McHenry County 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: On Sunday, McHenry County Jewish Congregation's Religious School will host a Yom Ha-atzmaut program in recognition of Israel's 60th birthday from 9 a.m. to noon. The program will feature Israeli dancing, food, games and poetry, and all ages are welcome.

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 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.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Michelle McNamara's sermon will be "No Longer of the World," based on John 17:1-19, 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 Crusader Bells fourth- through sixth-graders will play in the first.

The Sunday school children will begin a new topic called "The Great Commission," learning what it means to spread the Gospel in this day and age.

The Mission of the Month for May will be The Light Center in Union, which specializes in animal-assisted programming for challenged and at-risk youth.

The Knit/Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

At 10:15 a.m., the Thursday Study Group will begin a new book called, "If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat" by John Ortberg under the guidance of interim pastor Rev. Michelle McNamara. The group will meet at the Homuth home. Anyone interested is invited.

On May 10, the monthly contemporary service will be held at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary. In addition to praise and worship music, an Agape Meal will be shared. The Rev. Michelle McNamara will be the speaker.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "After You Have Suffered A Little While…," based on 1 Peter 5:10, 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 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 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.

The following groups meet at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m.: Kids Klub Sunday school for preschool to fourth grade; God's Groupies for fifth- to eighth-graders; and adult forum.

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. Wednesdays and pizza dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.

A "Bike Blessing" will be held at noon Sunday.

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: 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; and Men's Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on the third Saturday in Room 5.

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 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. Sunday school and nursery care are available at both services.

Sunday will be Grafton Food Pantry Day for PADS. After both services on Sunday, a church building update will be held.

Music rehearsals are at the Citizens Bank in Huntley: Shepherd Voices will meet at 7 p.m. Monday and Prairie Ringers Chime Choir will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

Prairie Points Quilting will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Citizens Bank.

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

Confirmation meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday with pizza at 6 p.m.

The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

Living Water Church: On Sunday, the Rev. Louise Forshe will bring the message at the 7 and 10:30 a.m. services at Living Water Church, 601 Hill Ave. in Elgin. Her bilingual message in English and Spanish will be "Who is Jesus?"

All are welcome, especially if you don't have a church home. Living Water Church is a church of the languages -- English, Spanish, Polish, French and all the others. It is a church where you can praise the Lord in your native language. All languages are welcome.

Louise Forshe Ministries is separated from the church. Louise Forshe Ministries is a community service. For details, e-mail livingwaterofelgin@yahoo.com.

Faith Community: On Sunday, the Rev. Bruce Cole will lead worship at 9 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. There will be only one service that day followed by coffee and fellowship to celebrate the retirement of the Rev. Michael Fish. 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.

The high school group will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the church,

Alcoholics Anonymous holds a weekly 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.

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

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

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, will conduct its annual spring congregational meeting at 10:45 a.m.

The congregational meeting will follow a brief opening worship. During the meeting, church members will nominate church officers and council, approve the church budget, and consider the Unitarian Universalist Association's social action resolution on peacemaking.

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 Sunday, Jennifer Lee, Chicago Theological Seminary intern, will preach will preach at 9 a.m. and the Rev. Arn Schaper, associate minister, will preach at the 10:45 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. This is Food Pantry Sunday. FCC Members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the Crystal Lake Interfaith Food Pantry.

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.

Sunday is Community Service Day. At 9 a.m., the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth will meet in the kitchen to prepare lunch for the Service Day participants. This is a fundraiser for their annual work camp. Lunch will be served at noon in the fellowship hall, and participants will leave for their assignments after lunch. The Junior Fellowship junior high school youth will meet in the youth room after the second service and proceed to the Lake in the Hills Fen where they will work to clean up the area. The Pilgrim Fellowship youth will meet again at 6:30 p.m. Sunday in the youth room for their regular meeting.

On Monday, the justfootprints group will meet at the church at noon to proceed to the Waste Management recycling facility in Grayslake to take a tour of their operation. They plan to return to the church at 4 p.m. There is no charge for the tour.

