Notes on Religion
Notes on religion To include your church in the free listings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, fax to (847) 608-0849, or mail to 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin IL 60123.
McHenry County Jewish Congregation: On Sunday, the McHenry County Jewish Congregation will celebrating Hanukkah with a community education session and party beginning at 9 a.m. The party will feature games, art and traditional Hanukkah foods, including latkes (potato pancakes) made from potatoes grown in the MCJC vegetable garden.
On Dec. 6, it launched a four-part adult education series exploring Jewish ethical teachings as they relate to us today. The first session, led by Rabbi Maralee Gordon, covered "Jewish Ethics in Everyday Life." Subsequent sessions, on Jan. 17, Feb. 7 and March 6, will touch on Jewish medical ethics, business ethics and legal ethics, featuring presentations by congregants who work in those fields. The series is free and open to non-members.
The synagogue will host a Jewish Artist Showcase in April. They are inviting area artists to participate in the art show and sale. The art could include watercolor, pottery, weaving, jewelry, acrylics and others. For details, e-mail Elaine Kadakia at ekadakia@yahoo.com.
Adult education programming is offered on Sunday mornings and throughout the week as well. Each Tuesday at noon, Rabbi Maralee Gordon holds a "Lunch and Learn Torah Study."
The synagogue operates a gift shop offering a wide array of Jewish themed gift and holiday supplies that is open during religious school hours.
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: This Sunday, the Rev. Walter Thyng's sermon will be "The Importance of Unimportance," based on Isaiah 11:1-10, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The theme is, "Advent reminds us that little things can make a big difference."
New members will be accepted into the congregation. The Sunday AM's handbell choir will play at both services. The Sunday school children will continue their unit called "Happy Birthday Jesus," in which they trace God's promise of a Messiah through the prophets of the Old Testament. The Thursday Study Group will meet at 10:15 a.m. at the Vrenios' home.
At 12:10 p.m. Friday, church organist Vernon Studt will perform the second Advent Organ Recital. There is no charge (free-will offering only) and refreshments will follow the recital. The third recital will be performed at 12:10 p.m. Dec. 21.
On Dec. 16, there will be a single service at 10 a.m. to celebrate "All Church Music Sunday." The annual Christmas potluck will follow. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.
St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Who Is Calling You?," based on Matthew 3:1-12, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Sunday school at 10:30 a.m.
At the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, the Sunday school will present their annual program, this year titled: "One Night in Bethlehem."
Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. Coffee and fellowship follows the Sunday services on the second Sunday of each month.
The theme of the midweek Advent service at 7 p.m. Wednesday is taken from Isaiah 55:9 and Romans 15:4. It will be "My Way or the Higher Way."
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 www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.
Living Waters: On Sunday, the Kids Klub Christmas Pageant will be presented at Living Waters Lutheran Church, 1808 Miller Road, Crystal Lake. Traditional service is held at 8 a.m. Sunday, followed by contemporary services at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. On Sunday, the Christmas Party potluck supper will be at 5 p.m. Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with good conversation and food. Bring a dish to share for this Christmas buffet.
God's Groupies Sunday School for fifth- to eighth-graders is participating in the unit on "Following Jesus."
Sunday school, Kids Klub, is at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. They are in the "Good News" Christmas rotation, and preparing for the Christmas pageant.
Adult forum meets at 9:15 a.m. Sundays and they are exploring "Giving To God," an inspirational look at becoming more thankful and generous. Another adult forum, meeting at 10:45 a.m. Sunday, is studying the book of Isaiah.
The high school youth group meets for Bible Study meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday at church. Parents and children, infant to fifth grade, are welcome to Niagara Smalls at the church for activities from 5 to 6 p.m. and pizza dinner from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The theme will be "God Made Jesus/God Made Me" on Wednesday. Cost is $3 per person. Call (815) 455-2424 or visit www.livingwaterschurch.com.
Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach at both services at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 and 10:30 a.m. services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Sunday school and nursery care are available at both services.
This week at Citizens Bank, a support group for prayers for encouragement and solid fitness, Weighty Matters, will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Shepherd Voices will meet at 7 p.m. Monday. The confirmation class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Sparkplugs will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cosman Center. On Thursday, a mandatory dress rehearsal will take place for the children's Christmas play at 6 p.m. at the Cosman Center. The play will be performed during the 10:30 a.m. service on Dec. 16.
The Senior Shepherds will hold the Christmas potluck dinner at 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Sign up at the Welcome Table for the dish to pass. Bring a wrapped white elephant gift.
The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.
Faith Community: On Sunday, the Rev. Bruce Cole will continue the series "The Stories of Christmas" with "Shut My Mouth (If That's What it Takes)," the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Worship services are at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through second grade. The band Isaiah 53 will perform at both services.
The children will rehearse for the Christmas program at 10 a.m. Sunday. All kids through fifth grade are welcome. The Christmas program will be at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16 with lunch to follow.
On Sunday, the high school kids will spend the afternoon in downtown Chicago. They will leave the church at 10:30 a.m.; call the church office to let them know you're attending.
Awana will be Mondays with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by Kids Club from 6 to 7 p.m. The "Friends" Bible study meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the Century 21 office on Route 31 in Algonquin.
Adult Bible studies are offered Wednesdays. At 9 a.m., study the text for the upcoming Sunday. At 7:30 p.m., study the book of Acts.
Ladies Bunco will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday. Bring a snack to share and a wrapped Christmas ornament.
