Fox Valley religion events

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. Saturday, Sept. 13. There will be live music and a motorcycle show, as well 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.

Meditation workshop: Bhante Sujatha, Sri Lankan Buddhist Monk and leader of the Blue Lotus Temple, will offer a "Loving Kindness Meditation Workshop" from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Center for Spiritual Evolution, a Religious Science Community, 204 Spring St., Cary. There is a $20 donation. This event is an introduction for the beginner and an opportunity for those unable to attend the ongoing Tuesday morning meditation led by Sujatha at the Center for Spiritual Evolution. The workshop will discuss meditation and provide practical instruction in meditation postures, mindful breathing, concentration, Loving Kindness practice, and opening of one's wisdom eye. Loving Kindness Meditation teaches a traditional practice for cultivating love, and applying it as a life-changing force. Dating back 2,600 years, "metta," an ancient Buddhist meditation practice in loving-kindness, is a timeless method for unlocking your heart's immense natural healing resources. Within your own heart is a limitless source of supreme energy; the energy of love. No other force in the universe compares to it. All the world's great spiritual traditions, both past and present, agree on this simple principle. Bring pillow, cushion, blanket or yoga mat. Chairs will be available for those who prefer western-style seating. For details, call (847) 516-1950 or visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org.

Westminster fundraiser: Westminster Christian School in Elgin invites you to participate in the ninth annual Phil Sokody Golf Classic on Monday, Sept. 15 at Royal Hawk Country Club in St. Charles. The format is four-man scramble with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., and dinner and auction to follow. This event is a fundraiser for Westminster Christian School athletic programs. For information, call Rick Palmer at (847) 695-0310, ext. 231 or register online at www.golfinvite.com/westminster.

Graphic novels: "Modern Marvels: Jewish Adventures in the Graphic Novel" is a discussion series examining major works in graphic literature from some of the foremost creators in the field. Featuring a different graphic novel every three weeks this fall, Professor Terrence Wandtke will lead discussions of novels by authors such as Will Eisner, the "inventor" of the graphic novel, and Art Spiegelman, a Pulitzer Prize winner, among others. The series is supported by a grant from the American Library Association and Nextbook. All discussions begin at 7 p.m. in Classroom 221 in the Harm A. Weber Academic Center at Judson University, 1151 N. State St., Elgin. All discussions are free and open to the general public. Books may be found at local libraries or purchased from online booksellers or local bookstores. The Judson University Library has 15 copies of each discussion book available. The schedule will be: Sept. 16, Will Eisner's A Contract with God; Oct. 7, Art Spiegelman's Complete Maus; Oct. 28, Ben Katchor Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer; Nov. 18, Harvey Pekar's The Quitter; and Dec. 9, Joann Sfar's The Rabbi's Cat. For specific questions, contact Judson University Library Director Larry Wild at lwild@JudsonU.edu or (847) 628-2036.

The History of the Mass: Father Francis J. "Rocky" Hoffman will give a presentation titled "The History of the Mass" from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at St. Mary Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Admission is free. Father Rocky is a nationally known speaker recognized for his sense of humor and ability to explain the faith in simple and inspiring ways. His bimonthly column appears in The Catholic Answer, which is published by Our Sunday Visitor. He is a regular guest on "Morning Air," which is heard on Relevant Radio Station 930 AM WAUR in the McHenry County area. Hoffman has worked with youth for more than 25 years. Since 1998, he has been chaplain of Northridge Preparatory School in Niles, a college prep school for boys in sixth to 12th grade. Before that, he served as chaplain of Aquinas Academy in Pittsburgh. Ordained as a priest for Opus Dei in 1992 by Pope John Paul II, he received a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. He received a bachelor of arts degree in history from Northwestern University, Chicago, and a master's of business administration from Notre Dame University, South Bend, Ind. For the past 12 summers he has been chaplain for Youth Service International Mexico Summer Service Projects in isolated and impoverished areas of Mexico. For information, e-mail Joe Marmion at marmionj@aol.com or (847) 658-0504.

Gala auction: St Paul's Episcopal Church in McHenry has begun planning its 12th annual gala auction from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. It is one of the largest standing parish auctions in McHenry County. All proceeds will benefit the outreach ministries of the church. The church is home to the Little Cherubs faith-based preschool, and hosts scouting, youth and adult programs throughout the year. The church also runs a community food pantry that is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. According to committee chair Norma Schmidt, the theme this year is " Let the Gavel Fall at St Paul." In addition to a silent auction, there will be a live auction with Gene Warrington of Four Square Auctions as the auctioneer. There will be a 50/50 raffle drawing with seven cash prizes; the top prize being $2,500. There are only 200 tickets available for the 50/50 raffle at $50 each. Admission tickets for the auction are $15 each and include a free ticket for door prize drawings, an array of appetizers, and fun for all. Currently, there are donations of hot air balloon rides for two or four people, numerous authentic autographed sports memorabilia items, tickets for the Raue Center and the Chicago Symphony, and a once-a-month delivery of a loaf of just baked homemade bread. "We are looking for donations of anything from: gift baskets and art to an airplane ride and will accept donations of the arcane as well as the traditional," said auction committee member Maija Steele. The auction catalog will be published by Sept. 15. All items and donations received by Sept. 15 will be listed and described. The catalog also provides ads from local businesses and other auction supporters. To donate an item or service or to buy tickets for the auction or raffle, call Norma Schmidt at (815) 603-0028 or the Rev. Jim Swarthout at (815) 385-0390. To advertise or be a patron supporter in the catalog ($10) contact the pastor. For details, visit www.stpaulsmchenry.org.

