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.

Messiah Lutheran: On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, join Messiah Lutheran Church in Elgin for worship at 9:30 a.m. The Gospel reading for the day will be Matthew 1:18-25. Coffee, tea, treats and fellowship will follow. On Christmas Eve, worship will start with pre-service music at 6:30 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m. The church is at 500 Church Road in Elgin, off Route 31 and north of I-90. For details, call (847) 695-0144.

Christ the Lord: There will be three Christmas Eve services at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, Highland Avenue and Tina Trail, a quarter-mile west of Randall Road in Elgin.

The first will be the Children's Stable Service at 5 p.m. This early Christmas Eve worship reminds one of the humble, simple birth of the Christ Child. This simple 30-minute service of carols and reading of the Christmas Gospel is especially meaningful for children, regardless of age. The brief message is designed for young children, focusing upon the manger creche with the children again helping to place the figures under the tree.

The second service is a Festival Candlelight Service with Holy Communion at 7:30 p.m. Beginning at 7 p.m., you will have an opportunity to listen to a special presentation of Christmas music and participate in an old-fashioned carol sing. Plan to arrive early so as not to miss your favorite selections.

The major service of the Christmas season begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes a candle lighting ceremony, during which some of the most beloved carols will be sung. This Festival Service with Holy Communion is filled with music and joyous celebration, as you hear the glorious Christmas Gospel proclaim "for unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord."

The day concludes with candlelight worship with Holy Communion at 11 p.m. This service is designed around the theme of "Silent Night." It will be a quiet, meditative service, filled with prayers, scriptures, meditation, and lots of music. The mood will be more quiet and reflective, rather than loud and festive.

On Dec. 30, the traditional service of lessons and carols with Holy Communion will be at 9:30 a.m. For details, call (847) 741-8141 or visit www. christthelordlutheran.com.

St. Paul UCC: On Sunday, enjoy a children's program with the Rev. David Ezekiel at the 9:30 a.m. service at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 220 Division St., Elgin. Stay for a special coffee hour. Join the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve service, which will include stories and singing. For details, call (847) 742-2854.

Good Shepherd: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Elgin welcomes all to join in their celebration of Christmas. Several different services are being held at Good Shepherd's Nesler Road Christian Life Center at Route 20 and Nesler Roads and the 1111 Van St. locations.

At its Nesler Road location on Christmas Eve, a family service focusing on children will be held at 5 p.m. with a special gift for all children who attend. A candlelight service with Holy Communion will be being held at 11 p.m. at this location.

At its 1111 Van St. location, both a Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service at 7 p.m. and Christmas Day Festival Communion Service at 9:30 are planned.

All are welcome in the celebration at Good Shepherd of our Savior's birth.

On New Year's Eve, the church will have a worship service with Holy Communion at 6 p.m. at 1111 Van St. For details, call the church office at (847) 741-7788.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel provides a full range of religious and community programs. A youth program is available for sixth grade to high school. In addition, interest groups meet regularly for men, women, seniors, and others. Consult the monthly newsletter which is available at www.ckielgin.org.

This week's Torah portion is "Vayehi." 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.

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."

This week's Torah portion is "Sh'mot." It is the first portion of Exodus, where a king arises in Egypt "who knew not Joseph," and the Israelites are enslaved.

On Dec. 30, this week's Torah portion is "Va-era," where God makes himself known to Moses by name.

Adult education classes are held on Thursdays and Saturdays. A class on "Believing in G-d" will be held at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 19, immediately after lunch. Guests are welcome. For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

Immanuel Lutheran: On Sunday, the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will be sharing the message, "My Tiny King," at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the 10:45 a.m. service, which also will have some student-led worship from Faith Factory Sunday school.

The Saturday evening and Sunday morning 8 a.m. services are traditional with organ, hymns and liturgy. The Sunday 10:45 a.m. 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 Christmas Eve, the children's Christmas celebration service will be at 4 p.m. with a family service of carols and candlelight at 7 p.m., and a candlelight service of lessons and carols at 11 p.m. On Christmas Day, the church will have one festival service with Holy Communion at 10 a.m. For New Year's Eve, Immanuel will worship at 6:30 p.m. The Rev. William Yonker will be sharing a message, "Living Each Moment".

On Jan. 6, Immanuel will have cantata celebration services of music and the Word at the 8 and 10:45 a.m. worship with special music from the vocal, instrumental and handbell ensembles of Immanuel's music program. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

Calvary Lutheran: Calvary Lutheran Church in Elgin invites everyone to celebrate the birth of the Lord at the special Christmas services. The Christmas Eve candlelight service will be at 7:30 p.m. The Christmas Day Festival service with Holy Communion will be at 9 a.m. Calvary will also hold a special New Year's Eve service with Holy Communion at 4 p.m. Dec. 31. Calvary is at 535 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin. It is associated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. For information, call (847) 741-5433 or visit www.clce.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Steven Mindrup leads worship at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-10; Romans 1:1-7 and Matthew 1:18-25.

