McHenry Co. religion notes

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Holy Cross: Holy Cross Lutheran Church marks a milestone this weekend, with the groundbreaking for a new two story multipurpose building at 2107 Three Oaks Road, Cary. The structure will be attached to the existing church with a covered walkway and will consist of facilities for a contemporary service, gymnasium and various meeting rooms for other activities. The Sunday, Nov. 2 celebration will begin with the 9 a.m. service, after which the groundbreaking will be conducted on the site, located to the west of the church. The community is invited to join in the 9 a.m. service as well as the outdoor celebration which will begin at approximately 10:15 a.m.

New Life Baptist: On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Rev. Mark Wood will continue his sermon series from 1 Corinthians titled "Building a Strong Foundation" at the 10:30 a.m. service at New Life Baptist Church, 9228 Trinity Drive in Lake in the Hills. New Life begins each Sunday with fellowship time at 9:15 a. m. Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. with classes for children, youth, and adults. Child care is available during Sunday school and throughout the worship service for infants through 3-year-olds. Children's church for 4-year-olds through second grade takes place during the second half of the worship service. Church members play basketball at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at the church. The Awana program for children in kindergarten through sixth grade is held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the church. The church's quarterly business meeting and lunch take place on Sunday, Nov. 9. Lunch will be served immediately after the service followed by the business meeting. A baby dedication will be included during the service on Nov. 16 and a baptismal service is also being scheduled during November. The Ladies' Night Out monthly fellowship will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at Handmade on Main in Algonquin. For details, call (847) 458-9726 or visit www.newlifebaptist-il.com.

First Congregational: On Confirmation Sunday, Nov. 2, there will be a single 9 a.m. service at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The confirmands will be presenting the banner that they have created and painted and explaining the theology behind it. Those being confirmed on Sunday are: Alex Allison, Carter Ball, Victoria Choin, Chase DeAlmeida, Tyler Ellefson, Michael Mendonca, and Tyler Schwartz. The Chancel Choir will sing. This is also Communion Sunday. At 9 a.m., the Sunday school children will continue learning about the Ten Commandments and how they relate to the Beatitudes, as well as how they are applicable today. This month's Mission of the Month will be Faith in Action of McHenry County, a network of religious congregations, community agencies and civic-minded individuals that works with seniors of our community who live at home. At 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, there will be an Inquirers Potluck at the church. Call the church office to reserve a place if you are interested in learning more about this church or the United Church of Christ. The Thursday Study Group will meet at the Homuths at 10:15 a.m. The group is beginning a new study based on "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis. Newcomers are welcome. The Knit/Crochet Group, now called "Clickin' Sticks, will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the church. At 7 p.m., the Chancel Choir will practice. The choir sings on the first and third Sundays of the month and welcomes new members. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691 or visit www.firsthuntley.org.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Behold! What Manner of Love!" based on 1 John 3:1-3, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2 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 www.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. The Holiday Bazaar will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Cosman Cultural Center. Lunch will be available. Sunday, Nov. 2 is Grafton Food Pantry Day. A new member orientation will be from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. Members will be received on Sunday, Nov. 9. On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Rev. Jim Carr will be the adult leader of "Created in God's Image", at 9 a.m. at the Cosman Center. Shepherd's Voices Choir will meet at 7 p.m. Mondays at Citizens Bank. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Prairie Points Quilting will meet at 9 a.m. at Citizens Bank. On Tuesdays, the Bible study will meet from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Citizens Bank. 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 Wednesday, Nov. 5, adult Bible Study will be at 10 a.m. at Citizens Bank. On Wednesdays, the confirmation class meets at 6:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank. Pizza will be at 6 p.m. On Thursday, Nov. 6, Prairie Crafters will meet at Citizens Bank. On Thursdays, the Prairie Ringers Chime Choir will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cosman Center. On Fridays, the church's Prayer Hour will meet at 1 p.m. The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

