McHenry Co. 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.

McHenry County Jewish Congregation: At 7 p.m. June 17, the McHenry County Jewish Congregation's Book Club will discuss "People of the Book" by Pulitzer Prize winning author Geraldine Brooks. The session is open to anyone interested in discussing the book, which is a fictionalized account of the history of the Sarajevo Haggada.

On Wednesday, at noon, Rabbi Maralee Gordon will lead a Lunch and Learn Torah study.

MCJC will offer a two-week day camp program, July 21-Aug. 1, led by Israeli teens. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For details, call MCJC at (815) 455-1810.

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. 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.

New Life Baptist: On Sunday, college student Brandon Hancock will bring a special Father's Day message at the 10:30 a.m. service at New Life Baptist Church, 9228 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills. His message on the love of "God Our Father" will come from the book of Genesis. He is a member of New Life and the son of Eric and Jane Hancock. He just completed his first year at Baptist Bible College in Clark's Summit, Pa. New Life welcomes him to the pulpit this Sunday morning.

New Life begins each Sunday with Sunday school classes for infants, children, youth, and adults begin at 9:15 a. m. A College and Career Class, taught by Brandon Hancock, recently started meeting on Sunday morning.

Child care is available during the morning worship service for infants through 3-year-olds; children's church is held for children, age 4 through second grade.

The annual church picnic takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 21 at Deicke Park on Route 47 in Huntley. A baptismal service will be held during morning worship on June 29 and vacation Bible school will be held the week of Aug. 4-8 at the church.

Small Bible study groups meet each week in Algonquin, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, and Woodstock. The church men play basketball at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the church.

For details, call (847) 458-9726 or visit www.newlifebaptist-il.com.

First Congregational: At 5 p.m. today, the monthly second Saturday contemporary worship, featuring contemporary music and praise worship. On Sunday, the Rev. Michelle McNamara's sermon will be "Wise as Serpents and Innocent as Doves. Really?" based on Matthew 9:25-10:23, in the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The theme is the call to service.

The Sunday school aged children will enjoy a "Fun in the Sun" outdoor activity.

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 Bernstein's. They are studying the book, "If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat."

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, "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.

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.

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.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock, will hold its traditional Barn Service in conjunction with Father's Day at the 10:45 a.m. service.

The church will meet at the home of one of our members at its usual time. Child care and help with parking will be provided. The theme will be "Father's Day" and the church asks everyone to bring something to talk about that belonged to their father or identifies their father. Participants are also asked to bring flowers for the Flower Wheel and a dish to pass for the congregational potluck to follow the service; the church is providing beverages and tableware.

For information or directions to the Barn Service, call the church at (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org, or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the summer worship schedule continues 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 dares the greeting card industry to catch up to this revered patriarch of three contemporary faith traditions. On Father's Day, the pastor will "interview" this common ancestor of Judaism, Islam and Christianity about how his descendants may find peace. His message is titled, "Father Abraham." During the service, vacation Bible school workers will be dedicated.

On Monday, "Rain Forest Adventure," this year's vacation Bible school begins. The program for children from nursery age to fifth grade will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday to Thursday. A Family Night program will be held at the church from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

On Tuesday, the Prayer Shawl Ministry meets at 1:30 p.m. in the church library.

On Wednesday, the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth will hold a fundraiser at Culvers in Crystal Lake to raise money for their 2008 Work Camp at Wakpala, S.D. A portion of the day's sales will be donated to the group, and the youth will help serve meals from 5 to 8 p.m.

On Thursday, Common Ground will meet in the chapel.

For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

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.

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. Childcare is provided during the 10 a.m. service during the summer months. Summer Sunday school program meets at 10 a.m. Sunday through Aug. 24. On Sunday, there will be a sending service for the senior high youth going on the mission trip to Benton Harbor, Mich. Highlights in June include an outreach helping at the Crystal Lake Food Pantry and collecting items for Layette Kits for Lutheran World Relief.

Confirmation classes wrap up the year with the seventh-grade confirmands doing a Servant Event from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 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.

The senior ministry group will take a day trip to the Hindu temple in Bartlett on Monday. They will meet at 9 a.m. at the church to car pool. A sending and reception for intern Michelle Magee will be held the morning of June 29. She returns to seminary this fall to complete her studies. The food pantry will be staffed by Bethany members June 30. Bookers at Bethany meets at 7 p.m. June 30. This month's book is "Blue Water" by A. Manette Ansay. 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 continues. 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 is exploring the four secrets of prayer on Sundays during the month of June. This series is based on the spiritual novel, "The Prayer Chest." Since the beginning of time, every man and woman has prayed millions of prayers daily. Why then are only a handful of them answered? This week you will discover how prayer is answered when you welcome everything. "I am open to receive all of life's riches," is our daily prayer this month. Special guest musician is Amy Beth.

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." June 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 "Release - The Fourth Step of Treatment." There is a Tuesday morning mediation with Bhanta Sujatha at 10 a.m. for a $10 donation. The weekly healing service is at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Healing services at The Center for Spiritual Evolution are popular and known for their uplifting effect with concentrated high vibrational energies revealing spiritual perfection in all areas of our life. The pastor will deliver a short message leaving ample time for prayer, meditation, and spiritual mind treatment by she and the church's professional practitioners in response to your healing requests. 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 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.

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 sixth chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Bible study will resume in the fall.

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.

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.

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. Adult Teaching will be at 10:15 a.m. Sundays.

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.

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."

On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

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. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.