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.

Calvary Lutheran: On Sept. 6, Calvary Lutheran Church, 535 N. McLean Blvd. in Elgin, will kick off the start of its Sunday school, adult Bible classes and confirmation classes with a potluck and game night at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring a dish to share, as well as your favorite game. Beverages will be provided. On Sept. 7, the 2008-09 Sunday school year begins at 9:15 a.m. for all youth. Also, at 9:15 a.m., the Rev. Mark Bestul begins a new adult Bible class and begins a new topic, "Heaven on Earth: The Divine Service and Lutheran Worship." Senior Saints resumes at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 9 and will be studying the book of Matthew. Confirmation classes resume at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 with a meeting for parents and youth. The Wednesday Bible study will resume at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 17 and continue the Lifelight study, "Prophecy." For details, call (847) 741-5433 or visit www.clce.org.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Harder will lead worship at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. Sunday's message is a continuation of the vacation Bible school theme "Feel the Power." Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation, study, and prayer.

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

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.

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.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. Bruce Meissner will be sharing the message, "Priorities, Priorities" at the 5 p.m. Saturday service at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. On Sunday, at 8 and 10:45 a.m. services, the Rev. William Yonker will be sharing the message, "When You're Family-" based on Matthew 15:325-27. Worship is at 6 p.m. Saturday, and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

Holy Communion this weekend will be celebrated at the Saturday and 8 a.m. service. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered between the Sunday morning services at 9:20 a.m.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." The service, held in the sanctuary, is piano-led and is an informal nonliturgical worship style with a music blend of favorite hymns and songs of praise. This week, the Rev. Gregg Bowen continues with his sermon series in the spirit of these Summer Olympics he has entitled "Go for the Gold". This week's message is called "Learning to Live Life with Nothing Left to Forgive."

On Aug. 24, Immanuel will be celebrating in their contemporary 10:45 a.m. service with a dynamic jazz worship style, including horns, vocal leaders, and rhythm section. The message for the service is called "Cut From the Rock", and will feature the worship songs "How Can I Keep from Singing," "Let the Praises Ring" and "The Rock" as well as some great traditional classics like "Amazing Grace" and "When the Saints Go Marching In." All are welcome. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

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.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, special music will be provided by soprano Laura Johnson and pianist Linda Scheifele at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. They will be presenting "A Simple Song," from the Mass by Bernstein, and "Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine," arranged by Cutter. The Rev. Jonathan Hutchison gives the message, "Leftovers," based on Matthew 15. Christian education for all ages is at 8:50 a.m.

Beginning Sept. 7, traditional worship will begin at 9 a.m. There will be Fellowship Time from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Christian Education for all ages begins at 10:30 with the new Prayer and Praise Celebration beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Youth Group will meet from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. each Sunday. For details, call (847) 741-0038, ext. 102 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Sunday, the 14th Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Faith Clears Things Up," based on Matthew 15:21-28, 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. The church will offer its next "Walk-R-Run" session with a short devotion and prayer at 9 a.m. today on the Great Western Trail down by Sorrento's restaurant on Route 64. The goal is to meet and cover a 5K course for fun, fellowship, and good exercise twice a month. For details, e-mail stjohnlutheran@foxvalley.net or call the church office (847) 683-9108.

St. John's Octoberfest on Oct. 10-11 will include a Friday night Family concert with the McAvoy Family Ministries. The Octoberfest committee is busy working on a few new events to add to the traditional German dinner and music. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Lois Bucher will preach on "Gracious Religion," based on 1 John 4:7-8 and Luke 9:49-50, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The 8:15 a.m. open door service is in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is in the sanctuary. There will be special music by Tom and Erin Powell. There will also be the Sacrament of Baptism. All are invited to attend the fellowship hour at 11:15 a.m. on the lower level.

It is time to sign up for the Dine with Nine (or Dinner with Eight) groups. Singles and couples are urged to get to know the people they worship with by having dinner with them. Members are reminded to mark their calendars for a congregational meeting Aug. 24 to discuss and approve options for the renovation project. Plans are under way for Rally Day on Sept. 7 when Sunday school will begin for the children and youth. Adult Formation classes will resume as well with an overview of Paul's letters in the New Testament and breakfast will again be served at 9 a.m. each Sunday. For details, call (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.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.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church will observe the 14th Sunday after Pentecost as they look at the theme of "Who Are You?," based on Matthew 15. 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.

Join "The Refuge" and 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 theme for Monday is "What Time is It?"

The church will host a blood drive in conjunction with Life Source from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 24 on the church grounds. Call the church office at (847) 931-1520 to make a schedule appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

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 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.