Lake County religion notes

Deadline for submissions is noon Monday. Due to space limitations, not all "Your Faith" items are listed here. The complete column appears on the Daily Herald Web site, dailyherald.com., under "religion notes." To submit items, e-mail faith@dailyherald.com.

Jan. 29

Choir concert: The renowned Chicago Children's Choir will join in song at Temple Jeremiah's Shabbat Shira Service at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29, at the synagogue, 937 Happ Road, Northfield.

Jan. 31

Author: Maggie Anton, author of the best-selling "Rashi's Daughters," will speak about the latest book in her trilogy, "Rachel: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France" at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield.

Inquiry class: A new member inquiry class will be from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda. One session only. Lunch and child care included. Call the Rev. Dawn Mass at (847) 526-1075.

Schedule change: Grace Lutheran Church, 501 Valley Park Drive, Libertyville will have only a 10 a.m. worship service Sunday, Jan. 31. Call (847) 367-7050 or visit gracelutheranlibertyville.org.

Catholic Schools Week: St. Gilbert School in Grayslake will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week Jan. 31 through Feb. 6 with a variety of special activities for parishioners, students and new families. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the school's 65th anniversary will take place on Monday morning, Feb. 1. Activities during Catholic Schools Week will involve service projects, such as sending valentines to veterans at the North Chicago Veteran Administration hospital, and launching the Pennies for Peace program, an international educational and service program which allows students to help establish schools in poor rural areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Children will learn what an impact just a few pennies can have on the educational opportunities for impoverished children in other regions of the world. On Friday, Feb. 5, St. Gilbert School will host an Open House, from 6 to 8 p.m. Parents and students are welcome to stop by and tour the school. Applications for admission will also be taken during the Open House.

Blood drive and blood marrow: Blood Drive and Blood Marrow Swabbing, hosted by the Dustan Family, will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Jan. 31, at Annunciation of Our Lady Episcopal Church, 5725 Stearns School Road, Gurnee. For every unit of blood collected, three lives are saved. By having your cheek swabbed to become a bone marrow donor, you can help to save a life. Send an e-mail to Jaime Dustan at jldustan@comcast.net to schedule an appointment on Sunday. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended. annunciationgurnee.org, (847) 336-3730

Fundraiser: St. Matthew Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod), 24500 N. Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods, is having a monthlong event is to raise money for Jeremiah Krueger, the great-grandson of the Rev. Harold and Ruth Krueger, and the grandson of Paul and Chris Krueger, St. Matthew members. Baby JJ has a very rare skin disorder that is called epodermolytic hyperkeratosis. It is a disorder that doesn't allow the baby's skin to stay on his body. He basically is like a burn victim who will never heal. One in 300,000 babies are born with this rare disease. Special care from Mayo Clinic is not covered by his parent's insurance. A committee has been formed to raise funds for this mission, with Thrivent Financial matching funds up to $5,000. All profits from these events will be donated to JJ's fund. Below are the events that will take place during the month:

• Silpada Jewelry show: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, in Luther Hall.

• Ladies Aid Used book, DVD and CD Sale: From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-8 p. m. Saturday, Feb. 20, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 in the school gym.

• Casserole Cook Off: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, in the school gym. No charge.

Donations may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Put JJ's Fund on memo line. You may also read about JJ's journey on St. Matthew's Web site stmatts.net. For additional information, please call the church office - 847-438-7709.

Feb. 1

Body and Soul Bible Study: Enjoy yoga at 9 a.m. (please bring your mat) and Bible study at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at Our Lady Episcopal Church, 5725 Stearns School Road, Gurnee. annunciationgurnee.org, (847) 336-3730

Catholics Come Home: The evangelization initiative, Catholics Come Home Chicago, is inviting Catholics who have been away from the church to experience forgiveness and renewal. Returning Catholics, new Catholics or those wishing to learn more about the faith can visit CatholicsComeHomeCHICAGO.org. The following churches in Chicago and the suburbs will offer opportunities for Reconciliation from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 1: St. Paul the Apostle, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee, (847) 918-0600, stpaul-gurnee.com; St. Mary of Vernon, 236 U. S. Highway 45, Indian Creek, (847) 362-1005, maryofvernon.org; St. Patrick, 15000 Wadsworth Road, (847) 244-4161, stpatrickwadsworth.org; and Most Blessed Trinity, 450 Keller Ave., Waukegan, (847) 623-2655, mostblessedtrinity.org.

