McHenry Co. religion notes

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McHenry County Jewish Congregation: The McHenry County Jewish Congregation will observe the harvest festival of Sukkot through a series of events, including the construction of the sukkah from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 12; a Sukkot Festival Service at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14; a Lunch and Learn in the sukkah at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 15; and dinner in the sukkah at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15. The book club will discuss "Postville: A Clash of Cultures in Heartland America," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, with an eye on current legal issues surrounding the Iowa-based kosher meat plant. Additional observances this month include a Shemini Atzeret festival and service at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, and an Erev Simchat Torah celebration at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21.

"How Jews Read the Bible Differently" will be the focus of a lecture by United Synagogue Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Mordechai Silverstein, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.

MCJC is now accepting registrations for its Religious School, which meets each Wednesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon. Twice-a-week instruction is offered to second- to seventh-students, and Sunday-only instruction is offered for the parent-tot, pre-k and kindergarten to first grade classes, and those in eighth grade through high school.

Adult education is also offered with the rabbi leading a class on "Feeling at Home in the Synagogue" from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sundays.

Shabbat services are at 6:30 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 8617 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake. Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Maralee Gordon and are free and open to everyone. This is the only Conservative Jewish congregation in McHenry County. Interfaith families are welcome. It is located on Ridgefield Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake, accessible from Route 14. For information, call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Jonathan Knight, guest speaker, will present the sermon, "RSVP," based on Matthew 22:1-14, in the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The Sunday Am's Bell Choir will play in both services.

On Saturday, Oct. 11, the Second Saturday Contemporary Worship will be at 5 p.m. After a brief worship service, the congregation will go into the community on a service mission of collecting items for the Grafton Township Food Pantry.

The Sunday school children, after attending the first part of the 9 a.m. service, will begin learning about the Beatitudes and the kind of life Jesus wants you to live.

This Sunday will have the Mission of the Month offering. This month's mission is the "Neighbors in Need" ministry of the United Church of Christ. This is also Pack-a-Sack Sunday for the Grafton Township Food Pantry. This month's needs are: small juice boxes, cake mixes, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and peanut butter.

This week, the large annual fall rummage sale will be held. Donations may be dropped off at the church from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday through Tuesday. The sale will take place from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17; and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 18. Saturday is $3 per bag day. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691 or visit firsthuntley.org.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Come One! Come All!", based upon Matthew 22:1-14, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. with Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. A supervised nursery is offered at the 10:30 a.m. service. Coffee and Fellowship follows the Sunday services.

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 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 Sundays, the Rev. Mark Boster 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 school is at 9 a.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 12, Prairie Point Quilters will display the quilts that have been made during the year. These quilts will be shipped to Lutheran World Relief.

Shepherd's Voices Choir will meet at 7 p.m. Mondays at Citizens Bank. On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Senior Shepherds will be going to the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake with lunch at John Evans before the tour. Sign up at the Welcome Table. On Tuesdays, the pastor will lead the Bible study from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Citizens Bank and the first music team will meet at 5 p.m. and the second music team at 6 p.m. On Wednesdays, the confirmation class meets at 6:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank. Pizza will be at 6 p.m. On Thursday, Oct. 16, the Prairie Ringers Chime Choir will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank. On Fridays, the church's Prayer Hour will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 will be the next Prairie Connection event. A potluck dinner will be served, followed by games and activities. Sign up at the Welcome Table.

The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit sotp.org.

Faith Community: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Bruce Cole will lead worship with Part II of "Exodus - A Road Trip from Captivity to Freedom" 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 middle school. Awana meets every Monday with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Kids Club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Children from preschool through fifth grade are invited to attend. Everyone is welcome.

Alcoholics Anonymous holds a weekly "closed" meeting at noon Sundays and 7:30 p.m. Mondays. On Tuesdays, TOPS meets at 11:30 a.m. The "Friends" Bible study meets at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at the church. Study the book of Revelation through "Be Victorious" by Warren Wiersbe. 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 middle school kids for sixth- to eighth grades meet from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays for a program and dinner. The high school youth will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at an off-site location. Call the church office at (224) 569-6501 for details. Visit fccwired.tv.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, the sermon asks the question, "How Can I Make A Difference" at 10:45 a.m. The theme of the service will be the upcoming election. As a church, Congregational Unitarian takes no position with candidates, but can support issues and their individual members are encouraged to support the candidates of their choice. The Rev. Dan Larsen will speak. Anita Tebo will accompany the congregation on piano. Sue McCowin will have the "Story for All Ages" before the kids go to their religious education classes. For information, call the church at (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org, or visit cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Dave Inglis will preach at 9 and 10:45 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Each Sunday at 9 and 10:45 a.m., all children, age 2 through seventh grade, will begin worship with their family. Following the children's message, they will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants, and toddlers at each service.

