Northwest suburban religion notes

Deadline for submissions is noon Tuesday. Due to space limitations, not all "Your Faith" items are listed here. The complete column appears on the Daily Herald Web site, dailyherald.com.

Adult education

The Ministry of New Beginnings, a Catholic-oriented, nondenominational, social support organization for separated, divorced, widowed and single persons, meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in the Hughes Center in front of St. Matthew's Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. The cost is $3 per meeting, with first visit free. (847) 891-1220.

St. Hubert Job and Networking Ministry, 729 Grand Canyon Blvd., Hoffman Estates, is nondenominational, free and open to all occupations. For details, call Bob Podgorski at (847) 925-6005.

An in-depth Bible study on the book of Jonah will begin Monday, Dec. 1. This three-week class will be at 6 a.m. at Harris Bank in Palatine. Instructor will be Tim Hetzner, president of Lutheran Church Charities and founder and author of Word Among Us Bible Studies. To enroll, call (866) 455-6466 or visit LutheranChurchCharities.org.

The Chai Center for Enrichment & Renewal is offering a panel discussion on the acclaimed book "The Blessings of a Skinned Knee - Using Jewish Teaching to Raise Self-Reliant Children" by Wendy Mogel, PhD. Gain insight about your individual child, his or her temperament, natural endowments, interests, inclinations, and much more. It will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Free to Temple Chai members, nonmembers $10. RSVP (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

A small group meets to write their life stories from 2-3:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. To register, call (847) 439-0668 or e-mail princepeaceumc@sbcglobal.net.

"A Christmas Carol" Bible Study will be offered at Elk Grove Baptist Church, 801 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village, Dec. 4-28. Biblical allegories within Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" will be the focus of this four-week Sunday morning Bible study. The studies are open to the public for no charge. Each session begins at 9:30 a.m. with facilitators Bill Castic and Michael Edgar Myers. (847) 593-8337.

A grief & support group for people dealing with losses in their lives has begun at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. The group meets on Monday evenings from 7-8:15 p.m. For more information, call the church office at (847) 259-4114.

Children, teens

Students at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Preschool in Schaumburg are preparing a Christmas program that will be performed from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at the church, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg. For details about Prince of Peace Preschool, call (847) 885-7010.

Learn about Hanukkah through art projects, storytime and songs with other young area families. This event, for families with children up to age 5, takes place from 10:30 to11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the following Barnes & Noble locations: 720 Hawthorne Center, Vernon Hills; and 590 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg. To RSVP, contact Abby Halper at (312) 444-2844 or e-mail bookbuddies@juf.org. This free event is sponsored by Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago and is open to the public.

Prince of Peace Preschool and Kindergarten, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, is now offering a Pre-3 Class for children turning 3 years old after Sept. 1, 2008, and before Jan. 31, 2009. The class will begin in January 2009. This special class offers an introduction to preschool from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. There also is a Parents' Day Out program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with lunch and snacks provided. For details or to register, call (847) 885-7036.

Queen of the Rosary School's eighth-grade Spanish class commemorates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with bilingual Mass at 8:15 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Queen of the Rosary Church. The Rev. Edward Pelrine, pastor, will read the Gospel and prayers in both Spanish and English, and eighth-graders Martin Sarmiento and Milton Moscoso will read Scriptures and petitions that they have translated into Spanish. During the homily, eighth-graders will enact the story, while eighth-grader Jessica Morrill narrates the story in English. Music will include lyrics in both Spanish and English.

Senior high students are invited to take part in the annual Appalachia Service Project fundraiser from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Students will bake and package bread to sell on Sunday morning in church. Come to help with the bread bake, stay for the fun and games.

Everyone can support the annual Appalachia Service Project youth work trip after the morning worship Sunday, Dec. 7. Purchase fresh baked bread to help finance this home repair ministry. Cinnamon bread, $7; white bread, $6. (847) 255-5112, www.ahfumc.org

The FAITH Junior High Christmas Party will be from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. This is a time to gather with the junior high of the church to celebrate the season. We will meet in the home of a church member.