Feb. 3

Open house: The Faith Evangelical Lutheran School and Preschool Open House for K3 to eighth grade will be held on from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, and again in the evening from 6-7 p.m. Faith Lutheran School and Preschool is located at 1275 Main St. in Antioch (one block south of Route 173 on Route 83). For more information, call (847) 395-1660. faithantioch.org

Initiation of the Sacred Heart: Come prepared to let go of the blocks of energy that have been holding you back from your own good and living from your true essence. Sessions with Caterina Pellegrino will be held on from 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 3 and Feb. 10 in Vernon Hills. You attend all sessions, or you can register for individual sessions. Seating is limited. Registration is required. A $35 freewill offering for each session is suggested. In addition, a limited number of private sessions are available. The private session lasts 45-60 minutes and costs $145. To register for the Opening of the Sacred Heart Initiations, call the Rev. Patty Pipia at (847) 845-8818. While registering, please verify driving directions since GPS has some mislabeled streets.

Feb. 5

Tot Shabbat: Celebrate Shabbat with your preschooler. A Tot Shabbat service will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Children and their families are invited to join Rabbi Paul Cohen and Cantor Amy Zussman on the bimah for songs, storytelling and blessings. The program is held at Temple Jeremiah's newly renovated, handicapped accessible sanctuary at 937 Happ Road, Northfield. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact the school office at (847) 441-0202 or school@templejeremiah.org or visit templejeremiah.org.

Feb. 8

Paczki Day: The IRS Churches of Antioch have paczkis for All Paczki Day, Feb. 16, to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. The paczki is a jelly doughnut, a Bismarck-type pastry that is popular in Eastern European communities. Paczki orders can be placed by calling one of the IRS Churches: St. Ignatius Episcopal Church, (847) 395-0632, St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, (847) 395-3474, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, (847) 395-3359. Paczkis are $10 a dozen. Orders must be made by Monday, Feb. 8. Orders must be picked up at the church where the order was placed on either Monday, Feb. 15, between 4-6 p.m. or Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. People may drop by and purchase paczkis on Paczki Day, but if you have not pre-ordered, selections will be limited.

Feb. 9

Cooking demonstration: Secrets from a kosher Chef will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. Explore and taste chocolate recipes from around the globe. Executive Chef for Spertus kosher Catering Laura Frankel demonstrates her favorite uses of some of the best chocolate in the world- -while you just sit back, relax, and enjoy samples of each recipe. Cost is $35/$30 for Spertus Members and members of Synagogue Beth El. Includes tastings and recipes. Call (312) 322-1773 for reservations.

Feb. 14

Celebration of Marriage: Enjoy a potluck dinner for married couples at 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda. If you wish, bring wedding photos and other memorabilia to share. Call church office to register, (847) 526-1075.

Feb. 17

Ash Wednesday: St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, 2101 E. Route 173, Antioch, has six Masses scheduled for Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. Distribution of ashes will take place during the scheduled Masses: 7 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. (847) 395-3474.

Feb. 20

Shabbat Yeladim: Celebrate Shabbat with your preschooler to third-grader at Shabbat Yeladim at 10 a.m., Sat., Feb. 20, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. Education Director Dr. Anne Lidsky and Cantor Amy Zussman will lead this worship program, which includes songs, storytelling, crafts, snacks and blessings. Everyone is welcome.

