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.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will be sharing the message, "Who Dat?" at 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee.

On Sunday, Immanuel will be celebrating in their contemporary 10:45 a.m. service with a dynamic jazz worship style, including horns, vocal leaders, and rhythm section. Baerwolf's message "Who Dat, Who Dat, Who Dat Gonna Beat them Saints??" will fit right into the New Orleans style. The music, ranging from contemporary praise to Dixieland will include the worship songs "To God Be the Glory," "Oh, When the Saints," "Days of Elijah," "Rock of Ages," "Down By the Riverside" and "All the Saints Join In." The public is invited to join them -- coming as early as 10:30 a.m. for the pre-service music.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." This Wednesday's message will be given by the Rev. William Yonker. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

Good Shepherd: On Sunday, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will host its annual church picnic at their Christian Life Center on Nesler Road and Route 20. All are welcome.

The picnic will begin at noon, following a special 10:30 a.m. service. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken breasts will be served. Beverages will be sold as a fundraiser for Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool. Tickets are $6 or $20 for a family of four or more. Children, age 4 and younger, get in free.

Attendees are asked to bring salad or dessert to share and chairs or blankets to sit on. There will be games for kids from 1 to 2 p.m. A ministry fair will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and a drawing will be held for Cubs tickets. For details, call the grade school at (847) 741-7795 or preschool at (847) 697-4745. Visit www. goodshepherd-elgin.org.

Kneseth Israel: On Sunday, Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St., Elgin, will host an open house and family picnic. Children will be entertained by Ken Schultz, "The Flying Fool." Prospective members are welcome.

While continuing to offer Shabbat observances for all ages, it is also making plans for the High Holy Days and the beginning of religious school. High Holiday services will be led by Rabbi Jonathan Kohn and Cantor Jack Falk. Rosh Hashana begins the evening of Sept. 12. Religious school for pre-kindergarten to high school begins in early September. For details about the holidays or school call the congregation office.

This week's Torah portion is Ki Tetze. The service is led by Kohn in prayer and study. Shabbat services are at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue. 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 or www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers 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." A four-week class on Hebrew comprehension will begin on Oct. 9. Hebrew school registration is now open for the fall. Call to learn about the individualized program. Egalitarian High Holiday services will begin with Erev Rosh Hashana service at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12. Tickets are available now. This week's Torah portion is Ki Tetze, where you are taught to treat animals with kindness. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@ gmail.com, or visit www. CongregationShiratShalom. org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon, "Participating in God's New Order" at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; Hebrews 12:18-29 and Luke 13:10-17.

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

Recycle your cell phone by dropping it off in the Fireside Room. Also FISH Food Pantry donations are welcome as well as Campbell's Soup UPC codes. The second annual Potato Sale will be held during Heritage Fest in Dundee Sept. 14-16. The United Methodist Women will have their annual rummage sale Sept. 28-29. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison's message is "Yes, But It's My Day Off," using the scripture, Luke 13:10-17, at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. There will be special vocal music featuring Jordan Krieger Smith. Christian education for children, youth and adults begins at 8:50 a.m. with the youth group meeting at 11:15 a.m. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Sunday, the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Such is the Kingdom" based upon Mark 10:13-16, at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. The summer worship schedule includes a 9 a.m. Sunday service and a 7 p.m. Wednesday service. Family Education Hour is now in recess for the summer.

The fall schedule begins Sept. 16 with Sunday worship at 8 and 10:30 a.m. TOPS meets at 6 p.m. Mondays. Weight Watchers meet at 7 p.m. each Wednesday. The pinochle club meets the last Friday of each month at 7 p.m. The monthly men's breakfast Bible study is the first Saturday of the month at 7 a.m. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Paris Donehoo, senior pastor, will preach the sermon, "Lust: The Second Look," the last in the series about the seven deadly sins, at First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St. in Elgin. Early risers may attend an 8:15 a.m. open door service in the chapel, while a service in the sanctuary is scheduled at 10:15 a.m. A special gospel musical ensemble is planned for both services.

Sunday school activities are gearing up for the fall beginning with Rally Sunday on Sept. 9. These popular sessions include rotating centers of arts and crafts and storytelling. Young people also have the choice of joining the Cherub Choir for 5-year-olds and a Joyful Noise Choir for those from third to eighth grade.

