Fox Valley religion notes

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.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Harder will present a message in celebration of fathers on Father's Day at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin.

Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation, study, and prayer.

Wednesday is the Young Couples meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the church basement and a prayer evening in the sanctuary at the same time. Cares and concerns will be the focus.

June 29 will be the annual service and picnic in the park. Mark your calendar for Lyons Park in Elburn and spend the day with them.

Vacation Bibles school is scheduled for the first week of August. Every Wednesday for the month of July will be VBS planning night.

For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit the Web site at www.countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the 9:30 a.m. worship will feature a presentation on Church of the Brethren history by James Gibble-Keenan at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The summer "Gather 'Round" time for children in kindergarten to fifth grade will meet on the stage after the children's time during worship. The theme is "The Things That Make for Peace."

The Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice will hold a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21 in the church fellowship hall.

The "Rain Forest Adventure" vacation Bible school will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 26 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 28. Children age 3 through sixth grade will participate. There will be Bible stories, music, crafts, science activities, and more. For information call (847) 741-5124 or go to the Web site at www.hacob.org.

Good Shepherd: Would you like to attend a quicker, more relaxed service for the summer? How about learning about God's wish for your life while sitting outdoors on your favorite lawn chair?

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is offering an outdoor service at 7 p.m. Mondays throughout the summer.

The service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday nights at the Good Shepherd Christian Life Center at Nesler Road and Route 20, outside and to the East of the building. For details, e-mail Rev. Pollock at rpollock@goodshepherd-elgin.org or call the Church office at (847) 741-7788.

The church will hold vacation Bible school at its Christian Life Center from 9 a.m. to noon June 23-June 27. All are welcome. To register, e-mail amuich@goodshpeherd-elgin.org or call (847) 697-4745 and ask for Adrienne.

In addition, the church will host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 29. Plan to attend and give blood to help save lives. A LifeSource bus will be at the Nesler Road and Route 20 site to take donations. For details, call the church office at (847) 741-7788.

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

Shirt 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 "B'ha-alot'cha," where 70 elders are appointed to assist Moses. 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, "There's Something Funny Going On Here" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Genesis 18:1-15; Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19; Romans 5:1-8 and Matthew 9:35-10:8.

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

Sunday is the annual church picnic with a cake walk and a pie contest. The Kane County Cougar game will be today.

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, "Remember June 1st?," based on the scripture, Matthew 9, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. Special music will be provided by Mark Johnson on the piano and pipe organ.

The 10 a.m. service features a dramatic presentation put on by the First United Methodist Players. The play, "He's Got My Number," will include Ken Walker and Chris Palm.

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 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "A Father's Love" based upon Romans 5:6-15, at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. The summer worship schedule includes a 9 a.m. Sunday worship service and a repeat service at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

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 www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Pat Lindquist will speak on "What Treasure is Being Handed Down in Your Family?," 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 Scripture readings are Isaiah 25:1,4-5 and Luke 12:22-34. All are invited to the Fellowship Hour held downstairs immediately after the second service.

"The Beach Party" is the theme of the vacation Bible school on June 23-27 at Trout Park. All children ages 3 years through sixth grade in the community are invited to this free week of fun and activities. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

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.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver a special Father's Day message at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin.

All fathers are encouraged to attend church with their families. There will be special activities planned for the fathers, including a father/daughter dance. The sermon title for both services is: "What happens when a brother goes home", inspired by Mark 5:18-20. The Praise and Worship Leaders will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Choral Ensemble will render the music for the 10:30 a.m. service.

The Evangelism Ministry will host its second annual Praise and Worship Rally on June 28. The rally will start at 11 a.m. at Second Baptist Church and will conclude at Clifford Court with games, entertainment, food, and fun. The mission statement is: "Save those for Jesus."

The Brotherhood Ministry invites all men to come out every fourth Saturday of the month to fellowship with your Brothers in Christ. Free haircuts will be provided by the "barber shop".

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

Bus and child care 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 Father's Day Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Dad's Matter," based on Ephesians 6:1-4, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. The church offers a single Sunday service at 9 a.m. from June 1 through Aug. 31.

Those adults and youth participating in the Africa mission trip, Zawadi ni Zawadi, in July will be commissioned during the worship service. Adults and high school youth in mission will be traveling to Arusha, Tanzania, East Africa July 1-18. The trip's focus will be to assist the children who attend St. Margaret's Academy in Arusha. David and Kim Olson will lead the group and will be leaving Tuesday to meet the May 6 shipment of 27,000 pounds of donated books and supplies in Tanzania. Donna Bolz, Karen Gundersen, Don and Brett Schmidt, Deb and Jason Clark, and Jim and Pam Pendexter will be arriving July 2 to help. The group will unpack the books, teach classes, build a library and spend time with the children and families of St. Margaret's. For details about the mission trip, visit the Web site at www.zawadinizawadi.com.

Sunday's Ministry of Music will feature songs by the Praise Singers: Cheri Blazek, Robert Blazek, Mark Boekenhauer, Sonja Boekenhauer, Linda Gilmore and Sara Tustin with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist.

