McHenry Co. religion notes
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 will celebrate Purim at 9 a.m. Sunday. The morning's events will include a community education program on courageous Jewish American women, followed by a carnival that will feature games, prizes and traditional holiday foods. The observation of Purim will continue at 6:30 p.m. Thursday with the Megillah reading, which features the retelling of the story of Queen Esther. In a spin on the Megillah reading, various classes and committees have been assigned chapters of the Esther story, and are asked to retell their portion to the melodies of Beatles tunes. There is no charge to either event, and attendees are urged to dress in costume.
"Jews and the Environment" will be the focus of an adult education talk delivered at 7:30 p.m. April 1 at the synagogue, by Rabbi Joseph S. Ozarowski, rabbinic chaplain to the Jewish Healing Network of Chicago. The talk is the third in a series of lectures cosponsored by MCJC, The Shalom Group and Congregation Tikkun Olam. Through discussion of Jewish texts, Ozarowski will explore what Judaism says about our responsibility to the environment. There is no charge for the event, which is open to the public. To RSVP, call (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 synagogue will host a Second Night Seder from 6 to 9 p.m. April 20 in observation of Passover. For details, call (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 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.
New Life Baptist: This Sunday, the Rev. Mark Wood will bring a Palm Sunday sermon 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, ages 4 through second grade.
The two current adult classes are a study of the book of Thessalonians and a new class titled "Effective Bible Study," led by the pastor.
On Easter Sunday, the church will have a sunrise service at 8 a.m. followed by a breakfast hosted by the church youth. On March 30, New Life will observe its 10th anniversary with a celebration time during morning worship and a lunch after the worship service.
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.
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 Palm Sunday, the Rev. Arn Schaper 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. The Sunday school children will continue learning about the story and meaning of Palm Sunday.
The Knit/Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church.
The Maundy Thursday service will be held at 7 p.m. The Rev. Dan Hinckley will give the sermon.
On Easter Sunday, worship will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a sunrise service at the church followed by an Easter breakfast at 7:30 a.m. with free will donation. The Rev. Lloyd Kamps will preach at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.
St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "The Word that Sustains the Weary," based on Isaiah 50:4-9a, 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 Maundy Thursday, worship will be at 7 p.m. The Lenten theme, "Tears Tell the Story," will continue with the message this evening taken from Matthew 27:3-10, "Remorseful Tears: Jesus' Betrayer."
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.
Living Waters: On Sunday, the Rev. Michael E. Thomas leads worship at Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1808 Miller Road, Crystal Lake. Traditional service is held at 8 a.m. Sunday, followed by contemporary services at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.
Kids Klub Sunday school for preschool to fourth grade is at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. This month, they are learning of the miracles of Jesus. God's Groupies Sunday School for fifth- to eighth-graders is participating in the unit on "Following Jesus." Adult forum meets at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.
The Girlfriends Night Out will be at 5 p.m. Sunday at Francesca in West Dundee.
Crossroads youth group meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Parents and children, infant to fifth grade, are welcome to Niagara Smalls at the church for activities from 5 to 6 p.m. and pizza dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. On April 19, it will be "Learn to Stretch and Reach for God."
The church supports the local food pantry and accept donations of nonperishable food on the fourth Sunday of the month.
The following small groups also are available for those interested: Prayer Time from 4 to 5 p.m. on the second Sunday in the sanctuary; women's Bible study at 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday; Retired Men's Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday in Room 5; Men's Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on the third Saturday in Room 5; and "First Place" weight loss support group at 7 p.m. Thursdays. Call (815) 455-2424 or visit www. livingwaterschurch.com.
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. Music rehearsals are at the Citizens Bank in Huntley: Shepherd's Voices at 7 p.m. Monday; First Service team at 5 p.m. Tuesday; Rejoice (second service team) at 6 p.m. Tuesday; Prairie Chimes choir at 7 p.m. Thursday; and children's choir at 5 p.m. Sunday.
On Wednesdays, a light soup/bread supper will be served at 6 p.m. followed by a short worship service at the Cosman Center.
Holy Week services will be: Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m., Good Friday at 10 a.m. for children and 7 p.m.; and Easter Sunday at 6:30 a.m., breakfast at 7:30 a.m., traditional service at 9 a.m. and contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. at the Cosman Center.
New member orientation will be from 3 to 5:30 p.m. April 13 in the church office in the lower level of Citizens Bank. New members will be received April 20.
The Rev. Sue Ellen Grundt will be installed as associate pastor at 10 a.m. April 13. Confirmation classes will resume after Easter. 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 March 16, the Rev. Michael Fish will lead worship with "The Triumphal Entry of Jesus," based on Matthew 21:1-11, 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.
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. Holy Thursday worship will be held at 7 p.m. with Holy Communion. Good Friday Tenebrae worship will be held at 7 p.m. Easter Sunday services will be at 9 and 10:30 a.m. March 23. The nursery will be open for children up to age 3. There will be no Bible studies on March 19. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.
Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, celebrates its annual Flower Communion ceremony at the 10:45 a.m. service.
Flower Communion is a Unitarian Universalist ritual where members of the congregation bring flowers to share representing the spiritual gifts that they bring and take away from the church. The Rev. Dan Larsen will speak about "Friends." Janet and Emma Burns will sing about friendship. Tom Steffens and Mike Knauf will perform special music in honor of St. Patrick's Day. 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 Palm Sunday, the Sunday Lenten schedule continues with a half-hour Holy Communion service at 7:30 a.m. in the chapel. Morning services will be at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. The Rev. Budd Friend-Jones, senior minister, will preach.
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.
Everyone is invited to the fellowship hall for coffee after each service. Equal Exchange coffee and chocolate products will be offered for sale in the fellowship hall after each service.