The Cheers Senior High Christmas Party & Alumni Reunion will be from 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21 at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Enjoy a relaxed evening of sharing food and stories as alumni return from college to spend some time with us. We will meet in the home of a church member. Don't forget to bring your white elephant gift. (847) 255-5112, www.ahfumc.org

Family

Bethlehem Marketplace will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at First United Methodist Church, 123 N. Plum Grove Road in Palatine. Children can make Bible-times crafts such as candles, baskets, bread, rope, spice saches and leather items. Watch as King Herod interrogates the three wise men, searching for the newborn king. Then follow them as they find the live Nativity in progress. The event is free. Bags of "Roman" coins are available for $6 and $9 to exchange for crafts. Lentil soup, flatbread with honey, fruits, cheeses, other Bible-times foods are available for sale as well. (847) 359-1345.

Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, has started a new Family Shabbat program Saturday mornings Dec. 6 and 20. Join in for Shabbat songs, snacks, stories and crafts from 10 to 11 a.m. This program is geared toward children ages 3-8. For details, visit congregation-betham.org.

Congregation Beth Judea presents the fourth night of Hanukkah at the annual Family Festival Wednesday, Dec. 24 in the Social Hall of the synagogue. The evening will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a kosher Chinese dinner followed by a concert at 7 p.m. The concert will feature Chicago's own Maxwell Street Klezmer Band. The cost for the dinner and concert is: adults (13+) $25; youth (7-12) $18; child (3-6) $15; children 3 and under are free. The cost for the concert only is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Reservations are required by Thursday, Dec. 18. To RSVP and for information, call the synagogue office at (847) 634-0777 or visit the Congregation Beth Judea office at Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit in Elk Grove Village performs its 10th Live Nativity on Sunday, Dec 14, with performances at 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., at the corner of 150 Lions Drive. The outdoor performance may be viewed from the inside or outside. For information, call (847) 437-5897

Oak Park resident Susan Greeley will display her growing collection of more than 300 Nativity scenes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, at St. Matthew Center for Health in Park Ridge. St. Matthew, a program of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, 1601 Western Ave., Park Ridge.

For the second year, groups of students from area parochial schools will be coming to see the display during private viewing hours on Friday, Dec. 5. Children from Christian Heritage Academy in Northfield will sing for St. Matthew's residents after seeing the exhibit.

While viewing this exhibit, guests may register for a chance to win a Nativity set donated by the Augsburg Fortress store, 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago. Children will enjoy the "Please Touch" table and may also participate in a separate drawing to win a set that appeals to them. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on "Room at the Inn," call (847) 825-5531 or visit StMatthewCenter.org.

Breakfast with Santa will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in Fellowship Hall (lower level) at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Cost is a nonperishable food donation for the CEDA pantry. The event will include a pancake breakfast, Christmas crafts and a visit with St. Nicholas. Pick up free tickets in advance at the church office. Call (847) 255-5112 or visit www.ahfumc.org.

Christmas Countdown will be celebrated from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The evening will include Craft Time (all materials will be provided to make Christmas crafts) and a space to work on homework. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., a child-friendly supper buffet will be served. At 7 p.m. there will be an Advent Service in the church. Freewill donation accepted to cover cost of supplies and food. For details, visit faithlutheran-ah.org or call (847) 259-4839.

Advent Night is observed on the first Sunday evening of Advent, Sunday, Nov. 30, at St. John United Church of Christ, 308 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights. A community dinner is served at 5 p.m., followed by a youth-led worship service at 6 p.m., and then a family craft project at 6:30. The event is free and open to the public. (847) 255-6687. churchonthepark.com.

A Red Kettle Tree-Lighting Ceremony will be at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, on the front lawn of Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The event will feature speakers and celebrate Faith Lutheran's partnership with the Salvation Army in ringing bells this Christmas season. For details, call (847) 259-4839.

Fundraisers

Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett will sponsor a Christmas Craft Sale to benefit its ministry to college students, Dec. 12-15. Sale hours: 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Dec. 12; 5-6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13; 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Dec. 14; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15. Call (630) 830-3630. Living Lord Church is at 1044 Congress Drive.

