Notes on Religion

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 in between. Consult the monthly newsletter which is available on its website,www.ckielgin.org. This week's Torah portion is Shabbat Sukkot. 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: Celebrate the joys of Conservative Judaism at Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road, Elgin. Friendly, participatory Shabbat services are 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. On Oct. 13, a class, "Rosh Chodesh -- 'Just' a Women's Holiday?" will be held at 12:30 p.m.

Sh'mini Atzeret services will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday. Simchat Torah services also will be at 7 p.m. Thursday. Join them as they celebrate the joy of Torah on Simchat Torah by unrolling an entire scroll. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www. CongregationShiratShalom.org

Bethlehem Lutheran: This weekend, the 18th Sunday after Pentecost is celebrated in traditional services at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St., West Dundee. At 10:30 a.m. Sunday, they celebrate God's grace in a blended worship. The theme for this week's worship will be "A Whisper or a Brick."

Sunday school, adult Bible classes, and junior confirmation classes meet at 9:15 a.m. Sunday. The Bethlehem Women's Guild sponsors the Circuit Lutheran Women's Missionary League fall rally beginning at 9 a.m. today. Representatives of the Lutheran Home will share information about Cherished Place Adult Day Care of West Dundee. The Rev. John Carrier will lead a devotional study.

A six-week adult inquiry classes continues from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Anyone interested in joining the congregation or desiring to learn more about the Lutheran church is welcome to attend. Questions about the use of the Ministry Center should be addressed to Frank Hewitt, director of parish ministries, at (847) 426-4641.

For details, call (847) 426-7311 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays or visit www.bethlehemdundee.org.

Immanuel Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Yonker will be sharing a message "When Wonder Stirs the Heart" at 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. Holy Communion will be celebrated at the Saturday evening and the Sunday 8 a.m. services, which 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 Wednesday at 7 p.m., Immanuel has a midweek service called "Piano, Prayer and Preaching." The service, held in the sanctuary, is piano-led and is an informal non-liturgical worship style with a music blend of favorite hymns and songs of praise. The Rev. Don Bojens will be sharing the sermon, "The Sufficiency of the Gospel." During the message, young children are invited to participate in a children's ministry offering called "Faith Factory+" which takes place in Luther Hall, adjacent to the sanctuary.

On Oct. 17-21, Immanuel will be having a time of special worship, music, fun and fellowship called "Fall Festival: Renewal and Revival." The special events start at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 in the sanctuary with the dramatic presentation of "Martin Luther and the Reformation," created and performed by the Rev. Hannibal Frederick, as he shares in costume and in character the teachings and ministry of Martin Luther. At 7 p.m. Oct. 18, there will be an informal worship, led by the Rev. Phillip Baerwolf as he shares the first of a sermon series titled "On Christ Alone." The message, "Sola Gratia (Only by Grace)," will be intermixed with classic hymns of faith and classic songs of worship and praise led by a worship ensemble. At 7 p.m. Oct. 19, well-know musician Gary Lichthardt will be leading in a night of music celebration, with Lichthardt on the organ, the Immanuel choir and guest brass ensemble from Trinity Roselle leading the hymns and festival anthems. The community is welcome to attend. For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the sermon at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The Scripture lessons are Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15; Psalm 911-6, 14-16; Timothy 6:6-19 and Luke 16:19-31. 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 United Methodist Women will have their annual rummage sale today. The annual Hobo Show will be Oct. 27. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison's message will be "A Cold Drink of Water," based on Luke 16:19-31, at the 10 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. There will be special music featuring the children's choirs under the direction of Laura Johnson. Christian education for children, youth and adults begins at 8:50 a.m. with the youth group meeting at 11:15 a.m. The praise worship service, "Get Hooked on the Lord" will be held at 6 p.m. at the church. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Heart and Soul," based on Romans 3:23-24, 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. The choirs practice Wednesdays with the voice choir at 6:30 p.m. and bell choir at 7:30 p.m. The Generational Mothers mini-conference will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today. 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. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, the Rev. Joel Kline's sermon will be "Who Doing What Makes Your Heart Sing" at 9:30 a.m. worship at the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. The Lunch Bunch will meet at noon Sunday at Panera Bread on Randall Road. The Caregiver Resource and Support Group will meet at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 in the lounge and continue every other Monday. The Tweeners are planning a mini-golf outing for 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Birdies & Eagles in South Elgin. The fall love feast will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 7, which is World Communion Sunday. Members of the congregation are preparing for the annual CROP Walk on Oct. 21 at 1:30 p.m. 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. For details, call (847) 741-5124 or visit www.hacob.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The pastor will preach "It's Not Over Yet," inspired by II Kings 4:11. The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Combined Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service.