Feb. 21

Lenten series: St. Lawrence Episcopal Church 125 W. Main St., Libertyville, extends a special invitation to those new to the Christian faith, the Episcopal Church or St. Lawrence to attend a Lenten series called "Via Media Values: Baptismal Ethics in Action." It will meet from 10:45 a.m. to noon on Sundays, Feb. 21 through March 28 in the Fireside Room. Extended nursery care will be provided. Questions? Contact the rector at rector@stlawrencechurch.org

Matrix: The film, "The Matrix," described a future in which reality, as perceived by humans, is actually a simulated reality known as the Matrix. David Strulowitz, who has immersed himself in the study and teaching of Jewish spirituality, will correlate the storyline in this film to Judaism at the program, "The Matrix: Science Fiction or Jewish Spiritual Reality?" at 10 a.m., Sun., Feb. 21, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. Strulowitz will make analogies between the popular sci-fi film and Judaism's belief in both a physical world and a spiritual realm which we don't perceive with our senses. This program is co-hosted by Temple Jeremiah's Adult Learning Committee and the Dawn Schuman Institute (DSI) and is offered to Temple Jeremiah congregants at no charge, for $10 to DSI members and $15 to non-DSI members. For more information and to R.S.V.P., contact the temple office at (847) 441-5760 or office@templejeremiah.org or visit templejeremiah.org.

Feb. 22

Jewish origins: Are you interested in learning more about the Jewish religion? Temple Jeremiah's Rabbi Paul Cohen, Rabbi Michelle Greenberg and Education Director Dr. Anne Lidsky are offering an overview and introduction to Jewish origins, rituals and beliefs during a series of programs, "Judaism on the Other Foot," at 9 a.m. Mondays, Feb. 22, March 1, March 8 and March 15 at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield. Together the class will explore the foundations of Jewish spirituality, Jewish values and the Jewish people. Topics will include theology, life cycles, ritual and Reform Judaism. The classes will include text study, discussion and lecture-style learning and are open to anyone who wants to learn more about Judaism. Come to any or all four classes. There is no charge, but participants are asked to R.S.V.P. in advance to the temple office at (847) 441-5760 or office@templejeremiah.org.

Feb. 27

Saint Damien: Get your tickets now to see Saint Damien come to life as Wayne Messmer assumes the title role of Damien in the award-winning one-man show "Damien," by Aldyth Morris. The show is currently playing in the Northwest suburbs at the Chapel Theater in Winnetka, Pine and Lincoln. The next show is at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. Two charities benefit from performances of "Damien": The Glycogen Storage Disease Program team at the University of Florida at the Messmers' request, on behalf of their granddaughter; and Stauros U.S.A., a locally based, national nonprofit organization committed to helping people find meaning, hope and peace in the midst of suffering. Tickets are $20. Call: (888) 736-7552. For information about the play, visit damienplay.org.

Feb. 28

Anniversary celebration: Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 25225 W. Ivanhoe Road, Wauconda, will celebrate its 50th anniversary Sunday, Feb. 28, at all services. Come dressed as you (or your elders) did in the 1970s. Call Sally Lubeno at (847) 526-9308 for details.

Purim: Celebrate Purim on Sunday, Feb. 28, at Temple Jeremiah, 937 Happ Road, Northfield to the theme of "Fiddler on the Roof." The fun begins with the temple's 7th Annual Shushan Shuffle 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. Cost is $18 per participant with proceeds benefiting SHALVA, an agency dedicated to preventing domestic abuse. Advance registration is required. At 11 a.m., a talented troupe of Temple Jeremiah staff and board members will present their own rendition of the Purim story, complete with greggers (noisemakers) and a retelling of the Megillah (an account of the events of Purim). At 11:30 a.m., join Tevye, Golde, Motel, Yente and a cast of other colorful characters from "Fiddler on the Roof" for an afternoon of fun including karaoke, moonwalk, carnival games, lunch and treats. Be sure to wear your favorite costume. Proceeds benefit the temple's Youth Department. For more information and to sign up for the Shushan Shuffle, contact the temple office at (847) 441-5760 or office@templejeremiah.org or visit templejeremiah.org.