Your faith

Adult education

Beth Tikvah's Sunday Morning Adult Education Series continues on Sunday, from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. The topic is "Medieval Jewish History: How Did Judaism Become What It Is Today?" The sessions led by Rabbi Max Weiss, will continue on Nov. 18, Dec. 2, 9, and 16. For more information, call (847) 885-4545 or visit www.beth-tikvah.org.

St. Hubert Ministry Center, 729 Grand Canyon, Hoffman Estates, offers a nondenominational job and networking ministry that is free and open to all occupations. The ministry offers the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of careering and get in-depth knowledge of career topics from seminars and meetings as well as learn the process of networking. Meetings are held throughout the month at various locations. For a calendar of meetings, call Bob Podgorski at (847) 925-6005.

Jeff Cavins, renowned Catholic author and biblical scholar is coming to Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. Join in from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today, as Cavins talks about the tools for a lifetime of enriching Bible study and devotional reading.

Cavins created the initial concept for The Great Adventure when he discovered that losing the story is a result of losing the narrative thread of the Bible. The Great Adventure focuses on teaching people to learn the narrative books of the Bible, to get the "big picture," before they begin a deeper study of Scripture. To learn more about The Great Adventure study seminars, visit www.greatadventureonline.com .

Call the Holy Family Catholic Community church office to register at (847) 359-0042. Tickets are $45 and includes seminar materials and lunch.

Children, teens

Grace Lutheran Church, 780 S. Bartlett Road, Streamwood, is offering a Parent's Day Out program from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 17. The purpose of the program is to provide kids with a fun afternoon of cooking, drama, science and more while learning the meaning of Christmas in a safe environment while parents do their holiday shopping. The One Day Rate is $6 per child and includes the cost of dinner. Registration is required. Visit graceistheplace.net and click on the Sunday Kid's Club Link for the registration form or call (630) 289-3996, ext. 228.

Christ The King, Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine, will offer "Me and You" -- a parent/child program at the Christ The King Preschool. The "Me and You" class is for 2-year-olds, and 3-year-olds not yet in preschool. The children will have time to interact with their parent or caregiver and classmates as they hear Bible stories, participate in music and movement, enjoy an appropriate art experience and play. A parent or caregiver needs to be present for the class. Class will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays beginning this week. There is a $50 fee for each five-week session. For more information or to register, call (847) 358-0230.

Family

Resurrection Catholic Community, Route 59 and Army Trail Road, Wayne, presents "Generations of Faith", an innovative faith formation opportunity for everyone to participate together in an event-centered experience.

"Generations of Faith … Preparing for the Christmas Season" will be held from 6:15 to 8:50 p.m. Friday and from 2:15 to 4:50 p.m. Nov. 11. The identical programs will focus on multicultural traditions of the Christmas celebration.

There will be special sessions for teens and parents relating to the issue of bullying which will focus on the physical, emotional and internet indignities. An informative take-home packet of materials pertinent to each workshop will be available to all who attend.

Refreshments, fellowship, learning and praying together, marks "Generations of Faith" a valuable way to get ready for Christmas. For information, call Barbara Miller (630) 289-5400, ext. 208.

A "Best of the Bears" Tailgate Party and Potluck will be held at 11:30 a.m. Sunday after Barrington United Methodist Church's 10:30 a.m. worship service. Wear your Bears finery to enjoy brats, hot dogs and popcorn, watch tapes of Bears games and peruse Bears memorabilia. There will be a $5 charge per family.

All are welcome. Barrington United Methodist Church is located at 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) in Barrington. For more information, call (847) 836-5540.

Fundraisers

St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 250 N. Gary Ave, Carol Stream, will have a Christmas Faire and Live Auction at 11 a.m. Dec. 2. Enjoy brunch, Santa, cookies by the dozen, hostess items and a live auction of baskets appropriate to give as gifts. Brunch tickets are $6 and free for children 5 and under, and are to be reserved by calling (630) 510-0145 by Nov. 28.

Our Saviour's United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, will hold its 45th annual Holiday Craft Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Cookies by the pound (get there early), additional baked goods, everyday and holiday decorative items and arrangements, children's toys and novelties, Granny's Attic for new-to-you treasures, "Trim the Tree" room and assorted recycled greeting cards are available. Lunch may be purchased and there is a package check room for shopping convenience. No admission fee. For more information, call (847) 352-8181.