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. Mid-day Bible study begins at noon on Wednesday followed by evening Bible Study starting at 7 p.m. SBC is studying the Book of Revelation. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, the Rev. Jeffrey Bates, program staff pastor, presents the theme "Testing! Testing! Is It Really God Talking?" based on 1 John 4, at First Congregational Church of Dundee, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Bates graduated from Eden Seminary in 1987 and has served churches in Ohio and Missouri for 10 years. He is currently is supplying preaching while awaiting a position. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 8 a.m. service will be "The Gift of Love" by the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with accompanist Linda Gilmore. Music at the 10:15 a.m. Praise Service will be by Ben Calhoun, director of church development at Judson University, and his band, The Least of These. The service incorporates music, drama and a timely message in an informal setting. 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 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 "Solomon Rules Wise" based on the Bible story in 1 Kings 2:1-4, 3:3-28: God gives us wisdom.

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.

King of Glory: This week, King of Glory Lutheran Church in Elgin will observe the 18th Sunday after Pentecost in the church year as they look at the topic, "A Treasure of Faith," based on Romans 1:8-15. 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 held every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. along with a special educational program for children called Kingdom Kids. 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 Luke 16:19-31 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St., Carpentersville. Though you often hear "what goes around comes around," it seems that justice is harder to come by. But our God is a God of justice. All evidence to the contrary, sooner or later the tables will be turned on injustice. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

First Congregational: This Sunday, the Rev. Walter Thyng's sermon will be "Drowsy Living Costs," based on Luke 16:19-31, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 Main St., Huntley.

The theme is, "Living without looking at the realities of the world around us may be the unforgivable sin." Because this is the fifth Sunday of the month, it will be Family Sunday. During the 9 a.m. service, the Sunday School children will remain in the sanctuary and the children's group will be giving a short skit. At 1 p.m. Wednesday, the Knit/Crochet Group meets. The Thursday Study Group will meet at 10:15 a.m. at the Bernstein's. The church continues to have a craft/baked goods booth open during the farmers market on Saturday mornings on Church Street across from the square. For details, call (847) 669-3691.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Gain An Excellent Standing," based on 1 Timothy 3:1-13, 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.

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 John Kirchhoff at (847) 658-9311.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, the Rev. Dan Larsen will continue his sermon series based on the beloved Unitarian Universalist hymn "Spirit of Life" at the 10:45 a.m. service at the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock.

Church school students will lead a Sukkot service celebrating the Jewish harvest festival behind the parsonage building after the service. There also will be a "Stone Soup" potluck lunch. Members and friends are invited to bring cut and prepared vegetables to simmer during regular services, a dish to pass, and a non-perishable contribution to the Woodstock Food Pantry. Many members will be participating in the Woodstock Hunger Walk, which will set off from the Square at 1 p.m. For details, call (815) 338-0731 or visit www.cucw.org.

Light of Christ: This weekend, the Rev. Kendall Koenig continues the sermon series, "Amazing God, Amazing Grace" at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, 100 Hanson Road, Algonquin. This week, his sermon, "Loving the Unlovable -- Grace Revealed" takes a look at how we all need God's grace and forgiveness. The Scripture reading for his sermon is based on Luke 23:23-43.

Worship services are held at 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:45, 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

On Oct. 6, the Singles Ministry will take a trip to Richardson's Corn Maze in Spring Grove. Meet at the church at 6 p.m. to car pool. Additional information and sign-up is at the church. Cost for evening is $20.

Club 55 for all fifth-grade boys and girls will be meet for the gathering of "Gems & Rocks" on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the annex.

The Light of Christ Bowling League is still forming. Sign -up at the church. Bring in a team or they can get you on a team.

The senior high youth group, SWAP (Students With A Passion) meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the church annex. The Family Oktoberfest at O'Connor's farm will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 27. For details, call (847) 658-9250.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, the Rev. Howard Self will lead the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The message is based on Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, Psalms 91:1-6, 14-16, 1 Timothy 6:6-19 and Luke 16:19-31. Sunday school will be from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Music will be offered by the Senior Choir.

The Beach is a midweek youth program that meets Wednesday evenings. It includes activities, Bible study and a meal for youth from kindergarten through high school. A new member class begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The Teacher/Volunteer Commissioning Sunday will be at 10 a.m. Oct. 7.

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.

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.