Fox Valley 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.

Grace Evangelical Church: This Easter, join Grace Evangelical Church, 1800 Bowes Road, Elgin. This month is "March Gladness." They welcome anyone without a "church home" to come and worship the Lord with them.

A free Easter egg hunt will be held at 10 a.m. today for kids from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade.

On Easter Sunday at 9:15 a.m., it will be "The Amazing Resurrection of Jesus Christ."

On Christian Baptism Sunday at 9:15 a.m. March 30, it will be "Easter Faith Becomes Real." For details, call (847) 742-6818.

Solid Rock Free Will Baptist: Solid Rock Free Will Baptist Church in Elgin invites you to Easter Sunday worship at 11 a.m. at the church, South and Hawthorne streets in Elgin. Sunday school is at 10 a.m. For details, call (847) 204-2416.

Bethlehem Lutheran: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 417 W. Main St. in West Dundee, invites the community to Easter worship.

On Holy Saturday, the sanctuary will be open for prayer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. On Easter Sunday, there will be a sunrise service at 6:30 a.m., Easter breakfast from 7:45 to 10 a.m., festival worship at 9 a.m., and celebration worship at 10:45 a.m.

Weekly Sunday school and Bible classes for all ages will resume again at 9:15 a.m. March 30 and meet regularly every Sunday through Memorial Day. For details, call (847) 426-7311.

St. Peter Lutheran: On Easter Sunday, the Rev. Eric Gawura will lead the sunrise service at 6 a.m., festival service at 8:30 a.m. and family service at 10:30 a.m., all with Holy Communion at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dundee Township. The sermon will be based on "The Lamb of God Who Gives Us Peace." A complete Easter breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits 'n gravy and pancakes is offered at from 7 to 8:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

St. Peter Church, wheelchair accessible, is on Galligan Road, two miles north of Gilberts, one mile south of Huntley Road. For details, call the church office at (847) 428-4054.

Good Shepherd: For Easter weekend, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will have its Easter services at 5:30 p.m. today and 8 a.m. Sunday at the 1111 Van St. location, and at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday at the Nesler Road and Route 20 Christian Life Center. An Easter Breakfast will be held from 7:30 a.m. to noon to help support Good Shepherd's Mexico Mission Team at the Christian Life Center.

The third annual Easter egg hunt will start with a muffin breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by the egg hunt at 9 a.m. at the Christian Life Center. An adult must accompany each child. Cost is $2 per child and all proceeds benefit a Good Shepherd School family with medical bills due to their child's ongoing illness.

For information, visit www.goodshepherd-elgin.org or call the church office at (847) 741-7788.

Kneseth Israel: This week's Torah portion is Tzav. 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.

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. Consult the monthly newsletter which is available at www.ckielgin.org.

Religious school is offered for pre-kindergarten to high school. For details, call the congregation office.

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. 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. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week."

This week's Torah portion is Tzav, which teaches us about the different kinds of sacrifices which were brought to the Temple.

Guests are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee, will be celebrating Easter this weekend at 6 a.m. (Sonrise), 8 a.m. (traditional Festival) and 10:45 a.m. (celebration service). The Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will be preaching at the Sonrise service with a sermon titled "Get It?" The Rev. William Yonker will preach at the 8 and 10:45 a.m. services with a sermon titled "Holy Rolling Stones." Holy Communion will be celebrated at all three services on Easter and special music offered at all three services from brass ensembles, choirs and a praise ensemble at the 10:45 service.

An Easter breakfast served in Luther Hall, sponsored by the Youth of Immanuel, will be offered between all three Easter services, from 7 to 7:45 a.m. and 9:15 to 10:15 a.m.

For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-Elgin: Easter Sunday begins with a sunrise service in the sanctuary at 6:49 a.m., featuring the Youth Group at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin. It will be followed by an Easter pancake breakfast in the downstairs dining room.

The Rev. Jonathan Hutchison gives the message at the 10 a.m. service with the topic, "I Have Seen the Lord." Special music will be provided by the Celebration Ringers bell choir directed by Jonathan Besancon and the Cathedral Choir under the direction of John Slawson.