The women of the Presbyterian Church of Barrington will hold their annual Christmas Benefit and Luncheon at 10 a.m. Nov. 29 to raise money for various mission projects. "Comfort and Joy" will include holiday music presented by the Barrington High Madrigal Singers under the direction of Nancie Tobison. A silent auction, drawing, bake sale and luncheon will follow the choral program. The church is at 6 Brinker Road, Barrington. For more information, call (847) 381-0975.

Lectures, seminars

Special guest speaker Brian Stiltner, Ph.D. will present "Faith and Force, A Christian Debate About War" at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Holy Family Parish, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness.

How does Catholic tradition reconcile its support for the principles of "just war," with Jesus' promise, "blessed are the peacemakers?"

Professor Stiltner will be drawing on his new book, "Faith and Force: A Christian Debate About War," co-authored with a colleague from England. Brian Stiltner is associate professor and chair of the department of philosophy and religious studies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn.

All are welcome. For more information, call the parish office at (847) 359-0042 or (847) 907-3441.

The public is invited to a presentation on practical ways to live a life of conservation -- for individuals, households and organizations, to be given from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 10 at Countryside Church in Palatine.

This will appeal especially to those who are concerned about and are interested in our environment, and want information on energy audits/alternatives for their homes, offices and buildings. Specific and practical ways to reduce environmental impact will be presented and there will be a question-and-answer period. A suggested donation of $10 will be collected, with those younger than 18 admitted at no charge.

Gina Blus, a sustainability consultant in the San Francisco area, will be the presenter. A graduate of Dartmouth and Duke Law School, Blus worked as an in-house consultant for Sun Microsystems' business units before becoming an environmental action adviser to businesses and governmental entities.

Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine. Directions may be found at www.ccuu.org or by calling (847) 359-8440.

Holy Family Catholic Community will offer the Loyola University New Orleans dynamic Specialized Certificate in Catechetical Leadership program from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Nov. 10.

The program provides adult participants with a unique opportunity to learn about the ministry of catechesis and to develop essential and emerging catechetical skills, strategies and methods.

This certificate program leads toward continuing education credit hours of specialized or-upper-level ministry studies. Successful completion of 12 continuing education credit hours in this program results in the student's reception of the profession ministry credential called the Specialized Certificate in Catechetical Leadership from the Loyola Pastoral Life Center of Loyola University New Orleans.

Six two-day sessions are held over a two-year period. The first course is Foundations of Catechetical Ministry offered Nov. 9-10 at Holy Family Catholic Community, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. To register or for more information, call (847) 359-0042 or visit www.holyfamilyparish.org.

Reclaim the joy of the gift that is Christ today at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) in Barrington. From 9 a.m. to noon, children will enjoy programs just for them while adults attend a special "Unplug the Christmas Machine" workshop. Children from preschool through third grade will have a fun-filled morning with crafts, games, music and stories leading up to a "Happy Birthday Jesus" party, compete with birthday cake.

Children in grades four through six will spend the morning as party planners, using the Christmas story and carols as their guide in creating skits, songs, games and cake decorating. Nursery care will available for children under age 3. All are welcome. Call (847) 836-5540 for more information. Visit www.barringtonumc.com.

Miscellaneous

Living Lord Lutheran Church will hold a day of Life Line preventive health screenings from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Four different, painless tests will be offered, for $45 each (or all four for $145). These tests screen for plaque build-up in the arteries of the neck and/or legs, abdominal aortic aneurysm and bone density. It's simple to be tested and help prevent a stroke and other health problems. Registration is required, at (800) 324-1851. Living Lord Church is located at 1044 Congress Drive, just south of Stearns Road on Route 59 in Bartlett.

Living Lord Lutheran Church will hold a community blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon. Nov. 10. Heartland Blood Centers will sponsor the event. For an appointment, call Holly Gould at (847) 844-0019. Walk-ins also are welcome. Living Lord Church is located at 1044 Congress Drive, just south of Stearns Road on Route 59 in Bartlett.

