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Fox Valley religion notes

Posted July 25, 2008 11:00 pm

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.

Wesley UMC: Wesley United Methodist Church, 1070 South St. in Elgin, invites friends and neighbors to Sunday worship at 9:30 a.m. On Sunday, special music, including virtuosic pieces by Chopin, Rachmaninoff and Scriabin, will be performed by Aleksander Krukowski, an accomplished performer. Krukowski is a graduate in piano performance of the renowned Warsaw Academy of Music. He has appeared a number of times at prestigious music stages in Poland including Warsaw and Zelazowa Wola, Chopin's birthplace. Krukowski has taken part in many music events and played numerous concerts in the United States including appearances at the International Art and Music Festival in St. Charles and the Easter Seals Telethon in Elgin. All are invited. For details, call the church office at (847) 742-7256.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Harder will present the message 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.

Every Wednesday during the month of July will be vacation Bible school planning night.

Vacation Bible school is scheduled for Aug. 11-15. This summer's program is called "Power Lab." Children will have a chance to make new friends, do crafts, discover Bible adventures, and learn new songs. This is an early evening event, from 6 to 8:15 p.m., which will include a light dinner for the children (and adults who stay) each night. Call the church office at (847) 683-2795 for information about signing up. Visit www.countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline presents the sermon, "Are We There Yet?" at 9:30 a.m. at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. "Summer Gather 'Round time" continues for children ages kindergarten through fifth grade. This will be held on the stage in the fellowship hall and will follow the Children's Time every Sunday through Aug. 31.

Children and youth of the congregation and from across the Illinois/Wisconsin District will be going to Camp Emmaus over the next few weeks. The camp, which is in Mt. Morris, Ill., is a great favorite with the children and youth. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

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. Religious school is offered for prekindergarten to high school. Classes will resume in September. For details, call the congregation office.

This week's Torah portion is "Mattot." 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.

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." Havdalah and Tisha B'Av services will be held at 8 p.m. Aug. 9, beginning at 8 p.m.

This week's Torah portion is "Mattot," which speaks of making vows. 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, "Do All Things Really Work Together For Good?," at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-11, 45b; Romans 8:26-39 and Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52.

The nursery is open for children age 3 and younger. Children who are 4 and older are invited to attend the multi-grade Sunday school class held in the church youth room.

Nothing But Nets is the current mission fundraiser. Spare change or other donations are being collected. Every $10 buys a mosquito net - a help in preventing malaria in Africa. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison gives the message, "I Am Convinced. Are You?" from Romans 8:26-39, at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. Special vocal music will be provided by Jordan Krieger Smith. Christian education for all ages is at 8:50 a.m.

On Sunday, "Party In the Park" will be held after the service. A "cookout" meal will be served in the dining room of the church, followed by games and other activities in Rogers Park, adjacent to the church on Highland Avenue and Spring Street. For details, call (847) 741-0038, ext. 102 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will preach at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. He continues "The Lord Will Provide" based on Genesis 22:1-14 and 1 Corinthians 10:12-13. The topic for this week will be "The Lord Will Provide" based on Genesis 22:1-14 and 1 Corinthians 10:12-13.

The Open Door service starts at 8:15 in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is held in the sanctuary.

Every four years the United Church of Christ sponsors a Youth Event gathering. This year the youth, ages 13-18, will meet at the campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. FCC is sending a youth group to this event that will be in session from July 24-28. These lucky folks will hear Julia Butterfly Hill, poet, activist and author of "The Luna Legacy." Hill is founder of the Circle of Life, which promotes sustainability, restoration, and preservation of life. They will hear keynote speaker, Eboo Patel, outstanding young Muslim American. Patel is a Rhodes scholar at Oxford, England and founder of the Interfaith Youth Core of Chicago. Valerie Tutson will be there with her outstanding gift of story telling. Tutson tells Old Testament stories as one of her specialties. The musical twosome, "Lost and Found," aka, Michael and George, will bring their own look at life with their music. What an opportunity for Christian youth. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, join Second Baptist Church in Elgin for its 142nd anniversary celebration.

On Oct. 15, 1862, the Rev. Benjamin Thomas of the First Baptist Church brought to Elgin about 125 slaves from plantations in Franklin County, Ala. Second Baptist Church was formally organized on Dec. 2, 1866. Its first African-American minister was the Rev. Richard DeBaptiste of Chicago, who served as pastor prior to his death in 1901. The first church building was a frame structure on Center Street facing Barclay Park, at which time the Rev. R.M. Smith was the pastor.

