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.
• Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the deadline for churches to submit their weekly listings will be Monday.
Epworth UMC: Beginning June 1, and continuing until Aug. 31, Epworth UMC Sunday summer worship services will be at 8:30 and 10 a.m.
The 8:30 a.m. worship will continue to be a traditional service with choral hymns and fellowship time in the community room immediately after service.
The 10 a.m. service will continue to be an emergent service, featuring upbeat, contemporary praise music and dramatic performances. Summer Sunday school for children will be held at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday, giving families two options for this summer: attending the 8:30 a.m. service with their children and then bringing them to summer Sunday school or bringing the children to Sunday school and joining in the 10 a.m. service. Children will be let out of Sunday school at the conclusion of the second service.
Summer Sunday school will be focused on planting and tending a summer garden. Children will sow, care for and harvest pumpkins, melons, corn and much more. At the completion of the summer classes, all produce will be donated to the Second Harvest in Illinois. Both adults and children are encouraged to get involved with this wonderful learning experience and chance to help our community. Call the church office, (847) 931-5400, if you have any questions or wish to get involved.
Kneseth Israel: 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. This is the last Sunday of religious school until the fall. For details, call the congregation office.
This week's Torah portion is a special portion for "Behar." 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. 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."
They are currently counting the Omer, eagerly awaiting the holiday of Shavuot, when they celebrate receiving the Torah. On June 7, join them for a class on Revelation at 12:30 p.m., then for Shavuot services at 8 a.m. June 9.
This week's Torah portion is "B'ha-alot'cha." Guests are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.
First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "Why God Alone Has the Right to Judge" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Isaiah 29:8-16a; Psalm 131; 1 Corinthians 4:1-5; and Matthew 6:24-34.
Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through high school at 10 a.m. (There is no Sunday school Sunday.) A nursery is also provided.
On Sunday, rhubarb pies will be available for $7.
Yearning for those famous hoagies? Well, the youth group is again selling hoagies for $5. Pick-up date is June 1. Support the youth mission trip by buying hoagies.
Mark your calendar for future events including the church picnic on June 8 and Kane County Cougar game on June 14.
Tickets are on sale for Holly McNeil in concert on June 22. The cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The concert will be a fundraiser for the church.
Summer vacation Bible school will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 21-25. Registration forms are available at church on the special VBS bulletin board. Questions may be directed at vbsdundee@yahoo. com.
The Missions Committee encourages donations of powder laundry detergent, fabric softener sheets, dish soap, dishwasher powder or liquid, paper plates, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, Clorox wipes and Clorox Anywhere Hard Surface spray.
Fleece donations of two yards long are welcome in the Fireside box. The fleece will be used to make comfort pillows.
Recycle your old cell phone by dropping it off in the Fireside Room. Also welcome are Campbell's Soup UPC codes for Marcy-Newberry Center in Chicago. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.
First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison gives the message, "Choose Me," based on the scripture, Matthew 6:24-34, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin.
Special music will be provided by two young pianists, Kyle Johnson and Kelly Johnson. Christian education for all ages is at 8:50 a.m. and the youth group meets at 11:15 a.m.
The United Methodist Women are accepting items to be sold at the church rummage sale June 27-28. The items may be brought to the church during the week. The rummage sale will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 27 and 9 a.m. to noon June 28.
For details, call (847) 741-0038, ext. 102 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.
St. John: On Sunday, the Second Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Loren Krout will preach the sermon, "Peace -- In Christ" based upon Colossians 3:15-17, at 8 and 10:30 a.m. 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.
Summer worship schedule begins Sunday with a Sunday service at 9 a.m. and a repeat service at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The Wednesday evening service schedule begins June 4.
Quilters meet at 9 a.m. Mondays. 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 its Web site: www.stjohnburlington.com.
First Congregational: On the Second Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will speak on "The Center That Holds," at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin.
The Open Door service starts at 8:15 in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is held in the sanctuary. The Chancel Choir, led by Jon Warfel, will assist in the service with the anthem, "Rejoice, Ye People of Zion" by Michael Larkin. The scripture reading will be Acts 16:16-34 and John 17:20-26.
Adult Christian Formation, starting with breakfast at 9:15 a.m., will continue for a couple more weeks. The in-depth Bible study of the Gospel of Mark is nearing its conclusion. Even if you haven't attended before, you will be welcomed.
The office will be closed on Monday for observance of Memorial Day.
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 Sunday, the 9:30 a.m. worship will feature a sermon titled "Abundant Signs of Grace" at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.
This past Sunday, which was Youth Sunday, each child of the congregation was given a geranium by Elmer Miner. For many years, he has been raising flowers in his garden and making an annual gift to each child. This year, in place of the gift from his garden, he made a gift of money to purchase flowers for the children, thus continuing his annual reminder of the hope and newness of spring.
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, "When I Look Back!," inspired by Genesis 26:1-10, for the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin.
The Male Chorus will render the music for the service at 8 while the Choral Ensemble will render the music for the service at 10:30 a.m.
The Brotherhood invites all men to come out and fellowship from 8 a.m. to noon today as they host the "Barbershop." Haircuts are free as well as spiritual advice and guidance. See you there. As always, what is said in the barbershop, stays in the barbershop.
On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. They will begin studying "Experiencing God", written by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King.
Bus and child care services are available. Second Baptist is at 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit its Web site at: www.SBCElginIl.org.
First Congregational: On Memorial Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Our Last Full Measure" at the 8 and 10:15 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee.
Sunday's Ministry of Music at 10:15 a.m. will feature songs by the Praise Singers: Cheri Blazek, Robert Blazek, Mark Boekenhauer, Sonja Boekenhauer, Linda Gilmore and Sara Tustin; and "America, The Beautiful" by the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist.
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 the Rev. 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 "Paul Describes Genuine Love" based on the Bible story in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13: God is love.
The church office will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. 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 the second Sunday after Pentecost as they look at the theme "Putting Worry into Reverse" based on Matthew 6:24-34.
The blended service is at 6 p.m. Saturday, traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sunday with a contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band.
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.
Starting June 9, join a new worship opportunity called "The Refuge." Connect with God in a different, informal way every Monday at 7 p.m. Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks prior to worship.
The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.