Beth Tikvah's Outreach group invites adults whose lives have been touched by an interfaith relationship to meet Nov. 14. Outreach meets to provide a casual forum to discuss the joys and "bumps in the road" of interfaith life, give and receive suggestions from others in a similar configuration, learn new information and make new friends. The get-together will take place at Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information, call the office at (847) 885-4545.

The community is invited to hear stories of persons who chose to do alternative service during times of war (World War I, World War II, Vietnam War) rather than take up arms against others. The stories will tell how some people chose to serve in ways that put their own lives at risk rather than to be put in positions where they would have to take the lives of others. A variety of experiences will be shared.

The program will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg

The Mennonite denomination has historically taken a stance of peace and peacemaking ministries since its 16th century beginning.

Christ the King Ev. Lutheran Church, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Palatine, will host Erntedankfest, a German Harvest Festival at 4 p.m. Sunday. Join us as we celebrate the gifts of the Lord with an all-German service at 4 p.m. A wonderful German meal and "Gemütlichkeit" in the tradition of Erntedankfest will follow the service in the church fellowship hall; donation baskets for the meal will be available. For more information, call (847) 358-0230 or visit www.byfaithalone.org.

The film "Green: The New Red, White and Blue" will be shown at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church at 7 p.m. Friday. A discussion will follow the movie, and the public is invited free-of-charge.

Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine, between Northwest Highway and Dundee. Directions may be obtained at www.ccuu.org or by calling (847) 359-8440.

First United Methodist Church of Palatine, the oldest continuous church in the village, is celebrating its sesquicentennial in November.

For the past 18 months portions of the church have been renovated and reconstructed. The North Church, which was built in 1895, has been replaced with a new multipurpose facility. The new facility, The Wesley Center, is named for the founder of Methodism.

Seventeen stained-glass windows, the largest of which is 12 feet by 18 feet, from the North Church were preserved and now grace the renovated lobby of the main church.

Members are planning a Great Reunion Weekend on Nov. 16-18. A play/musical will be held Nov. 16. The original play/musical, written and produced by local writers, is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of the church, and is open to the public.

Fifteen current and former pastors will attend an appreciation dinner held in their honor Nov. 17. Finally, one special worship service will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 18, followed by a time of fellowship.

First United Methodist Church is at 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. For more information, call (847) 359-1345.

Regular lunchtime meetings are offered at the Christian Science Reading Room, 125 E. Main St., Barrington. These groups are informal and ongoing so feel free to come when you can.

Monday -- Book Club: reading and discussing Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy.

Tuesday -- Q & A audio chats online: topics of current interest

Thursday -- Bible Group I: currently studying the New Testament letters

Friday -- Bible Group II: currently studying Jesus' Sermon on the Mount

All meetings are at noon, except the Tuesday online audio chats, which begin at 1 p.m.

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 public is invited to "Working for Reconciliation: Palestinian Solidarity Sunday" from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church in LaGrange. The afternoon will include a choir of singers from churches throughout the Chicago area directed by Helen Ailabouni, director of worship and music at Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Barrington.

In addition, those attending will hear personal stories by Palestinians living in our area; a musical performance by Palestinians; suggestions for what we can do to affirm Palestinian Christians; and information about the Palestinian Housing Project and a speaker from the Jewish Voice for Peace with a Jewish affirmation of the Palestinian people.

Sale items will include glass, olive wood and other products from Palestine as well as a variety of Palestinian foods Offerings and proceeds from the sale of Palestinian goods and refreshments will be sent to the Lutheran World Federation in Jerusalem to support their work with Palestinian people.

Grace Lutheran Church is at 200 N. Catherine Ave. in La Grange, three blocks west of Mannheim and two miles east of I-294 on Ogden Avenue. For more information, call (708) 352-0730.

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.

Special services

Addison Aglow International holds a praise and worship titled "One Hour with Jesus" from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Addison Presbyterian Church, 233 N. Mill Road, Addison. The service is open to women, men and teens. Babysitting is not available. For details, visit www.aglow.org or call Nancy at (630) 543-3016.