The 20th annual Cookie Walk & Craft Show at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. All proceeds will benefit the educational programs at the church, 751 W. Army Trail Road in Bartlett. Free admission and free parking.

Bethel Lutheran Church 3839 West Frontage Road, Palatine, sponsors two Christmas holiday events on Saturday, Dec. 13. A Cookie Walk will be from 9 a.m. to noon. Homemade cookies sold for $9 per pound and Gift Wrapping available for a free will offering. Also on Dec. 13, the Living Nativity Pageant is held at 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the church lawn. Call (847) 397-4372 for details.

The Presbyterian Church of Palatine, 800 E. Palatine Road, will hold its annual Cookie Walk Saturday, Dec. 6. The doors open at 9 a.m. and the sale starts at 9:30 a.m. Christmas cookies are sold by the box. There will also by a Christmas Treasure Sale, where gently-used Christmas decorations will be sold. All proceeds are distributed by the Presbyterian Women to mission projects.

A Fair Trade Fair, featuring international as well as local vendors, will be offered from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church, 1025 N. Smith Road, Palatine. Laura Mache of Faith In Place will present a free workshop on Fair Trade at 1:30 p.m. People are asked to bring their own shopping bags. A map can be found by going to the church's Web site, ccuu@ccuu.org under "visitors."

St. Philip Lutheran Church, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview, will host a Christmas Jubilee from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the church. Craft bazaar begins at noon, cookie walk at 3 p.m., Santa visits at 4 p.m., baby Jesus at 4:30 p.m. and Christmas carols at 5 p.m. For details, call (847) 998-1946 or visit stphilip.info.

The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea will be holding its Hanukkah Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the synagogue, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Beth Or Congregation, a progressive Reform synagogue, is hosting its Inaugural Holiday Used Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Beth Or Congregation, 2075 Deerfield Road in Deerfield.

St. John's Episcopal Church, 200 N. Main St., Mount Prospect, will host its third annual Cookie Walk featuring Christmas cookies, poinsettias and other holiday items for sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

Church of the Incarnation United Methodist, 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights, will hold its 30th annual Creative Hands Boutique Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4, 5 and 6. This juried arts and crafts boutique features unique handcrafted items made by local crafters. In addition, the "Soup Kitchen" featuring homemade soups and refreshments will be open daily. All Soup Kitchen proceeds support local missions like PADS. Also, the Christmas tree lot, with many varieties of trees and wreaths, will be open daily beginning the last week of November. Boutique hours are: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. A donation of $2 will be collected at the door. These donations will be sent to Habitat for Humanity, Spring of Life Partnership. (847) 956-1510.

Lectures, seminars

Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett is offering a free seven-week series of Sunday morning forums on Christian topics from 9 to 10 a.m. through Dec. 14. Topics include: "Advent Celebrations" (Nov. 30); "Christian Vocation" (Dec. 7); and "Wheat Ridge Ministries" (Dec. 14). Living Lord Church is at 1044 Congress Drive, on Route 59 just south of Stearns Road. livinglordlutheran.org or (630) 830-3630.

Friar Johnpaul Cafiero will presents Living the Advent Message from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2415 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. Fee: $10. To register or for information, call (847) 907-3400.

Kelly Fryer, renowned author and missionologist will be speaking on congregational renewal at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine, in the sanctuary. This will be followed by a luncheon in the church Social Hall at 12:15 p.m. Fryer is the author of three best-selling books and has nearly 20 years of experience leading congregations in renewal. For details and to RSVP, call the Bethel office at (847) 397-4372.

The Chai Center for Enrichment & Renewal is presenting Weight Loss with Hypnosis with Katerine Anderson from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Free to Temple Chai Members, nonmembers $10. RSVP (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

The Chai Center for Enrichment & Renewal is offering Stop and Breathe Relaxation Coaching with Susan Ginsberg 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. There is a $20 materials fee for all participants. Free to Temple Chai members (plus cost of materials), nonmembers $10 (plus cost of materials). RSVP (847) 537-1771, ext. 234, or thechaicenter.org.