On Monday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., the FCC Book Group will meet in the library to discuss "Snow Flowers and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See.
On Tuesday, the Prayer Shawl ministry will meet in the library. On Tuesday, the Great Decisions discussion group will meet at 7 p.m. in the library. On Wednesday, Seasons of the Spirit Bible study group will meet at 10 a.m. in the library.
On Thursday, Young at Heart will meet at noon at the Crystal Lake Country Club. At 7:30 p.m., Common Ground will meet in the chapel.
There will be a Tenebrae and Maundy Thursday services with Holy Communion at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.
On Good Friday at noon, there will be a meditation service in the chapel. At 7:30 p.m., there will be a Good Friday worship in the chapel.
On March 22, the Men's Breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. in the fellowship hall. At 6 p.m., the Easter Vigil begins in the chapel and continues until 6 a.m. on Easter morning. On Easter Sunday, the early chapel service with Holy Communion will be at 7 a.m. followed by services at 9 and 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary with the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones preaching. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.
Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Kendall Koenig continues the sermon series, "The Lights Go Out, the World Catches a Glimpse," with "The Parade to the House Cleaning," 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 Scripture reading for his sermon is taken from Matthew 21:1-17.
Holy Thursday worship is at 7 p.m. Good Friday worship services will be held at 5 and 7 p.m. Easter Weekend worship will be at 5 p.m. March 22 and 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. March 23.
The egg hunt will take place at 1 p.m. today on the new property at Sleepy Hollow Road and Longmeadow Parkway. The community is invited to join them as they celebrate the Risen Lord with the children. Registration for the women's retreat has begun. The retreat will be held April 19-20 at Lake Delevan Resort in Wis. For details, call (847) 658-9250.
Bethany Lutheran: On Palm Sunday, worship will be 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. The Procession with Palms will be at 9 and 10:45 a.m.
Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m. Child care is available at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. Session 4 of "Building Bridges, Tearing Down Walls" will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The eighth grade Community Service Project is Sunday will be coordinating a dinner and party for the PADS guests tonight.
Maundy Thursday worship with Holy Communion will be at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. On Good Friday, the Tenebrae service will be at 7:30 p.m. Child care is available during the 7:30 p.m. services both days.
The Easter Vigil, March 22, includes the Service of Light, Vigil Readings, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion at 7:30 p.m. Easter Sunday begins at 7 a.m. with a sunrise service with Holy Communion, and festival worship with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. continental breakfast. The Festival Worship services will include choral and instrumental music (bells, brass, timpani and organ) as well as liturgical dance. Child care is available at both the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Easter services. For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.
St. Mary Episcopal: On Palm Sunday, St. Mary Episcopal Church, 210 McHenry Ave. in Crystal Lake, marks the beginning of Holy Week with two liturgies.
The first service begins at 8 a.m. and includes the blessing of palms and a Community Eucharist.
The 10 a.m. service begins with the blessing of palms in the adjoining parish house and then, a procession is made to the church. Another special feature of this liturgy is that the reading of the Passion Narrative, the Bible story recalling the events of the last days of Jesus' earthly life, is done in parts by members of the congregation.
The Holy Week observances continue with a celebration of a Choral Community Eucharist on Maundy Thursday, beginning at 7:30 p.m., at which the parish's senior choir will sing, under the direction of organist/choirmaster Sandra L. Molyneux. This liturgy recalls the institution of the sacrament of the Eucharist by Jesus in the Upper Room. A procession of a consecrated host to a special Altar of Repose takes place immediately following Communion, calling to mind the time Jesus spent with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest. The evening concludes with a dramatic stripping of the sanctuary, preparing the church for the austerity of Good Friday.
On Good Friday, the service of Stations of the Cross, symbolically retracing the steps Jesus followed on his way to his crucifixion, begins at noon. The Good Friday Liturgy and Mass of the Pre-Sanctified (Communion from the Reserved Sacrament) follows at 12:45 p.m. This service also will be offered at 7:30 p.m., during which the parish's senior choir will sing and, as an added feature the Passion Narrative will be read in parts by various people.
All members of the community at large are warmly invited to participate in the Holy Week liturgies with the parish community of faith of St. Mary, which is a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Palm Sunday, the Rev. Michelle McNamara will preach at the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. Sunday school will be 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Music will be offered by the Cherub and Chapel choirs.
The meditation will be based on Matthew 21:1-11, Isaiah 50:4-9, Psalm 31:9-16 and Matthew 26:14-27.
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. Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. there is a Bible study with the pastor.
Maundy Thursday will start at 6 p.m. with the Seder Meal followed at 7:30 p.m. by worship. On Good Friday, there is a noon service. Easter Sunday services are 8 and 10 a.m.
For information, call the church office (847) 658-5308.
Shop at the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop, 307 S. Main St. in Algonquin. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The church is handicap accessible at the rear entrance. For details, call (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, Palm Sunday, at the former First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock.
His sermon will be based on the 27th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. Maundy Thursday service will be at 5 p.m. Good Friday service will be at noon.
The Bible Study group will meet from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. Sunday. They are studying the book of John, eighth chapter. 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.
McHenry County Church of Religious Science: On Sunday, the McHenry County Church of Religious Science wants you to listen to your inner guidance and let it help you escape from the places you are held captive. The Rev. Anne S. Muelleman will speak on this with "St. Patrick's Message of Hope." Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service, and children's program and toddler care. Music will be by Tricia Alexander. The children's curriculum is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." March 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 "More Than Luck." Those who arrive early will enjoy the meditation at 9:45 a.m. Service location is at the Country Inn and Suites, 600 Tracy Trail in Crystal Lake. For details, call (815) 444-0942 or visit www. newthoughtmchenry.org .