Fox Valley religion events

Annual picnic, open house: Congregation Kneseth Israel will host its annual picnic and new member open house for prospective and current members from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at the synagogue, 330 Division St., Elgin. There will be food, fun, games and entertainment for all ages. Registration for religious school classes will take place at this time. Prospective members and their families may attend the picnic for free. Come socialize, have fun and learn more about membership in the temple and enrolling your child in religious school. For details, call (847) 741-5656. CKI has been the heart of Conservative Judaism in the Fox Valley for more than 100 years.

Pig roast: Carpenter's House Community Church, 201 N. Kennedy Drive in Carpentersville, will hold its second annual pig roast from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 13. There will be live music and a motorcycle show, as wel as a petting zoo and pony rides. Carpentersville Fire Department will have one of their trucks on site. Admission is free, though donations are accepted. For details, call the church at (847) 428-0999.

Join Catholic church: The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults program at St. Mary Catholic Church of Elgin provides an opportunity for adults to learn more about the Catholic faith. Many in the program, through prayer and discernment, choose to become a fully initiated member of the Roman Catholic church at Easter. St. Mary's RCIA program begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 28 in the upper level of St. Mary's parish office, 400 Fulton St., Elgin. The classes continue each Sunday morning through next Easter, with time off for holidays. Study materials are provided and there is no fee to attend the classes. If you would like to learn more about the Catholic faith, you are invited to attend the introductory meeting on Sept. 28. Call the St. Mary Religious Education Office at (847) 888-2718 or e-mail deaconhank@stmaryelgin.com if you want to register or get details.