In honor of National Hospice Month, Chaplain Nicole Sasser and intern Jason Stromstead of Vitas Hospice will lead a Quarterly Memorial Service, honoring individuals who have passed away in the last three months at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. Special music, a candle-lighting service and a time for sharing is included.

Congregation Kneseth Israel holds Shabbat services at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 330 Division St., Elgin. Guests are welcome. CKI believes that each person can participate in the observance of Shabbat through the use of English, Hebrew, and age-appropriate activities.

Religious school for pre-kindergarten to high school is offered. For details, call (847) 741-5656.

Celebrate the Joys of Conservative Judaism at Congregation Shirat Shalom in Elgin. Friendly, participatory Shabbat services are led by Cantor Alexander every Saturday at 9:45 a.m., and are followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week."

Tot Shabbat services, for children of all ages, are on the third Friday of the month.

Adult Education classes are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

For more information, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org. Congregation Shirat Shalom is at 30W509 Shoe Factory Road, Elgin.

A special Shabbat Service honoring veterans will be held at 8 p.m. Friday at Beth Tikvah Congregation in Hoffman Estates. It will be a time to thank all those who are currently serving or have served in the Armed Forces. For more information, call the temple office at (847) 885-4545 or visit www.beth-tikvah.org

St. Marcelline Catholic Church announces the resumption of weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament beginning Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and every subsequent Tuesday. St. Marcelline Parish is offering Exposition of the Holy Eucharist for prayer and worship. Everyone can participate in spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Exposition is held in the St. Marcelline Parish Family Room at 820 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. For more information, call (847) 524-4429. Enter using the ramp at the north end of the parking lot.

A prayer service for peace in the Middle East will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 Main St. in Barrington. The service includes reading from the Bible, music, and prayers for peace in the Middle East.

Following the service there will be a presentation "May we grow beyond our differences," by Emily L. Hauser, an American-Israeli Jew and a freelance writer.

For more information, call (847) 381-0243 or visit www.elca.org/middleeast.

Marc Adams, author of the award-winning autobiography, "The Preacher's Son," and founder and executive director of HeartStrong, will be the guest speaker at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist in Palatine.

HeartStrong, a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization founded in 1998, was established to provide outreach to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other persons adversely affected by the influence of all denominations of religious educational institutions.

Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine, between Northwest Highway and Dundee. Directions may be obtained at www.ccuu.org or by phoning (847) 359-8440.

Thanksgiving Day Morning Praise service (Matins) at Christ the King Lutheran Church, (Wisconsin Synod), 100 W Michigan Ave., Palatine, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 22. Call (847) 358-0230 or visit www.byfaithalone.org.

Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful day to express gratitude. First Church of Christ Scientist at 421 E. Main St. in Barrington is holding a gratitude service on Thanksgiving Day at 10 a.m.

It will be an hour with music, sacred readings and the sharing of testimonies of gratitude from the congregation. Everyone in the community is invited to come and share in this hour of thankfulness.

Christ Lutheran Church invites all to worship at 7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve, Nov. 21, at 41 S. Rohlwing Road in Palatine. This service is a time to celebrate and prepare for the feast that our nation will celebrate the next day. Christ Lutheran Church has its own special Thanksgiving tradition as well -- stay after worship for pie and fellowship time.

For more information, call the church office at (847) 358-4600.

Immanuel Lutheran Church, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine, will have a Thanksgiving Day service at 10 a.m. Nov. 22.

Regular weekend worship services are at 5 p.m. Saturdays (blended); 8 a.m. (traditional), 9:15 a.m. (blended), and 10:45 a.m. (contemporary) on Sundays, with 9 am. Sunday school for preschool-eighth grade and 11 a.m. Bible study.

Women's programs

The Women at the Well Ministry, from St. John the Evangelist Church in Streamwood, is hosting a Spa Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in Kyle Hall, 513 Parkside Circle, Streamwood. Tickets are $5 per person and include bone density and skin screenings, skin care and healthy eating tips, speakers and a light lunch. Chair massages and Reiki treatments are available for an additional fee and reservations are required for either of those services. To make a reservation, or for more details, contact the Parish Office at (630) 837-6500.

To submit items, e-mail faith@dailyherald.com, or send fax to (847) 427-1301.