Children are invited to go to the 9 a.m. service with their parents. After "Our Children's Time," youth, age 3 through fifth grade, may attend "FaithExplorers in God's Big Backyard" with scripture, crafts and movement. The curriculum is "Raising Children to Love Their Neighbors." It offers many opportunities for mission projects for preschoolers as well as older kids. Join the summer full of fun, learning and discipleship.

Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 9 to 11:15 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.

Adult Teaching will be at 10:15 a.m. Sundays. Education is vitally important to the members of the church. Minds and hearts are open to new ideas while studying the Bible and or learning about issues important to our community and world. The Rev. Don Longbottom strives to offer meaningful and diverse offerings to meet the varying needs of the congregation.

New member class will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday. The class is an effort to involve adults in a discussion about basic issues of Christianity. Completion of this class may enable one to become a part of the church (although participation does not obligate one to join), to prepare for adult baptism or to have a review of the Christian faith.

The church serves dinner at the Community Crisis Center in Elgin on a monthly basis. The next meal will be provided on Tuesday. If you are interested in cooking, donating food or delivering the meals, please contact the church office. Some menu items need to be prepared while others can be purchased and dropped off at church. Any help is appreciated by the temporary residents.

PADS of Elgin Inc. provides safe shelter, support services and advocacy to homeless individuals in Dundee, Elgin and Hanover townships. Four volunteers, 18 and older, are needed to provide staffing at PADS, 1730 Berkley St. in Elgin, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday. Sign up by calling the church office.

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

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church will observe the fifth Sunday after Pentecost as they look at the mission work they call the harvest field, under the theme "There's Always Something to Do."

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.

Starting Monday, 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 before worship. The Monday theme is "Are You a Rock?" as you discover that Christ has not made you to be solo Christians.

Vacation Bible school will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. starting Monday. King of Glory strongly emphasizes ministry to its families - feel free to come and join them. The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on Scripture on Matthew 9:35-10:8 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. The Lord Jesus refuses to work alone. To be a Christian means to be someone who is willing to assist Jesus.

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.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "On Eagles' Wings," based on Exodus 19:2-8, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. A supervised nursery is offered at the 9 a.m. service.

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.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Kendall Koenig continues the sermon series, "How Can I be Sure" with his sermon, "Where are You God?" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The Rev. Kendall Koenig is senior pastor and the Rev. Sharon Rogers is associate pastor.

The Scripture reading for the sermon is taken from Psalm 22:1-11; Romans 8:26-28.

Father's Day worship will be celebrated outdoors at Light of Christ on today at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday, the 7:45 and 9 a.m. services will be held in the sanctuary as usual. Another outdoor worship opportunity will be over the Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 30-31.

The church's service opportunity for families will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 28. They will spend a day with Faith in Action of McHenry County by serving older adults in the area with yard work, simple home maintenance and other services. Sign up in the Welcome Center at the church.

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. The morning session for grade school students is full and afternoon sessions are available for all ages.

Beginning Monday, 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.

For details, call Joanne Weber at (847) 658-9250.

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 Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7, Psalms 116:1-2, 12-19, 100, Exodus 19:2-8a, Romans 5:1-8, and Matthew 9:35-10:8, 9-23. On Sunday, the church will be receiving new members on June 22 at the 10 a.m. service.

The men's breakfast will be at 8 a.m. today. The speaker will be Bob Benjamin on the Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railway.

Summer vacation Bible school will be from 9 a.m. to noon June 23-27. To get a registration form, call the church office at (847) 658-5308.

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.

Faith Community: On Sunday, 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.

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 Silver Saints will meet for lunch and fellowship at 11:30 a.m. Monday at The Walleye Grill in Huntley.

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 high school group will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday. Call the office for the location.

"Discover the Power of God's Love" at vacation Bible School this year. Registration is now open for the program on July 28 to Aug. 1. Cost is $35 per child for kids in preschool through fifth grade. Call the church office at (224) 569-6501 for registration information.

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.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Sue Ellen Grudt 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.

Life Team members will host a "Generation Celebration" from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today in the Willow Room at the Cosman Center.

You still can sign up for vacation Bible school, "Rainforest Adventure" on 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.

Prairie Points Quilting will meet at 9 a.m. June 17 at Citizens Bank.

Music rehearsals are at the Citizens Bank in Huntley. On Tuesday, the first music team will meet at 5 p.m. and the second music team at 6 p.m. at Citizens Bank.

June 22 will be the annual church golf outing. It will be held at Waters Edge Golf Course. Sign-up sheets will be available at the Welcome Table.

A new "Parent Link" newsletter is available for parents on the Web site. Also, "Footsteps of Paul Cruise" can be seen. A new slide show of the Sunday school can also be seen.

Starting June 24, Bible study group will begin the study of "3:16-Numbers of Hope." Sign up at the Welcome Table. This Bible session will run through Aug. 26.

Shepherd's Prayer Hour meeting will be held at 1 p.m. June 27 at Citizens Bank.

Continue to collect supplies for "Homeless Helpers". PADS needs toiletries and sunscreen lotion.

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