King's Den" based on the book of Daniel will be the subject of Pastor Bob Warren's teaching at 1 p.m. Thursday afternoons through Nov. 15.
On Nov. 29, John Collins will lead in singing Christmas carols and Pastor Art Freeburg will lead in the study of God's Word at 1 p.m.
The public is welcome each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Douglas Room as teacher Gary Griffin continues the study of the Gospel of John.
The Passages Adult Bible Class is beginning a new study using James W. Moore's book, "Rich in the Things That Count the Most." Through Scripture and stories of faith, the author invites us to explore the real riches in life. Classes are held at 9:30 am every Sunday at the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, 333 W. Thomas St. in Arlington Heights. All are welcome.
Children, teens
Gan Israel Camps of Chicago is opening a new winter camp program in Northbrook. The program will run Dec. 24-28, and will include daily trips and activities. The Northbrook winter program is open to girls ages 5-11 and boys ages 5-8. Transportation and extended care options available. Camp will be held at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook 755 Huehl Road (corner Dundee Road), Northbrook.
For more information, call the camp office at (773) 262-2770, ext. 105, or visit www.ganisraelchicago.com/winter. Register by Nov. 20 to receive 5 percent off.
Notre Dame High School, 7655 W. Dempster St., Niles, will have an open house for prospective students from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11. For details, call (847) 779-8616.
St. Viator High School, 1213 E. Oakton St., Arlington Heights, will have an open house for prospective students from 1-3 p.m. Sunday; 7-9 p.m. Nov. 28; and 7-9 p.m. April 9. For details, call (847) 392-4050, ext. 256.
Fundraisers
The 13th Jubilation at James, "Nightfall at Lotus Pagoda," at St. James Parish will be held today in the Parish Center at St. James in Arlington Heights. The annual fundraiser will feature a live and silent auction, dinner, raffles and a special guest from the Chicago Cubs. Proceeds will benefit the new school and formation center building project at St. James. Tickets are $115 each. For more information, call (847) 253-5519.
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, will hold the "Fair Trade Holiday Market" from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Gifts to buy will include beaded articles made by Mayan villagers in Guatemala, a variety of gift ware from Ten Thousand Villages, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and Divine chocolate candy. Also available to buy are hand-cut Christmas cards from China. You can also choose shares of animals through Heifer International or scholarships for Mayan girls to attend school via Maya works. There will be a bake sale sponsored by the ELCA with proceeds going toward International Disaster Response.
The "Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice" Gingerbread House Bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The Women of Faith will be selling cookies by the pound, candies and other treats as well as candles, jewelry, ornaments, crafts and more to benefit ministries. Stop by to shop or to enjoy a snack of cookies and coffee at the "Cookie Cafe." This is a great opportunity to buy Thanksgiving and Christmas treats. Call (847) 253-4839 for more information.
The Living Christ Lutheran Church, 625 E. Dundee Road, Arlington Heights, will hold its annual fall rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 17. For more information, call the church office at (847)577-7133. A bag sale will start at 1 p.m.
Lectures, seminars
Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will hold "Analyzing Late 19th and Early 20th Century Photographs for Family History Data" by genealogist and historian Craig L. Pfannkuche from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster Street, Skokie.
The meeting facilities at Temple Beth Israel will open at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate members/guests who want to use library materials, get help regarding genealogical Web sites, or ask questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. Visit www.jewishgen.org/jgsi or call (312) 666-0100.
Congregation Beth Judea will welcome United Synagogue's 20th Annual Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Daniel C. Goldfarb at 7:45 p.m. Nov. 14. His talk will be "The Internet and Its Dangers in Jewish Law."
Rabbi Goldfarb is the director of the Conservative Yeshiva at the Fuchsberg Center for Conservative Ju-daism in Jerusalem. For 25 years, he worked as an attorney for Israel's Ministries of Justice and Finance and in private practice in Jerusalem before joining the Yeshiva in 2000.
Admission is free and the whole community is invited to attend. Congregation Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For more information, call the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777.
The Rohr Jewish Learning Institute -- the world's leading provider of adult Jewish education programs -- will be offering its upcoming course, Israel: The Land and the Spirit, free, to those under the age of 30.
Israel: The Land and the Spirit will be offered locally at nine locations in the city and suburbs, including, Glenview, Highland Park, Northbrook, Skokie and Wilmette.