Unitarian: On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, will celebrate "Day of the Dead" (El Dia de los Muertos), a Latin American tradition to honor those loved ones who have died, at 10:45 a.m. Members are invited to bring food that was a favorite of their loved ones who have died. Carol Gardner will prepare an "ofrenda," a table decorated in the Latin American style. Janie Galarza will speak about how her culture celebrates Day of the Dead. Congregants will be invited to talk about the favorite foods of their dearly departed. After the service there will be a potluck downstairs comprised of all the favorite foods brought for the day. Members are invited to bring a story about that food in writing. 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 www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On All Saints Sunday, Nov. 2, the Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will preach at 9 and 10:45 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St. in Crystal Lake. They will recall the names of members who have recently passed away and light candles in their memory. Worship begins with a procession of memorial banners on which bells have been added in memory of loved ones. 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. The FCC Giving Tree will be available in the fellowship hall beginning Nov. 2. Members are encouraged to take a tag and buy the requested item for clients of area service organizations. Also, the Heifer Ark Collection begins. Members who wish to donate toward the Heifer Project will receive gift cards that can be given to those in whose names the donations are made. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the National Children and Youth Choirs of Guatemala will perform at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. A freewill offering will be taken to defray the costs of the concert and to benefit the choirs tour of the United States. FCC members Bob and Terry Davis will be recognized for their many years of service to the Mayan people of Guatemala. On Wednesday, Nov. 5, Seasons of the Spirit Bible study meets at 10:15 a.m. in the Banner Library. A Confirmation Parents Brainstorming meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the Banner Library. The confirmation class will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Youth Room. On Thursday, Nov. 6, the Women's Fellowship November luncheon and meeting will be held at noon in the fellowship hall. The program for this month will feature FCC member Barbara Schneider, who will present "Women's Journeys in Fiber: An Overview and Trunk Show." She is a member of Womens Journeys in Fiber, a group of Chicago area artists. On Friday, Nov. 7, the Rev. Kirsten Peachey, director of Congregational Partnerships for the Advocate Health Care System in Chicago, will lead a 12-hour workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 in the multipurpose room, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 in the fellowship hall to determine how FCC may develop a ministry emphasizing health and spirituality. Reservations are required. Contact the church office. Also on Friday, the Junior Fellowship youth group will have a Lock-In at FCC. It begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. On Saturday, Nov. 8, Living the Questions will meet at 9 a.m. in the multipurpose room. The topic is "Challenges Facing Contemporary Christians," led by Rev. Arn Schaper. For details, call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: The congregation recognizes that during these trying and uncertain times, you can only be certain when you stand firm in your faith and "Practice the Presence" at the 10 a.m. service at the McHenry County Church of Religious Science, Center for Spiritual Evolution. On Nov. 2, her topic will be "Cast a Vote in Prayer for God."Music this week is provided by Patrica Caldwell. 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." A community Meditation and Prayer Election Eve Vigil blessing leaders and a more united nation is planned for the day before election, at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3 at the Center for Spiritual Evolution in Cary. No political discussion will be permitted. All faiths are welcomed to recite their prayers not for specific candidates or platforms, but for the best interest of the country. 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. For details, call (847) 516-1950 or visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Heritage Sunday, Nov. 2, the Rev. Brian Cope will preach at the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The congregation will recognize those in the church who have been members for 25 or more years. The message is based on Joshua 3:7-17 and Matthew 23:1-12. Music will be offered by the Senior Choir. Who did Jesus say he was? Join the adult enrichment opportunities at 8:45 a.m. Sundays. The discussions are often spirited and interesting and all points of view are welcome. Bring a Bible or borrow one from the church and join them every Sunday or as often as possible. All are welcome to attend. Yarn Works welcomes beginners or advanced. For details, call the church. Yarn works will meet every Thursday; one session will be from 10 a.m. to noon and the other session will be 7 to 9 p.m. The Entertainment books are available for $20 from the church's men's fellowship. For details, call the church office at (847) 658-5308. On Sunday, Nov. 23, during worship, they will remember those loved ones who have passed away in this church year. (Nov. 23 is the last Sunday of the church year.) During the worship, they will read the names and light a candle for members of the church who have died and others who have had funerals at the church. 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.