Christian education for children, youth and adults begins at 8:50 a.m. There will be no 6 p.m. service this Sunday only.

For details, call (847) 741-0038, ext. 102 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Resurrection Sunday, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Do Not Be Afraid," based on Isaiah 50:4-9a, at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship will be at 9 a.m. and Sunday school and Bible study at 9:15 a.m.

The Easter Celebration includes Sonrise worship at 6:30 a.m. followed by an Easter breakfast and then a second Easter Celebration at 9 a.m.

The choirs practice Wednesdays with the voice choir at 6:30 p.m. and bell choir at 7:30 p.m.

TOPS meets at 6 p.m. Mondays. Weight Watchers meet at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. The pinochle club meets the last Friday of each month at 7 p.m. The monthly men's breakfast Bible study is the first Saturday of the month at 7 a.m. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: The celebration of Easter Sunday starts with a 7:30 a.m. breakfast at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The Open Door Service begins at 8:15 a.m. in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is in the sanctuary.

The Rev. Paris Donehoo will preach at both services on "What a Difference a Conjunction Makes!" The worship service will start with a processional led by the handbell choir and followed by the Chancel Choir.

Adult Christian Formation, usually held between services, will not be meeting this Sunday because Easter breakfast will be served continuously from 7:30 to 10:15 a.m. when the sanctuary service begins. The Chancel Choir, directed by Jon Warfel, will assist with the 10:15 a.m. worship by singing the anthems, "Easter Dawning at the Tomb" by Robert Wetzler and "Alleluia, Let the Holy Anthem Ring" by Eugene Englert. The Handbell Choir will perform "Come Christians, Join to Sing." The service will close with G. F. Handel's "Hallelujah!" sung by the choir and members of the congregation.

The Damaris group, a women's night-out gathering, will meet for dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Village Squire, 480 S. Randall Road in South Elgin.

Parking lots are nearby as well as a municipal parking garage. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Church of the Brethren: On Easter Sunday, guest speaker Bob Blake will present the sermon, "The Resurrection: A Different Way of Living" at the 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The Adult Choir will provide special music.

On March 16, the congregation honored Doris Walbridge for 15-plus years of service as editor of the congregation's newsletter, "Highland Highlights."

The church is at 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will bring the message for both the sunrise service at 7 a.m. and again at the 10:30 a.m. service at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin.

The sermon title for the sunrise service is "Shout on a Napkin," inspired by John 20:1-7. The sermon title for the 10:30 a.m. service is "I Can't Be Broken," inspired by John 19:33. The Praise and Worship leaders will provide the music for the 7 a.m. service while the Choral Ensemble will render the music for the 10:30 a.m. service. The Easter program will begin at 9 a.m. The theme, "God's Promise Fulfilled," is presented in the form of several different activities that honor the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Brotherhood Ministry invites all men out on Saturday as it hosts "The Barbershop." Free haircuts will be given to all.

On Wednesday, Bible study will begin at noon followed by Wonderful Wednesday starting at 7 p.m.

The Brotherhood Ministry invites all men to come out every fourth Saturday and fellowship with your brothers in Christ. The Brotherhood will host the "Barber Shop" where all brothers can come and get a free haircut. Call the church for details.

Bus and childcare services are available. Second Baptist is at 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On the Easter Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim senior pastor, presents the theme, "Who Will Roll Away The Stone?," based on Mark 16:1-8, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at 8 a.m. will be by the Bells of Dundee, directed by Matthew Prins; and "Hark, Ten Thousand Harps and Voices", "Mary, Mary" and "Hallelujah Chorus" by the Chancel Choir with brass, adult vocal choir directed by Robert Blazek with accompanist Linda Gilmore. The 10:15 a.m. service will feature songs by the Praise Singers: Cheri Blazek, Robert Blazek, Mark Boekenhauer, Sonja Boekenhauer, Linda Gilmore and Sara Tustin; TEMPOS high school bell choir directed by Linda Gilmore and the Chancel Choir.

Education for all ages takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sundays. Programs offered include Sunday school for children age 3 through eighth grade and adult teaching on the book of Mark.

