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.

• Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the deadline for churches to submit their weekly listings will be Monday.

Trinity Lutheran: Trinity Lutheran Church, 11008 N. Church St., Huntley, announces summer worship hours beginning Sunday. Saturday worship is at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday worship is at 8 and 9:30 a.m. Child care is available for the 9:30 a.m. service. For details, call (847) 961-5321.

McHenry County Jewish Congregation: On May 18, the McHenry County Jewish Congregation will be hosting its annual meeting and Religious School year-end picnic from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

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

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.

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. For information, call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.

First Congregational: On Trinity Sunday, the Rev. Michelle McNamara's sermon will be "Do We Have Three in One or One in Three?" at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley.

The single service will be held because it is also Recognition Sunday. Sunday school children and teachers will be recognized for their participation during the past school year. The children will also begin a new tradition in which each child creates a panel for a quilt, which will grow through the years.

The Chancel Choir will sing and the Whitechapel Bells will play.

At 11 a.m. Sunday there will be a Congregational Conversation for the purpose of discussion about the interim process and the search/call process of seeking a more permanent pastor.

From 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, the first of two auditions will be held for the FCC Players' production of "Les Miserables: Student Edition," to be performed Aug. 1-3. Any student between the ages of 8 and 19 may audition. Reservations are recommended but not required. Call (847) 669-4691 or e-mail sherifcc@juno.com.

The second audition time will be from 4 to 6 p.m. May 20.

The Knit/Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church. The Thursday Study Group will meet at 10:15 a.m. at the Vrenios' home to continue the study of "If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat." Newcomers are welcome.

For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691 or visit www.firsthuntley.org.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Becoming Right with God" based on Romans 1:16-17, at 5:30 p.m. May 24 and 9 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Sunday school is 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.

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 its Web site at: 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. Mark Boster will preach at both services at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Nursery care is available at both services.

Music rehearsals are at the Citizens Bank in Huntley: Shepherd Voices will meet at 7 p.m. Monday. On May 27, the first music team will meet at 5 p.m. and the second music team at 6 p.m. at Citizens Bank.

The book group will meet at 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday to discuss "Unashamed" at Citizens Bank.

Prairie Prayer Group will meet from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the church office.

Sign-up for vacation Bible school, "Rainforest Adventure," has begun. The program will be from June 16-20 at Mackeben Elementary School in Algonquin. You can sign up your child online at www.sotp.org. Also, sign up for help to furnish supplies.

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 May 18, the Rev. Bruce Cole will lead worship at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. 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.

"Worship Volunteer Appreciation" will be held after each service.

If you are interested in learning more about the church and how to become involved, join them for "Faith v.1" at 11:45 a.m. May 18. You will receive information about their ministries and connection points for every age.

The Silver Saints will meet at 11:30 a.m. May 19 at Nikos in Huntley for fellowship, lunch and cards. All seniors are welcome.

The high school group will meet at 7 p.m. May 22 at the church.

Alcoholics Anonymous holds a weekly "closed" meeting at noon Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Mondays. 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.

Middle school classes are now on summer break.

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.

The Men of Faith will meet for fellowship and breakfast at 8 a.m. May 10 at the Old Country Buffet in Crystal Lake. All men of faith and their sons are welcome.

Ladies Bunco will meet at 7 p.m. May 15. If you are interested in learning more about the church and how to become involved, join "Faith v.1" at 11:45 a.m. May 17. You will receive information about our ministries and connection points for every age.

Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.

Preschool registration is now open. Call Michelle Sullivan at (224) 569-6512 for information or a tour.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock, will honor McHenry County's veterans and will discuss the current military at its Memorial Day service at 10:45 a.m.

The congregation will meet at church at its regular time, then walk to the Woodstock Square for a moment of silence and the placing of flowers at the veteran's memorial. After returning to the church, the Rev. Dan Larsen and other members of the church will speak on the topic, "Support our Troops -- But How?"

Marching in silence behind a flag given to the congregation in memory of Thomas Loundsbury, the first Woodstock casualty of World War II who died on December 7, 1941, congregants will also carry a long banner with symbols for each of the casualties of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. At the monument they will lay flowers gather in a circle for a prayer led by the Rev. Dan Larsen and a moment of silence. They will then return for the church for the rest of the service. Tom Steffens will play a patriotic medley on piano as special music. For details, call (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Memorial Sunday, the summer worship schedule begins at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Those who wish are welcome to come at 9:45 a.m. to join in a Hymn Sing.

The Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will share a few light-hearted theological observations about his recent hospital adventures when he gives his annual Memorial Weekend homily about our country's faith and values. His message is titled "Surgical Privileges." During the service, the annual Sunday school picnic will be held for all children in attendance. After the service, there will be a bake sale to help fund this year's vacation Bible school.

