Northwest suburban religion notes

Adult education

Beginning Sunday and continuing through February, the adult education hour at 9:15 a.m. at Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, will focus on drawing near to God though prayer and reflection on Scripture. The focus is asking God for a vision for the church in this new year.

The Ministry of New Beginnings, a Catholic-oriented, nondenominational, social support organization for separated, divorced, widowed and single persons, meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in the Hughes Center in front of St. Matthew's Church, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. The cost is $3 per meeting, with first visit free. (847) 891-1220.

St. Hubert Job and Networking Ministry, 729 Grand Canyon Blvd., Hoffman Estates, is nondenominational, free and open to all occupations. For details, call Bob Podgorski at (847) 925-6005.

A DVD-based study, "Boundaries" by Dr. Henry Cloud will be offered from 9:15-10:15 a.m. Sunday morning starting Sunday, Jan. 11, at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59), Barrington. Call (847) 836-5540 or visit: BarringtonUMC.com.

From 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, Willow Creek Seeds Resource Center is hosting a "book club" to discuss local author Keri Wyatt Kent's latest book, "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity." Refreshments and a book signing will follow the discussion. Seeds is located inside Willow Creek Community Church, 67 E. Algonquin Road, South Barrington.

A new in-depth Bible study will begin Monday, Jan. 12, with instructor Tim Hetzner, president of Lutheran Church Charities and founder and author of Word Among Us Bible Studies - a national Bible study curriculum. The group will study the book of Proverbs. This 10-week class will be held at 6 a.m. at Harris Bank in Palatine. To enroll, call (866) 455-6466 or enroll online by going to LutheranChurchCharities.org.

The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal is presenting "Ten Most Common Mistakes Good Parents Make" with Dr. Michael Maniacci from 7:30-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Maniacci, a clinical psychologist, will explain the most common mistakes made by good parents and common sense solutions for fixing them. For information or to R.S.V.P., contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea will be offering a class titled "Undertanding Prayer" on Wednesday evenings from 7:45-9 p.m., Feb. 4, 11 and 18 and March 4, 11 and 18. The classes will be led by Norm Kurtz of the Beth Judea Men's Club and are open to all. Classes will be held at the synagogue immediately following the evening prayer service. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For details, call (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Norm or visit the Men's Club Web site at BethJudea.org.

"The Sandwich Years" will be presented from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on five consecutive Wednesdays starting Jan. 14 at St. Philip Lutheran, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.

Theology of Park Ridge will be offered from 9:15-11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 14 and 28, Feb. 11, and March 4 and 11 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 205 N. Prospect Lane, Park Ridge. Cost is $35 or $10 per single session. Register by Monday, Jan. 12. Call Mary Lou Murphy at (773) 774-4421 for more details.

A small group meets to write their life stories from 2-3:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, 1400 S. Arlington Heights Road, Elk Grove Village. To register, call (847) 439-0668 or e-mail princepeaceumc@sbcglobal.net.

Bible classes are offered from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sundays through Jan. 25 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive St., Arlington Heights. The topics are "The Parables of Jesus" with Pastor Schmidt and "Share Jesus Without Fear" with Pastor Greiner. (847) 259-4114.

What Do Christianity and the Christian Church Look Like to an Atheist? This is the topic for exploration during Adult Study sessions for 10 weeks beginning 9 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 11, at Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. Participants will read and discuss Hemant Mehta's controversial book, "I Sold My Soul on eBay; Viewing Faith Through an Atheist's Eyes." Newcomers are welcome to attend. CongUCC.org or (847) 392-6650.

Children, teens

St. Hubert Catholic School, 255 Flagstaff Lane, Hoffman Estates, will host a preschool open house for prospective new families at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21. In addition, Catholic Schools Week Open House will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, and New Parent Information Night will be from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at St. Hubert. Tours can be arranged as well as appointments made to learn more about all that St. Hubert has to offer. Open registration continues at St. Hubert for the 2009-2010 school year for preschool through eighth grade. (847) 885-7702. sainthubert.org

Prince of Peace Preschool and Kindergarten, 930 W. Higgins Road, Schaumburg, is now offering a Pre-3 Class for children turning 3 years old after Sept. 1, 2008, and before Jan. 31, 2009. The class will begin in January 2009. This special class offers an introduction to preschool from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. There also is a Parents' Day Out program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with lunch and snacks provided. For details or to register, call (847) 885-7036.

