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.

St. Peter: This Sunday, Jan. 11, St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rev. Gerard Mau's ordination into the ministry. The Rev. Howard Gleason, pastoral circuit counselor, will be the guest pastor and speak on "God's Gift of Pastors." This service will also be the beginning of St. Peter's 125th anniversary celebration under the theme, "A Time for Reflection - A Time to Build Tomorrow." Immediately after the 9 a.m. worship breakfast will be served. Everyone is invited to the worship celebration and breakfast. The church is at 43W301 Plank Road (one mile east of Route 47) in Hampshire. For details, contact St. Peter's Lutheran Church at (847) 464-5721.

First Congregational: On Sunday, Jan. 11, the Rev. Michelle McNamara's sermon will be "The Moment," at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. The Sunday AM's Handbell Choir will play in both services. This is the Sunday for the collection of the offering for the mission of the month as well as Pack-a-Sack Sunday for the Grafton Township Food Pantry.

On Saturday, Jan. 10, the Second Saturday Contemporary Service will be held at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary. The service includes contemporary music, praise and worship.

The first rehearsal for this year's Hobo Show will begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday schoolers and youth group performers are needed. The Women's Circle will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday. On Wednesday, Clickin Sticks, the knit/crochet group, will meet at 1 p.m. and the Chancel Choir will practice at 7 p.m. On Thursday, the Genesis Bells will practice at 6 p.m. and the Whitechapel Bells will practice at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, Jan. 17, the Youth Group will head to the Hotel Rome in the Wisconsin Dells for a ski retreat, which will include snow tubing and an indoor water park and theme park. Each group member may bring a friend. RSVP by Jan. 11. For details, call the church at (847) 669-3691 or visit www.firsthuntley.org.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, Jan. 11, the Rev. Mark Harder leads worship at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. This week's message will be "Who are we? Do we have a place to belong?," based on Galatians 3:14-21.

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. For details, call (847) 464-5381 or visit the Web site at www.countrycov.org.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Created and Re-Created," based upon Genesis 1:1-5, 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 children meet at the 10:30 a.m. service Sunday, and are excused to go to their classes after the pastor's children's message. Adult Bible class Sunday at 9:15 a.m. and Sunday school at 10:30 a.m. A supervised nursery is offered at the 10:30 a.m. service. Coffee and Fellowship follows the Sunday services.

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 Ralph Peterson at (847) 658-9311.

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 "Vayehi." 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."

On Saturday, Jan. 10, after the kiddush luncheon, they will have an adult education class exploring exactly what it is that makes the siddur "Conservative". When were the prayers modified, and what were the driving philosophies behind the changes? Join this fascinating exploration, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Welcome Shabbat with song at the joyous Kabbalat Shabbat service at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16. This week's Torah portion is "Vay'chi," where Jacob blesses his sons. For details, call (847) 695-6246 or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sundays, the Rev. Mark Boster will preach at both services at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Nursery care is available at both services. Sunday school is at 9 a.m.

On Mondays, Shepherd's Voices Choir meets at 7 p.m. at Citizens Bank. On Tuesdays at Citizens Bank, the first music team will meet at 5 p.m. with the second music team at 6 p.m. On Wednesdays at Citizens Bank, the adult Bible Study will be at 10 a.m. and the confirmation class at 6:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank. Pizza will be at 6 p.m.

On Thursdays, Prairie Ringers Bell Choir will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cosman Center. On Fridays, the church's Prayer Hour will meet at 1 p.m.

On Sunday, Jan. 11, a new Bible study group will begin from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. This is a seven-week course. The 2009 church envelopes are available for pick up in the gathering area. The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, Jan. 11, the theme is "Did You Receive the Holy Spirit?" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The scripture lessons are Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7 and Mark 1:4-11. 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 now on sale at the discounted price of $15 per person. This includes dinner and a show. After Jan. 11, ticket prices will go up to $17.50 per person. 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.

Faith Community: On Sunday, Jan. 11, the Rev. Bruce Cole will lead worship at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through middle school.

The church will be host a blood drive from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 11. Appointments can be made at www.fccwired.tv. Walk-ins will be accepted.

Awana meets every Monday with a family dinner at 5:30 p.m. and Kids Club from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Children from preschool through fifth grade are invited to attend. Everyone is welcome. The theme is "Animals Night." Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal.

Adult Bible studies meet at 9 a.m. Wednesdays to study the upcoming Sunday's scripture; and again at 7:30 p.m. Meet in the church library.