On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Ministers Chat Room will be held at 9 and 10:45 a.m. in the Banner Library. The topic for discussion is "Thinking About Soul," led by the Rev. Bette Zattau. At 6:30 p.m., the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth group will meet in the Youth Room. On Monday, Oct. 13, the church council meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room. On Tuesday, Oct. 14, the Ministers Chat Room will be held at 7:30 p.m. in classrooms L9 and L10. The topic is "Thinking About Soul," led by Rev. Bette Zattau. FCCs justfootprints group will facilitate a discussion on "Choices for Sustainable LivingFood/Community" at 7 p.m. in the library. This is the fourth of four seminar sessions on "A Call to Sustainability." On Wednesday, Oct. 15, Seasons of the Spirit Bible study meets at 10:15 a.m. in the Banner Library. On Thursday, Oct. 16, Young at Heart meets for their monthly luncheon and program at noon at the Crystal Lake Country Club. Also on Thursday at 7 p.m., prospective new members are invited to "An Evening with New Members and Shepherds" in the 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 Sundays, worship is at 7:45, 9 and 10:45 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. Child care is offered during the 9 and 10:45 a.m. services. Faith Quest Sunday school is at 9 a.m.

The Bethany Arts Series will present soprano Rise Jones in concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at the church. Rise is a classically trained performer who has presented local, national and international recitals. She will be accompanied by Murna Hansemann, a gifted pianist and professional artist, who will also be featured as a soloist on the recital. There is no admission, but a freewill offering will be taken.

The fall new member classes begin Oct. 19 at 10:15 a.m. New members will be received on Nov. 16 at 10:45 a.m. The fall outdoor work day is scheduled for Oct. 25 from 8:30 until noon. Twenty-five ninth-grade youth have completed the two-year confirmation program and will affirm their faith on Reformation Sunday, Oct. 26 at 10:45 a.m.

Bethany is a Book of Faith Congregation. This Bible study will be presented at 10:15 a.m. Sundays, Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Jan. 25. For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit bethanylc.com.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: On Sunday, Oc. 12, the Rev. Joette Waters, founder of the Empowerment Center Chicago will be the guest speaker at the 10 a.m. service at the McHenry County Church of Religious Science, Center for Spiritual Evolution. 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 Science of Mind curriculum is "Castles of Creation."

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 newthoughtmchenry.org.

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, Oct. 12 at the former First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock. The Rev. Michael DuCette's sermon will be based on the Gospel of John, Chapter 4. Bible study will meet from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m., continuing the study of the Gospel of John. The annual picnic will be held after the service. Mike and Ann Owney are hosting it at Grace Farm. St. Paul's Parish is part of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley Anglican Church of America. For details, visit acahome.org or call (815) 338-0205.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel is in the middle of a very busy season. Numerous services and events are planned for the coming weeks. While regular Sabbath and Torah school will continue, special events include Sukkot Family service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17; Shemini Atzeret/Yizkor service at 8 a.m. Oct. 21; and Simchat Torah service with ice cream social at 7 p.m. Oct. 21. In addition to services social activities are planned by the youth group, 50+ club, men's club, and sisterhood.

This week's Torah portion is "Vayelekh." 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 ckielgin.org.

Shirat 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."

Everyone is invited to attend as they decorate the sukkah at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. Sukkot services will take place at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14. On Friday, Oct. 17, they will have Kabbalat Shabbat services followed by "Pizza in the Hut." RSVP for the best kosher pizza in town at $6 per person. On Tuesday, Oct. 21, celebrate Simchat Torah, one of the most joyous holidays of the year, with them at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit CongregationShiratShalom.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Philippians 4:1-9 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. It is an open and affirming congregation, welcoming all to their services. 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.

Immanuel Lutheran: On Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Gregg Bowen will be sharing the message, "Don't Worry, Be -," at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. Worship is at 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sundays. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the 10:45 a.m. service.

