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.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Michelle McNamara will preach "The Lord of the Dance/The Giver of Rest," based on Matthew 11:16-30, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The service will open with an old-fashioned hymn sing. It is Communion Sunday. The Mission of the Month for July is the Home of the Sparrow, a transitional shelter program for women with children who are homeless.

Meagen and Taylor Little will sing in a duet in both services. The Sunday school aged children will enjoy a video. The Knit/Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church.

The church office will be closed for Independence Day.

The church will again have a booth from 8 a.m. to noon today at the Farmer's Market, on Church Street across from the square, where crafts and art projects will be sold.

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, "Rest for Body and Soul", based on Matthew 11:25-30, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. The July 4 patriotic service will be held this weekend.

St. John Lutheran Church is at 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. 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. Nursery care is available at both services.

It is Grafton Food Pantry Day. Donations needed are canned food, paper products, soap, shampoo, deodorant and cleaning supplies.

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.

On Tuesday, the Bible study group will continue the study of "3:16-Numbers of Hope." Sign up at the Welcome Table. This Bible session will run through Aug. 26.

Prayer Shawl Knitters will meet at 9 a.m. Thursday at Citizens Bank.

Lay Shepherds will meet on Thursday with the first session at 10:30 a.m. and the second session at 6:30 p.m.

Shepherd Prayer Hour meeting will be held at 1 p.m. July 11 at Citizens Bank.

Christians who like "Classic Cars" will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Cosman Center. 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 Tuesdays, TOPS meets at 11:30 a.m.

Adult Bible studies are offered Wednesdays. At 9 a.m., study the text for the upcoming Sunday. At 7 p.m., they will study the book of Mark.

A decorating party for vacation Bible school will be held at 11:30 a.m. July 20.

The Silver Saints will meet for lunch and fellowship at 11:30 a.m. July 21 at Colonial Cafe in Algonquin. New members are welcome!

"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: The Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock, will have no service Sunday due to the July 4 holiday. Summer services will commence at 10:45 a.m. July 13 downstairs at the church. For details, call (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 first Sunday in each month is Food Pantry Sunday. Members are asked to bring nonperishable food items for the Crystal Lake Food Pantry.On Wednesday, Heartland Blood Center staff will be in Fellowship Hall from 3 to 7 p.m. for a blood drive. Walk-ins are welcome. Oberweis Dairy will give coupons for a free quart of ice cream to all donors. Call the church office for more information.On Wednesday, FCCs Mature Singles Group will meet at FCC to car-pool to the Starlight Theater in Rockford to see the 8 p.m. performance of Noah. Contact Rev. Ron Woodruff, (815) 206-0498, for more information.For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.Bethany Lutheran: Pastoral Associate Erik Zingelman 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.The 12th annual Christmas in July focus begins today and continues throughout the month. "Wish List" items will be given to the Crystal Lake Food Pantry, Home of the Sparrow, PADS at Bethany and Veteran's Home in Hebron. 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.Welcome Back Katie Coffee Hour is planned for July 20 between worship services. Katie Gavle has spent the past year serving as part of the Young Adults in Global Mission program in Cuernavaca, Mexico. The Annual Summer Blood Drive is July 20 from 8:30 until noon.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.Church of Religious Science: The McHenry County Church of Religious Science, Center for Spiritual Evolution is exploring "The Art of Being" during the month of July. Inspired by our book study The Art of Being - 101 Ways to Practice Purpose In Your Life, Rev. Anne S. Muelleman will explore with the congregation various states of being this month. On Sunday, in honor of the Independence Day weekend, we are inspired to consider what it takes and what it really means to be free. Music by 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." July lessons relate to "Letting Go and Letting God." This week's topic for kindergarten through 5th is "I'm Free". 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.The Spiritual Entrepreneur Networking Group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. July 11 at the church room.Congregational Church: 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 Romans 7:15-25a and Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. On Sunday, they will begin an Intergenerational Summer Sunday school at 8:45 a.m. All are welcome to attend.There will be a Men's Breakfast at 8 a.m. July 12. If you are interested in learning more about the Congregational Church, and the United Church of Christ there will be a new member class on July 20 at 11:15 a.m.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, Charles Carr of Schaumburg will lead the service using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. June 29 at the former First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock.Bible study will resume in the fall. 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 11:16-19, 25-30 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Jesus promises his disciples that following him is not easy. There's a heavy cross to bear. Yet, Jesus also promises that his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Come see how these mutually exclusive ideas play out in our faith. 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.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 prekindergarten to high school. Classes will resume in September. For details, call the congregation office. This week's Torah portion is "Hukkat." 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." On July 12, after services and lunch, they will have a class at 12:30 p.m. on "Prayer and Song."This week's Torah portion is "Chukat," in which Miriam and Aaron, Moses' siblings, die. Guests are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.orgFirst UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "Does the Devil Make Us Do It?" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67; Psalm 45:10-17; Romans 7:15-25a and Matthew 11:16-19, 25-39. 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. Summer vacation Bible school will be held 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 or www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/fumcdundee. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Clem McCollough, associate minister, will deliver the message for the 8 a.m. service and the Rev. Larry Henderson will deliver the message for the 10:30 a.m. service at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Male Chorus 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. Holy Communion will be observed during both services and baptisms will take place during the 8 a.m. service. Register for Vacation Bible School. VBS will run July 28 through Aug. 1 starting at 6 p.m. nightly. Volunteers are needed. 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 Sunday, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Celebrate Freedom," based on Jeremiah 34:8-9 and Luke 4:16-19, 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 first Sunday of each month is set aside for donations of nonperishable food items for FISH Food Pantry and/or size 5 6 diapers for the Community Crisis Center. These gifts will help those less fortunate in the area.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. Your children will have fun learning and playing while you enjoy your time too. The cost is $80 per child for the six-week program.Summer camps at FCC, a pairing for "Kids" age 3 through eighth grade, begins on Fridays, July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1 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 Website in July for registration details. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.Bethlehem Lutheran: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St., West Dundee offers services at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sundays. Bible classes for all ages on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.Vacation Bible school will be from 9 a.m. to noon July 7-11. This year's theme is "Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power Come." Bring your children to have a great time, refreshments are served. Call the church office for details (847) 426-7311 or visit www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/mysite/default.aspx?All-you-can-eat rib and fish boil will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 20. Have you ever had "Poor Man's Lobster?" You will not want to miss this directly from Fitzgerald's Genoa Junction Restaurant in Genoa City, Wis. A first run Christian Movie "The Wager" with Randy Travis will be shown before or after the dinner. Tickets for dinner and a movie are $20 for adults and $12 for children under 12. Call the church office to purchase your tickets now. (847) 426-7311. A special showing of "The Wager" for youth will be at 8 p.m. July 26. Come be with local youth in the area. Call for tickets at (847) 426-7311.