Sunday school is held for pre-kindergarten through high school at 10 a.m. A nursery is also provided.

The Christmas Eve services are at 5 and 7:30 p.m. The Scripture lessons for the 5 p.m. service are Genesis 3:8-15; 17-29; Genesis 22: 15-18; Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; Isaiah 11: 1-4a, 6-9; Luke 1: 26-35, 38; Luke 2: 1-16 and John 1:1-14. The Scripture lesson for the 7:30 p.m. service are Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14 and Luke 2:1-20. The theme for these services is "Angels' Songs? Or Business as Usual?" with the Rev. Steven Mindrup presiding. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the 7:30 p.m. service.

The Mitten Tree in the Fireside Room welcomes donations of hats, scarves, mittens and gloves for children of area elementary schools. Brass Christmas ornaments are being sold for $10 after church Sunday. These are great stocking stuffers for new, old and existing members. The ornaments are brass replicas of the church. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison will give the sermon, "Hard to Believe," at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in downtown Elgin. Special music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir, under the direction of John Slawson.

Christian education for children, youth and adults begins at 8:50 a.m. with the youth group meeting at 11:15 a.m. The family Christmas Eve service is at 4 p.m. with a play put on by the children and the candlelight Christmas Eve service is at 7:30 p.m. There will be a Christmas concert from 7 to 7:30 p.m. featuring vocal choir, bell choir and soloists. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On the Fourth Sunday in Advent, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "God Turns Unbelief into Faith into Action," based on Matthew 1:18-25, at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship will be at 9 a.m. and Sunday school and Bible study at 9:15 a.m.

There will be three Christmas Eve services at 3, 7 and 11 p.m. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Rev. Paris N. Donehoo's sermon will be "You Were Expecting Maybe … " at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The chapel service is at 8:15 and the 10:15 a.m. worship is in the sanctuary.

The Chancel Choir will sing "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" by Leland Sateren during the sanctuary service.

On Christmas Eve, two services with Holy Communion will be held in the sanctuary. A service of lessons and carols featuring the children's choir and various soloists, along with the blessing of children, will be held at 5 p.m. At 11 p.m., a candlelight service of lessons and carols will feature music by the chancel choir and handbell choir. The pastor will preach at both services on "Counting Control." For details, call (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline's sermon will be "A Journey of Worship and Wonder" at the 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The children's and youth choirs will perform a Christmas musical called "Angels Aware!" at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. It will tell the story behind the Christmas story -- how the angels found out that God was going to earth and why God chose to go as a baby.

The Witness Ministry Group is collecting items for PADS, the homeless shelter, through Monday. Members may choose an ornament from the Christmas Wish Tree in the fellowship hall and purchase the item listed on the ornament, then placing it under the tree for delivery. The congregation's annual Christmas Eve candlelight service will be at 7:30 p.m. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will bring the message at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Praise and Worship Leaders will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Choral Ensemble will render the music for the 10:30 a.m. service.

The church, in cooperation with the African-American Ministers Alliance, will host the Citywide Interfaith Choir Musical at 5 p.m. Sunday in the multi-purpose facility. Call the church office for details.

New Year's Eve Watch Service celebration will begin at 10 p.m. This celebration of Watch Services -- also known as Freedom's Eve -- in the black communities can be traced back to Dec. 31, 1862. President Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation -- the promise that all slaves of the Confederate States were legally free -- set the stage for this yearly celebration. The slaves gathered at the churches awaiting the strike of midnight. On Jan. 1, 1863, when the slaves received news of their freedom, they prayed and fell to their knees giving thanks to God.

On Jan. 2, Bible study will begin at noon followed by Wonderful Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, the Rev. Richard Nye, transitional pastor, will present theme, "The Message of the Candles," based on Isaiah 61:1-4 and Luke 2:8-14, at the 8 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 10:15 a.m. service will feature the Joy Ringers, directed by Linda Gilmore; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, accompanist.

Education for all ages takes place from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sundays. Programs offered include Sunday school for children age 3 through eighth grade and adult teaching.

Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers age 5 and under from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Children should be signed in and out. Coffee and fellowship time will follow the services in the narthex hosted by the Hospitality Team.

Children are invited to go to the Sunday 10:15 a.m. service with their parents. After the KidsOwn Worship message, children age 3 through sixth grade may attend KidsOwn Worship, a special children's church designed especially for them. The theme will be "Jesus Is Born" based on the Bible story in Isaiah 2:1-20 and Hebrews 1:1-4: Jesus is born. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

Country Covenant: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Harder's message is "Birth of Christ," based on Matthew 1: 18-25, at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation and study. Children's Sunday school meets during the 9:30 a.m. service. Childcare is also available during the service.