Immanuel has a 5-tiered 36 rank Cassavant pipe organ, crafted on site into the cathedral dome of the church sanctuary. The 10:45 a.m. Sunday service is a contemporary service of worship and praise featuring worship leaders and a worship ensemble. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m.

On Wednesdays 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 Wednesday will be the first in a sermon series titled "Vocation, Vocation, Vocation." This week's message, shared by Joe Glombicki is called "Vocation: Your Work Calling." Other titles in upcoming weeks will include "Your Family Calling," "Your Community Calling" and "Your Church Calling." During the message, young children are invited to participate in a children's ministry offering called "Faith Factory +" which takes place in Luther Hall, adjacent to the sanctuary. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, Oct. 12, worship is at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. Fall Sunday school has begun. The scripture lessons for Oct. 12 are Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106: 1-6, 19-23; Philippians 4:1-9 and Matthew 22:1-14 with the Rev. Steven Mindrup presiding.

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.

Fleece donations of two yards long are welcome in the Fireside box. The fleece will be used to make comfort pillows.

Recycle your old cell phone by dropping it off in the Fireside Room. Also welcome are Campbell's Soup UPC codes for Marcy-Newberry Center in Chicago. The Hobo Show with the theme, "Cruisin'," has been rescheduled to Feb. 7. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit firstumcdundee.net.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Oct. 12, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "Half Way Is Half Baked," based on Exodus 32:1-14 and Matthew 22:1-14, at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Traditional worship, with the Chancel Choir and a vocal or bell choir, will be at 9 a.m. Progressive worship, a spirit-filled experience with the Praise Singers and Band, will be at 10:30 a.m.

The children of Ron and Gena Grant, Ronny and Eva, will be baptized during the 10:30 a.m. service.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by the Bells of Dundee, directed by Ross Thorpe; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist. The 10:15 a.m. service will feature songs and music by the Praise Singers and Band: Cheri Blazek; Robert Blazek; Sonja Boekenhauer, Penny Mensik, Sue Schmidt and Sara Tustin with Robert Blazek, saxophones; Mark Frystak, guitar; Linda Gilmore, keyboard; Noah Katsma, bass and Rich Robotham, drums.

Children, age 3 through sixth grade, will begin their worship in the sanctuary with their families and move to Sunday school classes at 9 a.m. and to God's Big Backyard for KidsOwn Worship at 10:30 a.m. after the children's message.

Adult education classes are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. "Parenting is Heart Work" meets at 9 a.m. with Rochelle Doty. It is an eight-week video and discussion series designed to equip parents to touch the hearts of their kids with biblically-based, practical parenting techniques. Parents and teachers of children, age 2 to 18, will benefit from this life-changing curriculum. No materials are required, but you are welcome to buy the book, "Parenting is Heart Work" by Dr. Scott Turansky and registered nurse Joanne Miller. "To Begin at the Beginning" meets at 10:30 a.m. with Harry Vellines.

Coffee and fellowship time will follow the services in the narthex hosted by the Hospitality Team.

High school youth group meets on Sundays from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Bring your friends, both old and new.

Slime Time Halloween Carnival will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Oct. 13. It's a Halloween carnival with gobs of games, treats and a life-changing message that will last long after the candy is gone. Grab your Halloween costume and join the fun. Drop in with your family throughout the morning, but try not to miss the special opening at 10 a.m. and closing activities with Dr. B and Professor Wilma at 11:40 a.m. The cost is $5 per family. Sing your favorite vacation Bible school songs and learn what crazy things Professor Wilma has been up to during the summer.

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 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at PADS, 1730 Berkley St. in Elgin. Sign up by calling the church office.

"Dr. Don's Bible Study, The Acts of the Apostles," continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 with chapter 3. Acts is a book that chronicles the birth and development of the Christian church. Woven into the narrative are the journeys of Paul who in many ways is the father of the church as we know it. How did Paul help the church to survive after the death of Jesus? Reserve child care needs by Monday to the church office at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210.

Middle school youth group will meet Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. Come to this group if you like having fun, enjoy pizza or want to hang out with friends, both old and new. The Evangelism & Welcoming Ministry is hosting hayrides from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. S'mores, other treats, games and a camp fire are all free. Invite your friends and their kids. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit fccdundee.com.