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.

Tikkun Olam: Congregation Tikkun Olam will hold a Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. This is an opportunity for those who may not have attended these services before, but would like to see what the congregation is all about before joining them for the High Holy Days.

Religious school registration and membership packets have been mailed and should be returned by early September. Religious school classes are offered for students in second grade through high school on alternate Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon in Crystal Lake. Classes will begin on Sept. 12.

Congregation Tikkun Olam is a Jewish Reform congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, and offers religious school, adult education programs and more. Interfaith families are welcome to participate fully. For details ions, or to request a membership/religious school registration packet, call (815) 334-7110 or send an e-mail through the Web site at www.tikkun-olam.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the theme will be "A Living Piece of God's Never Ending Story" at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. Three church members, Jan Tures, Lois "Boots" Parisek, and Bill Hoffman, will each speak about the story of their own personal relationship with First Congregational Church. The Rev. Michelle McNamara's meditation will be a wrap up on the same theme. The special music will be a baritone solo by Bill Hoffman. The Sunday school-aged children will enjoy a video. The Knit/Crochet Group, now called "Clickin' Sticks," will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church. The Thursday Study Group will meet at 10:15 a.m. at the Wrights' home. 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, "For Crying Out Loud!," based on Matthew 15:21-28, 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 8 a.m. Sunday with no Sunday school. 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 Ralph Peterson 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.

Sunday is the church picnic, starting after the 10:30 a.m. service. The picnic is at Deicke Park. Bring your dish to pass.

On Tuesday, the first music team will meet at 5 p.m. and the second music team at 6 p.m.

On Tuesday, the Bible study group will meet from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Citizens Bank. The Prairie Points Quilting Group will meet at 9 a.m. Aug. 19 at Citizens Bank.

Shepherd Prayer Hour will meet at 1 p.m. Friday at Citizens Bank.

Sunday school will resume on Rally Day, Sept. 7. Register your children at the Welcome Table or online.

Thread is being collected until Sunday, to be sent to India by the Rahab's Rope Missions.

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 24 at Main Street and Manhattan Drive. Gently used Christian books are needed for the library in the new church.

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. Gentle Hata Yoga classes for adults are given each Tuesday at 9 a.m. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a floor mat. Advance registration is not needed. 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.

The Silver Saints will meet for lunch and fellowship at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Govnor's Pub in Lake in the Hills. All seniors are invited to attend.

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.

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. Arn Schaper will preach.

Nursery care will be available, and children 3 years through kindergarten will be dismissed during the service for Story Time.

On Sunday, First Forum will meet from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the church library. Kathryn Gooding and Kate Halma report back on their recent experience of the Dalai Lama's teachings in Madison. Come hear what they gleaned about Buddhism, insights they gained about Tibet and its exiled community, share a glimpse into the character of the fascinating man who calls himself just a simple Buddhist monk and find out what they learned from the interfaith folks they lived with and visited with while in Madison.

Also on Sunday, members of the Re-Member Work Tour will collect school supplies to send to the Loneman Day School on the Pine Ridge Reservation in Oglala, S.D.

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

On Friday, FCCs Moms Time Out group will meet at a member's home for a potluck dinner. Call Beth Gier at (847) 639-4586 for details.

On Aug. 23, Mens Fellowship group meets for breakfast at 8 a.m. in fellowship hall.

Visitors are welcome to any church activity. The church is accessible to persons with disabilities. Large print bulletins and assisted listening devices are available at Sunday Services an entrance for people with mobility impairment is on the Lake Street side of the church.

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

Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, the Rev. Harold J. Hoekstra, senior pastor, 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 Crystal Lake Food Pantry will be staffed by Bethany workers Monday.

The senior breakfast Monday will feature guest speaker Katie Gavle, bringing highlights from her year in Mexico as part of the ELCA Global Mission Young Adult Program.

The "Start of School Year Blessing" is planned for all students at the 10 a.m. service Aug. 24.

The "Affirmation of Educators Service of Recognition" will be at the 8:30 and 10 a.m. services Aug. 24.

Faith Quest Sunday school registration for preschool age 3 through senior high youth is now under way. Classes resume at 9 a.m. Sept. 7.