Brooke Barrettsmith from season 5 of "American Idol" will perform a free contemporary Christian concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 15. Everyone is welcome. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.
Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, turns itself over to the children as they proudly present their annual church school holiday pageant at 10:45 a.m.
Sam Jones and Peter Lopatin will direct "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," adapted by the Rev. Greg Ward, from the book of the same name by Barbara Robinson. For details, call (815) 338-0731 or visit www.cucw.org.
First Congregational: On the Second Sunday of Advent, the Cherub, Carol and Chancel Choirs will perform the children's cantata, "The King of Love," at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. Worship is at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Gifts for the church's Giving Tree are to be returned to the church during either service.
There will be no Sunday school classes for preschool through seventh grade. The nursery will be open.
After each service, coffee is served in the fellowship hall. Fair Exchange coffee, tea, and chocolate products will be available for sale after each service. The First Forum study group will meet at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the library. Chicago Theological Seminary intern Jennifer Lee will be the speaker.
On Sunday, the Junior Fellowship middle school age youth group will meet for their Christmas party. At 6:30 p.m., the Pilgrim Fellowship high school youth group will meet at the church, and then go Christmas shopping for a needy family.
On Wednesday, the Carol and Chancel Choirs for youth in fourth to seventh grades will go Christmas caroling at the homes of several church members.
On Thursday, the Young at Heart group will meet for lunch and a program by the Prairie Ridge Madrigals at noon at the Crystal Lake Country Club. At 6:30 p.m., the Moms' Time Out group will hold a Christmas celebration at the 1776 restaurant in Crystal Lake. Also on Thursday, the "Living the Questions" class will meet at 7 p.m. The topic is "The Incarnation: Divinely Human."
On Thursday, the annual Blue Christmas service will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel. It will be a time of music, spoken word, remembrance and reflection. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.
Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Kendall Koenig continues the series on "God's Vision: Imagine a Place" with his sermon, "Living in Response to the Gift" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The Scripture reading for his sermon is taken from Romans 5:15-17.
Worship services are held at 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:45, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
On Dec. 20, families, teens and adults will meet at the church to go Christmas caroling in the neighborhood. Meet at the church at 5:45 p.m. They will be asking households for donations canned goods for the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry.
The children's Christmas musical, "The Mystery of the Manger," will be presented at 5 p.m. Dec. 22 and 9 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 23 services. The 7:45 p.m. worship will be the traditional worship service as usual. For details, call (847) 658-9250.
Bethany Lutheran: On Sunday, the second candle on the Advent wreath will be lit at 7:45, 9 and 10:45 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. Holy Communion will be celebrated at 7:45 a.m. Faith Quest Sunday school meets at 9 a.m. Child care is available at the 9 and 10:45 a.m. The 4-year-old milestone, "Praying at Mealtime and Bedtime" will be celebrated as part of the 9 a.m. service. Senior high youth Pizza Night will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The World View Mission Market is open at 10 a.m. Sunday. The confirmation bake sale will be held between services. Proceeds will be used for the annual PADS party in March.
The congregational holiday potluck will be 6 p.m. Thursday. The Cary-Grove Swing Choir, under the direction of Rob Boncosky, will present the program.
The senior Christmas outing, the Elgin Choral Union at the Elgin Community Center, will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 15. A potluck supper is planned prior to the performance.
The Choral Christmas Services will be at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Dec. 16. The Sonshine Singers, Jubilation Singers, Bethany Choir and Bell Canto Choir will all participate as part of this musical worship Sunday.
SPARCS junior high Christmas party will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 16.
The Crystal Lake Food Pantry will be manned by Bethany workers from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 17. For details, call (815) 459-2690 or visit www.bethanylc.com.
McHenry County Church of Religious Science: As the year comes to a close, the McHenry County Church of Religious Science will focus on the magic that the month of December and Christmas holidays bring. Discover the magic and wonder in your life.
In singing "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me," the question is: "How are we doing with that? Are we allowing the magic of peace to live in our being and radiate out to others?" The Rev. Anne S. Muelleman will discuss this with "The Magic of Peace" on Sunday. There will be a new member recognition at this service. Music will be by Lia McCoo.
Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday celebration service, and children's program at the Country Inn and Suites, 600 Tracy Trail in Crystal Lake. If you arrive early there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m.
The new fall curriculum is "Spiritual Practices for Kids." December lessons relating to the second step of treatment are about "Unifying with God." Your kids will develop an understanding that "Love is What I Am." This week's topic for kindergarten through fifth grade is "Choosing Love." The children's program is prepared to handle toddlers, with parental support.
The Spiritual Entrepreneur Business Networking group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce office, 427 Virginia St. The annual candlelight service will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 19. For details, call (815) 444-0942 or www.rscgc.org/McHenry.
Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, the 10 a.m. service is based on Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalms 72:1-7, 18-19, Romans 15:4-13 and Matthew 3:1-12 at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. Sunday school will be 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Music will be offered by Cate Hummel.
Family Advent Festival continues from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 23. The Christmas cantata, "King of Love," will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 16. On Festival of Hope Sunday, Dec. 16, the Christian Education Board will offer games and crafts for all ages from 4 to 6 p.m. A blood drive is planned from 2:45 to 7:15 p.m. Dec. 18.
Shop at the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop, 307 S. Main St. in Algonquin. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The church is handicap accessible at the rear entrance. For details, call (847) 658-5308.