The free offer does not include student textbook fee of $20. Visit www.myJLI.com for up-to-date information about The Land and The Spirit.
St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, will start a congregation-wide spiritual growth campaign titled "The Spirituality of the Cross" running through Nov. 25; including guest speaker Dr. Joel Biermann, a professor at Concordia Seminary and an expert on the topic of "Vocation" Nov. 17-18. Also the author of "The Spirituality of the Cross," Dr. Gene Edward Veith, will be on hand for a very special "Night with the Author" Nov. 25.
Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 1122 W. Rand Road in Arlington Heights, will host reporter David Dolan at 7 p.m. Nov. 10. Dolan is a well-known Middle East correspondent who has lived in Israel for 26 years. He writes for various news organizations and is a regular (weekly) reporter on the Moody Radio Network (WMBI fm 90.1). He gives amazing insight into the conditions in the Middle East both from a secular/political standpoint and from a biblical/prophetic viewpoint. The public is welcome. A freewill offering will be taken. Questions? Call 847-394-0362
Men's fellowship
New this year, a men's breakfast, Bible study and fellowship time is offered once a month from 8-8:59 a.m. on Saturday mornings by First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights.
Lesson materials will be available at the church office two weeks before the meeting. The gatherings continue Nov. 10 and Dec. 8. The church is at 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.
Call the church office for additional information, (847) 255-5112, or visit the Web site at www.ahfumc.org No fee to attend.
Miscellaneous
Temple Chai members will create a loving legacy for future generations by participating in The Torah Mitzvah, a year-long celebration of Torah creation and study.
Each member will be invited to write a letter in the torah, guided by Neil Yerman, a renowned scribe, who has worked with congregations across the country. Yerman will privately guide participants as they dip a quill in ink and create a letter in the Torah.
The project began in August and will continue in November when Sofer Yerman returns for a second visit with the congregation. Each one-hour writing session consists of 25 people and begins with teaching, guided meditation and spiritual preparation. The schedule is as follows: noon to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 11; 3:30 to 7 p.m. Nov. 12; 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 13; and 3:30 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 14.
Sofer Yerman will visit again in mid-February to conduct additional writing sessions and the Torah Mitzvah celebration will conclude May 9 when the last panel is sewn to the Torah scroll during a final gala celebration.
Temple Chai, a Reform Jewish congregation, is home to more than 900 Northwest suburban families and is led by Rabbi Stephen Hart, Rabbi Matthew Berger, Cantor Scott Simon and Executive Director, Larry Glickman.
Congregation Beth Judea has designated Sunday as Mitzvah Day, a day for its congregants to "make a difference" in the Chicago area. Chaired by Ronna Leibach, hundreds of people volunteer in a variety of programs geared to help the community in acts of kindness.
Projects will benefit the following agencies: JUF/TOV Uptown Cafe, Jewish Child and Family Services, Brentwood Nursing Center, The Ronald McDonald House, WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger), The Night Ministry, Council for Jewish Elderly, Jewish Family Services of New Orleans, The Fairy Godmother Project, The Brave, The ARK, The Haven, PADS, the Vernon Township Food Pantry, the Wheeling Food Pantry, Project Linus, Shalva, Inspiration Cafe, The Humor Cart, the Jewish Community of Yerkaterinburg and United Cerebral Palsy.
The collection drives kick off this year's campaign. They include: multivitamins for our sister city of Yerkaterinburg, Russia; paper goods, household cleaning supplies and first aid supplies for the ARK, WINGS and THE HAVEN shelters for women and children; small toiletries and white socks for PADS; nail polish and manicure items, playing cards, decorative soaps, hand lotions, greeting cards and stamps for the Council for Jewish Elderly; nonperishable kosher food; used cell phones for Shalva; coupons for food and household items; batteries, breath mints, Hanukkah decorations, DVDs, magazines, and books for Jewish soldiers; used computers; new or very gently used winter coats, hats and mittens; and much more.
Another special collection will be for Jewish Family Service of New Orleans, where there is still much to do. Beth Judea will collect gift cards from Wal-Mart and Target for social workers to dispense as needed.
Congregation Beth Judea is located on Route 83 at Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For information about donating items, contact the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777.
The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea will hold its annual blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 25 in the Social Hall of the synagogue, located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. The blood drive is being held at this time due to the severe shortage of blood during the Thanksgiving holiday.