A Reiki II class will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. Become trained in higher applications of Reiki, the ancient art of natural healing. Through meditation and the use of chakras, Reiki Master Teacher Katherine Anderson will show advanced methods of healing including healing from a distance and hand placement and procedure for doing healing work on others. Students completing this class will receive a Reiki II Attunement and Certificate of Completion. Cost is $125. Prerequisite: Reiki I. Call (630) 289-9258 to register.

Basic Buddhism classes continue at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church on the first Sunday of the month at the church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect (corner of Route 83 and Euclid). (847) 259-3018.

St. Simon's Episcopal Church will host an Advent series on the evolution of the early Christian Church, examining its relationship with the people and cultures among which it was developing. Based on the PBS program "From Jesus to Christ," the Rev. Mark Agnini, professor of theology at Elmhurst College, will lead the study Thursdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, with a potluck soup supper beginning at 6:30 p.m. The evening will conclude with Compline. Registration is not required and all are welcome. St. Simon's is at 717 Kirchoff Road in Arlington Heights. For details, visit saintsimons.org or call (847) 259-2930.

Men's fellowship

Join Saint Paul Lutheran Church men's group as they begin a new study of the book "Wild At Heart" by John Eldridge. This study will meet at 7:30 p.m. every other Wednesday at the Blues Bar (corner of Route 83 and Busse Avenue in Mount Prospect). To order your copy of the book and for meeting dates, call (847) 255-0332.

Miscellaneous

Lord-of Life Lutheran Church in Schaumburg has received a wish list from the children at The Lutheran Services of Illinois facilities. Members of the church will select a name or names, and buy Christmas presents for these children. The presents will be returned to the church and the committee in charge will then have a St. Nicks Party on Saturday, Dec. 6, and will wrap the presents and return them to Lutheran Services. There will be refreshments for all the workers. Lord-of Life Lutheran Church is at 119 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg. (847) 895-8877, www.lord-of-life.org

The First St. Hubert Parish alumni event will begin with Mass celebrated by St. Hubert Pastor Father Robert Rizzo at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the newly renovated St Hubert Church, due to open in November, 2008, followed by a reception with refreshments in the Parish Ministry Center Multipurpose Room and an Open House Walk of the School. E-mail your attendance response to St. Hubert Development Core Team-Alumni Relations Arm Chairperson Denise Herrmann at dherrmann@sthubertschool.com.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago invites those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide to participate in its Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide Program, meeting from 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at the Catholic Charities Northwest Office, 1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines; from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness; and from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at Carmel High School, One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein.

To learn more about Des Plaines-based Catholic Charities North/Northwest Suburban Services, call (847) 376-2118.

Journeys will be hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Journeys from PADS to HOPE Center, 1140 E. Northwest Hwy. in Palatine.

The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea will hold its annual blood drive through Life Source from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, in the Social Hall of the synagogue, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Life Source requires a photo ID for your paperwork. Make sure to eat before you arrive; refreshments will be provided. To make an appointment, call (847) 634-0777 and leave a message.

Jewish Yoga is offered 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 17 at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. The beginner's yoga class is co-led by Jayne Alenier, certified yoga teacher, and Rabbi Lisa Bellows. This class of traditional yoga and relaxation is infused with Jewish teachings and spirituality. Everyone is welcome, drop-in rates are available. congregation-betham.org

Join Touchstones an interfaith collaboration, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 as a new monthlong focus begins: "Celebration-from the Jewish experience." Lynn Sanders, a member of congregation Hakafa who has taught Jewish music at Lakeside Congregation in Highland Park, will be speaking and performing at the Schram Chapel, 1799 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. Call (847) 446-0997 or go to MYTOUCHSTONES.org for more information. The conversation continues from 4-5:30 p.m. on Sundays throughout December at Caribou Coffee, 939 Waukegan Road, Glenview.

Join a Drum Circle at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Unity Northwest Church, 259 E. Central Road, Des Plaines. Bring your own drum or percussive instrument (or they will be provided), and experience an amazing change in consciousness and personal vibration. The drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail. It includes people of all ages. The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with self and with each other. We form a group consciousness. We entrain and resonate. A new voice, a collective voice, emerges from the group as we drum together. All are welcome.