Immanuel Lutheran School will have an Open House at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, 200 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. For more information, call (847) 359-1936.

The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal is hosting "Youth Fitness and Fun" with Drew Semmelman, youth fitness specialist, from 1-2:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. Drew will lead kids in such activities as sack races, soccer and much more. Open to children ages 6-9. For more information or to R.S.V.P., contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

A Youth Group Lock-In Sleepover for junior high and high school students will be held from 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23 to 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at St. Philip Lutheran, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. Cost is $5. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.

Family

Christ Community Mennonite Church, 888 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, celebrates International Festival at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. Everyone is invited to bring ethnic dishes to share and any customs, games and costumes.

The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal presents "Family Yoga" with Debbie Belkin from 3:15-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. (For ages K+). For information or to R.S.V.P., contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

Congregation Beth Judea's Gan Shabbat program, for children ages 9 and younger along with their families, will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m. After Gan Shabbat, all participants will be encouraged to join the main service and the community Kiddush. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Fundraisers

Congregation Beth Judea invites the public to Viva Las Long Grove, an evening of gaming tables, live auction, silent auction and fun on Saturday, Feb. 21. At 7 p.m. there will be endless appetizers, noshes, beer, wine and desserts. At 7:45 p.m. the gaming tables will open and the poker tournament will start. Gaming will consist of blackjack, roulette, poker and bingo. There will be blackjack, hold'em and bingo tournaments for cash prizes. (There will be an additional entry fee required for tournaments.) Cost: $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Admission includes chips for roulette and blackjack and a bingo card. Advance tickets must be purchased by Feb. 13. Attendees must be 21 or older. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. Call or R.S.V.P. to Beth Judea at (847) 634-0777 or e-mail LNeiman@BethJudea.org.

Lectures, seminars

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 720 S. Dundee Ave., Barrington, will host a workshop with songwriter Ginny Owens from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Cost is $50 for National Songwriters Association International members and $55 for nonmembers. Register by mailing a check payable to "NSAI Chicago" and addressed c/o Jeff Wilson, 1821 Walden Office Square, Suite 400, Schaumburg, IL 60173. For more information, call Anita Lin at (847) 376-0839.

Money Summit, a two-part, one-afternoon workshop on the current economic situation, will be offered at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine, from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Gary Labedz will speak on "Basics of Banking and Money Creation." He is a CPA who has worked for community banks for 20 years, and will give a brief overview of deposit banking, loan banking and the process by which banks create money. The topic "The Subprime Meltdown and Its Consequences" will be addressed by David Doney, also a CPA and frequent contributor to Wikipedia articles on finance. James Meek, a Japanese-fluent software engineer who worked throughout most of the '70s, '80s, and '90s in technical and marketing roles at the Japan-US trade interface, will discuss"Global Economics and Trade and the Evolving Economic Crisis".

Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church is located at 1025 N. Smith Road, Palatine.ccuu.org.

Christian Life Church, 400 E. Gregory St., Mount Prospect, is offering a Financial Course by Dave Ramsey. During this class, you will learn how to: get control of your money; stop struggling to make ends meet; tell your money what to do and change your family's future. The class will meet every Tuesday night from 7 to 9 p.m. for 13 weeks starting Jan. 13 through April 7. Call the church office if you would like to attend. (847) 259-3090. There is a $100 fee.

The Jewish Learning Institute presents "You Be the Judge II: An Exhilarating New Exploration of Jewish Civil Law." How does an ancient system of law adapt to the modern world? See how Talmudic scholars respond to new advances in technology and society while remaining faithful to eternal principles. It will be presented six Tuesday evenings beginning Feb. 10, or six Wednesday mornings beginning Feb. 11. at Lubavitch Chabad of Northbrook, 755 Huehl Road, Northbrook. MCLE accredited for layers (pending). For more information and registration, call (847) 564-8770 or ChabadNorthbrook.com.

The Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal is offering "Building Rapport with Difficult Individuals" with Eugene Roginsky from 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Temple Chai, 1670 Checker Road, Long Grove. This seminar covers techniques in building instant rapport with individuals suffering from anxiety and/or emotional distress. For more information or to R.S.V.P., contact the Chai Center at (847) 537-1771, ext. 234 or thechaicenter@templechai.org.

Kosher Cooking will be taught by Rabbi Robert Gamer at Congregation Beth Judea. All classes will meet at 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 and March 3. The class will delve into the following questions: What exactly is "kosher"? Why and how do we do it? What does the Conservative movement say about keeping kosher/Is there "ethical kosher?" Participants will explore these and other topics, as well as cooking a dish each week reflecting the weekly topic. For details, call (847) 634-0777. Beth Judea is on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove.

The Men's Club of Congregation Beth Judea invites both men and women to a lecture titled "A Night to Remember" at 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. The lecture, by Richard Goldwasser, Ph.D., will provide attendees with a better understanding of memory loss and how it impacts your self-esteem and confidence level, your behavior (as you try to hide your memory lapses) and how poor memory affects your personal and work relationships. Dr. Goldwasser will teach the audience one of the best memory techniques around that will easily allow you to memorize 10 or more items (i.e. your shopping list for the grocery store). There is no charge for the morning lecture. The complete validation memory test will be given to each attendee for a minimum donation of $10; proceeds will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. Bagels and coffee will be served. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. For more information, call (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Fred Rabinowitz.

The Jewish Learning Institute invites you to "Saved by an Angel", an evening with Leon Leyson, the youngest survivor on Schindler's list, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Niles West High School Auditorium, 5701 Oakton St., Skokie. The recent 100th Anniversary of Oskar Schindler's birth prompted Leon to share his astonishing account of survival, which he kept silent for nearly half a century. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $18 at the door. For more information and for advance tickets, visit learnchicago.com or call (312) 283-0772. The event is co-sponsored by the Illinois Holocaust Museum.

A weekly class studying Jewish Law will meet from 8-9 a.m. on Sunday mornings at Congregation Beth Judea. The group will meet through May. The Jewish Law Study Group, led by Rabbi Robert Gamer, will be looking in depth at some of the recent decisions of the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Conservative Movement. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will host a Beginner's Workshop by Judy Frazin at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, at Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie. For more information visit jewishgen.org/jgsi or call (312) 666-0100.

Jewish Genealogical Society of Illinois will present "Ask the Experts" at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at Temple Beth Israel, 3601 W. Dempster St., Skokie. The JGSI meeting facilities at Temple Beth Israel will open at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate members/guests who want to use our library materials, get help with genealogy Web sites on the Internet, or ask genealogical-related questions before the main program begins at 2 p.m. jewishgen.org/jgsi or (312) 666-0100.

Fourth Step Seminar will be offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at St. Philip Lutheran, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. This seminar will allow those who are working the 12-Step Program of A.A. the opportunity to undertake the fourth step in a safe and supportive environment. There is no cost. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.

Basic Buddhism classes continue at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church on the first Sunday of the month at the church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect (corner of Route 83 and Euclid). (847) 259-3018.

Men's fellowship

Rinkey Dinks Christian Men will meet at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at the Palm Court Restaurant, 1912 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights for lunch. The men have met for 21 years on the second Tuesday each month. Visitors are always welcome. The January speaker will be Thomas R. Gramins who is a CPA with a Personal Financial Specialist designation. Current markets, Estate Taxes, etc. will be discussed.