A photo ID is required when you fill out paperwork. Bring a state ID or driver's license and make sure to eat before you arrive. Refreshments will be provided by Shalom Kosher Bakery and Life Source.
Call the Beth Judea office at (847) 634-0777 to make an appointment.
Shir Hadash Reconstructionist Synagogue of Northbrook will be holding its second annual Day to Repair the World (Yom Tikkun Olam) Sunday. Nearly 200 Shir Hadash members will engage in the Jewish tradition of gemilut hassidim (social action) to improve the lives of others, the environment and the greater community.
Religious school students and their families, along with other Shir Hadash members, will participate in a variety of activities such as leading crafts and bingo at a senior residence, cleaning up trash at a local nature center, and making and serving meals at an area soup kitchen.
Yom Tikkun Olam day is put on each year by Shir Hadash's very popular one-day-a-week religious school.
Faith & Fiction, a book club for the religious and irreligious alike is held at the First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1803 E. Euclid Ave. Upcoming titles are "The Gospel According to the Son" by Norman Mailer Nov. 18 and "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen Jan. 20. There is no fee to attend.
For more information, call the church office at (847) 255-5112 or visit www.ahfumc.org.
The Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church will hold a breakfast at 8 a.m. today at the Old Country Buffet at the Town & Country Mall, Rand and Arlington Heights roads. Marian Alvarado will tell about God's grace in the lives of homeless individuals and families who participate in the biweekly luncheons and Bible study at the church. You'll be inspired as Marian tells their stories. Cost for the breakfast is $6. If you are interested in going, call Stan and Ginny Hedrick at (847) 398-0394.
First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., offers a Holy Wanderers program.
On Nov. 8 they will take a Frank Lloyd Wright Tour in Oak Park. Depart from church parking lot by van at 9 a.m., return about 3:30 p.m.. Transportation costs $15, Guided Tour Admission: $20 for adults, $16 for seniors. Lunch on your own tab.
On Dec. 4 they will visit Art and Faith of the Creche, Loyola University Museum of Art. Included is breakfast, exhibit and Christmas shopping on the Magnificent Mile. Depart from church parking lot by van at 8:30 a.m., return about 4:45 p.m. Van transportation: $15. Free admission on Tuesdays at the museum. Breakfast (on your own tab) at The Oak Tree Restaurant, 900 N. Michigan Ave., Bloomingdale Building (sixth level), overlooking the Magnificent Mile. Shopping as you choose.
Call the church office for additional information, (847) 255-5112, or view the Web site www.ahfumc.org
Performances
The Spirit of Life Chorus announces the following concerts as part of its Fall Concert Series:
• Sunday, 4 p.m., Christ Church, 1492 Henry, Des Plaines, (847) 297-4230.
• Nov. 11, 4 p.m., St. Mary Catholic Church, 1037 Dundee Road, Huntley, (847) 669-3137.
• Nov. 18, 4 p.m., Christ The King Catholic Church, 1501 S. Main St., Lombard, (630) 629-1717.
• Nov. 25, 4:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Master, 580 Kuhn Road, Carol Stream, (630) 665-3384.
• Dec. 2, 4:30 p.m., St. Walter Catholic Church, 201 W. Maple Ave., Roselle, (630) 894-2461.
For more information, visit www.spiritoflifechorus.org.
Beth Tikvah Congregation, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is pleased to present nationally known Broadway performer and comedian Steve Solomon in "The Man, The Music, and the Mishuginah" at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17. The performance will be held at the Prairie Center for the Performing Arts in Schaumburg. Tickets are $18 due to the generous underwriting of the Damlich/Splansky Memorial Fund of the Beth Tikvah Sisterhood. For tickets or more information, call (847) 885-4545.
The Rejoice Singers, a Christian outreach group from the northwest suburbs, will present a concert at 3 p.m. Nov. 18 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St. in Arlington Heights. A freewill offering will be received and a reception will follow. For more information, call (847) 259-4114.
An organ concert will be given at 4 p.m. Nov. 11 at First Presbyterian Church, 302 N. Dunton Ave. in Arlington Heights. Stephen Tharp, who has received critical acclaim around the world, will perform.
Enjoy noontime organ concerts played on First Presbyterian Church's 45-rank Schantz organ. They will be performed on Wednesdays from 12:10 to 12:45 p.m. this Wednesday, Nov. 14, 21, 28 and Dec. 5.
