First Congregational to install new senior pastor

Installation service: First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St., West Dundee, invites the community to the installation service of the Rev. Aaron James, senior pastor, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. James grew up in Antioch and attended Augustana College in Rock Island, majoring in business administration and English. A graduate of Yale Divinity School, he was ordained in the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ and served Plymouth Congregational Church UCC in Des Moines as an associate minister in the Transition into Ministry program funded by the Lilly Foundation from 2007 through June 2009. A reception will follow with light food in the narthex. For details, call (847) 426-2161 ext. 210 or visit fccdundee.com.

Pro-life Month: On Friday, Oct. 9, Yvonne Florzcak-Seeman will speak at 6:30 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle's Oak Street Church in Crystal Lake. Many churches throughout the region celebrate October as Pro-life Month. During this month, there are a variety activities and events that occur within different parishes. As an organized effort between Pro-life groups, Florzcak-Seeman and Tom Salvi have been asked to address the difficulty and effects of abortion and the importance of the healing process. "With the pending health care legislation, it is more critical than ever for citizens to become as informed as they can be and take an active role in protecting all life," said Jean Diamond, event organizer and Chairman of the St. Thomas Pro-life Committee. Florzcak-Seeman is a national speaker and a frequent guest on Relevant Radio. She has worked with the Archdiocese of Chicago speaking to youth on the importance of chastity. She has written two books, "A Time to Speak" and "A Time to Heal," providing guidance through the healing process for women who've had an abortion. Salvi is a well-known internal medicine physician who speaks locally on the physical effects of abortion and its profound effects on family and community. The event, organized by the St. Monica Guild and St. Thomas Pro-Life Committee, is open to the public and free, donations appreciated. For details, call (815) 245-4556 or e-mail wheelsback@aol.com.

Catholics Returning Home: St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 111 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin, invites you to its "Catholics Returning Home" program at 7:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday, Oct. 13. No reservation is required. For details, call (847) 658-7625.

Open house: On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Immanuel Lutheran School in East Dundee will open its doors for a community open house. Parents of prospective families, neighbors and interested members of the community are invited to take a look inside the preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Reservations are suggested but not required. The preschool will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for tours. Meet with the teachers and tour the facilities. Information on the curriculum will be available. Children are welcome with adults. The kindergarten will be open during class times from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. to allow participants to see the school in action. Come see the successful methods Immanuel has been using to teach children as young as kindergarten to read. The teacher and principal will be available for questions. If you would like a tour of first through eighth grades, call the office to schedule an appointment. Reservations are suggested for the open house but not required. For details, call (847) 428-1010 or visit Immanuel-ed.org/school.

Olive Tree Project: The Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Barrington, in collaboration with the Environmental Education Center of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, plans to offer a peaceful, green response to the violence in the Middle East by assisting in an ongoing project of "Planting New Olive Trees - Planting New Hope." The center works at bridging cultures and making personal connections for peace and reconciliation with both Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Members of Atonement will be personally planting some of these olive trees in November while making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Orders for $20 must be in before Thursday, Oct. 15. To purchase a tree, visit churchofatonement.org to download an order form.

Fall rummage sale: First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley, will host its fall rummage sale from noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16; and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17. Items will be reduced on Saturday to $3 per bag. The large fellowship hall will be filled, as well as many classrooms throughout the church. There is a room with kitchen items; another looks like a gift shop, etc. Items include many toys, adult, youth and children's clothing, a boutique, games, books, jewelry, furniture, holiday items, etc. This is an excellent way to recycle and to find great items at greatly reduced prices. Items to be donated for the sale may be dropped off in the fellowship hall from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Oct. 11, to Tuesday, Oct. 13. There is no storage available for items before Oct. 11. For details, call the church office at (847) 669-3691.

Elgin CROP Walk: Looking to make a difference in these trying times, the Elgin CROP Walk will step off from Elgin Civic Plaza at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. A portion of the funds raised here in Elgin will to support the seven-day Soup Kettle program in Elgin and many area food pantries, coordinated by Elgin Cooperative Ministry. Elgin CROP Hunger Walk began in 1983 and raised just under $5,500 dollars for Church World Service, an organization that stands with impoverished peoples around the world as they envision and fashion a better future. Since its inception, the Elgin walk has steadily grown in participation of local faith communities, organizations and community members and also grown in the funds raised, for a total of 3,113 participants raising over $400,000 to address hunger globally and locally. Honorary co-chairs of this year's Elgin walk are the presidents of Judson University and Elgin Community College, Jerry Cain and David Sam. This year Elgin's walk will start at 2 p.m. sharp from the Civic Plaza in downtown Elgin, travel south to Festival Park, head north to Salvation Army, and then return toward Civic Plaza. Registration will begin at 1:30 p.m. on the plaza, with entertainment provided by with entertainment provided by the Zion Lutheran Church Praise Team followed by a special set by the Christian vocal group, Act of Grace. For information, call Laurel Bault at (847) 815-8389 or Laura Honig at (847) 888-2615.