As a new millennium was embraced, a pastoral election was held on Jan. 23, 2000. The Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond, who was then serving as an associate minister of the church, became the pastor elect. Subsequently, he was installed as pastor on Feb. 20, 2000. Under Edmond, the church experienced tremendous growth numerically, financially, and most importantly, spiritually. The nursery was refurbished and reopened in May 2000; the Young Adult Ministry and the Praise and Worship Leaders were established in 2000; and the first "Wonderful Wednesday" midweek service commenced on Feb. 7, 2001. On March 6, 2005, a groundbreaking ceremony was held after the 10:30 a.m. service symbolizing the church's plan to add a 20,000-square-foot multipurpose building. On Feb. 18, 2006, the church celebrated the grand opening of the multipurpose building. According to Rev. Edmond, the building is another opportunity for God to enlarge our territory in doing ministry. Throughout the years, Second Baptist Church has been located at different locations with different pastors, but the wholesomeness, spirit filled congregation, and close knit family atmosphere has remained the same. The theme for the 142nd anniversary is: "My Cup Runneth Over", taken from Acts 2:47.

Celebration Sunday will begin at 8 a.m. with Associate Minster Rev. Robbie Robinson delivering the anniversary theme sermon. He will be joined by the S Step team and the SBC Combined Choir. The 10:30 a.m. service will have associate minister Rev. Shirley Roberts delivering the anniversary theme sermon. Rev. Roberts will be joined by Precious Praise, Divine Movement and the SBC Combined Choir.

The Health Care Ministry presents "How Excess Weight Affects Your Health," from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 13 with guest speaker Dr. Sheila Wilkins. Support the Health Care Ministry and also help ourselves in this fight against weight control.

The CUPS (Couples United to Process Success) will host their annual retreat from Sept. 19-21. If you are interested in being a part of the planning committee, contact Rev. Andrew and Brenda Love. Or call the church office.

Mothers and daughters, women and girls. If you have anything to be thankful for, join the Missionary Ministry from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 9. The Missionary Ministry has a special afternoon planned for all in attendance. Sign up in the vestibule.

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 "barbershop".

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

Second Baptist is at 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Deep Roots Make Sweeter Fruit," based on Psalm 1, 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.

The Global Mission Ministry, in conjunction with Cumberland Mountain Outreach, will be building a home for a deserving family in Kentucky. Volunteers will build wall panels at the church which will be trucked down and assembled on the home site in Beattyville, Ky. Aug. 16-23. Home Build sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Check out more information about Cumberland Mountain Outreach Ministries Incorporated at http://my.att.net/p/s/communitydll?ep=16&groupid=136554&ck.

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

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.

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

Coffee and fellowship time will follow the services in the narthex hosted by the Hospitality Team.

The church is offering a free preview of Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University at 8:30 a.m. Sunday in God's Big Backyard. The educational program helps individuals and families conquer debt, invest and ultimately build wealth God's way. The church will host the classes for 13 weeks from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays from Sept. 10 to Dec. 10 (no class will be held on the evening of Nov. 26 in observance of Thanksgiving). For details regarding FPU or the free preview, call Jim Hendricks at (847) 428-3997.

Middle school youth group will meet from 10:15 a.m. to noon Sunday with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Youth are advised to bring clothes that they can be "active" in.

Summer Parent's Day Out Program continues from 9 to 11:30 a.m. through Aug. 6. Your 2- to 4-year-old children can join us on Mondays or Wednesdays for structured time that is fun and developmentally appropriate. They will enjoy circle time, calendar and weather activity, a math/language lesson, snack, Bible story, craft, music time and a trip to our indoor recess room.

Summer camps at FCC, a pairing for "Kids" age 3 through eighth grade, continues Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. VeggieTales Day Camp is for children age 3 through kindergarten. The kids will finally find out what Bob and Larry have been up to this summer. Children will love joining their VeggieTales friends for stories, crafts, games and more. Fine Arts Camp is for youth in first through eighth grades. They will explore art, drama, choir and handbells as part of their experience. Youth will be grouped according to age and will experience three different areas of interest during each day of camp. Join us for one morning or for all four. The cost for all materials and snack is $5 per youth per session. Visit the Web site for registration details.

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 11th Sunday after Pentecost as they look at the theme of "A Life-Changing Question," based on Romans 8. The regular weekly worship schedule includes a more traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sundays, as well as a contemporary style worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band. Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:20 a.m. They also offer during the school year various midweek educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as youth programs for various age groups.

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 "Rich," as they take a look at what being rich really is for the Christian.

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 13: 31-33, 44-52, at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. When one takes an honest look at the church things are not that impressive. Yet to see the church as God sees it may be to see the church in a bright, divine new way. Join them Sunday and see the church as God sees it.

From 1 to 4 p.m. today, the church is having an ice cream social. Tickets, which will be available at the door, are $3. It includes a large scoop of ice cream (with toppings), a cookie treat and beverage. There will also be a jumping castle for the children and raffles. 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.