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 "Prosperity" during the month of August. To quote Ernest Holmes, "success and prosperity are spiritual attributes belonging to all people but not necessarily used by all people." This month, the Rev. Anne Muelleman will lead the congregation through the process of revealing the Laws of Prosperity in their lives that they may experience more prosperity and abundance in daily life. Her title for Sunday is "Creating a Flow." Music this week is provided by Tricia Alexander.

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." August lessons relate to "Letting Go and Letting God." This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Now."

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.

St. Paul's Anglican Church: St. Paul's Anglican Church, a traditional Episcopal Church, will worship using 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 Rev. Michael DuCette is vicar.

The sermon will be based on the 10th chapter of the Gospel of Luke.

Bishop Rocco Florenza's visit has been delayed into September.

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.

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.

Registration is now being accepted for fall religious school, prekindergarten through high school. A family picnic and registration will be held at 4 p.m. Aug. 24. New members are welcome. For details, call the congregation office.

This week's Torah portion is "Va-ethanan." 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."

This week's Torah portion is "V'etchanan," the repetition of the Ten Commandments. Guests are welcome.

At 1 p.m. Sunday, Congregation Shirat Shalom presents "D'rash Ud'vash - Stories and Honey", a pre-High Holiday family program for all ages. The program will include storytelling, singalongs, shofar blowing, goodies, and much more. Afterward, the celebration will continue with fresh kosher desserts and games. The entire community is invited to come for this fun afternoon.

For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on Scripture on Matthew 15:10-28, at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Who is in charge of the world? Is there any hope? Christians believe that Jesus is the hope of the world. Sunday school registration will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Sunday.

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 UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "Betrayal, Forgiveness, Covenant," at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 and Matthew 15:10-20, 21-28.

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.

The fall Sunday school program is currently taking registrations. Pick up your forms or visit the church Web site so staffing can be completed and adequate materials can be ordered. Keep your eyes open for the upcoming Hobo Show on Nov. 8. This year, the Hobos will be "Cruisin'." For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, worship will be at 9:30 a.m. at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The congregational picnic to celebrate the dog days of summer will be at noon Sunday in Wing Park at picnic pavilion 2. Share food, games, and fun. Bring your own table service and a couple dishes to share. Drinks will be provided.

Reserve the date of Aug. 24 at 5 p.m. for a Chicago area Church of the Brethren Love Feast celebration at Highland Avenue Church, in honor of the 300th Anniversary of the Brethren. For information call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Male Chorus will render the music for both services.

Immediately after 10:30 a.m. service, church members will travel to New Community Baptist Church located in Aurora. New Community will be celebrating their annual Choir Day. SBC's Choral Ensemble will minister in song and Edmond will deliver the sermon message.

Join the pastor as SBC presents Sister Katie Rubin's new CD release "Praising God In Song". Sister Rubin will be in concert at SBC at 5:30 p.m. today. Performing with her will be Walt Cunningham with Dartmouth Choral Ensemble and One Accord; Mildred Turner & the Southern Harmoneers from Monroe, La.; and the SBC Choral Ensemble. The CD will be available for $15. This event is produced by Walt Cunningham and Nathan Johnson. Rubin Enterprises is sponsoring the event. The concert is free and open to the public.

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.

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. 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, "We Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends," based on Mark 2:1-12, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. The church offers a single Sunday service at 9 a.m. through Aug. 31. William Davis, the son of Steve and Melissa Davis, will be baptized.

Throughout August, the Local Mission Ministry will collect "Back-to-School" supplies for underprivileged children in the area. Any school item will be appreciated. The Third Sunday Benevolence Offering will be donated to the "Back-to-School" supplies collection to purchase extra items. These gifts will give many children an opportunity to have a great start on the new school year.

Adults and high school youth in global mission ministry, in conjunction with Cumberland Mountain Outreach, have traveled to Beattyville, Ky. to assemble the home that church members have built and furnished for a deserving family. Cumberland Mountain Outreach is about rebuilding homes and hope in Appalachia. In this impoverished area, teams of volunteers do major home repair, new home construction, tutoring and hosting day camps for children, and other tasks in keeping with the abilities of the team members. For details Cumberland Mountain Outreach Ministries Incorporated at 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.

A town-hall meeting will take place at 10:15 a.m. Sunday for teachers and parents. The discussion will center on the fall Sunday school schedule.

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."

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 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, call 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.