Open house, picnic: While the Jews of McHenry County have houses of worship in which to celebrate life events, they have lacked the ability to bury their dead within the county in a cemetery designed to accommodate Jewish burial customs. Thanks to the generosity of Marengo residents Herb and Eileen Franks, the first Jewish cemetery in the county, the McHenry County Jewish Cemetery, was recently consecrated within the Oakland Cemetery in Woodstock. On Sunday, Oct. 18, those interested in learning more the site are invited to attend a picnic and open house at 12:30 p.m. at the cemetery, which is located across from Emricson Park, off Kishwaukee Valley Road. The McHenry County Jewish Cemetery offers perpetual care and maintenance and is a member of the Jewish Cemetery Association. The synagogue has developed relationships with three area funeral homes, all of which have experience with performing Jewish funerals. For information, call (815) 451-8681 or visit mchenrycountyjewishcemetery.org.

Sean Feucht comes to Huntley: Join Morning Star Church and The River Church in Huntley for a worship conference with Sean Feucht and his full band on Friday, Oct. 23 to Sunday, Oct. 25. It features intense worship, passionate music and a driving desire to touch the heart of God. He will be accompanied by his full band, including Will Regan, Brandon Hampton, John Romero, Andrea Carr and Terrell Pierce. Feucht is the founder and director of the Burn 24-7. Meeting times are 7:14 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23; 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24; and 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. There is no charge for these meetings. Morning Star Church and The River Church are at 41W350 Powers Road, Huntley. For details, call (847) 669-9800 or visit morningstarwoc.org and theriver-church.com.

Flu shots: St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and School, 300 Jefferson St. in downtown Algonquin, will offer flu vaccinations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Flu vaccinations are $24.99. Appointments are recommended. To make an appointment, call the Crystal Lake Walgreens at (815) 455-2460. For details about the vaccination schedule, call Lou at (847) 854-8089.

Halloween Fun Night: Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool will hold its annual Halloween Fun Night at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at its 195 Nesler Road Christian Life Center in Elgin. Kids of all ages can enjoy the fun with storyteller Chris Fascione for entertainment. Every child will receive a bag of treats after a costumed parade. Admission is $10 per family; all children must be accompanied by an adult. To register, call (847) 697-4745. Good Shepherd Lutheran School is accepting enrollment for the 2009-10 school year. It offers an all-day kindergarten and first-fifth grade at 1111 Van St., and preschool at its Nesler Road location. Before-school care is available for preschool and after-school care is available at both sites. For details, visit goodshepherd-elgin.org.

Fish boil, Rib Fest: On Sunday, Nov. 1, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 401 W. Main St., West Dundee, will host its annual Fish Boil and Rib Fest. The cost is $15 for fish only; $18 for fish and ribs; or $10 for children under 12. After Thursday, Oct. 1, the cost is $17 for fish only; $18 for fish and ribs; or $10 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased through any outreach member or by calling the church office at (847) 426-7133 and speak to Jan from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also there will be a silent auction.

Music therapy: Harre Harren, a music therapist and healer from India, who has conducted hundreds of workshops and lectures worldwide, will hold a series of events in Cary on Nov. 1-5. They will take place at McHenry County's Church of Religious Science, Center for Spiritual Evolution, 204 Spring St. Harren holds a Ph.D in ethnomusicology and has composed and released more than 20 CDs and DVDs of Indian music and melodies, often used for healing and therapy purposes. He is a music therapist and music healer from India. On Sunday, Nov. 1, Harren will present two programs. The first will be a Kirtin Chanting and Healing Concert from noon to 2 p.m., followed by a workshop on the Healing Powers of Indian Music Therapy from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Donations of $35 are required to attend both events or $20 a piece for each program. Harren also will teach two-hour evening classes daily from Monday, Nov. 2 to Thursday, Nov. 5. The first is on the "Basics of Vedic Astrology" from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A course on Sacred Chants and Mantras, including Diva, Drga, Siva, Ganesh and Krishna will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. Each eight-hour class costs $150. By appointment only, Harren will also be available for private, one-hour Vedic Astrology birth chart readings during the daytime from Nov. 2-5. Call (847) 516-1950 for an appointment or to register for classes.