The Men of Faith will hold the monthly breakfast and fellowship meeting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Old Country Buffet on Route 14 in Crystal Lake. The January topic is "Appearing for the Defense" and the discussion will be the world's challenge to the Christian man's thinking and faith in God.

Meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15 in the church kitchen to prepare meals for the "Feed My Lambs" ministry in Elgin. Everyone is invited to help out.

For details, call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv.

Open enrollment for preschool has begun. To schedule an appointment call Director Michelle Sullivan at (224) 569-6512.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, Jan. 11, the sermon topic will be "Into What Were You Baptized?" at the 9 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. The sermon is based on the Scripture, Acts 19:1-7. Special music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir.

The 11:30 a.m. service will include a message, "In The Beginning," by the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison, based on the scripture from Genesis 1. 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 Holy Grounds Coffee House, sponsored by the Youth Group led by Keith Duncan, will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9 at the church.

The Quilters begin meeting weekly again Jan. 12 following a holiday break. Anyone interested in quilting is invited to join the group from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays.

The Adult Ministries Team is sponsoring a Grief Support Group, beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, in the Wesley Room at the church. They will continue to meet on the third Thursday of each month. The group is being facilitated by Renee Merrill. They encourage those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, regardless of the time past, to join them. They also invite friends, or anyone else you think would benefit by the fellowship of this group. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, Jan. 11, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, will hold a special all-generational worship at the 10:45 a.m. service. The church school presents an all-church celebration of Chinese New Year as the worship service. Sue McCowin will have the "Story for All Ages" before the kids go to their religious education classes. For details, call the church at (815) 338-0731 or visit www.cucw.org.

St. John: On Sunday, Jan. 11, the Third Sunday after Christmas, the Rev. Loren Kraut will preach the sermon, "Water and the Word," based on Mark 1:4-11, 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. St. John is planning better encouragement among its members, by its members, and better outreach into the Burlingon-Hampshire community in 2009. A community blood drive will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 at the church. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, Jan. 11, the Rev. Jon Badie, associate minister, will preach at the 8 a.m. service and the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message at the 10:30 a.m. service at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. Rev. Edmond's sermon is "All I Have Is His Word," inspired by John 1:1-5. This sermon will kick off the Bible Study of St. John. The Choral Ensemble will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the T.E. Bedford Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On the First Sunday After Epiphany, Jan. 11, the Rev. Donald Longbottom will present the sermon, "Rise and Shine," based on Isaiah 60:1-6, 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.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by Roy Hansen who will trumpet in the new year with accompanist Linda Gilmore. 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.

Adult education class, "To Begin at the Beginning," continues at 10:30 a.m. with chapters 8 and 9. Don't worry if you have missed a session as each chapter can stand alone. This book study by Martin B. Copenhaver is a journey into the basics of Christianity and an invitation and encouraging provocation to deeper study. High school youth group meets on Sundays from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries. The middle school youth group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays with Coe.

The women's book/Bible study meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays (except Jan. 19) 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.

"Dr. Don's Bible Study, The Acts of the Apostles," continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14. Reserve child care needs by Mondays to the church office at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210.

For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sunday, Jan. 11, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will observe the Baptism of the Lord by looking at the theme of "Created and Remade," based on Genesis 1:1-5, 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." 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. 11, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Mark 1:4-11 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Join them in celebrating the Baptism of the Lord. 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.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: January is back to basics month at the Center for Spiritual Evolution, a Religious Science community, as they join other Religious Science churches this month to review the principles of Science of Mind and put them into practice in their daily lives. It is time to dig deep within and find the rich vein of truth. The Rev. Anne Muelleman's topic for Sunday, Jan. 11 is "The Way It Works" with special music by Tricia Alexander. Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service at 204 Spring St., lower level in Cary. There is a children's program and toddler care. If you arrive early, there is a meditation at 9:45 a.m. The children's Science of Mind curriculum is "Castles of Creation."

There is a Tuesday morning mediation with Bhanta Sujatha at 10 a.m. for a $10 donation. There is a Healing Service held the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Healing services at The Center for Spiritual Evolution are popular and known for their uplifting effect with concentrated high vibrational energies revealing spiritual perfection in all areas of our life. For details, call (847) 516-1950 or visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org.

St. Paul's Anglican Church: St. Paul's Anglican Church, a traditional Episcopal Church, will worship using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer to celebrate the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 11at the former First Presbyterian Church, 225 W. Calhoun St., Woodstock. The Rev. Michael DuCette's sermon will be based on the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2. Bible study will meet from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. St. Paul's Parish is part of the Diocese of the Missouri Valley Anglican Church of America. For details, visit www.acahome.org or call (815) 338-0205.