Like to be creative? A Creative Fundraising Committee, which will explore options for the renovation for the building, will meet on Thursday, Aug. 30. This massive congregation-approved initiative will include the architectural renovation of a portion of the exterior of the church's Elgin Historic District building, and will include numerous upgrades for the interior. Numerous parking, including a multi-level municipal lot, is within a block of the church. For details, call (847) 741-4045 or visit the Web site at www.fcc-elgin.org.

Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, Stan Noffsinger, congregation member and general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, will offer a sermon at the 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The congregation hosts a blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon today in collaboration with Heartland Blood Centers. The service will be followed by a fellowship time. At 10:45 a.m., a Summer Music Festival will feature presentations by Sharon LeCount's piano students -- Genelle and LeAnn Wine, Phil Smith, and Cyndi Fecher.

After the music, the congregation will move to Wing Park shelter 2 for the summer church picnic. The potluck lunch will begin at noon.

Becky Burns will hold a book signing from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at her home for her newly published book, "Soothe the Spirit: Blessings and Rituals for Energy Enhancement."

The Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice and the church's Witness Ministry Group invite members of the community to the Kimball Street bridge at 5 p.m. each Wednesday for vigil to encourage peace and an end to violence. A team representing congregation member June Gibble will participate in the Les Turner ALS Foundation Walk4Life in Chicago Sept. 8. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond is continuing the three-part series from the Book of Numbers, 13th chapter at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. service at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The sermon for both services will be "The Challenge of Change."

The Praise and Worship Leaders will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Chorale Ensemble will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Second Baptist will host "Read to Succeed" at 6 p.m. Aug. 30. Read to succeed is a reading program for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Sponsored by U-46's African American Advisory Council, this program is designed to encourage children to read through the use of such activities as photo galleries and reading aloud the children's favorite books. Each child is asked to bring their favorite reading material.

You are invited to "Love Elgin." Second Baptist will participate in a citywide outreach event on Sept. 8. They will join churches from across the city to show the love of Christ through acts of kindness. Second Baptist will distribute back-to-school care packages at the Clifford Court housing complex. Later in the day the volunteers, along with the Second Baptist Choral Ensemble, will join in with other participating churches for a closing worship service at the Wing Park Band Shell from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Register for the Couples Retreat, sponsored by the CUPS ministry. The retreat is scheduled for Sept. 14-15. See Rev. Andrew Love for details.

All women are invited to the church's annual women's conference on Oct. 12-14. The conference theme is "We're Better Than That", derived from Genesis 16:8. Call the church for details and to register for the conference. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: This week, the Rev. Richard Nye, transitional pastor, presents the theme "Are We Listening?," based on Jeremiah 1:4-10, at First Congregational Church of Dundee, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m. and a spirit-filled praise service the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Sunday's Ministry of Music will be "St. Anthony Chorale" by the family handbell quartet -- Debbie, Samantha, Jason and Alex Clark.

Throughout the month of August, the Local Mission Ministry will be collecting back-to-school supplies for underprivileged children in the area. Any school item will be appreciated. These gifts will give many children an opportunity to have a great start on the new school year.

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, Bible Awareness Ministry for high school youth, 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 "David Spares Saul's Life," based on the Bible story in I Samuel 26:5-25: God is just.

Church Council Chat will take place Sunday at 11:30 a.m. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.

Country Covenant: On Sunday, the Rev. Mark Harder's message is "Refine Me, Oh Lord" at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. The Scripture for this message is Malachi 3: 1-5. This concludes the summer study of the Old Testament.

On Wednesday, there will be a prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m. Concerns of the church and cares of individuals will be addressed. All are welcome to come and participate. For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit Web site www.countrycov.org.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe the 13th Sunday after Pentecost in the church year as they look at the topic "It's Easy -- or Is It?," based on Luke, Chapter 13.

Traditional style worship is at 8:15 a.m. Sunday with a contemporary worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band.

During the summer months, the church repeat the previous Sunday theme with worship on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. along with a special educational program for children called Kingdom Kids which will start again on Sept. 9.

The church also offers various mid-week educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds during the school year, and youth programs for various age groups.

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 Hebrews 12:18-29 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St., Carpentersville. Everyone has their tastes and preferences, and while they may work for driving amusement park rides, they don't figure in true worship of God. Nursery care is available during the service. Sunday school classes are currently on summer break until September. For details, call (847) 428-1712.