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

On Thursday, the Living the Questions class will meet at 7 p.m. in the multi-purpose room for a session with the theme "Compassion: The Heart of Jesus' Ministry."

On Friday, FCC's Enrichment Ministry will host Friday Night at the Movies. This month's movie, "Amazing Grace," will start at 7 p.m. in the library.

On May 10, the Living the Questions class will meet at 9 a.m. in the library for a session with the theme "Compassion: The Heart of Jesus' Ministry." At 4 p.m., there will be a VBS staff training session held in the fellowship hall. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

Bethany Lutheran: This Sunday, the Rev. Erik Zingelman, pastoral associate, will share the message 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 shared at all services. The Senior High Youth will worship together at 10:45 a.m.

Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m. through May 18. Child care is available at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. The summer Sunday school program begins June 8 through August 24 at 10 a.m.

Session three of "Building Bridges, Tearing Down Walls, Part II" concludes at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and May 11 with "The Immigrant Experience" and "The Church's Response."

The Camper Scamper Run/Walk fundraiser will be at 10 a.m. May 10 at Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry. Proceeds will benefit the Lutheran Outdoor Ministry Camp in Oregon, Ill.

Pentecost Sunday will be celebrated with Holy Communion at all services May 11. Highlights include: seven red candles representing the gifts of the spirit, the reading of Acts 2-1-21 in English and a variety of other languages, and red geraniums decorating the sanctuary in honor of the "living church."

Bethany Arts Series presents the Chicago Brass Band in concert at 3 p.m. May 18 at the church. The 30-piece brass and percussion ensemble will perform traditional brass band music along with jazz, modern and American literature. There is no admission, but a free-will offering will be taken.

Outreach for May includes driving for Meals on Wheels; helping at the Crystal Lake Food Pantry May 12 and finishing the Military Care Package project.

Reminder: Summer worship service times are 8:30 and 10 a.m. Memorial Day, May 25 through Labor Day, Aug. 31.

The second annual church garage sale is being planned for June 6-7. Vacation Bible school, "Power Lab" is set for 9 a.m. to noon July 14-18.

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.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "You Will Receive Power" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Acts 1:1-11, Psalm 47, Ephesians 1 and Luke 24.

Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through high school at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

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.

Mark your calendar for future events including the church picnic on June 8; Kane County Cougar game on June 14 and a concert fundraiser June 22. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, seminarian James Glowinski will share a message, "The Lion's Roar," based on 1 Peter 5:6, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. Worship is at 6 p.m. Saturday, and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday. Holy Communion this Sunday will be celebrated at both the Saturday and 8 a.m. services.

The Saturday evening and Sunday 8 a.m. services are traditional with organ, hymns and liturgy. The Sunday 10:45 a.m. service is a contemporary service of worship and praise featuring worship leaders and a worship ensemble. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." The service, held in the sanctuary, is piano-led and is an informal non-liturgical worship style with a music blend of favorite hymns and songs of praise. This week, the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf continues the two-part sermon series, "A Major Look at a Minor Prophet (Jonah)." This week's message is called "Gets You Really Lost." During the message, young children are invited to participate in a children's ministry offering called "Faith Factory +" which takes place in Luther Hall, adjacent to the sanctuary.

On May 13, Immanuel will host the 70-member Augsburg College Choir at 7 p.m. for a concert in the church sanctuary. Free admission; a door offering will be collected to support the college's spring tour. All are invited to attend this special night of choral music.

For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org. See what is new in worship, listen to recent sermons, find out what is happening at the church or the day school program, or send a question or comment that might allow the church to better connect with you.

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 Acts 1:6-14, Palm 66:1-10, 32-35, 1 Peter 4:12-14;5:6-11 and John 17:1-11. The Senior Choir will provide the music.

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

The Men's Breakfast will be at 8 a.m. May 10. The leadership meeting for all boards and committees will be from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 10. Confirmation Sunday is at 10 a.m. May 25. Summer vacation Bible school will be 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, Mark Maute of Lisle will lead a Morning Prayer service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at St. Paul's Anglican, housed in the former First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock.

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.