A free beginning yoga class will be offered from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. Bring your yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. (847) 259-3018.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 675 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, will hold its annual WELCA Christmas Smorgasbord on Thursday, Dec. 4, with dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by entertainment at 8 p.m. Hosted by the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, it will feature entertainment by "Those Were The Days Radio Players." Donation is $10 or bring a dish. Reservations must be made by calling (847) 827-6656.

Holy Wanderers is an excursion ministry of First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. (847) 255-5112, www.ahfumc.org. Upcoming events are:

• The Symphony Center presents Chanticleer Monday, Dec. 1, at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St.; tickets $40; van transportation $15; balcony general seating; 6 p.m. departure from church parking lot; 8 p.m. concert. Sign up for van transportation or meet us there after work or by using your free senior pass on public transportation.

Knights of Columbus Holy Rosary Council presents Celebrating Advent with Marian Devotions from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 15 N. Hickory Ave., Arlington Heights. Refreshments to be served. Freewill offering. For information and directions, contact Ed Smetana (847) 253-9419

The social ministry at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights, has placed a Christmas tree in the narthex with ornaments representing wishes and needs of others. Gifts need to be received by the church by Tuesday, Dec. 2.

St. Edna Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, offers several support groups including ones for those who have been widowed, a group for mothers who have lost a son or a daughter and a group for those struggling with divorce. (847) 398-3362, ext. 318.

Performances

Living Lord Lutheran Church in Bartlett will host the 51-member Judson College Concert Choir at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, for a Christmas Concert. A freewill offering for the choir will be accepted, and refreshments will follow the concert. For details, call (630) 830-3630 or visit livinglordlutheran.org. Living Lord Church is at 1044 Congress Drive, on Route 59 just south of Stearns Road.

The Many Sounds of Christmas, a concert of carols, readings, secular and sacred music of the season, will be performed at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at Our Saviour's United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Admission is free. For details, call (847) 352-8181.

The second annual "Blue Nativity" Christmas Event will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. The 30-minute pageant, with hymns and songs sung a cappella by an ensemble, tells the story of the birth of Jesus with 12-foot tall puppets. For details, call (847) 895-3654.

A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols will be offered at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at St. Julian Eymard Church, 601 E. Biesterfield, Elk Grove Village. Bishop Francis Kane will preside and music will feature the St. Cecilia Choir and the St. Julian Eymard Adult and Children Choirs. Tickets on sale for suggested donation of $10. Advertising opportunities available for both businesses and personals in event program book to help support the event. Call Paul at (847) 985-8212 for more information.

Grace Lutheran Church, 1624 E. Euclid Road, Mount Prospect, will host an Advent and Christmas concert presented by the Grace Lutheran Church Choirs on at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. Come to hear the Christmas stories and carols through music. Refreshments will be served following. (847) 824-7408.

Community Presbyterian Church, 407 N. Main St./Main at Gregory, Mount Prospect, will host the Living Christmas Tree Concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Dec. 12-14 at the church. There is no charge to attend the one-hour concert, however a freewill offering will be accepted to help both local and global outreach programs. Following the performance, cookies will be available for purchase. Volunteers will also be serving soup and cookie samples, as well as offering mixes of the samples for purchase. Any donations from the soup and cookie drive will be designated for the purchase and installation of an elevator for people with special needs. For details, call (847) 392-3111

Quest Theatre performs Blue Nativity at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Admission is free. Call (847) 255-5112 or visit ahfumc.org for details. The 31-minute show includes 10 puppeteers operating 28 larger-than-life puppets, as well as a singer who narrates the show with Christmas carols, accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Blue Nativity is suitable for audience of all ages. Following the Blue Nativity production, First United Methodist Church is offering a catered dinner served in the church's fellowship hall. Admission is free to attend the Blue Nativity performance, but dinner tickets cost $7 for adults, $5 for children and a family maximum of $25.