The Midwest Region of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs will hold its annual Man of the Year Dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Congregation Beth Emunah, 3220 Big Tree Lane in Wilmette. Congregation Beth Judea's Men's Club of Long Grove proudly honors Gregg Pollack of Northbrook as its 2009 Man of the Year. Pollack has been very active in Beth Judea's Men's Club and synagogue life for many years. Whether leading services, organizing the club's "Hearing Men's Voices" program, serving on the board of directors or providing support to many other shul activities, he provides an example of how Men's Club members can make an impact in the synagogue.

For more information on making reservations for this gala event, call Beth Judea's office at (847) 634-0777 and leave a message for Man of the Year Dinner Chairman. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. BethJudea.org.

Miscellaneous

The First St. Hubert Parish alumni event will begin with Mass celebrated by St. Hubert Pastor Father Robert Rizzo at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, in the newly renovated St Hubert Church, due to open in November, 2008, followed by a reception with refreshments in the Parish Ministry Center Multipurpose Room and an Open House Walk of the School. E-mail your attendance response to St. Hubert Development Core Team-Alumni Relations Arm Chairperson Denise Herrmann at dherrmann@sthubertschool.com.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago invites those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide to participate in its Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide Program from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday Jan. 11, at the Catholic Charities Northwest Office, 1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines; and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Holy Family Church Counseling Center, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness. For details, call (847) 376-2118.

The documentary movie "No Dumb Questions" will be shown at noon on Sunday, Jan. 18, at Countryside Unitarian Universalist Church in Palatine. Light refreshments will be served. The short film follows a family with three young children as they accompany their uncle through the journey to transition from male to female. The film, which is appropriate for all ages, is tasteful, informative, and a wonderful way to begin a dialogue about transgender issues. Katie Thomas, president of Chicago Gender Society, will facilitate a question-and-answer session following the movie. Countryside Church is at 1025 N. Smith Road in Palatine.

Jewish Yoga is offered from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Wednesdays, at Congregation Beth Am, 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. The class is open to nonmembers. (847) 459-1677, congregation-betham.org.

Beth Am Food Pantry's food distribution is offered the last Sunday of the month from 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. Nonperishable food donations are always welcome. Congregation Beth Am is at 225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove. (847) 459-1677.

A free meal and fellowship will be offered from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at St. Philip Lutheran, 1609 Pfingsten Road, Glenview. (847) 998-1946, stphilip.info.

A free beginning yoga class will be offered from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church, 1 W. Euclid Ave., Mount Prospect. Bring your yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. (847) 259-3018.

St. Edna Church, 2525 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, offers several support groups including ones for those who have been widowed, a group for mothers who have lost a son or a daughter and a group for those struggling with divorce. (847) 398-3362, ext. 318.

Performances

A celebration of sacred music by a conglomeration of Barrington churches is coming to Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road (at Route 59) at 7 p.m.(doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Sunday, Jan. 25. Now in its third year, the festival features a variety of sacred music styles from the participating churches as well as massed choir pieces directed by festival founder Dr. James Skomer of Salem United Methodist Church. Participating churches include: Atonement Lutheran Church, Barrington United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church of Barrington, St. Anne Catholic Community, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, St. Michael Episcopal Church, Salem United Methodist Church, and Village Church of Barrington. (847) 359-6663.

Seniors

The following events are at Victory Centre of Bartlett, 1101 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett. They are free and open to the public, but reservations are encouraged. For information, call (630) 213-0100.

• Monday, Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m.: In honor of Celebration of Life and International Creativity Month, join a Drumming Circle led by Music Therapist Rita Lopienski. Drums are provided and all ages are welcome.

• Monday Jan. 26, 3 p.m.: In honor of the first day of Chinese New Year, Registered Music Therapist Rita Lopienski will lead a program on "Vibration Instruments of China" Learn the unique background and religious use of the seven metal singing bowls of Tibet, chimes, gongs, cymbals and bells that are used for rituals dating back to the Chinese Empire and used today in therapy and yoga.

Special services

Congregation Kneseth Israel holds Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St., Elgin. In addition to services, social activities are planned by the award-winning youth group, 50+ club, men's club and sisterhood. (847) 741-5656 or ckielgin.org.