For more information, visit www.fpcah.org.
Seniors
The next program for LAFF (Life After 55), the senior group of Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates, will be at Beth Tikvah at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10. New Beginnings, a performing company of singers and instrumentalists who have a wide variety of musical styles, will entertain. The free show is approximately an hour. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call Lois Braverman at (847) 301-1449.
ROMEO Breakfast (Retired Old Men Eating Out), hosted by senior men of the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church, will resume at 9 .m. Nov. 12 at the Buffalo Restaurant 1180 W. Lake Cook-Road. For details, call Ross Martin at (847) 223-2405.
Special services
A Bible lesson on "… the Lord is good: his mercy is everlasting" from Psalms can be heard at 7:02 a.m. on WCKG-FM radio followed at 7:30 a.m. by Sentinel radio guests on "Living Risk Free." This will also be the Bible lesson at the 10 a.m. service Sunday at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 40l S. Evergreen, Arlington Heights.
St. James Catholic Church, 800 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, will hold a special Veteran's Day Mass in Honor and Remembrance at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 10. Local veterans and their families are invited to participate. Both those who have served and those currently serving our country in the armed forces will be honored. Veterans will serve as ministers at this special morning liturgy. A special presentation will be made to the family of a local serviceman who died in Iraq. For more information, call Robert McDermott at (847) 253-3523 or Charles Simpson at (847) 392-1488.
Our Lady Leads to Peace, A Veterans' Day of Healing, a conference for all veterans and active duty service men and women, will be held from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 11 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 15 N. Hickory Ave. Arlington Heights. Pizza will be served at 4 p.m.
Fr. Charles Becker to present with guest speaker Andy Zovko from Medjugorje to share gift of healing. Confessions will be available.
R.S.V.P. to Ed Smetana at (847) 253-9419 or e-mail tipuped@aol.com.
Dana Olson of the Baptist General Conference will speak on the topic, "Delivering His Message," at both the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 W. Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. One adult class, a parenting class, and the student ministries class (grades 7-12) meet at 9 a.m. Another adult class and the Adventure Class (4-year-olds through sixth grade) meet at 10:30 a.m. The Meadows Awana Club meets each Thursday at 7 p.m. For more information, call (847) 255-8764.
Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, will explore the meaning of stewardship during the All Saints' worship service with Communion at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
A Time of Remembrance for all who have died in the past year will also be part of the service. The day marks the end of the year of celebration for the United Church of Christ's 50th anniversary.
The stewardship exploration will continue during a Pizza and Pie-in-the-sky luncheon immediately following. Church school for children will be held during the worship service. Youth return from a weekend retreat at noon. Visitors are always welcome. For more information, visit www.congucc.org or call (847) 392-6650.
Women's programs
The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea will hold its Annual Membership Dinner in the synagogue's Social Hall Wednesday. Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails are at 7 p.m., dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. After dinner, the women will be putting their hands together to create items for those in need. They will create easy-to-do blankets for Project Linus and other organizations. Contact the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 for further information. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 at Hilltop Road, Long Grove.
A new Mothers of Preschoolers group is starting this fall at Arlington Countryside Church in Arlington Heights. MOPS meetings provide a friendly and fun place for mothers to relax, encourage and learn from one another about how to handle this rewarding, but sometimes tough time in their lives.
During a typical MOPS meeting moms enjoy food, adult conversation, interesting speakers and creative activities. While moms are meeting, their children are divided into age-appropriate groups and enjoy stories, games, crafts, singing and other activities.
MOPS is for any woman who is either expecting her first child or has at least one child in kindergarten or younger.
Arlington Countryside Church MOPS meets every first and third Thursday. September through May from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Arlington Countryside Church is at 916 E. Hintz Road Arlington Heights.
For information, call (847) 255-2140, e-mail mops@acchurch.org or visit the Web site at www.acchurch.org/mops.
Women's Bible Study, led by laypersons, is held every Wednesday morning, 9:30 to 11 am at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. The group is currently focusing their discussion on the book of Proverbs. Newcomers are welcome. For more information, visit www.congucc.org or call (847) 392-6650.
Looking for an in-depth Bible study with other moms while the kids are in school? Join in on Friday mornings in the Board Room from 8:15 until 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 w. Olive St., Arlington Heights. For information, call the church office at (847) 259-4114.
To submit items, e-mail faith@dailyherald.com, or send fax to (847) 427-1301.