On Wednesday, the Seasons of the Spirit Bible study group will meet at 10 a.m. in the library.

On Monday, the Mature Singles Club will meet at a member's home at 3 p.m. for their annual croquet tournament, followed at 5 p.m. by a picnic. Call Ron Woodruff, (815) 206-0498, for details.

On Thursday, the Outreach Ministry Potluck will be held at 6 p.m. at Kathryn Gooding's home. Anyone interested in finding out more about the ministry's activities are welcome to attend. Call Kathryn, (815) 356-1017, for details.

On May 31, the church will hold its first annual Motorcycle Blessing in the church parking lot at 2 p.m. All bikers are welcome. The pastor will give the blessing and attendees are welcome to join together for a short ride after the ceremony. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Kendall Koenig delivers the sermon, "Who Me, Worry?" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The Scripture reading for the sermon is taken from Matthew 6:24-34. The Rev. Kendall Koenig is senior pastor and the Rev. Sharon Rogers is associate pastor.

Registration for all summer camps is open. "Camp on the Rock" day camp for first through fifth grades runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 23-27. Basketball camp for ages 10-13 runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. July 29-Aug, 1. Theatre Camp is full. Vacation Bible school for preschool to fifth grade will be held Aug. 4-8 with both morning and afternoon sessions available.

Beginning June 16, Light of Christ Church is adding an additional worship service at 6:30 p.m. Mondays for the summer months for those families who are unable to worship on the weekends.

This summer Light of Christ Church will have two outdoor worship service weekends at their current location, 100 Hanson Road in Algonquin at 5 p.m. June 14, 10:30 a.m. June 15 and 5 p.m. Aug. 30 and 10:30 a.m. Aug. 31. The 7:45 and 9 a.m. worship services on those Sundays will remain indoors. For details, call Joanne Weber at (847) 658-9250.

Bethany Lutheran: Intern Michelle Magee will share the message at the new summer worship times at 8:30 and 10 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake.

Child care is provided during the 10 a.m. service during the summer months.

Summer Sunday school program meets at 10 a.m. June 8 through Aug. 24.

Confirmation classes wrap up the year with the seventh-grade confirmands doing a Servant Event June 24 at the Zion Development Corp., Rockford and the eighth-grade youth attending confirmation camp the week of June 15-21 at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis.

Bookers at Bethany meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday. This month's book is "Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life" by Queen Noor.

Vacation Bible school, "Power Lab" is set for 9 a.m. to noon July 14-18. Registration is under way. For details, call the church office.

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: The McHenry County Church of Religious Science, Center for Spiritual Evolution will use Memorial Day as the theme for Sunday. The Rev. Anne S. Muelleman's talk will focus on remembering that there is a "Divine Presence at the Center of All Things." Special guest musician is Tricia Alexander.

Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service at 204 Spring St., lower level in Cary. There is a children's program and toddler care. If you arrive early, there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m.

The children's curriculum is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." May lessons relate to the Thanksgiving step of spiritual prayer treatment. Your kids will uncover wholeness and eliminate thoughts of lack and limitation. This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Celebrating Oneness."

As a trans-denominational church, all services and activities are open to everyone without obligation. For details, call (847) 516-1950 or visit www. newthoughtmchenry.org .

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, the Rev. Brian Cope will preach at the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St.

The message is based on Isaiah 49:8-16a, Psalms 131, 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 and Matthew 6:24-34. The Senior Choir and the Joyful Sound Handbell Choir will provide the music.

Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. there is a Bible study with the pastor.

On Sunday at 10 a.m., the rite of confirmation will be celebrated together with the congregation, the confirmands and their families. This is one of the most joyous events in a young person's life.

The church will have a blood drive from 2:45 to 7:15 p.m. June 3. Summer vacation Bible school will be from 9 a.m. to noon June 23-27.

For information, call the church office (847) 658-5308.

Wednesday practice for vocal and handbell choirs includes: Chapel Choir for third through eighth grades from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m., Cherub Choir for kindergarten through second grades from 5:20 to 5:50 p.m., Chimers for third through sixth grades from 5:20 to 5:50 p.m., Joyful Sound Handbell Choir for seventh-grade to adult from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Senior Choir from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

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, vicar, 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.

The sermon will be based on the 16th chapter of the Gospel of Luke. The Bible Study group will meet from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. They are studying the book of John, 12th chapter.

Synod XXIII of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley/Anglican Church in America will be held June 3-5 in Des Moines, Iowa. See Mike Hepperlen for details.

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.