Focus on Parenting: Join a live simulcast of "Focus On Parenting" from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Elgin Bible Church, 1580 E. Chicago St., Elgin. Perhaps one of Christianity's biggest challenges is the fact that the majority of children are abandoning their Christian faith upon entering college and adulthood. Parents invest countless hours and energy toward the physical and emotional health of their children. But, what about their spiritual health? Join thousands of parents all across the country as they look at parenting through the eyes of God, the benefits of God's design for your family and learn how to help your children and family thrive. You will receive encouragement and practical everyday tools from leading parenting experts such as Kevin Leman, Elisa Morgan of MOPS, Larry Fowler of Awana, Mark Holmen, Ron Luce, Phil Vischer, Juli Slattery and Bob Waliszewski. Visit elginBiblechurch.org. For tickets or details, e-mail pleman@fvi.net or call Phil at (847) 404-7909. Preregistration cost is $35 for individuals or $40 at the door. A boxed lunch is also available for $10.

Calendar

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.

Bethlehem Lutheran: On Sunday, Oct. 11, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 340 Grand Blvd. in Elgin, offers the 9 a.m. traditional worship with Holy Communion and the 10:30 a.m. contemporary service. Nursery is available for the 9 a.m. service for infants and toddlers. Sunday school for children age 3 to sixth grade is available from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Youth group for seventh to 12th grade meets at 9 a.m. in the Loft. The Child Development Center will be selling taffy apples between services through Oct. 18. People who would like to walk in the CROP Walk on Sunday, Oct 18, may sign up at the welcome center to receive the donation envelope. For details, call (847) 741-8434 or visit blcelgin.org.

St. Peter: On Sunday, Oct. 11, St. Peter's Lutheran Church welcomes guest pastor, the Rev. Harold Ross at the 9 a.m. worship at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Road (a quarter-mile east of Route 47) in Hampshire. The Senior Card Club meets at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15. New card players welcome. Call the church office at (847) 464-5721 for details.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, Oct. 11, the Rev. Paul Bischoff, interim pastor, continues his challenging sermons about how you view God at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Campton Hills. He challenges you to relate the Bible to your every day life. Special welcome to the two new members received last Sunday. Adult Sunday school and church activities for children are held at 9:30 a.m. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Bible study on Lord's Prayer will be at 6:30 p.m. The Parking Lot Bazaar features a farmers market, crafts and a garage sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Sellers must register by calling (847) 464-5381. For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit www.countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Stewardship Sunday, Oct. 11, the theme for the fall stewardship campaign will be "Partners With God" at the 9:30 a.m. service at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin. A time for coffee, tea, and fellowship will follow the service. Church school will be at 11 a.m. On Sunday, Oct. 11, Mark Kuntz, Carolyn Pelc and Mary Frances Flowers will give a special concert featuring music from Beethoven, Brahms, Saint Saens, and other composers at 2:30 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 11, the Spirited Sisters will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dulabaum-Bohrer home for a campfire with songs, stories, and s'mores. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the first Common Meal of the season will be held from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 17, Highland Avenue members are invited to a Harvest Celebration at the Polo Church of the Brethren in Polo, Ill. A fellowship meal will be served at 11 a.m. For information, call (847) 741-5124 or visit hacob.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel offers a full range of services: Torah school for prekindergarten to high school, adult education classes, a youth program for age 6 to 12, Sisterhood and Men's Club, and age-based interest groups. This week's Torah portion concludes the festival of Sukkot. Shemini Atzeret with Yizkor will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, and Simchat Torah service at 6:45 p.m., followed by an ice cream social sponsored by the Men's Club. Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St. in Elgin. All services are at the synagogue, 330 Division St., 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.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, Oct. 11, the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison will preach at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. The pastor will preach on "Now, In This Age" at the 9 a.m. service and "Entering Heaven" at the 11:30 a.m. service. Both sermons are based on scripture from Mark 10. Special music in the 9 a.m. service will be provided by the Celebration Ringers under the direction of Jonathan Besancon and the Cathedral Choir under the direction of John Slawson. Music at the 11:30 a.m. service will be provided by the Homegrown Worship Band. 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 next Youth Group's Holy Grounds Coffee House event at the church will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. The public is invited to join the fun. At the Coffee House, visit with friends, work on the computers, play board games, or work on homework. This month, there will be a skit presented along with the other activities. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On the 19th Sunday after Pentecost, Oct. 11, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon titled, "More Than Enough" based on Mark 10:17-22, at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship is at 9 a.m. and the Family Education Hour from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The first year confirmation students have completed their acolyte training. St. John is part of the Burlington-Hampshire Food Pantry. Your donations are welcomed. Drop-off points in the Burlington area include the post office and Old Second Bank, as well as the church. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Oct. 11, the Rev. Lois A. Bucher, associate pastor, will preach at 8:15 a.m. in the chapel and 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. "Passing By On the Other Side" is the title of the sermon. The scripture references are Luke's gospel, chapter 10:25-37 and Colossians 1:1-14. The Chancel Choir will sing "Lord, Take My Heart" by E.A. Hovdesven. An in-depth study of the book of Revelation has just begun during the 9:15 a.m. adult formation hour. The Rev. Paris Donehoo, senior pastor, is working hard to lay a strong foundation for understanding this portion of the New Testament that has been so misunderstood and misinterpreted. Breakfast is served each Sunday, beginning at 9 a.m. and child care is available. On Friday, Oct. 15, the church will host a mobile food pantry sponsored by Elgin Cooperative Ministries. Through the work of the Northern Illinois Food Bank, the pantry will have enough food to feed 300 needy families. The church will administer the program in the church parking lot from 3 to 7 p.m. Folks coming to receive the food must have their ID with them proving an Elgin address. Volunteers will register families from 3 to 5 p.m. They will also help people take food to their cars. FCC volunteers for the Oct. 18 CROP Walk are reminded to pick up packets and gather sponsors. All those who are interested in learning about the church or planning to join the church will meet with the pastors and some of the lay leaders Sundays, Oct. 18 and 25, after the 10:15 a.m. service. The class will get together in the downstairs library. Lunch will be served and child care will be provided if you let them know it is needed. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Oct. 11, worship close out the annual women's conference at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Male Chorus will render the music at 8 a.m. and the Choral Ensemble at the 10:30 service. The SBC Women's Conference will be held Oct. 9-11. The theme for 2009 is "Empowered With Purpose and Praise", Psalm 139:14. The conference will have sessions on "Harmonious Family"; "Spiritual Spending";"Love Gone Wrong"; "Biblical Women"; "Thinking Through Darkness"; "My Black is Beautiful"; "Sista 2 Sista"; and "Rx Relationships". The keynote session will be "Empowered with Purpose and Praise." On Wednesday Bible study will begin at noon followed by Wonderful Wednesday starting at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Mission Ministry Sunday, Oct. 11, the Rev. Aaron James, senior pastor, will preach "High-Yield Bonds," based on Mark 10:17-31, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. The mission ministry will be highlighted during worship. After both services, join them for fellowship and treats. Children, age 4 to fifth grade, will begin their worship in the sanctuary with their families at 9 a.m. After the children's message, they will be dismissed to their new Sunday school rotation rooms for Children's Worship Workshops. Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by the Chancel Chimers, directed by Jane McMullen; and the Chancel 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. The high school youth group meets with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. The group will be making plans for Youth Sunday, Nov. 8. The middle school youth group will meet for Game Night from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14. For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