Congregation Shirat Shalom in Elgin offers Shabbat services at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays, followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Following kiddush luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 10, there will be an adult education class exploring exactly what it is that makes our siddur "Conservative." When were the prayers modified, and what were the driving philosophies behind the changes? Come and join us for this fascinating exploration, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Tot Shabbat services are the third Friday of the month, and adult education classes are Thursdays and Saturdays. (847) 695-6246. CongregationShiratShalom.org.

A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 Main St., Barrington. This service is held on the 15th of each month as part of an ecumenical effort in the US and the world to pray daily until a just and lasting peace comes to all citizens of the Middle East. It includes reading from the Bible, music, and prayers. Following the service, R. Cotton Fite, an Episcopal priest and clinical psychologist at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, will speak about his varied experiences in Israel and the Occupied Territory of the West Bank. (847) 381-0243 or elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls. aspx.

Shabbat worship services are offered at 7:30 p.m. Fridays (Kabbalat Shabbat) and at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Congregation Beth Judea, Route 83 and Hilltop Road, Long Grove. Birthdays and anniversaries will be recognized at the first Friday night service of the month. Daily minyan services are: Mondays at 6:15 a.m.; Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 9 a.m.

Tot Shabbat services are held in the main sanctuary of the synagogue at 6:30 p.m. on the second Friday of every month. Gan Shabbat services are held every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. in the Beit HaMidrash on the Religious School level. (847) 634-0777.

Kol Chaverim, a 1-year-old post-denominational, participatory, egalitarian congregation, invites prospective members to regular Shabbat morning services and kiddush lunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Jewish Council for Youth Services Northwest, 1700 Weiland Road, Buffalo Grove. Call (847) 398-2019 by Friday. kolchaverim.org.

Pastor Tim Haugen will preach on the subject: "When Many Pray, Many Give Thanks" at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services on Sunday, Jan. 11, at Meadows Baptist Church, 2401 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows.

Women's programs

Women of all ages (high school and older) are invited to the seventh annual Women's Winter Retreat from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Living Lord Lutheran Church. The theme for the day is "Love Your Neighbor as You Love Yourself." Attendees will share fun, good food, inspiring messages and spiritual nurturing. For more information and registration, visit livinglordlutheran.org or call the church office at (630) 830-3630. Registration (suggested donation of $25) includes a continental breakfast and a light lunch and is due by Jan. 18. Free child care will be provided upon request. Living Lord Church is located at 1044 Congress Drive, just south of Stearns Road on Route 59.

Enjoy samples of spa treatments, refreshments and a great night out from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Avalon Spa in Deer Park. Keri Wyatt Kent will be giving a talk on "Six Steps to Simplicity," and signing copies of her newest book, "Rest: Living in Sabbath Simplicity."

The Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Judea presents Beth Judea's own Keruv consultant, Mark Travis, who will discuss with the Sisterhood "Welcoming Families of Intermarriage" at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. Join the Sisterhood in the Beth Judea Social Hall. Meeting is free and open to all Beth Judea members. Beth Judea is located on Route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. (847) 634-0777.

Rebecca Darr, executive director of WINGS, Women in Need Growing Stronger, will be the featured speaker at the Church Women United in Northwest Cook County Annual Meeting on Friday, Jan. 23. Coffee and fellowship begin at 10 a.m. at Church of the Incarnation United Methodist, 330 W. Golf Road, Arlington Heights. A business meeting will also be held and the morning will close with lunch. For more information or free child care reservations, contact Barb Olson, (630) 529-2874.

Arlington Countryside Church, 916 E. Hintz. Road, in Arlington Heights, is hosting a Girls' Night Out from 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. All women are invited to an evening of pizza, football-related activities, and a movie. Cost is $5 at the door. Call (847) 255-2140 for more information.

A Women's Bible Study, led by laypersons, meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at the Congregational United Church of Christ, 1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights. The group is reading "Daughters of Eve" by Virginia Owens. The book examines the women in the Bible and their message to women today. Newcomers are welcome. For details, visit CongUCC.org or call (847) 392-6650.