Notes on religion

>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.

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 "Vayigash." 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, following 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.

This week's Torah portion is "Vayigash," in which Jacob is reunited with his beloved son, Joseph. For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, Jan. 4, the theme is "Presents? Or Presence" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The scripture lessons are Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12 and Matthew 2:1-12 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.

Look for the announcement of the hoagie sale this month. You'll want to order some for Super Bowl Sunday. Fleece donations of two yards long are welcome in the Fireside box. The fleece will be used to make comfort pillows.

Recycle your old cell phone by dropping it off in the Fireside Room. Also welcome are Campbell's Soup UPC codes for Marcy-Newberry Center in Chicago. For details, call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, Jan. 4, the Wesley Covenant Service will be a feature of the 9 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland in Elgin. There will be a time for participants to make a personal commitment based on John Wesley's ritual. Special music will be provided by the Cathedral Choir. The 11:30 a.m. service will include a message, "New Day Dawning," by the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison, based on the scripture from Isaiah 60. 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. For details, call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Sunday, Jan. 4, the Second Sunday after Christmas, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Comfort, Comfort My People" based on Isaiah 40:1-5, 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. 4, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond deliver the message at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Male Chorus will render the music for the 8 a.m. service while the Choral Ensemble will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services and baptisms will take place during the 8 a.m. service.

The Day of Prayer for the Homeless will be on Tuesday, Jan. 6 (The Day of Epiphany). The church will be gathering to pray for the homeless from 4 to 5 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church, 215 Thomas More Drive, Elgin. The prayer time will be followed by an ecumenical worship service at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas More. Contact the Rev. Johnny Jackson to obtain further details.

On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. Bus and child care services are available. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 4, the Rev. Donald Longbottom, interim intentional pastor, 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. These gifts will help those less fortunate in the area.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by Roy Hansen who will trumpet in the new year with Linda Gilmore, 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. Children should be signed in and out.

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 an enjoyable, enlightening journey into the basics of Christianity and an invitation and encouraging provocation to deeper study. The study is led by Harry Vellines and books are available at the church.

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 Chad Coe. Come to this group if you like having fun, enjoy pizza or want to hang out with friends, both old and new.

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 at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

"Dr. Don's Bible Study, The Acts of the Apostles," continues at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7 with chapter 10. Acts is a fascinating book that chronicles the birth and development of the Christian church. Woven into the narrative are the journeys of Paul who in many ways is the father of the church. How did Paul help the church to survive after the death of Jesus? Reserve child care needs by Mondays to the church office at (847) 426-2161, ext. 210.

King of Glory: On Sunday, Jan. 4, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will observe the Epiphany by looking at the theme of "Arise! Shine!," based on Isaiah 60:1, 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. 4, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from John 1:1-18 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. Join for the 11th day of Christmas. 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.