Fox Valley religion notes

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.

Epworth UMC: On Sunday, Jan. 25, the new Connections worship will focus on friends and relationships at 10:30 a.m. at Epworth UMC, 37W040 Highland Ave., Elgin. How do people build quality relationships in life? Do you have friends who support and inspire the good in your life? The Lord calls many people into your live who can allow you to grow and prosper in healthy, Christian ways. Come and join as friends on Sunday to explore and be thankful for the people and inspirations in our lives. For details, call (847) 931-5400 or e-mail office@epworthumcelgin.org. Visit www.epworthumcelgin.org.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, Jan. 25, Judy Peterson joins them as guest speaker at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation, study, and prayer. Children's Sunday school is at 10:30 a.m. Join them this week for the new Wednesday study group at 6:30 p.m. The topic will be "Rocksolid," an exploration of faith for the mature Christian and for the new Christian. This material will serve as a foundational guidebook to take us into a deeper understanding of our faith. For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit the Web site at www.countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, Jan. 25, the Rev. Nathaniel Edmond of Second Baptist Church is preaching at the 9:30 a.m. service with music provided by the Second Baptist Church Choir at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. In turn, the Rev. Joel Kline will preach at the 11 a.m. service at Second Baptist, with the adult choir providing music. There will be no scheduled Sunday school today.

Living the Questions 2 continues with another seven-week session each Sunday at 6 p.m. in the lounge. This week, David Doudt will be discussing "Incarnation: Divinely Human - Who has the real power?" All are welcome. The Common Meal will resume on a bi-weekly basis, two Wednesdays per month at 5:45 p.m. The first was on Wednesday Jan. 14; the next will be on Jan. 28. Considering church membership at Highland Avenue? Interested in learning more about Church of the Brethren perspective - values, practices, beliefs? Join an Inquirer's Class meeting Sunday mornings in February during the Sunday school hour. For information, call (847) 741-5124 or visit hacob.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel has been serving the Fox River Valley for over 116 years. As a member of United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, it offers a full range of services: Torah school for prekindergarten to high school, adult education classes, an award-winning youth program for age 6 to 12, Sisterhood and Men's Club, and age-based interest groups. This week's Torah portion is "Vaera." 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 or visit www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers friendly, 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." Join them on Friday, Feb. 6, for a joyous Kabbalat Shabbat service and Tu Bish'vat Seder. Tu Bish'vat is one of the "under-celebrated" holidays; come and see what it's all about. This week's Torah portion is "Va'era," where the 10 plagues begin. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

Immanuel Lutheran: On Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25, worship will be at 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sundays. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 310 E. Main St. in East Dundee. This weekend, Immanuel welcomes guest preacher the Rev. Keith Haney. Haney, having pastored at several inner-city churches and now missions executive for Lutheran Church Missouri Synod - Northern Illinois District, will be sharing his passion and zeal for sharing Jesus through evangelism and outreach.

The Saturday evening and Sunday 8 a.m. services 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. Holy Communion this weekend will be celebrated at the 10:45 service. "Faith Factory" for children and Acts 2 Bible Fellowship for adults are offered at 9:20 a.m. On Wednesdays 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 nonliturgical worship style with a music blend of favorite hymns and songs of praise. This week's message, shared by Joe Glombicki, is called "New Year's Resolutions - Renewing Relationships." 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.

For details, call (847) 428-4477, or visit Immanuel-ed.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, Jan. 25, the theme is "It Should Happen to a Dog: The Story of Jonah" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The scripture lessons are Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 and Mark 1:14-20, with the Rev. Steven Mindrup presiding. The nursery is open for children age 3 and younger. Children who are 4 and older are invited to attend the multi-grade Sunday school class held in the church youth room. Hobos will be "Cruisin" on Saturday, Feb. 7. Tickets are $15 per person. This includes dinner and a show. New this year: You can buy show tickets for $9 if you do not want to attend the dinner. Dinner includes salad, bread, beef stew, mashed potatoes, ice cream, cupcakes and beverages. Get your tickets now. The famous Hoagies are being sold to help fund the Mission Trip. Hoagies are $5 each and will be ready for pickup Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, Jan. 25, "Young Men Learning" will be the sermon topic at the 9 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. The sermon is based on the Scripture, Mark 1:14-20. Special music will be provided by the children's choirs under the direction of Laura Johnson. The 11:30 a.m. service will include a message, "New Mind," by the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison, based on the scripture from Jonah 3:1-5.

There are Christian education classes for all ages from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The youth group meets at 12:45 p.m. The Quilters begin meeting weekly again Jan. 25 following a holiday break. Anyone interested in quilting is invited to join the group from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Sunday, Jan. 25, Third Sunday after the Epiphany, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "The Word of the Lord" based on Jonah 3:1-5 and 10, at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship is at 9 a.m. and family education hour from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The Quilters meet at 9 a.m. Mondays. A new "Walk-R-Run" schedule for 2009 is posted on the Web site for those who want to participate. St. John is planning better encouragement among its members, by its members, and better outreach into the Burlingon-Hampshire community in 2009. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On the Third Sunday of Epiphany, Jan. 25, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will speak on "Three Cheers for Slavery," based on Romans 6:12-23 and John 8:31-38, at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin.