Christmas Eve candlelight services will be at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit www.countrycov.org.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe the fourth Sunday in Advent as they look at the topic of "A Dream Come True," based on Matthew 1. The blended service is at 6 p.m. Saturday, traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sunday with a contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band. Adult Bible classes are at 9:15 a.m. along with a special educational program for children called Kingdom Kids.

On Christmas Eve, the family service will be at 4 p.m. and the candlelight service at 10:30 p.m. On Christmas Day, worship is at 10 a.m.

The church is at Hopps and Randall roads, Elgin. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Matthew 1:18-25 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Both the given and symbolic names of Jesus testify that God is with you in your present situations, to make you "networkable" with God. Join the church at its recently renovated handicap accessible building. 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. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

Highland Fellowship: Highland Fellowship Church, 2250 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin, invites you to "The Heart of Christmas" at the 10 a.m. Sunday services in December. On Sunday, in "God of Miracles," there will be special musical guests leading the congregation in songs of the season with a message, "A Sacrifice that Brought a Miracle." On Christmas Day from 11 a.m. to noon, celebrate Emmanuel with the church. All are invited to join a casual and creative service.

On Dec. 30, in "God of Discovery," learn about the place that God is preparing for you in heaven and discover the answer to "What does a ticket cost to go to heaven?" For details, call (847) 741-6629.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the children's Christmas musical, "The Mystery of the Manger," will be presented at 5 p.m. today and 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. The traditional worship will be at 7:45 a.m.

Christmas Eve worship with Holy Communion will be held at 2, 4, 8 and 10 p.m. All worship services Christmas Eve will be candlelight.

The Rev. Kendall Koenig, senior pastor, will preside and give the Christmas message. At the 2 and 4 p.m. services, special music will be presented by the Good News Praise Band, directed by Melody Kuphal; the Children's Choirs, directed by Betty Roberts; and the Children's Chime Choir, directed by Jane McMullen, director of music and worship. Special music at the 8 and 10 p.m. services include the Adult Handbell Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Adult Choir and organ accompaniment under the direction of Jane McMullen.

Christmas Day worship will be at 11 a.m. in a barn at 12407 W. Main St. in Huntley. All are welcome to experience this natural setting in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. Heaters will be provided but dress warmly. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Walter Thyng's sermon will be "God Does What?," based on Isaiah 7:1-25, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. service at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The theme is, "God uses what God pleases to accomplish God's will." The Instrumental Group will play in both services. The Sunday school children will watch a Christmas video.

There will be two services on Christmas Eve. At 4 p.m., there will be a family service and the 11 p.m. service will feature Candlelight, Carols and Communion. The sermon will be "The Light of Wonder," based on Luke 2:17-20. The theme is, "Never mind putting 'Christ' back into Christmas, put back the wonder."

On Dec. 30, there will be a single service at 10 a.m., which will be the Rev. Walter Thyng's final service before retirement. The theme will be "The Mystery of Ministry." For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Infidelity, Incarnation, Immanuel," based on Matthew 1:18-25, 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.

Adult Bible class is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. Coffee and fellowship follows the Sunday services on the second Sunday of each month.

At the 5:30 p.m. Family Christmas Eve service, Rev. Stroup will deliver the message, "I Do Declare" from Luke 2:1-20, and at the 11 p.m. candlelight Christmas Eve service, his message will be "Bad Timing -- Good News" from Luke 2:5-7. On Christmas Day, the pastor's message will be "Have You Seen His Glory?," taken from John 1:14, at the 9 a.m. service. The Mission Resale Shop will be closed on Dec. 28-29. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org.

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.

The Prairie Prayer Team will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday at Citizens Bank.

On Christmas Eve, a candlelight service will be held at 5 p.m. at the Cosman Center.

The confirmation class will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Citizens Bank.

Prairie Ringers will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Citizens Bank. The church's bridge games will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Jan. 4 at MidAmerica Bank, 13300 Route 47 in Huntley. 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 speak on "The Incarnation" 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.

Christmas Eve worship will start with a family service at 4 p.m. and a candlelight service with Holy Communion at 10 p.m. There will be no adult Bible studies or youth classes the weeks of Christmas and New Year. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.faithcommunity churchhuntley.com.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, the the Rev. Michelle McNamara will preach at 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The meditation will be based on Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7 and Matthew 1:18-25. The Cherub and Chapel choirs will provide special Christmas songs and readings. Christmas Eve services will be at 9 and 11 p.m. Both evening services will include a candlelight "Service of Lessons and Carols." The services will end with the singing of "Silent Night" as parishioners are invited to the "Living Nativity."

The 9 p.m. service will feature the Joyful Sound Handbell choir and the 11 p.m. service will feature the Senior Choir. For details, call (847) 658-5308.