Fox Valley religion events
Power Lab: St. John's Lutheran Church in Elgin invites children entering kindergarten to entering sixth grade to come and have a "blast" at "Power Lab: Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power." The Power packed week is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the week, children will travel to different stations to hear God's Word at "Bible Blast," play games at "Hyperspeed," create a snack at "Test Tube Treats," plus assemble crafts and sing songs that are out of this world. Each day the children will hear different Biblical Truths and how they apply to their lives. A "Bible Buddy" will be given out every day to each child to remind them of what they learned that day. While the children are moving from station to station, the parents are encouraged to stay each night for some planned sessions of fellowship, discussion and fun. There is no registration fee. A donation of $3 per day is encouraged. If you would like to preregister your child, forms are available at the church office. The church is at 101 N. Spring St. just a couple of blocks east of the Fox River in old downtown Elgin. For details call the church at (847) 741-0814, ext. 102.
Elgin Citywide Street Revival: On Wednesday and Thursday, join the African- American Minister Alliance for the Elgin Citywide Street Revival at the Elgin City Hall plaza, between the Hemmens and city hall buildings. The revival will begin nightly starting at 6:30 p.m. Each night will feature praise through songs performed by various choirs, testimonials, and preaching. Come out and support this spiritually uplifting program. The revival is sponsored by the African-American Christian Minister Alliance.
Picnic at Good Shepherd: Good Shepherd Lutheran School is having a picnic celebration for the community from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday at its 1111 Van St. location. All are welcome to come see the improvements made to the school to meet the needs of today's learners, and register for the new year. Come see the "face lift" staff and school members have done to the building, and learn about its accreditation, curriculum, and Lutheran-based education, and enjoy food. It is an opportunity to visit the classroom and meet the teachers. All teachers will be on hand to describe what a typical day is like and answer any questions parents have. The school strives to meet the individual needs of children in the classroom and provides a wide variety of learning experiences. The school is accepting enrollment for the 2008-09 school year for preschool through eighth grade. Preschool and kindergarten both offer full-day options, and both locations offer after-school care. The Van Street location houses kindergarten and grades first through eighth, and the preschool is located at the Nesler Road Christian Life Center. For information, visit www.goodshepherd-elgin.org, or call the school at (847) 741-7795, or the preschool at (847) 697-4745.
Preschool openings: New Creations Preschool is extending their class length from 2 hours to 3 hours (9 a.m. to noon) to enhance the children's learning experience. There is so much to learn and do that they know this extra half-hour will enhance the program. Registration is beginning now. The child-to-teacher ratio is 20 to 2. Cost is $185 per month with $75 non-refundable registration fee for Monday/Wednesday/Friday class. New Creations Preschool is for anyone looking for a loving environment where a child can grow emotionally, spiritually and intellectually. For details or to schedule an appointment to visit the preschool, call the director Penny Ball at (847) 931-5088.
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.