The Open Door service starts at 8:15 a.m. in the chapel. The 10:15 a.m. service, which usually meets in the sanctuary, will be held on the lower level in the fellowship hall. The anthem by the choir will be "O Praise the Lord" by Daniel Moe. The annual meeting of the congregation will be immediately after the worship service. While the congregation considers nominations for officers, ministries and committees, the 2009 budget, and mission grants, a delicious brunch will be provided by the church council.

Adult Christian Formation starts with breakfast at 9:15 a.m. and continues with an in-depth Bible Study of the book of 1 Corinthians. No Biblical expertise is necessary to join the class. "Controversial Conversations with Carl" will discuss "Can the Middle Class Be Saved?" in the church library.

From 4 to 5:30 p.m., FirstSteps will be meeting to examine Christian basics from an open-minded, adult-oriented, challenging perspective. LifeKeys, to help God's people discover their unique design and who they are, will start with a weekend retreat, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, and a Saturday, Jan. 31 session ending at 12:30 p.m. Three additional Thursday evening meetings will follow. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Jan. 25, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message at the 8 a.m. service at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The congregation will then travel to Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren for their 9:30 a.m. service where Rev. Edmond will deliver the sermon. The choral ensemble will render the music for both morning services. Immediately after the service, both churches will travel back to Second Baptist Church for its 11 a.m. service where the Rev. Joel Kline of Highland Avenue will deliver the message. The HACOB choir will sing at the 11 a.m. service.

Join the Brotherhood Ministry on Sunday, Feb. 1 for Superbowl Sunday. On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Jan. 25, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, will present the sermon, "They Left Their Nets," based on Mark 1:14-20, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. Traditional worship, with the Chancel Choir and a vocal or bell choir, will be at 9 a.m. Progressive worship, a spirit-filled experience with the Praise Singers and Band, will be at 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated.

S(o) uper Bowl Collection begins in January and continues through Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1. The Local Mission Ministry is collecting cans of soup and donations of nonperishable food items for FISH Food Pantry and/or size 5 & 6 diapers for the Community Crisis Center. These gifts will help those less fortunate in the area.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by the Adult Bell Ensemble, directed by Robert Blazek; and the Chancel Choir, adult vocal choir directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist. The 10:30 a.m. service will feature songs and music by the Praise Singers and Band: Cheri Blazek; Robert Blazek; Sonja Boekenhauer, Penny Mensik, Sue Schmidt and Sara Tustin with Robert Blazek, saxophones; Mark Frystak, guitar; Linda Gilmore, keyboard; Noah Katsma, bass and Rich Robotham, drums.

Children, age 3 through fifth grade, will begin their worship in the sanctuary with their families and move to Sunday school classes at 9 a.m. and to God's Big Backyard for KidsOwn Worship at 10:30 a.m. A new snack time for kids will be held in God's Big Backyard from 10 to 10:10 a.m. Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m.

The church's annual budget meeting will take place at 5:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, in the sanctuary preceded by a potluck dinner at 5 p.m. Childcare and activities for the children will be provided.

The women's book/Bible study meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays with Karen Gundersen. The group will be reading "Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out" by Joanna Weaver. Read the first chapter and reflect on the study questions. The book is available at all major bookstores. If child care is needed, contact the church office. The middle school youth group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays with Chad Coe. "Dr. Don's Bible Study, The Acts of the Apostles," continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. Reserve child care needs by Mondays to the church office at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210.

The church is offering a free preview of Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, in God's Big Backyard. FPU is an educational program to help individuals and families conquer debt, invest and ultimately build wealth God's way. FCC will be hosting classes for 13 weeks from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays beginning Feb. 18 and ending May 20 (no class will be held on the evening of Feb. 25 in observance of Ash Wednesday). For details regarding FPU or the free preview, call Jim Hendricks at (847) 428-3997.

Order a hoagie sandwich, Dundee Scots "secret" recipe, for Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1. Support the Chancel Choir 2009 fundraiser and place your order before Jan. 26 by calling the church office. The cost is $6 per sandwich and will be available for pickup on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 10:30 a.m. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sunday, Jan. 25, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will observe the third Sunday in Epiphany by looking at the topic of "The Time Has Come," based on Mark 1:15, at the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. services.

The regular weekly worship schedule includes a more traditional style worship at 8:15 a.m. Sundays, as well as a contemporary style worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band. On Mondays, join "The Refuge." Connect with God in a different, informal way every Monday at 7 p.m. Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Jan. 25, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Mark 1:14-20 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Jesus called and still calls disciples to follow him.

It is an open and affirming congregation, welcoming all to their services. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available during the service. For details, call (847) 428-1712.