Public prayer meeting: The Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren invites the community to a public prayer meeting at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 to pray about violence in Elgin and around the world. Highland Avenue is joining with other local churches and some 200 Church of the Brethren congregations and colleges in the United States, Nigeria and Puerto Rico, who are sponsoring events as part of the International Day of Prayer for Peace. The communities join thousands of people on all five continents who will participate in events on or near Sunday, Sept. 21. Highland Avenue's prayer service will begin in the front yard of the church at 6 p.m. with an opportunity to share concerns about specific neighborhoods. This September marks the fourth observance of the International Day of Prayer for Peace, sponsored by the World Council of Churches, which joins the United Nations' 25-year commitment to an International Day of Prayer for Peace on September. This is a free event sponsored by the Highland Avenue congregation. For information, call the church office at (847) 741-5124.

New peace group: The McHenry County Peace Group has disbanded. However, there is an opportunity to meet with others in the area who are concerned about peace. Attend a meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock. Former members and friends of the McHenry County Peace Group and members of Pax Cristi and the Unitarian Church will be present. If you are interested but cannot come to this meeting, contact the Rev. Dan Larsen at (815) 338-0731.

Fall rummage sale: First Congregational Church of Dundee will hold its fall rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. A Bag Discount Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26. A rummage sale by definition is a sale of assorted secondhand objects contributed by donors to raise money for a charity. First Congregational Church provides financial support to area organizations in the community serving children and families and continues its assistance to area families in need with groceries and school supplies. Proceeds will be used to fund these charities which help the hungry, the homeless and those in need in the greater community. Items for sale include everything from jewelry, books, toys, clothing and household goods to furniture. Clean out your closets and set aside all of your gently worn clothes and those no longer needed possessions. Computer electronics and exercise equipment will not be accepted. Donations are welcome at the church from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the set-up days, Monday through Wednesday, Sept. 22-24. A letter acknowledging donations will be available upon request for income tax purposes. The church is at 900 S. Eighth St. (Route 31 and Angle Tarn), West Dundee. For information regarding the sale or to arrange a drop-off for your donations, call (847) 426-2161 ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Truth Project: Elgin Bible Church, 1580 E. Chicago St., offers "Be A Truth Champion," the Truth Project live simulcast event with Del Tackett on Saturday, Sept. 27. The event will run 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with registration at 8 a.m. From Oprah's newfound spirituality to the debate over intelligent design, the battle of worldviews continues to rage across popular culture. Whether you believe it's absolute or relative, one thing is certain: The world will never stop searching for truth. In the midst of the confusion, the worldview of many Christians has shifted. According to a 2003 Barna study, only 9 percent of Christians now possess a Biblical world view. In response, The Truth Project, a new initiative of Focus on the Family, created by senior vice president Del Tackett, offers a systematic and comprehensive way to bring Biblical truth to church communities across North America. At 8:30 a.m. Sept. 27, Focus on the Family will partner with Church Communication Network to launch The Truth Project via live satellite. Elgin Bible Church invites you to attend so you can learn how to lead this life-changing DVD-based small group curriculum in your home and/or community. The first-ever live Truth Project simulcast training event will equip churches and their people to make a positive impact on culture by applying God's principles to daily life.

Tackett's topics include: understanding and living the Christian world view, the nature and character of God, God's design for life (work, science, family, government, art, ethics and more), and marrying actions to core beliefs. E-mail pleman@fvi.net, call (847) 683-7986, or visit www.elginbiblechurch.org for details.

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. Sunday, 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.

High Holy Days: Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St. in Elgin, announces its schedule of services for the upcoming observance of the High Holy Days for year 5769 in the Hebrew calendar. Services for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29; 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30; and 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1. Children's services will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30. Services for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will be held at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, and 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, with Yizkor prayers said at approximately noon. Children's services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 9. A break of the fast will follow the concluding Yom Kippur service which begins at 4:15 p.m. Oct. 9. Rabbi Jonathan Kohn, CKI's religious leader, will conduct this year's services, which promise to be an engaging blend of traditional Jewish melodies, and Hebrew and English readings. He will again be joined by Cantor Jack "Yankel" Falk, a nationally-known vocalist from Portland, Ore. Tickets are required for admission, and new members are welcome. For information on tickets or CKI membership, call the synagogue office at (847) 741-5656.

Sustainable living: For the fifth year, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin is sponsoring its free community conference on sustainable living Saturday, Oct. 4 at the church west of Elgin. Sustainability has become the new buzz word in our culture. It has become the "catch all" for the environment, water, food, health, and lifestyle. The fifth annual Prairie Fest held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin is a one-day celebration of sustainable living. This one-day program of workshops, presentations, exhibits, and interactions is free to the community and explores the meaning of sustainability and how to live more sustainably.. The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin, three miles west of Randall on Highland Avenue in Elgin. There is plenty of free parking. In addition to panels, and presentations there are all day programs for children, guided prairie and labyrinth, tours, sustainable living exhibits, and nominally priced healthy lunch. For presenters, schedules, and other information, visit www.uucePF.com or email PF08@uucePrairieFest.com.