Briefs: Church donating Christmas dinners

On Saturday, Dec. 20, parishioners from St. James Episcopal Church in West Dundee will be distributing 118 Christmas dinners to the less fortunate in our area. With the assistance of FISH Food Pantry, vouchers were given out in advance at FISH and the families were invited to pick up the meals at St. James. Funds were raised through parishioner donations, and the meals were purchased through SHARE, a non-profit food buying club that holds a monthly distribution site at St. James. For details about St. James and its outreach programs, Christmas services at St. James or SHARE questions, call (847) 426-5612.

Break free

Elgin Community Church, formerly Community Baptist Church, will present a Christmas program, titled "Break Free!," at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21. The story surrounds the journey of Monica, a teenage girl, as she works through the difficulties that arise during the Christmas season. As family issues heat up and the hustle and bustle of Christmas continues on around her, Monica starts to tackle the issue of faith that she's struggled with since her parents' deaths. The show uses stories and talents from all ages in song, drama, dance, flags, video and sign-language. A cookie reception will follow. The event is free. Call (847) 697-7744. The church is at 991 Deborah Ave., Elgin.

New principal announced

Fox River Country Day School in Elgin has named a new principal. Kareen Morse of Barrington is a 25-year teaching veteran. Before this position, Morse served as Assistant Head and Interim Head of the Day School. Morse is a frequent speaker at educational conferences, and serves as an a consultant to parents of gifted children.