Fox Valley religion events
Alumni reunion: St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School will have an alumni reunion from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today in the school cafeteria, 274 Division St., Elgin. The potluck get-together is for all St. Joseph Elementary School alumni. Bring a dish to share if you can. For details, call Zhennie P. Graf at (224) 805-6317.
Holiday Grief Group: The Larkin Avenue Baptist Church, 1158 Larkin Ave. in Elgin, will host its annual Holiday Grief Group on Mondays, Nov. 26 to Dec. 10. The sessions will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Each session, which is a stand alone session meaning that people are not required to attend all three sessions, will help individuals who have experienced the death of someone special in their lives to cope in a meaningful way with the holiday season. The third session, on Dec. 10, will be a special memorial service. For information, contact the Rev. Richard Sanders at (847) 742-5014 or pastor@labcelgin.org.
Discussion on health care access: On Monday, the First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake will host a health care access discussion with state Rep. Michael Tryon at 7 p.m. Tryon will be joined by Suzanne Hoban, director of the Family Health Partnership Clinic in Woodstock; Jessica Palys of the Campaign for Better Health Care in Chicago; and Julie Mayer, community outreach manager for Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. They will discuss issues surrounding affordable health care in Illinois. It will be in the fellowship hall, 461 Pierson St. The public is invited. There will be no charge.
Christmas Past Sale: First Congregational United Church of Christ will hold a "Christmas Past Sale" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 30 and 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 1 at the church, 30 N. Washington St., Carpentersville. Gently used Christmas decorations, lawn decorations, lights and many items will be available for bargain prices. This sale is being sponsored by the Women's Fellowship of the church to help the FISH Food Pantry in Carpentersville.
Christmas Delights: St. John Lutheran Church Ladies Society will hold their annual bazaar, "Christmas Delights," from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road, Burlington. There will be Christmas decorations, crocheted and knitted items, kitchen items, embroidery, quilts, baked goods, and lunch will be available for purchase. For details, call the church at (847) 683-2338.
World AIDS Day: World AIDS Day is Dec. 1. In recognition of the 3 million people who die each year, and the 6,000 children who are orphaned each day, World Vision-Chicago hosts a number of events and activities to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic. These events are free and open to the public. Locally, an AIDS Walk for Orphans will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 1 at Family Life Church, 270 E. Chicago Ave., Elgin. Community members will take 6,000 steps, about 3 miles through Elgin, in solidarity with the 6,000 children who will be orphaned that day by AIDS. For details, call (847) 717-4878 or visit www.worldvision.org.
Build A Better World: December is a big month for First Presbyterian Church, 240 Standish St., Elgin, as they make ready for "Build A Better World Mission Fun Fair" on Dec. 2 after 10:30 a.m. worship. There will be an afternoon filled with games, food, crafts, storytelling and more. The funds from this fundraiser will help support Church World Service and their work with the Lost Boys and the rebuilding of Southern Sudan. For information, call (847) 742-6365.
Advent Vespers Service: First Congregational United Church of Christ in Elgin invites you to its fourth annual Advent Vespers Service at 6 p.m. Dec. 2 in the church sanctuary, 256 E. Chicago St. It will feature performances by the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Cherub Choir, Joyful Noise and Fox Valley Trio. The liturgy will be led by the Revs. Paris Donehoo and Lois A. Bucher. A free will offering will benefit PADS of Elgin. Child care will be provided. For information, call (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.
45th anniversary at Trinity: On Dec. 2, Trinity United Methodist Church of Carpentersville invites members, former members, friends and neighbors to a special celebration at 10 a.m. The church will be celebrating its 45th anniversary since the chartering of the church in 1962, when services were held in the gym at Lakeview Junior High School. The church will celebrate its history with a slide show of old photos of the church and its members, and United Methodist Pastor Rich Rubietta from Grayslake will lead a special musical service of worship. After the service, a holiday dinner will be given in the fellowship hall. A graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in music and an Illinois Arts Council ArtsTour artist, Rubietta is a songwriter and worship consultant who conducts high-energy, interactive worship experiences which include sing-alongs, original scripture-based songs and stories. A Resource Table will be available to purchase books and order CDs/cassettes. For information, call (847) 426-1627.
Wassail Concert: All four handbell choirs will give their annual Wassail Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 in the fellowship hall at First Congregational Church, Main and Church streets in Huntley. The choirs include ringers from fourth grade through adults. The evening of celebration and fun, which begins with band music, includes lively handbell performances of Christmas music and pop selections, as well as singing-along. Light refreshments will be served; a free-will offering will be taken. For information, call (847) 669-3691.
A Night in Bethlehem: Discover what it was like to be in Bethlehem when Jesus was born at the Bethlehem Village at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake. At "A Night in Bethlehem," you will be invited to visit the Census Taker; play an authentic game; have a snack; explore the village marketplace; or work with Bethlehem's shop owners and craftspeople. All ages are invited. Participants will be part of one of the multi-age tribes of Israel. The gathering will begin at 1 p.m. Dec. 2. The village gates will close at 3:30 p.m. Call (815) 459-2690 to let them know you're coming.
Jingle Jazz: First Congregational Church of Dundee presents "Jingle Jazz," a concert of jazz Christmas tunes featuring the Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage, at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 in the sanctuary of the church, 900 S. Eighth St., West Dundee. A free will offering will be taken. These talented high school jazz musicians from DuPage and Kane counties are directed by Robert Blazek. Visit the Web site at www.yjed.com. For details, call First Congregational at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.
Night of Prayer for Life: On Dec. 8, St. Mary Catholic Church of Elgin will once again take part in the National Night of Prayer for Life from 8 p.m. to midnight at the church, 400 Fulton St., Elgin. This 18th annual Prayer Fest welcomes Christians from across the country to join together. Adoration and Benediction will be led by the Rev. Edward J. Seisser along with Litanies, Rosary and meditation. The hour of unity takes place from 11 p.m. to midnight, uniting churches across the four time zones. For details, call (847) 888-2828.
Birthday Party for Jesus: St. John Lutheran Church hosts a Birthday Party for Jesus from 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 8 in the gymnasium, 115 N. Spring St. in Elgin. Children, age 5 and younger, are invited to the party with songs, stories, games, and crafts, as well as a birthday cake for Jesus. The parents will have a special program of their own: "Keeping Stress Out of the Holidays." This program will be led by parent coach Nancy Graham. There is no cost or fee; but, if possible, let them know you are coming so that they can be fully prepared. To make a reservation, call the church office at (847) 741-0814. This program is sponsored by the Board of St. John Lutheran School.
Cookie Walk: First Congregational Church of Dundee will hold its seventh annual Cookie Walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at the church, 900 S. Eighth St., West Dundee. The community is invited to this event. Admission is free. Homemade holiday cookies and candies will be available in many varieties and sold by weight. Pick your own specialty holiday cookies from the selection. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.dundeefcc.org.
Blue Christmas Service: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church will host a special Blue Christmas Service at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at the church, 357 Division St. in Elgin. Everyone, regardless of church background or lack of it, is welcome. For details, call (847) 742-2025 or visit www.holytrinityelgin.org.