The adult teaching meets from 9 to 10 a.m. The study is led by Longbottom. Explore Mark and encounter the oldest gospel witness to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers age 5 and under from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Children should be signed in and out.

Coffee and fellowship time will follow the services in the narthex hosted by the Hospitality Team.

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, a special children's church designed especially for them. The theme will be "Jesus Comes Back to Life" based on the Bible story in Matthew 27:27-56, 28:1-10: Jesus is risen.

An Easter egg hunt will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Kids of all ages are welcome to this free to the community event.

For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe Easter Sunday with a sunrise service at 6 a.m. featuring a pre-service drama, traditional worship at 8:15 and contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. There will be no Saturday service.

Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. along with a special educational program for children called Kingdom Kids.

The church also offers various mid-week educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds during the school year, and youth programs for various age groups.

The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Easter Sunday, the celebration starts with a continental breakfast from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville.

The Easter Sunday worship starts at 10 a.m. followed by the annual Easter egg hunt for all of the children.

Join the church at its recently renovated handicap accessible building. It is an open and affirming congregation, welcoming all to their services. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available during the service. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

Christ the Lord: Christ the Lord Lutheran Church will have an Easter egg hunt at 9 a.m. today. It is open to all children age 2 through fourth grade. Fifth- and sixth-graders will make Easter baskets for shut-ins. Guests are welcome.

Easter Sunday begins with worship at 8 a.m. The first service of the day will reflect the mood of the early Easter dawn with a "Call to Worship" that will serve to remind you of the women's visit to the tomb. From 9 to 10:30 a.m., the high school youth are planning to prepare and serve a breakfast of pancakes and sausage, cereal, juice, and assorted beverages. A free-will offering will be taken and be used to help with expenses for this summer's mission trip.

The second Easter Festival service at 10:30 a.m. will be preceded by the traditional prelude of Easter Music and Hymns presented by various choirs, instrumentalists, and soloists beginning at 10:10 a.m. At this service, they celebrate in word, song, liturgy, and sacrament the joyous remembrance of the Lord's Resurrection. The church is at Highland Avenue and Tina Trail, west of Randall Road in Elgin. For details, call (847) 741-8141 or visit www.christthelordlutheran.com.

St. John Lutheran: On Easter Sunday, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Tears of Sorrow, Tears of Joy: A Weeping Friend," based on John 20:11-18, at the 7 a.m. sunrise service, followed by "Dawn of a New Day," based on Matthew 28:1-10, at 9 and 10:45 a.m. services at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. A breakfast buffet will be served after the 7 and 9 a.m. services. All worshippers are invited. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, celebrate the risen Lord with Easter worship at 5 p.m. today and 8, 9:30 and 11 p.m. Sunday at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. Special music will be shared during worship that may include Adult Choir, Children's Choir, Adult Handbell Choir, Children's Handbell Choir, Orchestra, Children's Chime Choir & the Good News Praise Band. Bible Study with the senior pastor at 9 a.m. Wednesdays will resume this week. He will continue the series on different religions and perspectives. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Easter Sunday, the Rev. Michelle McNamara will preach at the 8 and 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. Sunday school will be 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. The Senior Choir and the Joyful Sound Handbell Choir will provide music at both services. The meditation will be based on Matthew 28:1-10, Palm 118:1-2, 14-24 and John 20:1-18.

The men's breakfast will be at 8 a.m. April 12. The vacation Bible school will be on June 23-27. For information, call the church office (847) 658-5308.

First Congregational: Easter Sunday will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a sunrise service in the sanctuary at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. It will be followed by a breakfast in the fellowship hall; it is on a freewill donation basis, no reservations are needed.

The Rev. Lloyd Kamps will preach at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services. The Chancel Choir will sing and the Instrumental Group will play in both services. The Sunday school children will have an Easter egg hunt, a craft, and a cooking activity using dough to demonstrate the resurrection of Jesus. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Easter Sunday, the sunrise service will be at 6:30 a.m., followed by Easter breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. Reservations are required for the breakfast. It will be followed by the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Sunday school and nursery care are available at both services.

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. Bruce Cole will celebrate Easter by leading worship based on Scripture from Mark 16:1-8, 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. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.