The Rejoice Singers will be presenting the Christmas Musical "Night of Allelulias" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Chapel of St. John located in the Lutheran Home, 800 W Oakton, Arlington Heights. This orchestrated work combines both traditional and contemporary music as the Christmas story is told. It is a free concert and is open to the public. The Rejoice Singers are an outreach ministry with members from several suburbs of Chicago. rejoice-singers.org.

A Christmas Concert will be given at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, by the Congregational UCC Choir, performing "The Winter Rose" at the church, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights.

Seniors

The following events are at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. They are free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. For information, call (630) 213-0100.

• Monday, Dec. 1, 9:30 a.m.: A Catholic Mass will be led by Father Walter of St. Peter Damian of Bartlett.

• Friday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.: Twenty preschool children from the Mom and Tots program of St. Peter Damian Parish in Bartlett will visit, play games, sing and have cookies with the residents.

• Monday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m.: Ron Raben, education director of Elgin Congregation Kneseth Israel, will talk about "Hanukkah through the Ages." Learn about and experience firsthand the traditions of Hanukkah (Dec. 22-29).

• Monday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.: The Chorus of St. Peter Damian Parish in Bartlett will perform a holiday concert.

• Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2:30 p.m.: Amy McGann, social worker of Odyssey HealthCare will present "Coping with Grief through the Holidays."

• Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7 p.m.: The Bartlett International Chorus will give a holiday concert featuring songs in different languages, as well as sacred songs of different faith groups.

• Wednesday, Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m.: Celebrate Kwanzaa's Day of Creativity - "Kuumba" with a Drumming Circle led by Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, LAFF will meet for a Hanukkah party at Beth Tikvah at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and entertainment. Dinner is $5 per member and $8 for guests. Entertainment is free. No auction this year. Instead, LAFF members will take to the stage for both professional-type performers and really amateurish ones. Come and enjoy all of them. For more information, call Leora at (847) 359-0439. To reserve a spot for entertaining, call Edith at (847) 797-8704.

The eighth-grade class of 2009 at Queen of the Rosary School in Elk Grove Village invites parish senior citizens to a school Mass at 8:15 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, in the church. Following the Mass, eighth-graders would like to meet, greet and treat seniors to holiday refreshments and musical entertainment. Parish senior citizens who would like to join the school's eighth grade for Mass and refreshments can RSVP by calling (847) 437-3322.

The Senior Ministry Commission, along with @Home Matters (Lutheran Life Communities), will host a Bunco party from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, in Bartz Hall at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. Call Janet Fischer at (847) 259-4114 to make a reservation by Thursday, Dec. 4.

Special services

Aglow International will hold its One Hour With Jesus from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1, at Addison Presbyterian Church, 233 N. Mill Road, Addison. A prayer meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. The group is open to women, men and teens but baby-sitting is not available. For details, visit aglow.org or call Nancy at (630) 543-3016.

Congregation Kneseth Israel holds Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St., Elgin. In addition to services, social activities are planned by the award-winning youth group, 50+ club, men's club and sisterhood. (847) 741-5656 or ckielgin.org.

Congregation Shirat Shalom in Elgin offers Shabbat services at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays, followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Tot Shabbat services are the third Friday of the month, and adult education classes are Thursdays and Saturdays. Family Shabbat services will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. Call for details at (847) 695-6246. CongregationShiratShalom.org.

Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 1116 E. Devon Ave, Bartlett, will hold Advent services on Wednesdays Dec. 3, 10, and 17 at 7 p.m. The theme is "Stirring Up Advent: Recipes for Relationships". Preceding the services will be a free "soup and sandwich supper" from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Children's Christmas program will be at 9:30 a. m. Sunday, Dec. 14. (630) 837-1166.

Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 119 W. Wise Road, Schaumburg, will offer midweek Advent dinner and worship services Wednesdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Dinner is at 6:15 p.m., worship at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 895-8877 or visit lord-of-life.org

Shabbat worship services are offered at 7:30 p.m. Fridays (Kabbalat Shabbat) and at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Birthdays and anniversaries will be recognized at the first Friday night service of the month. Daily minyan services are: Mondays at 6:15 a.m.; Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 9 a.m.

Tot Shabbat services are held in the main sanctuary of the synagogue at 6:30 p.m. on the second Friday of every month. Gan Shabbat services are held every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Beit HaMidrash on the Religious School level. (847) 634-0777.