Epworth UMC: Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W040 Highland Ave. in Elgin, offers CONNECTIONS Family Worship at 5:30 p.m. the second Saturday of each month. This Oct. 10 service has no traditional sermon, instead offers participants ways to get active with their faith. Service projects, such as creating sandals for the Community Crisis Center and packing flood relief buckets for UMCOR, and activities, such as life-size board games and puppet shows, are the center focus of this worship that caters to those who desire activity at church. YouTube videos, crafts and skits are also used to help participants find modern ways to live in faith. Or, attend a traditional worship service at 8:30 a.m. or a praise worship at 11 a.m. Praise worship features the Beacon Praise Band and often includes elements of drama, videos and more. Sunday school for all ages begins at 9:45 a.m. and classes offered include: Women Under Spiritual Construction presenting "The 10 Greatest Struggles of Your Life," a video series mapping out the challenges of living authentically; Men of Faith presenting Tony Dungee's book "Uncommon;" Current Events Bible Group focuses on weekly scripture and current events in a biblical perspective; Young Adults Bible Study for ages 18-25; as well as Christian education for children through high school. For details, visit epworthumcelgin.org or call (847) 931-5400.

King of Glory: On Sunday, Oct. 11, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will observe 19th Sunday after Pentecost, with the theme "The Impossible Possibility!," based on Mark 10, 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. Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:20 a.m. They also offer during the school year various midweek educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as youth programs for various age groups. On Mondays, join "The Refuge" and connect with God in a different, informal way 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, Oct. 11, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Mark 10:17-31 with the theme, "And the Reason was Money" at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Nursery care is available during the service. The free Sunday school program for children age 3 through seventh grade will begin at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Youth classes are offered for children attending eighth grade and up. For details, call (847) 428-1712.

St. James Episcopal: On the 19th Sunday After Pentecost, Oct. 11, the Rev. Don Frye will be preaching at the 8 and 10 a.m. services at St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St., West Dundee. His sermon will be "All Things Are Possible." The readings appointed for this week are Job 23:1-9, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15, Hebrews 4:12-16, and Mark 10:17-31. The pastor will be in the office on Fridays, Oct. 9-30. To schedule an appointment, call Liz Jackson, parish administrator, at (847) 426-5612. For details, call (847) 426-5612 or visit stjamesdundee.org.