Kol Chaverim, a 1-year-old post-denominational, participatory, egalitarian congregation, invites prospective members to regular Shabbat morning services and kiddush lunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Jewish Council for Youth Services Northwest, 1700 Weiland Road, Buffalo Grove. Call (847) 398-2019 by Friday. kolchaverim.org.

North Northfield United Methodist Church, Sanders and Dundee, in Northbrook, will ring in the holiday season with the theme "Like a Child - Remembering the Warmth of Christmas." The activities begin Saturday, Nov. 29, with an Advent Festival starting at 10 a.m. with the "hanging of the greens," followed by a luncheon at noon. Members of the congregation will also make blankets for Project Linus until about 2 p.m.

On Wednesday evenings during Advent, the congregation will gather to sing carols and hear the stories behind them, and share Christmas stories. There will also be cocoa, popcorn and cookies. The gatherings will be from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17.

Special activities are also planned during Sunday services at 10 a.m. during Advent. On Nov. 30, the congregation will celebrate an "ears and eyes" consecration Sunday. Then, on Dec. 7, the "No-cash Players" will present a Christmas play relaying the message of Christmas through a contemporary story.

Advent Midweek Worship begins Wednesday, Dec. 3, at noon and 7 p.m. at Saint Paul Lutheran Church, 100 S. School St., Mount Prospect. For details, call (847) 255-0332 or visit saint-paul.org.

The traditional, all-German Christmas worship service of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Des Plaines, will take place at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 in the church at 855 Lee St. Preacher and liturgist will be the Rev. James Kellerman, pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Chicago. Organist David Greatrix will accompany the congregation in the singing of favorite German hymns and carols. Students and all who love to speak, hear, and sing the German language are invited. (847) 824-3652.

The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 150 Lions Drive, Elk Grove Village, will end its yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary with a festival service at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. Luncheon will be served immediately following. The Rev. Martin Marty, the founding pastor, will reside with current pastor Tim Manwell.

First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, is accepting donations of underwear (especially thermal underwear), waterproof gloves, hats and scarves to give to PADS guests. Gift cards of fast food are also appreciated. In addition, food is being collected for the area needy and distributed by CEDA Food Pantry. Bring canned and nonperishable foods anytime during the week to the church office. For details, call (847) 255-5112 or visit ahfumc.org

The Orchard Evangelical Free Church (formerly the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church), 1330 N. Douglas St., Arlington Heights, will host a Holiday Remembrance Service at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. This service, by the Grief Share Ministry is to remember loved ones who have died. Call (847) 392-4840 for more information.

First United Methodist Church will have a special "healing" service at 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. There will be opportunity for laying on of hands, anointing with oil and prayer for those who are sick. For details, call (847) 255-5112 or visit ahfumc.org First United Methodist Church is at 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.

Women's programs

"Hope - Given and Received" is the topic of the Church Women United in Northwest Cook County meeting Monday, Dec. 1, at the Christian Church of Arlington Heights, 333 W. Thomas. Being World AIDS Day, the speaker is Shelley Scott from Vital Bridges, an organization that helps those affected by HIV/AIDS to build healthier lives. Items such as canned goods, peanut butter, cereal, toothpaste and shampoo are requested for the Harvest of Hope Food Drive. Coffee and fellowship begin at 9:15 a.m.

WOW (Women of the Word) begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road at Route 59 in Barrington. WOW will begin studying "A Woman of Purpose; Luke: Walking with Jesus" by Dee Brestin. The study will run for 12 weeks. (847) 836-5540.

United Methodist Women's Christmas Tea will be offered at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Enjoy an evening of handbell music. Selections include sing-along carols, hand chimes and handbells, and soprano soloist Anne Arza. No fee, open to the public. Child care is available. Call (847) 255-5112 or visit ahfumc.org.

A Women's Bible Study, led by laypersons, meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. The group is reading "Daughters of Eve" by Virginia Owens. The book examines the women in the Bible and their message to women today. Newcomers are welcome. For details, visit CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650.